The
only certain event in life is death. Rather a blunt and crude interpretation of
existence – Isn’t. That which is born has got to go as and when the beckoning
call comes from HIM.
My
dear mother Smt. Thailambal was summoned to her heavenly abode in the wee hours
of Sunday, the 31st January 2016 after prolonged illness. The
subpoena got served a little late but it is not subject to our whims, but
solely rests on the dispatching authority perched in His headquarters up above
the sky.
She
lived a full, calm and contented life. She personified a traditional, devoted
housewife and encompassed in herself all those noble qualities that go to
eulogize motherhood.
Born
as a darling child in a liberal Tamil Brahmin family, bereft of rigid
orthodoxy, she got wedded into a contrasting family, where rituals and customs
held ( still hold sway with shades of dilution having crept with passage of
time ) and influx of modernity and its paraphernalia.
Amma
was an embodiment of patience, reservoir of affection and accommodation,
personification of kindness, devotion and dedication. She steered our family in
a perfect, gentle manner with a suave nature and conduct. We have never seen
her in an angry, morose mood nor heard her speak in raised decibels as they
were not only anathema but also alien to her. She never
sounded a different
opinion or raised
a discordant note ( rather not had / given the choice too ) on any matter with my father, what with the
stringent environment that prevailed during yesteryears. But she took everything with a smile, never
felt hurt even for a while, but went an extra mile to keep all of us in perfect
shape and style.
She
was a great host – can be called an Annapoorani or Annalakshmi. She served food
to hundreds in our house – ( transcending barriers, treating
relatives, friends, well wishers et al ) alike, sweating it out in the
old, smoky kitchen, without any trace of hesitation, irritation or exhibiting
signs of tiredness.
Amma
remained a pillar of strength and support to myself and siblings. As for my
father it can be said that she stood by him like the rock of Gibraltar ,
in facing the vicissitudes and vagaries of life. Indeed Thailambal belongs to the league of
extraordinary women, despite having led an ordinary life. I bow before you ma.
You
were never a cause of trouble to anyone but remained a token of strength all
through. Despite ill health plaguing,
you traversed as long as you could with determination, and bore all bodily
ills, pains with grit and resolve until the last breath.
Amma,
I am sure your soul will rest in peace in heaven ( as that’s your rightful,
eternal abode ) under the Almighty’s tender care and protective embrace.
You
are gone now, and can never be seen again. That’s the harsh fact imposed by
nature on all living beings, more to be felt and grieved by mortals. You will
always be remembered and live forever in our hearts.
Though
I managed to remain composed while performing her last rites, tears welled up
when the funeral pyre was lit. Kavignar
Kannadasan’s lyric in the all time favourite song "Ponal
Pogattum Poda" - "போனால் போகட்டும்
போடா",
which poignantly narrates the travesty of human existence from birth to
death came to my mind, that goes as
“Elumbukkum
Sadhaikkum Maruththuvam Kanden
Idharkoru
Marundhai Kandena?
Irundhal
Avalai Thannanthaniye
Eriyum
Neruppil Viduvena?"
"எலும்புக்கும்
சதைக்கும்
மருத்துவம்
கண்டேன்
இதற்கொரு
மருந்தைக்
கண்டேனா?
இருந்தால்
அவளைத்
தன்னந்தனியே
எரியும்
நெருப்பில்
விடுவேனா?"
Meaning - I have found medicines to cure ailments
affecting the bones and skin, but couldn’t find a medicine to prevent
death. If I had achieved it, how could I ever leave you burning all alone in the
funeral pyre ?
And
the following hymn of Pattinathar also echoed in my ears -
"Munnai
Itta Thee Muppuraththile
Pinnai
Itta Thee Then Ilangaiyile
Annai
Itta Thee Adi Vayitrile
Yanum
Itta Thee Mulga Mulgave"
"முன்னையிட்ட
தீ
முப்புறத்திலே
பின்னையிட்ட
தீ
தென்
இலங்கையிலே
அன்னையிட்ட
தீ
அடிவயிற்றிலே
யானுமிட்ட
தீ
மூள்க
மூள்கவே"
Meaning
– The fire which emanated in the front from Lord Shiva’s Third Eye charred the
Thirupura Asura Country, The fire that was lit in the back of Hanuman’s tail
burnt Lanka, The Fire that the mother
holds is in the womb, and let the fire lit by me grow and grow so as to char my
mother’s mortal remains.
Love
you and Good Bye Dear Amma - Rest in Peace
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