மதுரம் ராமகிருஷ்ணன்

I feel proud and it gives me great pleasure in sharing my feelings about our beloved Anna TRS on his centenary year. Anna is known for his punctuality and sincerity. Whenever he attended functions for which he was invited, he was keen on leaving the place as soon as the function was over and after taking food there But he used to be present during the function without fail to give his blessings. He was always a well wisher of every one of our family members and all the relatives.

He was a very good administrator throughout his career as Executive Officer of Temples and Devasthanams. He was also loyal to his duty and did not misuse the funds belonging to all the temples, instead spent money out of his pocket, if needed. Because of the above good attitude and good conduct, we, the children of TRS, have come up to the level we are This, nobody can deny. During his service he tackled so many difficult situations in a clever manner and was appreciated by everybody. Kiruba used narrate many incidents in this regard and I think that he is to mention them in his writings Anna was very affectionate to everybody , especially to Kiruba. He used to refer and call Kiruba as ‘APPA’. செல்லப் பெயர் This is not out of place to mention that we, all the sisters, love our only brother Kiruba like Anna and Amma.

He was very particular in staying with his beloved son. At times Anna and Amma stayed with their daughters, if warranted. Then also he preferred to leave for his son’s place after the purpose is over. I felt very happy whenever they stayed in our house. I am sure that they also enjoyed staying with our family. They maintained cordial relationship with everyone. My in law had high regard on my parents. They never found fault with TRS and Amma until their demise. My brother in law, Varadharajan, recently remarked ‘ ஒரு சண்டை போட்டதில்லை. இருக்கிற இடம் தெரியாது ’. This he said whole heartedly. Yes, Anna used to raise his voice, but never used unparliamentary words. He used to bite his teeth (of course, when he had teeth) in anger.

He was fond of norukkuth theeni like bhajji, omappodi, banana etc But he took his meals, tiffin at very regular intervals. He walked more than enough, especially when he was working with Balluserry Chit Funds in Triplicane. So, his sugar level was within limit and always under control. He did not suffer much out of sugar complaint. But during his last week of his life sugar level became erratic and death was caused by that. What to do, there must be some cause to leave this world On that day there was very heavy downpour. Rain had stopped for sometime before he was taken to cremation ground, but drizzled when his last journey started, as if to shower its blessings. Every one felt his absence and especially VSR chittappa, who wrote a big narration about his noble life.

I want to share some incidents during my young age.

1) When I was to return to Idumbavanam from Tiruvarur hostel, I had written a letter that I will be getting down at Pondi station instead of Thillaivilagam station, where we normally get down. Unfortunately, the letter did not reach Anna. I got down at Pondi. Since the bullock cart was not there, I walked down from station to home ( around 4 km) The cart had gone to Thillaivilagam and returned empty. Anna became angry and through the வெத்திலைப் பொட்டலம் at me.
2) When we were at Uppliappan Koil, ( I was around 12 years of age), I returned home enacting in a school drama with some of my friends. Because it was bit late, the friends stayed with us and left next day morning. Latter, it was found that Anna’s pocket watch with chain was missing. Anna scolded me and I was beaten since Anna was not in agreement with my bringing friends to home for staying with us. Anna’s anger was due to anxiety. Fortunately, the watch was found latter in the house itself.
3) After we came to settle down at Chennai, I wanted to join drawing classes, the permission was not granted. Once, I desired to buy jimmikkies. This was also refused. Austerity measures. I became adamant and used to go to office (RBI-PDO) wearing two saries alternatively. Anna came to know this and came to my office to console me.
4) In the initial days after the marriage, myself and my husband faced many a difficult situations while supporting our family. Anna never interfered, but used to console us whenever we were sad or agitated and narrated the difficulties to him. This everybody would accept as good attitude
5) TRS was present with Amma for the betrothal function of Krithika on 24.10.1996 and blessed Krithika and Harish. Antha katchi innum en manasil nirkirathu. Anna was very affectionate to my husband and had a soft corner for him. Whenever he talked of KRR, there were some tears in his eyes out of affection It goes without saying, our children were very affectionate with them and had high respect and regard for Anna and Amma. Anna and amma lived together for 62 years. God is great.

Thanks to everybody for this opportunity to share my feelings

- Mathuram


N.B. I feel very much the absence of GS , Meenakshi and Lalitha. Had they been alive, they could have also shared their feelings.