Jay asked me to share my memories of his father as we celebrate his hundredth birthday

The very first image that comes to mind is of a majestic, charismatic, affectionate and strikingly handsome man.

When I spoke with Jaja to reflect on our memories we found ourselves thinking along the lines. Together, we decided to revisit some of our earliest experiences with NRD Anna from our childhood.

Our first encounter with him was at his wedding to Sarasakka. As children we had front-row seats and were captivated by the beauty and the excitement of the ceremony. We watched in awe as the bride and the groom sat side by side, thinking what a wonderful couple they made. We admired our new uncle’s charm and radiant smile– never imagining then how warm, approachable and genuinely interested he would become in our lives.

When Jaja and I lived with our grandparents in PNP, Anna and Sarasakka would visit often. Those visits became some of our most cherished moments. Anna would spend time talking with us asking about school, our interests, and the little details of our daily lives. He had a remarkable way of making us feel seen and valued. Even when Kannamma sent for us to return for homework or dinner, we resisted–we simply didn’t want to leave.

At family gatherings, their presence was unmistakable. Whenever they arrived, they drew everyone effortlessly. They brought with them warmth, humor, and a wonderful sense of togetherness. As children, we adored their stories and attention they gave us. They truly were a remarkable pair.

As the years passed, life took us in different directions. I went to medical school in Madras, Jaja married and settled in Coimbatore. Jaja and RTS were frequent guests at their home, where Sarasakka’s exceptional cooking and generosity were remarkable. She would often send over delicious dishes for them to enjoy.

Whenever I returned to Coimbatore during my summer vacation, I made it a point to visit them. Their hospitality was always gracious and their conversations thoughtful and engaging. They took a sincere interest in my studies, friendships and my life in Madras.
Anna and Sarasakka spoke with great pride about their three children– and rightfully so. Seeing what all of you, and now your children have accomplished makes that pride even more meaningful today.

They also visited us during the summers I spent at MTP. I remember those visits fondly especially when you children accompanied them. In the early 1960s,my father still ran an active farm– cycling everywhere and relying on bullock cart for transport. The conversations between my father and Anna were always lively and intellectually engaging. On one such visits Anna jokingly asked my Dad “When are you going to move into the 20th Century”. My father laughed and replied,
“Probably never!”. And indeed he continued cycling into his eighties.
Though their lives were very different the two men shared striking similarities. Both were highly intelligent, deeply respected and committed to serving others. My father served his village, while Anna moved in broader circles influencing a wider community. Each was a natural leader in his own sphere. How fortunate we were to grow up surrounded by such remarkable role models.

In the early 1980s, I was living in New York, Anna and Sarasakka visited Peter and me. We spent two wonderful days exploring the city and enjoying each others company.. Anna often expressed his belief that one could build a fulfilling and successful life in India without needing to go abroad and he was absolutely right. Still each of us fallowed our path, and it is heartening to see our family has flourished both in India and abroad.

The last time I saw Anna in India, he was undergoing medical treatment, yet his spirit remained as strong as ever. He was genuinely happy to see Jaja and me, and his presence was commanding and inspiring as always. When he mentioned being a founding member of Masonic society of South India, my admiration for him depend ever further. Learning about the many distinguished organizations he was part of reinforced the legacy he built.

Our admiration and affection for an extraordinary man will always remain in our hearts!.