( By R Santhanakrishnan)

page 63 of 63

(A Biography)

OF AN OCTOGENERIAN

( Shri T. R. Nair Palakkad, Kerala, India )

TABLE OF cONTENTS

A. AN INTRODUCTION

By Rtn. Dr. R. Santhanakrishnan,

M.I.E., M.A. (YHE), PGD. (IPR) M.Sc., Ph.D. (Psy).

B. LIFE CYCLE OF THE SRI T.R.NAIR:

1. Birth & Parentage

2. Education

3. Career

4. Challenges with British Officials

5. Marriage & Children

6. Promotions

7. Transfers

8. Religious Ferment

9. To Malaysia &Singapore

10. To US & Canada.

11. Love of gardening

12. Experiments with Car

13. Two Passions

14. Post Retirement

B. Leaf From The Diary Of An Octogenarian:

Senior Citizen (From His Own Notes)

C. Different Perspectives From Various Persons:

.… as Husband

.… as Father

.… as Uncle

.… as Brother

.… as Grand Father

.… as Friend

.… as Colleague

D. The Last Days - Farewell

Sri T.R. Nair & Smt. Bhargavi Amma

INTRODUCTION:

The quest to express Love and Gratitude to one’s own father & mother for having given birth to us, brought us up and made us what we are today, is always there with most of us and it is more so when the parents are no more with us especially when we had failed to express it to them during their lifetime.

In the same lines, I was languishing quietly for many years with deep guilty thoughts of my inability to do anything or render any considerable help to my parents in sharing the house hold responsibilities of setting up a house, in the education of the siblings, getting sisters married etc. It is immeasurable to think of how much our parents had suffered and sacrificed in bringing us up to this world, educated us, got us married, helped us to settle down in comfort, inculcated the high moral, spiritual and intellectual values of life. This unique bringing all of us together, the 9 children and 20 grand children and perhaps half a dozen great grand children, during his life span of 86 years, is really admirable and adorable.

T.R.Nair was born in 1909 and 2009 was the year when he would have been 100 years or in other words the year 2009 was his Birth Centenary Year. It was then I had all my deep desires summed up with the idea to bring out a Biography of my father T.R. Nair. Hence I tried to collect the information from all my siblings, relatives, friends, admirers & people with whom he had connections in some way or other. I have put in some good efforts to the maximum possible extent to recollect and contact various places and distant relatives and friends for their share of his memories.

In this respect I express my sincere thanks and to all those including my sisters, brothers and cousins, nephews & nieces, friends and admirers who expressed their joy, approval & encouragement of this idea of my bringing out this Biography. The contributions of their recollections and sweet memories of him, love & affection and his service are very valuable.

I humbly dedicate this Biography to my beloved mother, sisters, brothers, cousins, nephews, nieces and all their progenies who may get a glimpse of the selfless living style of my father and the values of the life with which he lived. Any shortfall or mistakes, omissions and commissions in this Biography, may kindly be forgiven but pointed out to me to correct and improve this upon when I bring the second edition if necessary. If any further interesting episodes or contributions on him are still available, they are welcome and shall be acknowledged with gratitude.

I pray that my father Shri T.R. NAIR remains in our memory all the time and guide all of us in the righteous way throughout our life. I offer my humble Pranams to by beloved father and to my mother Sreemathi Bhargavi Amma.

Revised and re- edited in May 2016.

Rtn. Dr. R. Santhanakrishnan.

M.I.E., M.A. (YHE), PGD (IPR) M.Sc., Ph.D. (Psy).

Coimbatore -641004

Contact +91 98422 50422.

E-mail: tanasan09@gmail.com

BIOGRAPHY OF SHRI T. R. NAIR

1. Birth & Parentage:

Sri T. R. Nair (Thottankara Ramanathan Nair) was born in Kerala in the year 1909, a century ago. It was in 1909 when Morley- Minto Reforms or the Indian Councils Act of 1909 began, which effectively allowed the election of Indians to the various legislative councils in India for the first time and paved way for the Independence of the country in in1947. His parents were Sri P.A. Subramania Iyer (also called Sri Doraiswamy Iyer) and Kalyani Amma.

He was 5th in the family. He had 6 siblings, the eldest Janaki Amma, Visalakshi Amma Sri. Damodharan Nair, Dhakshayani Amma, Ramanathan Nair, (himself) Sri Sundaram and the youngest Rajalakshmi who was called Rajam that changed to Rasam and finally settled to Rasammal. His father was once a priest in Ceylon (present Srilanka) in one of the famous Kathir Kamam Murugan Temple. We learn that on returning from Ceylon, Sri. Subrmania Iyer married Kalyani Amma and had all the seven children.

The whole family was living in Pallassana, a village near Palakkad, Kerala in a house called “South Madam” (the plot was purchased and house was constructed by his father) somewhere in between the Puthan Kavu and Pazhaya Kavu both are famous for their beautiful temples and big temple tanks. They have great annual temple festivals and night long plays like “Kanniyar Kali”, a native dance and music in front of the deity, mostly depicting God’s various stories. During this festivals those people who have gone far away from the village for job and settled elsewhere also would come and participate in this festival and the dance, which are allowed only for the “Desakkar” or the people born in that village Pallassana.

2. Education:

“Chinnappan”, as he was called in the younger days, (because of his small physique) had his schooling in Raja’s High School, Kollengode, in the Palakkad District. The school belonged to Maharaja of Kollengode and was considered a famous one where many stalwarts of those days had studied and become great people. They had occupied very important positions in the Government and private sectors later. While his father Sri. Subramania Iyer was going to the Maharaja’s Palace quite often, he had requested the Maharaja for a scholarship or waiver of the school fees for his son which he could not pay. As it was granted, T.R. Nair could pursue the studies.

He finished his schooling by passing the S.S.L.C. Examination (Secondary Schooling Leaving Certificate) with very good marks at a very early age. He was very strong in English & Mathematics. As college education was a Dream those days, he could not pursue his further college studies. He learnt “Typewriting” and “Shorthand” and passed both the “Lower” and “Higher” Examinations, which were one of the basic qualifications on those days next to a BA degree in History, English or Mathematics.

3. Career:

On observing T. R. Nair’s smartness and good proficiency in English, the Kollengode Maharaja Shri Vasudevaraja, who was living in Kovilagam, a big beautiful palace on those days in Kollengode, asked him to give tuition to his daughter Gowry Amma! (What a Luck !) He became the active, dynamic lovable boy of Kovilagam among the Maharaja, Maharani, their family and other people there. Father had his Apprenticeship as Stenographer and worked as a Personal Assistant with Raja Sir Vasudeva Raja Kt., C.I.E of who was member of the Privy Council of British India in Delhi on those days. Vasudeva Raja’s brother Sri Unni Thamban was working in South Indian Railways (the present Southern Railways) Later, Sri T.R.Nair was recommended to a “Clerk’s post” (a very great boon on those days) in the South Indian Railways. He joined as a ‘Camp Clerk’ to one Divisional Operating Superintendent (DOS), a British Officer in the pre- independence period for a Salary of Rs.25/- per month!.

4. Challenges with British Officials:

He had narrated many times how he suffered and struggled to understand the English Language spoken by those British officers especially when the officer was giving a dictation and he was supposed to take notes in “shorthand”, type the letters in a good old manual “Typewriter” and show it to the officer for correction and signature. Initially, quite a number of times, when he did not understand the words of the dictation by the British Officer’s Pronunciation, he used to say “ Beg your pardon” and “ Excuse me Sir”, “Sorry, I couldn’t get it” etc.

Though the British Officer was willing to repeat the words or sentences that he couldn’t understand, it was repeated again with the same accent and the understanding did not get better quite a few times.

Further when a stage came that the boss might even get annoyed of repeating the same words again and again, he dared to adopt a technique of substituting his own words as per the situations, with an element of fear, but very carefully. To meet these challenges, he needed to do a lot of preparation of learning a great deal of English words, their meaning, and of course sharpening the English Grammar which he always loved. An English Dictionary was always his companion. He used to tell us that whenever you want to check the meaning of a word, in one opening of the Dictionary you should find that word or at the most one or two pages on either side of the opened page. And that should be the proficiency of using a Dictionary.

After some time he picked up the knack of it, their style and pronunciation of the British English and with the help of the Dictionary, he was very confident of the real British English vocabulary, the correct pronunciation with all the detonation and punches of the language. Still whenever he couldn’t understand the dictated words or sentences, he substituted suitable words of his own; in appropriate way depending on the situations and cases he was dealing and submitted the letters for signature. Many times, the boss was surprised and astonished to find that some of the words and sentences of the typed letters were not dictated by him, but still conveyed the essence and meaning of the matter, and sometimes they were worded even in a better way, to his surprise. Naturally he got words of appreciation and soon earned good name, ”Smart camp clerk”, as he was one always asked to go with the boss during camps, or the official tours.

5. Marriage:

When he was giving Tuition to the Vasudeva Raja’s daughter, Sri Padmanabha Menon (of Puthamveedu) who was working there as Vasudeva Raja’s Driver, (who later became the Manager – Karyasthan- of the Themmala forest lands) noted him as an eligible bachelor and proposed his sister Bhargavi (Kalyani Amma’s daughter) for marriage. And thus the marriage or Shri T.R.Nair and Smt. Bhargavi Amma took place in December 1935. The first daughter Saroja was born in the year 1937 and they had totally 9 children, five girls and four boys born in various places.

6. Promotions & Transfers:

Father was transferred to various places in the S.I.R.-South Indian Railways (present Southern Railways).

At Shoranur, & Tiruchirapalli:

He was working in Shoranur as Station Master when he introduced the procedure of Displaying the Trains’ arrival and Departure through Notice Boards in the Railway Stations, first time in the Railways. From there he was transferred to Tiruchirapalli. The first three daughters Saroja, Sundari and Sakunthala were born at Kollengode Pazhaya Tharavattu Veedu. Fourth child was also a girl Vasantha who died when she was an year and a half. The fifth child was a boy and First son Santhanakrishnan born in Tiruchirapalli. It was at his place most of the children had lot of ailments, sickness etc.

At Thanjavur: (from R. Santhanakrishnan)

Father was then transferred to Thanjavur and we had a big House with big compound where there was a good vegetable and flower garden. At Thanjavur, Saroja and Sundari learnt Dance and Music and even performed Dance programs at the Malayalees Club at Tiruchirapalli. When we were living at Thanjavur, Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead and his ashes were taken in a special train to Rameswaram. Father took the family to the Railway station and my sisters witnessed it.

I had the start of my schooling at Thanjavur in one of the elementary school near the Railway station (“Thinnai Pallikoodam” in Tamil). One of those days in Thanjavur, Swami Sivananda Saraswathi Maharishi had came from Rishikesh, Himalayas and father accompanied him to Sethu Samudhram (Rameshwaram). During that time only, Sethulakshmi was born and hence she got that name.

We had a cow called “Lakshmi” which gave milk for our day today use. Father used to teach Malayalam language to Saroja and Sundari to enable them to read “Ramayana” every day night before sleep. “Thula Kaveri” (during Thulam Month) was very famous and auspicious and whole family went to the Kaveri River and took bath there and offer prayers which was a very important event. The famous actors and dancers the cine fame Lalitha & Padmini came to Thanjavur for a Dance programme and we all went and attended the programme.

Father’s mother (grandmother) was also with us. We all used to go to Kaveri River take bath and then go to the Thanjavur Bragatheeswarar temple (the famous Siva temple with biggest Nandhi) and offer our prayer. We recollect seeing Sarawathi Mahal and Raja’ palace. My sister Saroja remembers seeing Dharbar Hall and the writings and paintings on the Darbar hall ceiling. It had also inscriptions about many historical events, like Tippu Sultan’s coming and escape of the king’s family through tunnel, war predictions and many other things like torture & the capital punishments etc.

At Mayavaram:

From Thanjavur he was transferred to Mayavaram, (present Mayilaudurai). My second brother Sivakumar was born in Mayavaram. The Railway bungalow was very large and had very big compound. There were two big “Maramalli trees” with thousands of while long lily like flower. During Fall season, all the flowers fall down and the whole ground would give an appearance of a white carpet. Once there was a big storm and heavy rain. The big Maramalli tree and another big Vaga tree fell down by the powerful storm. Many of the house tiles flew away and the whole house except the central hall was leaking. Sri Padmanabha Menon (Pappamama) and Kunju kutty Amma arrived there on the stormy day and we all huddled together in a small room which was not leaking. The Railway Bungalow was in front of the Railway Station and we had to cross a few railway lines to go to our house.

On any children’s birthdays, we would have crackers on the Railway lines. These crackers are of special type, tied down to the Rails and small Steam Engines were made to run over them bursting the crackers and making loud noise, thus entertaining us, which no one can imagine these days. There were Rail Crackers.

At Shencottah:

From Mayavaram father was transferred to Shencottah, near Thenkasi and Kurtallam. My last bother Sadhasivan was born there. Every Sunday mother and I used to go to Kurtallam which was a few kilometers away. The bus fare was 4 Annas. We take a small bottle of Gingili oil, go there apply the whole thing on the head and stand below the great Kurtallam Falls. When we come out of the falls we would be really refreshed, the whole hair would be dry without any trace of oil. We also go to the Eintharuvi (Five Falls) nearby. We visit the temples and then return home.

My two elder sisters Saroja and Sundari passed their SSLC examination at Shencottah. Father bought a two big Rose wood trees purchased on Auction (that was all mountain and forest areas) and made a number of furniture, like Dining table, Cots, Almerrahs and Double Reading Desks and Double Chairs. We used to go to the nearby Aryankavu station where famous Ayyaappa Temple is there. There is also a long Railway tunnel almost one KM long on the Shencottah- Punalur Section, and near Punalur there is also an old famous Hanging Bridge.

At Pollachi:

From Shencottah father was transferred to Pollachi. Sundari was admitted in the at Visalakshi Womens’ college Udumalpet and put in the hostel there and I had my schooling from Third Form to Sixth Form i.e equivalent to the present 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th Std. at Municipal Boys High School, Pollachi and I passed the SSLC examination from there. Till then there was an Exam called ESSLC, at the Third Form (8th Std). Later the ESSLC exam was removed. During the school days I had received Presents from then the Madras Chief Minister Thiru Kamaraj and Thiru Mahalingam in Tamil literature competition. At Pollachi, there was the biggest Market (Pollachi Chandhai) on every Thursday.

The first marriage in the family for my eldest sister Saroja was conducted with Mr. Sreedharan, the first son of s/o Sri Padmanabha Menon (Pappamama) at Kollengode in 1956 very grand manner. The whole place in and around of Kollengode Puthan Veedu house was adorned with with wonderful Pandal, like the huge Political meeting Pandal with white cloth and colourful flower decorations on the ceiling of the Pandal and feast for more than 1000 people etc. We the young boys and girls were all playing around and picking up the decorated flowers etc., had a wonderful time.

Father had his Railway Jurisdiction from Salem to Madurai and Shoranur, which included Palani also. We often go to Palani along with father in his Railway Saloon (a small separate compartment) attached at the end of the regular passenger train. This Saloon was a beautiful litter separate compartment with bed room, hall, furnished with velvet covered cushions, curtains, kitchen, Personal Assistant room, Servant room etc. In all the stations, the Station master and other station officials would come there to wish him, arrange for food and other fruits etc. It was a great moment of pride for all children.

At Madras (present Chennai):

Sri T.R. Nair was promoted as ATS-Assistant Traffic Superintendent and transferred to Madras (present Chennai) in the Class I officer grade in 1960. I remember his telling that he reached first time the four digit salary of 1000 Rupees and above. When I got married in 1973, my salary (working in IIT Madras) was less than that figure. We had our Railway quarters by the side of the Railway Fly over bridge at the end of the Police Office commissioner’s office road. It was a big house. Later we shifted to another house in the Railway colony called Gopal Swamy Nagar in Chetput.

I attended an interview for admission to the Guindy Engineering College, after my Pre University course at Govt. Victoria College, Palghat, accompanied by my father in 1960. I was denied the seat and we were asked to go to Kerala as they found my father’s name as T.R. Nair. Those days there was animosity against Malayalees in Tamil Nadu, especially in Madras (State reorientation in 1956). In the same manner for the same reason my sister Sundari was also denied a Medical college seat in Madras. Nowadays they welcome people from Kerala for all the Engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu.

At Rajmundry, Guntakkal:

He served as Divisional Safety Officer in Rajmundry & Guntakkal for short periods. Once in Rajmundry, he was conducting an enquiry in a Railway court and on that day there was no one available to type the proceedings in the typewriter (No computers yet!). As he had to finish the case the same day, he asked for the typewriter to be brought to him and started to type out the whole proceedings without even seeing the keys and that too in very fast. People surrounded there were astonished to see his immediate decision and the very fast manner in which he typed out and finished the whole case.

At Mysore:

He was promoted as DOS- Divisional Operating Superintendent and posted at Mysore. There he lived only in the Railway Saloon parked near the Railway Station denying the very big bungalow offered to him. The family was then living in Palghat at Chandranagar. It was a very big opportunity and challenge for him as a Senior Divisional Manager. The Divisional Office at Mysore was a very big office and he had a large room well furnished in the older British style, perhaps in a royal way as it was located in Mysore. Even Bangalore Station then was in the Mysore division, under his control. Incidentally even Kittamama (K. P. Krishnan) was working at Bangalore as Safety Officer in the P & T Department.

The very first day of father’s taking charge was an interesting experience and it was one of his memorable days, he described. When he went there punctually at 9 a.m., he was surprised that there were very few people arrived in the office at that time. He went round the various departments and other office rooms. As he had already learnt the various offices, their staff strengths, he expected most of them to be in the office around that 9 a.m. Even by 9.30 a.m. he saw only one quarter of the strength and even those who had come, were reading news papers and chatting with others. He had immediately called all the Heads of departments and warned them that all their staff should be there at their seats at the start of the office time or else they would be issued with memos followed by further actions if needed. Things began to improve slightly though not very well.

Then father learnt that in Karnataka, people are normally lazy and very slow in their action and much improvement cannot be achieved. - Here I would like to recall my experience way back in 1970-72 in West Germany (present Germany) of watching the employees in companies like Siemens, Philips, HP etc., where Five minutes before the start of the office, everyone would occupy their seats and sit calmly and start the work exactly by the office start time 8 a.m. on the office clock there.

Once mother and I had the opportunity to go Mysore on holidays and stay with him. We lived in the Railway Saloon itself where father stayed. It is a great experience to live and travel in such saloon, perhaps should have been better than some of the present day Rajdhani Express compartments. It had a beautifully decorated hall with soft couches with tea tables and colourful chandeliers and Carpet, a good double bed room, a dining hall, a room for PA- Personal Assistant, a kitchen and servants room and posh toilets, fans etc., (no AC - Air Conditioning on those days). Needless to say there were half a dozen people to serve us any time or were available for any beck and call.

At Olavakkode (present Palakkad):

He was lastly transferred to his Home town Olavakkode and served as Divisional Commercial Superintendent till his retirement in June 1967. He started as a Camp Clerk to the Divisional Operating superintendent at the start of his career and was promoted as Divisional Operating Superintendent (DOS) and occupied the same position of his first British Boss; a real achievement on those days. He retired from Olavakkode where two marriages were conducted for my sisters Sakunthala with Mr. Prabhakaran and Dr. Sundari with Dr. Gopinath Menon.

The Two Passions:

1. Devotion and Commitment in every action

2. Hospitality- Love & Affection towards guests

These two passions throughout his life and all his actions made people to get attached with him with great pride and respect. He always used to say: “DO IT NOW” – DIN. (no Procrastination).

He also said as we grow old we follow: “DETACH AND ATTACH” – D & A, meaning Detach from the worldly affairs and Attach towards “Spirituality”. He maintained these two passions throughout his Life. Perfection was his Byword and he insisted this aspect in everybody worked with him.

Post Retirement:

After retirement from Railways, he worked at FACT, Cochin for two years and at Travancore Titanium Products, Trivandrum. Every weekend or biweekly he was coming to Palghat by bus and retuning to Trivandrum by Sunday evening. It is amazing to think of the hard work, struggles and sacrifices he had suffered alone, after retirement to get the young children educated, get married and settled.

After retirement he was very active as President of the Railway Pensioners’ organizations and was instrumental in bringing out the concept of “Senior Citizen”, and this terminology was later approved in Railways and the Government. He was the Editor of the “Railway Pensioners’ National Digest for four years and was awarded the title of “Pensioners’ Bandhu” at the Constitution Club, New Delhi in 1988.

A LEAF FROM THE DIARY OF AN OCTOGENARIAN SENIOR CITIZEN (from his own Diary Notes):

Born on 23-4-1909 at village Pallesena, Palghat Taluk, Kerala.

Had Apprenticeship as Stenographer and Personal Assistant with Rajah Sir Vasudeva Rajah Kt. C.I.E. of Kollengode, Ex-Member of the Viceroys’ council for two years April 1926 to April 1928.

Joined Service of South Indian Railway on 10-5-1928 as a Clerk on Rs. 25/-a month.

Retired as Divisional Commercial Supdt., Southern Railway on 15-6-1967; got a monthly pension of Rs. 2,200/- till the end.

During Service in the Railways for nearly 4 decades,

worked as:

Camp Clerk for 2 years

Head Clerk for about 12 years

Station Master for 2 years

Traffic Inspector for 14 years

Station Superintendent for 1 year

Asst. Traffic Supdt. For 3 years

Divisional Officer for 4 years

Senior Divisional Officer for 1 year

Presented a Paper on “Safety on Trains” at the All India Railway Safety Conference held at Secunderabad in 1966.

EXTRANEOUS SERVICES:

Founded the Kerala Club, at TRICHY in 1938, which is still going strong with a Prestigious English Medium school.

Awarded the title “Star of Divine Life Society” by

His Highness SWAMI SIVANANDA”.

Published a book “SIVANANDA YOGASAMANVAYAM” in Malayalam in 1957.

Founded Divine Life Society Branches at Shencottah, Thenkasi, Pollachi, Pallesena and Olavakkot in 1962.

Founder Director of Chandranagar Cooperative House Building Society and director for 3 further terms.

Convener – Silver Jubilee Celebration of Chandranagar Co-operative House Building Society in 1981, which was presided by the Chief Minister of Kerala Mr. E.K. Nayanar.

President of Maha Ganapathi Temple Committee for 6 years.

Worked in two Public Sector concerns for a total period of 7 years after Retirement from the Railway. (FACT/ COCHIN and TRANVANCORE TITANIUM/ TRIVANDRUM)

Worked for the Railway Pensioners’ Organisations for

10 years as.

1) Chairman, Railway Pensioners’ Sangh, Olavakkot.

2) Editor of Malayalam Tri-monthly ‘Rail Pensioner’.

3) Working President- National Federation of Railway

Pensioners- Palghat.

4) Chief Editor of the English All India Monthly “Railway

Pensioners, National Digest” for 4 years.

5) Attended Pensioners’ Conference at several places like

Patna, Delhi, Madras, Bangalore, Vilupuram, Tanjore,

Erode, Coimbatore, Pothanur and was adorned with

“Ponnada” at several Places.

6) Conducted All India Conference of Railway Pensioners at

Palghat in 1984 and Governor of Kerala Sri

K. Ramachandran inaugurated the same.

7) Had discussions with Fourth Central Pay commission at

New Delhi in 1986 pinpointing some important aspects of

old pensioners and tackling of housing problems for Railway

employees by forming co-operative Housing bodies.

8) Was awarded the title of “Pensioners’ Bandhu” at the

Constitution Club, New Delhi in 1988.

Had the Graceful Dharsan of and Personal contact with;

1. Ramana Maharshi (1933)

2. Paramacharya of Kumbakonam (1947)

3. Swami Sivananda Maharaj (from 1950)

4. Had opportunity to meet personalities:

Mahatma Gandhiji, Dr. Rajendra Parasad,

Rajaji, Dr. Radhakrishnan.

Countries Visited: Malaysia, Singapore (1981), West Germany,

America and Canada (1988).

Places visited in India:

North: Rishikesh, Bhadrinath, Banares, Gaya, Dakshineswaram (Calcutta), Puri, Somnath, Dwaraka and Simhachalam in the North.

South: Thiruvanakkoil (Trichy), Srirangam, Tirupati,, Kalahasti, Thiruvottiyur(Madras), Mailam(subramanyan), Kumbakonam, Swamimalai, Oppiliappankoil, Thirukkadayur, Thiruvidaimaruthur, Chidambaram, Thanjore, Vaitheeswarankoil, Shiyali, Thala Kaveri(Coorg), Thula Kaveri (Mayavaram), Thirukalukunram, Mahabalipuram, Thiruvarur, Thiruthani, Palani, Madura, Thirupparankunram,, Thiruchendur, Kanyakumari, Sucheendram, Sreevalliputhur, Sankaranayanarkoil, Varkala, Guruvayur, Thiruvilwamalai, Vaikom, Ettumannur, Kaduthuruthi, Kodungallur, Chottanikkara, Vadalur (Ramalingeswara Temple), Koodalmanickam, Sri Sabarimalai, Chamundeswara Temple, Mookambika, Udupi, Kadampuzha, Triprayar, Pandaripuram, Gokarnam, Kanaka Durga Temple at Bezwada, Mahalakshmi Temple at Bombay, Bhavanikudal, Seringapatnam, Trivandrum Padmanabha Swami Temple & Rameswaram.

Had the fortune of partaking in Three Mahamaghams In Kumbakonam.

Celebrated the Sadapdhi (80th Birthday) at Guruvayur in 1992 with all children.

Printed and Published 2 books.

1) “Harinama Keerthanam” in English.

2) “Abirami Andhadi “ in Malayalam.

Happily married in 23rd December 1935; had

9 children (4 sons and 5 daughters) of whom 3 Engineers and 1 Doctor in Medicine;

19 Grand Children (presently 20) and

11 Great Grand children as on October 1992 (presently20)

(as per the Census on 2010; - (Needs to be updated, Pl help.)

Hobbies:

Taken active part in “Nattuppura Kaligal”- Kannyarkali (a Kerala Art), from his 9th year, Attending Satsangs, doing Swadhyaya. Helping the Needy to the extent possible.

Towards the later stage spending 2 hours (4 to 6 a.m.) in Pranayama, Japa, Namocharana (vishnusahasranama), Meditation and Swadhyaya in the Puja Room at home and spends time with family, children and relations.

T.R. Nair As Husband:.. (Smt. Bhargavi Amma)- Mother

Smt. Bhargavi Amma, as his Wife & Life Partner (more appropriate) had nothing to comment on him indicating a fully satisfied happy married life. However, their first and second daughters Smt. Saroja Sreedharan and Dr. Sundari G Menon were ready to give this account as their mother felt. T.R. Nair and Smt. Bhargavi Amma were married in 1935, lived a life of Love, Affection, Spiritual, Helping every one, Feeding many, a warm benevolent hosts to many people, friends, guests, Swamijis and many visitors also. They were a loving couple and celebrated their 25th Wedding anniversary and 50th Wedding Anniversary also in 1985.

They were often praised by learned Swamijis as “Karmayogis”. He sometimes got angry and shouted at mother but soon the anger melted away. They always discussed matters together. They went to social functions like marriages, House warming ceremonies, Birthdays or any religious poojas or functions etc. always together. Those days whenever they attended any marriages, they gave and blessed the couple with one Gold Sovereign Coin (8 gms) as their marriage present. (This was when he was getting less than a 4 digit salary with 9 children to be looked after).

When he had retired and he was getting a pension of Rs 2200. Once when there was a great Earth Quake in Latur, Maharashtra and thousands of people perished under the buildings and damages. There was an appeal for help and father immediately sent his one month’s full pension amount of Rs. 2,200 to the PM’s Earth Quake Fund as his contribution, though all his children had not completed their education, and had lot of commitments!

Mother was a very adjustable type, very patient life partner for all activities of father. He was always humorous, kind and helping natured. There were always guests in the house in addition to the 9 children. Anyone coming to our house was fed and no one would return without having some food. Sometimes it was a problem for mother in cooking and household duties as a housewife especially when there was no Cook or servant for help. Father used to extend help in the kitchen for “Uppuma” (as children we called it –Salt Mango Tree- jokingly) making or “Payasam” preparations during Birthdays or other festivals.

As mother, she was very loving and affectionate with all children. We recall that white Mull or Mill cloth were bought in bulk, tailor would be summoned to the house and the dresses were stitched for all children once in a way. All children were taking Oil Bath twice a week Wednesday and Saturday. Once a year all children were given Laxative (Kadukka – a bitter country medicine seed powdered and mixed in curd and then some jiggery for sweetening the tongue). She would even check and keep an account who many time each one us would empty our bowls to confirm its effectiveness.

Invariably every day morning breakfast is only Idly and Chutney- the famous South Indian delicacy. As children we got bored of this every day and anxiously looking for some change as Dosa or Poori- Masal etc. Once in a way she makes Mysore Pak, one of her specialty and we all would enjoy it for quite some days.

AS FATHER…..from R. Santhanakrishnan (1st son)

Father was somewhat a Terror. But he was always very busy and highly disciplined. He would scold if we do mischief or not study well, getting poor marks and not obeying etc. When we were in schools, a cane was kept always ready for punishing the children. (He believed the old saying “spare the rod and spoil the child).This cane was called “Chural” and the beating with that was called “Chural Pazham” – as the beaten place in the body would swell and red in colour. We were also ready to show our hands to get the beatings when we do some mischief or get poor marks in the school exams. Every Evening we had Bhajans at home by 6- 6.30pm for at least one hour. All children had to join and sing bajan songs in the Pooja Room. After the Bhajan, we have to study and we were asked to read loud.

He loved all children and educated everyone. He took all of us to many places, visited many temples (those days there were no other places for visiting or for entertainment for common man) in the South India. He was a great disciplinarian and commands great respect in the office and with friends. On those days, he was wearing a British Pith Hat and go to office (perhaps copied from the Britishers). He walks very brisk and fast with raised head. Everyone in the Railway station salutes him with great respect. On seeing this we used to wonder and had high regard on him and very proud of our father. We always had the great opportunity of travelling in First Class in the Railway Train anywhere in India.

He always loved to give and share the mangos from our Garden to all the guests, children and grand children whenever they come to Sivasadan at Chandranagar. There was no time of the year when there wouldn’t be any mangos in Sivasadan. During the season, many varieties would be there and he sorted them out, cleaned and ripened them by covering them in haystack & gunny bag. Once they are ripe he distributed them to everyone.

At was a great sight to see him peeling the mangos artistically, pealing with a pen knife from the top of the mango to the bottom in a spirally way at one stretch and one stroke. It was an amazing sight to watch him doing it and it was a patient but devoted mastery of art that he enjoyed every time he peeled off a mango. He cuts them in to pieces and makes everyone to taste and give opinion about the taste. There were Banganapalli, Salem, Neduchala and a few other types which he knows thoroughly by tasting a single piece by his experience, interest and a fairly good knowledge about the variety.

We always go to our native place Kollengode and Pallasena during our School Holidays or any other temple towns like Trichirapally, Tanjore, Tiruchendur, Kumbakonam etc.. It was always interesting to travel with all brothers and sisters as a small crowd and Railway Porters used to help in carrying the luggage, sometimes small children also. They also do all odd jobs even in our Railway quarters, watering the garden, taking the small children to school, getting vegetables etc., some of the privileges on those days. (These loving and affectionate services are not available now)

He used to motivate and test the children’s knowledge in mathematics, General observation and alertness. He would suddenly ask the height of a building you see in front of you, or the height of a mountain nearby, or size of a room, the approximate number of people gathered in a function, the temperature, the Capacity of a Water tank, the speed of a train, the length of time you hear the sound of a steam engine when it passes you or when approaches you from distance, or how you would suggest to manage two trains crossing in a Railway station coming in opposite directions ( those days there were no double track; but still there were no head on collisions) and many such common knowledge which was never taught in the schools nor as children we care to think of.

Once when we were in Mayavaram (present Mayiladudurai), I was studying in the 2nd class (standard), he was doing some office work at home. Normally my first sister Saroja was assisting him for all his requirements. Many times when he summons her, she would bring the odd things he might need like the Pen, Pencil, his spectacles etc., some time without even telling. As a small boy of 4 or 5 years, I was watching these and wondered how she knew what exactly father wanted without his telling her, but brought all that he required one by one. I went to father and asked him how she knew that and served him exactly what he wanted. Immediately he told me secretly in my ears without her hearing “bring a glass of water” and let us test if she can do that as it was told me alone secretly. I ran at once to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water for him. But then, my sister learnt it (god knows how !) and she also hurried to kitchen and brought it before I reached with my glass of water to my disappointment. Well that was the intelligence and shrewdness my sister had right from those days. Father encouraged and nurtured this character in all of us.

Another time when we finished our evening prayer and bhajan, we dispersed. On seeing the fire or the light in the “Nilavilakku” (a brass oil lamp with naked flame kept on the floor), I was a bit fascinated and had a desire for a small adventure. I wanted to test how a paper would burn or if it would catch fire. There was no one there. So I picked some courage, took a piece of paper and showed to the Nilavilakku fire. It caught fire immediately and of course due to the intense heat I dropped it. Just below the table where the light and photos were kept, all the old newspapers were stacked. Immediately, the bundle of newspapers also caught fire and I got frightened and ran out shouting.

My sisters and parents came and dowsed the fire with buckets of water and the investigation was conducted and I told the truth. When father came to beat me, my sister Saroja took me to her and protected me from our father’s wrath. These things at my 5th year are still green in my memory.

He had a good and very close friend Mr. Rugson, a very fair tall British man who worked as Railway Security Officer in Culcutta. Once he was in our house and both of them were talking for a long time in chaste Malayalam. As an young boy I was surprised how this handsome looking British man was so fluent in Malayalam. When I asked father later about it, he had a big laugh and explained to me that he was a pucca Malayali and his original name was Rugmangadhan. As it was very difficult for his British Officers to call him by his real name, he shortened it as Rugson!

As Father….. From R. Swaminathan. (2nd son)

Few cherished memories of our beloved Father:

His helping nature: During his long career in Railways, he had helped many people in different ways in getting confirmed hard to get Railway seat reservations on those days (No internet booking), getting jobs in Railways for deserving people and settling some people personal problems etc. One such person is Mr. Rajan (who recently celebrated his Sashtiapthapurthi, the 80th year). He was so much attached to our family. He was given a job in the Railways and in gratitude for it, he named his children also Santhanakrishnan and Sakunthala like us. His son Santhanakrishnan was helped in getting a job in IIT, Madras by my brother Santhanakrishnan and now he is the Assistant Security Officer there. Even today his family members maintain the relationship and show their gratitude.

His Straightforwardness : During our stay in the Railway quarters at Olavakkot, once father returned from the usual tour. Late in the evening two persons came to meet him carrying a big basket full of fruits. They wanted to show their gratitude for the help they received from him. Father told them to take back the fruits and leave the place. Some other day when we all were travelling in a train and reached home, we found another basket full of fruits at home brought by the porters, obviously left by some such people who did not dare to handover the fruits directly to father.

His Friends: Father had a number of friends in his circle not only from Railways but also from all quarters. When he visits Madras (present Chennai) every year, the main agenda would be only “visiting his friends”. He would never fail to send variety of mangoes nicely packed in a basket to me and ask me to distribute them among his close friends. He would not get satisfied until he gets their acknowledgement or some feedback from them after the receipt of the mangoes. Once he asked my brother to send two dozen mangoes to Seoul, in Korea to one his friends who was the Indian Ambassador there. My brother had a very tough time to get the various formalities from the Government, Customs, the necessary certificate for the concerned authorities, air worthy suitable packing and sending them by air. After a great struggle this mango basket was sent and was received by the recipient though a few mangoes got over ripe and damaged.

Anxious Moments: On one of their visits to Madras, both father and mother went out to visit some friends and returned by bus. It was late in the evening, almost dark and they had to cut across a few streets to reach my flat at Besant Nagar, Chennai. Father in his usual style walked fast and mother was trailing behind him walking slow. He reached home without mother. Mother did not know the house address or the correct way back home. Obviously she missed father and started walking in different direction and panicked. When I didn’t see mother back home with father, I took my scooter and was heading to the bus stand looking for her. She had lost the way and was strolling in some streets nearby asking everyone on the way “Sami anoo da?”, meaning “ Are you Sami!”. I heard the mother’s voice feebly, drove towards her and jumped out of my scooter and embraced her. I had to console her a lot for the grief of being left alone. From then onwards father was more careful whenever he travelled with mother.

Onnu Parayada Achanodu !; During our vacation days, mother told me that father was shouting at her unnecessarily for no reasons. She was telling me “Nee Onnu Parayada Achanodu – Ennodu Veruthe Deshiapadaruthe Ennu”. Picking little bit of courage, I asked father about this. He said that it was only just gimmicks; “Athokke Oru Thamashayanu Ennu”. After that there were no complaints from her.

As Father ……………. From R. Sivakumar (3rd son)

T.R. NAIR - MY FATHER By Sivan

I am glad to pen few lines for the biography of Mr.T.R. Nair.

I recall my fond memories of him with reverence and with a sense of pride that I am born to him. I had greatest respect and admiration for what he was and for the family values he instilled in me to be a good human being. I would not have been what I am today, had it not been for his influence in every phase of my life.

My mother used to say, our father would not give the hug & warmth or sing a lullaby for his children, when they were small, and thereby I missed the wonderful experience of the warmth and joy of one’s own father’s caring . It was left to my beloved mother, Bhargavi Amma, to care for me and express all parental love that I deserved as toddler and growing child.

Still, as I grew up, I began to love him and adore him as my father, since his character had such an influence on me. I soon learnt that his very principled life was really shaping my own life pattern and his devotion to one of the greatest saints and holy guru, Shri Swami Sivananda who left a beneficial influence and guidance in my own life. My father would gather all family members every evening for spiritual Satsang at least for an hour and conduct bhajans and sing holy songs. No doubt this had created a spiritual fervor in each of the children. His rendering of popular compositions in carnatic and bhajan style created a spiritual atmosphere in the evening for the entire family that we felt the Gods and Godesses lived with us in our house. He did this unfailingly every day. And what better way than this can instill and guide our minds to the righteous path!

His unfailing devotion to Sivananda Swamiji enabled us children to learn and understand Swamiji and his teachings and practice it in life. Our father was very active in the working of Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivanandaji, to guide all human beings towards an enlightened life. Father had shared with us children his personal enriching experiences with Swamiji and his greatest disciple Shri Vishnudevananda, the village boy and his classmate from Kollengode. He had preserved many a letter personally written by Swami Sivannanda to him and had proudly shown them to me.

I recall my father as a self made man. After completing his school education, through his association with the Raja’s Palace in kollengode, he joined the Railways under the British at the very young age of 18. He went on to serve for next forty years and reached the top echelon of Railway administration at division level and made a mark of his own. Beginning as camp clerk to the British officials, father himself had narrated how difficult it was to work with English bosses, taking dictations from them, whose pronunciation of words could not be heard or grasped properly most of the time and how he was worried and embarrassed to take the typed letters to the bosses! However it turned to be his greatest learning experiences that he soon mastered the language from the very masters and I could see it reflected in the very many letters he had written to me. As a straight forward officer with great responsibility shouldered on him, TR (as he was referred by many) was popular amongst his colleagues and subordinates. TR was also short tempered by nature! He was known to be a tough task master in office. However his immediate subordinates had only good words to say of him. His work had taken him and family to places, so much so we all started loving travel.

Even with a big family, our father cared to give each of us a very good life and I for one, grew up in such secured comfortable environs those times as he was holding important positions of authority that entitled him to many central government benefits. I loved Railways and for long did not think life beyond Railways! What lovely Railway bungalows we lived in, at various locations and Railway divisions my father had worked! How can I forget the large bungalow in Madras beneath the Egmore bridge in the City, where I started my primary schooling and the palatial bungalow in Olavakkode, with its beautiful rose gardens and lovely tendered lawns! Nor can I forget the most enjoyable journey with father and a few other family members in his beautiful railway saloon coach to Mysore some time in 60’s. He took us for the famous Mysore Dusserah celebrations, with himself adoring the royal dress and getting seated close to the Maharajah to witness the celebrations that were being staged. It was a wonderful experience and a lovely sight of the illuminated palace, an experience to behold!

Even with a large family, my father was very conscious of his responsibility and took care in giving education to each of his children within his means. And when I got admission to Regional Engineering College at Trichy, a top class institution, my securing a scholarship which would pay for my tuition fees as well as my hostel & mess fees continuously for five years of course duration, gave him the much needed relief, financially. I felt glad that I for one need not be a burden to tax on his hard earned income.

Our father was farsighted, when he decided to build a house of our own, as early as mid fifties, as he would want to make us all secure and comfortable in our on home, in anticipation of his retirement from services few years down the line. His association and involvement with few well known public figures of Palakkad helped to form first co-operative Housing Society in Chandranagar. By luck, the choicest plot of land was bagged by him, where his dream took shape, in the form of a lovely ‘tharavad’ house “Siva Sadan” some time in 1959, and the family moved in as the first resident in the new colony of Chandranagar, Palakkad.

Siva Sadan had since blossomed into full fledged tharavad of TR family with children, grand children and great grand children gather for every family occasions of marriage, Golden jubilee wedding anniversary of beloved parents, birthdays, Onam or Vishu festivals or simple family get together. All visitors and guests were personally shown around the house by my father with a sense of pride and achievement. They would be led to the house courtyard to show the huge mango trees and other saplings he had planted and grown in the compound. It is a sense of great satisfaction to me that his long felt desire (as well as of my loving mother) to expand and modify SivaSadan with construction of upstairs rooms, was fulfilled by me, well in time to enable greater convenience and comfort for all future family gatherings .

And our father was there as the great Karanavar of this tharavad, ensuring the togetherness and happiness of a large family giving a feeling of joint family to each of us. Only TR could do it, may be to the envy of even the small nuclear families with just one or two children. Such was his love and sphere of influence with everyone in family that there was the strongest bond of love and affection between each of his children and the beloved parents.

His commitment and responsibility towards giving good education to the last of his children saw him take up new job even after retirement from Railway services of 40 long years! He felt he needed to support his children complete graduation and he went on working for few more years. He shouldered his responsibility admirably well until he was forced to retire finally by family.

He was always proud of his children and wanted them to be achievers and successful in life. He was always a source of strength to me in times of despair, in times of job related stress. He has guided me, whenever I needed his guidance and he watched me scale my career heights, including my sojourn in Africa, with utmost satisfaction. I had personally believed I had lived up to his expectations of me. When his own closest friends, including a Retd. IG of Police spoke to my father in appreciation of me as a wonderful son; I could sense the father in him feeling on top of the world.

I had felt humbled and expressed my own gratitude to him for all that he gave me in life at various times. My father is not one to sit quite any time. Having been active all through his life, he involved himself for the service of pensioners of Railways, the organization he has so loyally served. His leadership to unite all pensioners and empower them with the awareness of various pension related issues through publications and contacts, enabled many to derive their pension benefits, including many widows of railway men. He pioneered their cause and was instrumental to enable governments considered sympathetically and offer increasing benefits down the years! TR had rendered yeoman service to social cause.

His retired life also saw him active participation in Director Board of Chandranagar Housing Society, playing a lead role in development of the colony as well as an active role in establishing the first temple for the residents of Chandranagar. He involved himself actively in supervising the construction of houses of our sister, uncle and other relatives, who all have made Chandranagar their home base. There he was extending his support and advice, in whatever way he could have done.

His interests extended beyond the normal, that he was too willing to shoulder the responsibility of running the first computer data processing and training centre, initiated and set up by a few family members in the name of Computech Data Centre, the first such center in Palakkad, way back in 1982, when computers were not popular nor welcome in the state of Kerala. Since the promoters were all abroad, our father successfully steered the working of the centre. He himself took great initiative to learn and understand computers and with few trusted staff, that he was even able to negotiate and click deals for data processing needs of major industrial establishments in Kanjikode belt. It is a tribute to his devotion and administrative skills that he was able to manage running this entrepreneur venture, at a time when few would dare to do it. Needless to say he had to face many hurdles and crisis during the five year tenure the centre was run.

TR as a towering personality and father figure demanded each of his children to give him absolute obedience to what he desired though out his life. He could command the respect, love and affection and of course obedience, and no signs of resentment to his demands. As I grew older and with matured thinking and experienced reality, I tend to think of my father not being adequately sensitive to others. May be due to his egoistic personality, he loved giving commands and it simply had to be obeyed. I had believed that he was not considerate to the individuality of the person and failed to recognize that they too are fathers & parents, who are ready to do the same role, as he was doing. The conflict within me was confusing, but after very many thought, I ventured to point out to my beloved father with the courage to dissent that he needed to think the other way too. I am happy he had understood my feelings and had willingly accepted.

Leading a very principled life, and not used to any health related issues, it was really a jolt and shock for him when destiny willed otherwise. His fall necessitating confinement to a hospital bed for weeks and undergo a hip replacement surgery had him lose mental courage to live longer and he believed his time has come. It saddened me to learn of his deteriorating health, while I was in Johannesburg in the African Continent, and I rushed to be by his side. Then he breathed his last in the midst of all his children and other loved ones. It was the end of a great saga. As I take a dip in the holy waters of Bharathapuzha river at the famous Iyver madam and sit in tandem with my siblings for the death anniversary rites each year , I invoke His blessings to guide me and all of us to lead a happy , peaceful life in full unity and harmony to keep TR family name flying high as always. His thoughts, his blessings evoke the high spirits in me in keeping life go on.

As Father………..from R. Sadasivan- Sadhu (4th son)

Mostly enjoyed & eaten Fruits  --  Bananas & Mangoes

Most used words when angry  --  Damn It!

Mostly chanted Mantra -- Om thrayambakam Yajamahe.

Mostly read English Newspaper  --  The Hindu

Most liked evening snack  -- 'Moriyan Dosa or Adai spread

with Butter and sprinkled with Podi.

Most liked outdoor activity  --  Gardening, Watering Plants,

Nurturing Plants & Trees.

Most liked Bhajan Song  -- 'Krishna Nee Begane Baaro...'

Favourite Carnatic Musicians -- Semmangudi Sreenivasa Iyer, Madurai Mani Iyer, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Santhanam, Pattammal, Sivananda Vijayalakshmi, Lalgudi Jayaraman and K.J.Yesudas.

Favourite 'Raga'  --  'Kalyani', 'Shanmugapriya'.

Most liked instrumental Music  -- Violin & Flute.

 

An advice 'Mantra' given always  --  'D I N'   (Do It Now)  

 

Favourite 'kara' snacks  -- Murukku, Cheeda, Homapodi

Favourite Sweets  -- MysorePak, SohanPapdi,

Palakkadan Halwa.

Favourite Pickles -- Veppilakatti, Kannimaanga,

Gooseberry,Maagali Achaar.

That's all for now.

As Father :…from Dr.Sundari G . Menon (2nd Daughter)

DAD IN MY MIND

1909 – 1995 (LIFE OF Sri T.R.NAIR)

“Unity is Strength, if divided Fall is Certain”

“ DIN- DO IT NOW”

Dad’s words from our Gurudev Swami Sivandanda.

I always respect and follow these 2 Rules of Life from my Dad.

CHILDHOOD:

I could feel our parents’ love throughout my childhood in several ways when I was 11 years old at Tanjore. There was a Cow called “Lakshmi” in our Railway Quarters and we used to get plenty of Cow’s milk which we all drink with their love. When it died, I recall how our mother was crying, holding its head close to her chest. One Mr. Padmanabhan (a Railway employee & his family) were living in our “Out House”. He used to teach Basic Malayalam Language to us as our 2nd language was Tamil in the school. Because of these foundation, I could speak good Malayalam, our Mathrubasha now anywhere in a public meeting also.

In 1948- when I was 9 years old I could remember the train carrying the ashes of our great Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1950 – Swami Sivananda was brought to Tanjore in the train when our Dad was the Traffic Inspector. But due to his ill health Swamiji could not get out of the train. Dad took all of us to the First Class and I still remember that I could touch the lotus feet of Swami Sivananda who gave the Japamala and a fruit. Mother was full term with her 8th pregnancy and delivered my last sister after her Rameswaram visit with Swamiji. And hence her name as “Sethulakshmi” signifying the Sethu Samudhram dip and the goddess.

At Mayavaram Dad used to cultivate variety of vegetables at our Railway Quarters courtyard. We used to pluck different vegetables and distribute to our neighbours, showing the magnanimity of our dad.

One day we had heavy rain and storm and the tile roof of our quarters had flown away. We the children had to huddle together in a small room “Aripathayam” (a store room) as the entire house was full of water. Saroja Chechi recalls that on that day only Pappamama and Kunjikutty Ammayee came from Kollengode and we all had a tough time together with leaking house and heavy rain.

Another day when we were going to school on the opposite side of the road, and old lady was tied on a pillar and she was barking like a dog. Out of curiosity we too crossed the road and saw the lady’s pathetic condition as she was bitten by a mad dog. It was a case of “ Hydrophobia” in medical terminology. So far when they develop symptoms like this, they will die and there is no treatment for this. THIS INCIDENT IN MY MIND PROVOKED ME TO BECOME A DOCTOR IN THE FUTURE.

Our dad used to love all our children and took all of us to several temples and festivals in South India. He used to conduct Bhajans with a Harmonium at our Pooja Room whenever he is at home and all of us had to sing together.

He purchased a big Teakwood (it was is a Rosewood) log and made useful furniture like Cots, Dressing Table, Almerrah, Chairs, Study Tables, stools. All these furniture are still in good condition at Sivasadan, Chandra Nagar, and Palakkad in good condition even after 55 years.

When father was a Traffic Inspector at Shoranur, his fourth girl child Vasantha died of double Pneumonia when she was 1 ½ years. I still could remember the dead body of that a girl put in a box and taken to Cemetery in a cycle.

Mother used to say that when I was 1 ½ years old, I had 3 Boils in my head, neck and upper chest. When father returned from the office, he consulted with an astrologer, who said that out of the three daughters, the 2nd one (myself) was in danger. He was very much upset. He took me to a doctor. Luckily they were abscess which was incised and drained completely and bandaged around my neck, upper chest and head. By God’s grace, I could survive those things at that age.

Father had purchased 25 cents of land for Rs.15/cent at Chandra Nagar, Palghat (present Palakkad) in 1956. Taking a loan of Rs.12,000/- from bank, he constructed the present “sivasadan”,18, Chandra Nagar in 1959. The house warming was celebrated in March 1959 end. I had finished my B.Sc. Zoology final exam from Victoria College, Palghat. I had invited all my classmates for that function. There was no Electricity and Water. From that house only, I got two Admission Cards one for MBBS Course and M.Sc. Zoology. Dad asked me which one I preferred. I replied MBBS only, got reminded of the Goal made during my school days. There was not any doctor in our family or among our relatives. That made me a Doctor, a Professor in Medicine and even now after retirement I am still working in hospitals and serving the needy.

Our neighbor Late Capt. Balagangadhara Menon, who was the Municipal Commissioner at Calicut, was very close to us and was helpful in getting my admission even though I was in the Merit list. I also got married when I was in the 4th year to my teacher in Opthalmology Dr. T. Gopinatha Menon in 1963 May 24th at Guruvayur temple.

Later my husband told me that the proposal was brought through Mr. Balagangadhara Menon. It was a Love at First Sight. He had made enquiries about me whether I was Brahmin girl, about my family, character etc., through my hostel warden Dr. Essi D Saroon a Jews Girl. She gave them a Positive reply and shown the Green Signal. Dad was very tight financially as he had just conducted his 3rd daughter’s marriage, Sakunthala with Mr. Prabhakaran on 19th Feb 1963.

But within three months my marriage took place at Guruvayur temple. He left everything to Lord Guruvayurappan. I had 10 sovereign of Gold with me for which the money was borrowed from his friends. Soon after my marriage to my own teacher, I had to shift to his house from the hostel. He was RMO (Residential Medical Officer) at that time. We two were going in a Cycle Riksha to the hospital at 7.50 a.m. every day. We had a happy married life. He was not only my husband; he was my mentor, philosopher, guide and my guru in all respects. I delivered my first son Sethu at Calicut Medical College on 25th May 1964.

Dr. Gopi was promoted as Asst. Professor and transferred to Kottayam Medical College. I too joined him as Tutor in Infectious Diseases. Parents used to visit Kottayam and stay with us for a few days. We used to take them to several temples in and around Kottayam. Dad was very proud of my husband as he was being liked by everybody because of his loving nature and sincere character and lot of patients came to see him for treatment.

Dad lost his 5th son-in-law Mr. Unni in 1991 due to an advanced pancreatic cancer. In 1994 the biggest shock stuck him was the death of my husband Dr. Gopinathan due to a heart attack. He could not tolerate these two separations. What to do? Death always follows everybody as a Shadow. One or the other, one of us has to face it.

When I became Professor & Head of Department of Medicines and transferred back to Kottayam, I was little bit nervous. Father had given me good advice about how to carry out my routine work, how to organize a meeting, how to talk in meeting. As per his advice, the matter of the subject shall be minimum and there shall be lot of stories connected with that with one or two slokaas from Bhagavatham or Bhagavath Geetha.

This practice always clicked me in my career. Now I can boldly talk on the stage and keep the audience spell bound during my lecture.

Father’s Post Retirement:

He retired as a DCS (Divisional Commercial Superintendent) from Olavakkot at his 58th year and for a few months he was in a depressed state. Then he was appointed as a Superintendent of Transportation at FACT Ambalamedu by one of his close friends Mr. Pius Joseph, in the Railways. He had to arrange and coordinate transporting big machineries from Calcutta to Cochin by the meter- gauge train, which he could do easily. After that he had been appointed as a Liason Officer in Tranvancore Titanium Products, at Trivandrum. He used to stay there in a hostel, and once in 2/3 weeks he travelled by the Fast passenger train from Trivandrum to Palghat through Kottayam. I used to carry his noon lunch in a tiffin box which he loved to eat and drink cold water several times. I had the pleasure of doing that.

On all of our marriages, he would prepare a clear list of all family members, friends and relatives with details of children, sex and age for sending the invitation and he would predict the exact total number of guests coming for the marriage. After the marriage ceremony, he would patiently check the list and to our surprise, the difference in the number predicted and actually come would be just shy of one or two members only and that was his meticulous preparation and nature of working on all matters throughout his life.

Last year 8 of us had a pilgrimage to various temples at Tamil Nadu where we used to live with our loving parents. He was very active till his 86th year.

I always remember our parents and used to get their blessings before doing any work.

My Pranams to my Dad.

Dr. SUNDARI G. MENON.

As I remember Uncle Sri T.R. Nair……from Meera Achuthankutty. (Sister-in-law of R. Swaminathan).

A man of youthful enthusiasm and inspiringly dynamic personality.

The Picture that comes to my mind, as I remember him, is of a man of youthful enthusiasm and inspiringly dynamic personality. I have always admired his keen interest in every detail of life and concern for the people around him. The warmth of love and tenderness received from him and his family when after the sudden loss of my husband, I along with my children came to stay with my parents at Palakkad, still remains vivid in my memory.

I appreciate that he could instill his spirit of dynamism in to his whole family.

--- Meera Achuthankutty.

AS UNCLE ……………….

CHINNAMAMA (Sri T.R. Nair) AS UNCLE ……………from

Sri T. Chandrasekhar an

(son of Sri P. Sankara Menon, and Nephew of Sri T.R.Nair – they both married each other’s sister in an Exchange Marriage-) Sri P.Sankara Menon with Smt. Rasam Amma and Sri T.R.Nair with Smt. Bhargavi Amma:

I am trying to fulfill my promise to you and making my first write-up about our Uncle and your respected Father. Yes, he was my role model during my younger days, and I wanted to be employed in the Railways in any capacity so that I too can enjoy the “Free” rides that came as “perks” those days and I believe still that continues. Some time, he will put questions that were really “shuddering” and I was afraid of facing him but later that fear gave way to “respect” towards him that continued till the last.

I remember him as a pushing personality throughout his life. He will not stop and did not bother any obstruction that came between his objects. As a young kid, I still remember him saying that in a family one should have children as Doctor, Engineer and Lawyer, and He was really blessed to see that his children accomplished what he dreamed of. I had also nourished the same desire, and if alive, he would have been happy as I am also blessed in all the three categories by our children. In spite of his daily routine and busy schedules, he found time towards “bhakthi” maarg and visited Sivananda Swamy at Rishikesh. He also had published Hari Naama Keerthanam by Thunjath Ezhuthachan in English version with brief meaning for those who cannot read Malayalam and I hold a copy of that with me still. I do not remember his other works and I am sure he has to his credit some other publications as well. He was sincere in all his attempts and would not bother the failures that came in his ways.

One day he asked me if I clean between the “toes” because that was not done by many while taking bath. I remember him every time while taking bath and clean the space between the toes of my two feet. Foot is to be cleaned and protected well as that is one of the sources of all sickness that our body is infected with contact from Earth.

 

During my early Muscat days, he asked me to invest in Chandra Nagar housing project. I jokingly told him then that will discredit him. He asked me How? I replied because then it would become my (Chandra) Nagar. He laughed at my reply. Well, there is something one wants and I hope I did not want a house after all since I do not have one even now.

As Samy said in his mail to you, his visit to USA during 1988 was really with full of events. That year Sudhir joined Ravi as a freshman in his college staying with him and attending the college. Sudhir still remembers his trips to Ashram of our Parakkum Swamikal (Swamy Vishnu Devananda) where they visited. Ravi also can contribute some his “thoughts” about him besides Samy.

I will try to remember from my memory (only hearsay – not facts) about his education, involvement with Vasudeva Raja of Kollengode Palace, his joining the Railways, if you need them. While he was with Vasudeva Raja, my Valiachan (your Paappa mama) was interested in him and thus the marriage alliance was put forward. Initially there was a breakdown, but after couple of years it took place. So Valiachan was instrumental in our relationship.

The following is from hear-say and I cannot vouch for its authenticity.

Thottankara Tharavaad was old but then they were dependant of others. They had no farming land derived from their ancestors. Our Grandmother Late Kalyani Amma was fortunate to be the wife of Late Doraiswamy Aiyer or Subramania Aiyer from West Gramam. He initially purchased a land in Karimkulam near Elevenchery, but I was told that was sold away. When Chinnamama and Sundaramama were employed in Railways, then they assisted Grandfather to regain and repossess the same land by late 1930’s. That property was given to a “Kudiyaan” named Kunchu Rowther and he regularly gave the “Pattam” as was contracted. Early 40’s both Grandfather and Valiachan (Ammu Valiamma’s husband Kutta Panickar) passed away, when I was around 5 years old.

Earlier I faintly remember the days in Calicut (now Kozhikode) where my father (Sri P.Sankara Menon) worked in District office and our neighbors were Kunhikavu Valiamma a distant relative of our father and later her daughter Devi Edathy married Late R.P.Menon who was my science teacher during my 5th and 6th form in R.H.S Kollengode. He later retired as the Head master at Dhathri Valia Rani school especially for Girls. R.P.Menon was known to both uncle and father very well as they attended their school days same years.

In 1941, I started schooling at Pallassana where I studied until I was promoted to 4th grade in 1943. Father took us to Calicut and I was admitted to 3rd grade again at Ganapathi High School, Chalappuram but that was discontinued as father opted for a job as Executive officer in Panchayat Board at Velur near Namakkal, of then Madras province. Chinnamama was the Station Master at Shoranur then I believe. But he also got a transfer-cum-promotion as Traffic Inspector to Trichy. During 1945 midsummer vacation days I remember we had enjoyed a nice vacation at Trichi visiting nearby places like Sreerangapatnam, Mayavaram, Chithambaram, etc. which I enjoyed as an youngster. Perhaps you know that I was sent away to Pallassana to continue my education at R.H.S Kollengode, staying occasionally at Kollengode also. I had the benefit of experiencing the love and affection of both mother’s and father’s relatives very closely during those days. I had a special place as being Sankaran’s son because our father was loved and respected by everyone in that circle.

It will not be inappropriate to mention about father’s father Late Sekharan Menon. That may be the reason why my middle name became Sekharan though Ammu Valiamma wanted me to be named as Natarajan but finally settled down to Chandrasekharan and now I am known here as Chandra Sekharan Menon. Our Grandfather Late Sekharan Menon was a righteous person and he questioned some irregularities with the Kottayambalam management (who were cousins of Late Vasudeva Rajah of Kollengode) and they murdered him. Taking pity on the family, Vasudeva Raja offered an employment to Padmanabha Valiachan (Paappa mama) and provided some relief to the grieved family. Valiachan took care of the entire family well throughout his life. In the meantime, Chinnamama was noticed as a bright student by Vasudeva Raja and he took him as his Personal Assistant and introduced to the Railways. Thus Paappamama had also seen him which perhaps created a desire in him to make a relationship between the families. Initially the proposal came in 1933 but found the time was not appropriate but two years later the same was approved and culminated in the exchange marriage that also saw a strong bond between both Chinnamama and our father throughout their life journey.

I was an average or slightly above average student during my R.H.S days and was assisted with timely advices by our Elayachan (Sri K.P. Krishnan) who by then became the first graduate of the family. On completion of my school and Intermediate examination at Coimbatore, I spent that vacation 1955 at Thenkasi where Chinamama was posted. He asked me to compete for Special Class Railway Apprentice Examination conducted by UPSC, which was my very first public examination experience. I was taken by him to Trivandrum Library three or four times during those days to study and prepare for that examination. I did not qualify in that examination which I took in Madras staying at our Kaimal’s house. Thus Chinnamama wanted not only his children but also nephews to go forward in their life. After Intermediate my dream of attending a college was not fulfilled, but I have no regret on that.

I went to Bombay on my mother’s insistence that I should seek some employment so that when father would retire, at least I would be a bread winner. My final destination was Nadiad, where Raghava Elayachan had promised an apprentice job similar to one that Visvettan (Padmanabha Menon’s second son) was doing. But by the time I reached Bombay, Elayachan (Sri K.P. Krishnan) was informed that, that program was shelved and Elayachan gave me not only protection but assisted in developing my career. The rest is all known to you also so I am not dwelling in that.

Thus I was surrounded by all loving people and I am still surrounded by loving people. I am immensely happy to be what I am. This passage may be more of my personal life but if you look deeply you can see and feel the part others played in developing my own life.

AS UNCLE………..

Chinna Mama- Thottankara Ramanathan Nair (TR Nair) ….. By RAVI NAIR- USA. (Two you tubes are given at the end for your reference)

I Appreciate your efforts to collect, document, and bring out a Biography on our renowned Uncle Chinna mama and the legendary fatherly /grand-great- fatherly everlasting giant of our time, one and only, T.R as friends called and T.R. Nair to all. Saw your emails to all. We sincerely wish with inputs from all this will be an all rounded collection worthwhile not only to get inspired for the grownups but for the upcoming generations of both Thottankara and Puthamveedu too.

While growing up in Pallassana, we all were thrilled to receive our loving uncle TR NAIR during Vishu-Vela, Kanyar Kali- April 14th -24th-28th ; Significant events to all Pallasanites, small or big, wherever we all are, make a point to visit and surrender ourselves in front of the Lord Kiratha Moorthy. Equally thrilling, he took personal interest with us as an uncle’s undisputed right to give "Vishu Kai Nettam"- a token of Goodwill sharing on the 1st of Medom i.e. April 14th. He was actively involved in Pallassana Vettakkaruman Devasom Kali, activities and always extended helping hand and guidance for the benevolent of the natives there. Nowadays, that kind of uncle-nephew relationships- which we all aspired, admired to have mental, emotional and physical are no longer prevalent or slowly disappearing with the younger generations. He was really an inspirational force and kept up to the rights of an uncle, Desa and Kudumba Snehi too. Among the Kali- he used to enjoy/play- the legendary-master Porattu-"Thottichi" with feminine features, make up etc as a lady/wife and his esteemed friend Velloor Veettil late "Chami Nair" as "Thottiyan"- a 4th day kali main event. Even now my bother Sami (Samy Nair) quite often goes to India and take part in Kanniyar Kali.

Our mother, Rajalakshmi Amma, youngest sister of his (3 brothers and 4 sisters), always used to remind us that her favorite brother- "Chinnappetta" as he was called, always wanted her to become a medical doctor and he tried to motivate her -during "Seva Sadhanam" days in Madras. Even their wedding-an exchange-double marriage of brother-sister- marrying from other brother sister- between Thottankara & Puthamveedu- shows how brotherly-sisterly feelings prevailed even during that time. Not only that, these two families brought out nine children- 6 sons-3 daughters and 5 sisters and 4 brothers too, and with god willing-they saw-witnessed- among their children at least- one each becoming their dream of medical graduate from each family - female (Sundari Chechi) and male (Bhaskerettan) too. 

We used to approach Chinna mama with highly due respect and love and for any matters he will be there to support our cause. Still remember getting ticket reservation on Indian Railways was a nightmare back in late 70s and with his-though retired as the Commercial Superintendent of the Southern Division, just one phone call would make a whole lot of difference. I was fortunate and availed his personal touch to get the dreaded Railway reservation looked so smooth back in May 1978 from Palakkad to Bombay-on my first ever flight trip to Bombay- JFK USA. He was well known among his Railway, IAS and Managing Directors (MDs) of different friends and associates. 

  AS UNCLE ……………….

As Uncle (Valiachan)……..from Surendra Menon, Frankfurt, Germany.

Tue, 26 January, 2010 2:42:05 AM

My Dear Santhan,

Its been a long time.  I've been following some of the email traffic and I also think your project is a grand idea too and wish you all success in accomplishing it with plenty of input from all our family and extended members.  May I take this opportunity to make one comment?  You have to of course keep in mind that everything did not revolve around the doings, accomplishments and personality of one person alone.  There is no offense meant to anyone.  I think its a great idea and you are heading in the right direction.

For me:  the whole Puthamveedu Tharvadu became a major event starting from our late beloved Pappamama and Ammai.  Pappamama was a personality in himself and if I recall correctly, we children awed him equally with fear and respect.  He commanded great respect.  Sankarmama, Valiachan (TR), Madhavmama and Kittamama along with my Dad (UR) played a big role in my life too.  Of course, it goes without saying we can't ignore the roles and tremendous sacrifice made by our beloved "great aunts".  They each had their own character and strong points and were a big influence on all of us.  

My remembrance of Valiachan (TR) was a short, extremely energetic man with a very sharp mind, SHARP tongue, could be loud BUT was very clear and commanded great respect.  He was a very hard working gentleman and had tremendous responsibility besides 'running' the Southern Railway and the family.  He said "Baba" Sports and Games is not going to get you anywhere (since that was my weakness)!!  Study man and achieve something concrete in life!.  Now growing large family, he tolerated no nonsense and set the example of what discipline was.  Anytime and every time when I visited him (during my school vacations) whether in Madras and/or Olavakkot or Palghat, he always wanted me around him. I remember going to his office in Madras once and it was with great pride he introduced me to his bosses and colleagues ‘as my nephew from North India and studying in an Irish Catholic Boarding School'.  Of course he never let me forget at the end of "almost" each introduction why it was very important to study very hard and that I should plan my career. Kittamama and Sankaramama were totally the opposite... to some extent.  Their advice to me was enjoying your childhood but don't sacrifice studies because of that and always love and respect your parents, family members and fellow human beings.  Man O Man ...those were the days when we all Puthamveedu members could get together in Kollengode for any and numerous functions and it was marvelous and the sweet memories are still there even though its gradually fading now.

Once when visiting the great "TR and Valiamma", I was honoured and asked to be the "driver" as I was on leave and visiting them. Valiachan (when he was working in Ambalamedu) I believe bought his first 2nd or 3rd hand car - a Morris or Ambassador (I am not sure any more).  I remember taking Sarasu, YRK Ettan and Valiachan to Mavelikara to visit some relatives.  Boy - was he impressed with the performance of his newly procured toy and the "young N. Indian driver".  After our return, he said to me that from tomorrow "Baba, you teach me how to drive my car!  Make sure you teach me well and I want to hear no excuses!”.

Yes Sir Valiacha! I said and then he gave me his cute sly smile with a spark in his eyes!  When I mentioned it to my Dad, he was not a happy camper at all.  I was asked to cut short my visit to TR and return before I was offered a permanent job!  Dad and Valiachan had strong minds and argued many times and simply addressed one another as "TR or UR".  The following evening after a quick tea we got ready for the first test drive. 

Man what an experience!  Going up and down the street and in the manner the great TR was driving we certainly got a lot of attention  My stomach and guts almost spilled out with all the jerk starts, thumping rides and sudden braking.  We repeated the routine two or three more times and then I said Valiacha I don't think you are cut out to drive!  You can own the car and keep a driver and then drive in style instead of causing all this suffering.  He was not happy at all but quietly did acknowledge it and said "When did you say you wanted to get your ticket confirmed"?  Dad (UR) used to always make fun of Valiacha and said “that man and his Southern Railways”; Never on time and so unreliable and that would set off a trigger and they would continue their arguments. 

All said and done, Valiachan was a noble man and I learnt a lot from him too.  His memories will always be cherished and I sincerely hope we all can keep up the Puthamveedu flame burning and stay united as long as possible.  Once again, Wish you all the best in your project.  Take care and thanks for the opportunity to pen these few lines.

Love to all.

Suren (Baba)- Germany.

As A FRIEND……………..

From Sri K. Sivasankara Nair, Maternal uncle of Mrs. Prasanna Krishnan, (Mrs. Santhanakrishnan):

He recollected his contacts and interactions with Mr. T.R. Nair. Sivamama as he was called was always with his brother-in –law Mr. E.V. Appukuttan Nair who had married his first sister Thangam. Sri Appukuttan Nair was a close friend of Sri TR Nair. On those days in 40s, Sri Appukuttan Nair had a Ford Car one of the very few who owned a car. Sri Sivasankara Nair’s mother’s uncle was one Kunjhi Nair from Kozhikode; he was a Magician and was close to Kollengode Vasudeva Raja. He brought Sri Kunjhi Menon to Kollengode and got him a good house called “Kattayat House” near Ootra – Kollengode Railway station.

Sri Appukuttan Nair was working in Registrar Office at Kodumudi. One Pazhaniappa Mudaliar was close to him. Mr. Mudaliar started one company “India Life and Benefit Insurance Company” and started a few branches. Mr. E.V. Appukuttan Nair was made the manager of this company in Coimbatore. Later, L I C –Life Insurance Company bought this company and Mr. Appukuttan Nair was made the Manger of LIC branch office at Coimbatore. He did a very good business by making many people to join the LIC, and insured their Lives and thus he had a very great circle of friends.

At that time Sri TR Nair was in Pothanur and helped his brother Sri. Sundaram to get in to Railways. He also helped Sri Siva Sankaran Nair to get in to Railways, but he was dissuaded by his own sister Mrs. Appukutan nair. He was a close friend of Sri. Sundaram also. Sri TR Nair worked in Madurai and he had lot of friends. He loved Mango and Mango trees. May be that is why he formed the first Cooperative House Building Society- Chandra Nagar- at Palghat in a mango Grove and planted many kinds of mangos trees in his house “Sivasadan”. While he was in Railways, he gave jobs to many people as Fireman, points man, Gate man, Guard etc ., to a great number of people. Sri Sivasankara Menon (we call him Sivamama & now 87) recollects Sri T. R. Nair’s disciplinary action taken on the driver and the Guard of a train who have failed to put a small board “LV” –meaning the Last Van at the back of the last compartment of all Railway trains, which was very Mandatory practice. Further “Pallesena Road” Railway station was brought by Sri TR Nair as his contribution of help to his native place people. This is similar to the new Railway station “Bharatha Puzha”, next to Ottapalam just before Shoranur came up later, at the behest of our former President Sri K.R.Narayanan who belonged to Ottappalam.

Mr. Parameswaran Pillai and Mr. Balakrishnan Nair were collectors of Palghat at different times and were close to Sri TR Nair. With their help, he formed the Chandra Nagar Colony in 1956 and was opened by the Municipal Chairman Mr. Chandran and named after him. Initially the colony had only 40 houses and the last house No. 40 was Mr. E.V. Appukuttan Nair’s House. Later when the colony expanded very much and the number of houses increased, the plot No. 276 was allotted to Mr. Sivasankaran Nair, who transferred the plot to his younger sister Mrs. Somasundari (w/o of Sri CPN Menon), mother of Mrs. Prasanna Krishnan.

When Sri TR Nair was working at Pollachi, EV Appukutan Nair and Sivasankaran Nair used to drive from Karur to Kollengode and back through Pollachi; they halt at Pollachi, go to Palani and spend a day or two together with Sri TR Nair & f