I stood there nervous, excited with lots of pride. I was receiving the cash award of 101 rupees for coming first in the school in the 10th class board exams. In front of all students of my school. I did not remember face of the sponsor who handed it over to me. I did not remember which all my teachers were present in that function.
Years passed by. I completed my studies and landed up in a job. After acquainting with Surendran, manager in the company I realised that he was also hailing from same part of the world. "Do you remember there is a Soman memorial cash award in your school?, I go there every year to hand over the prize?". While Surendran told me this then only I realised that he was the sponsor of that award, instituted in memory of his brother. I had received the award from him only.
Surendran's tenth death anniversary was a couple of weeks back. The remembrance was published in TOI by a society in which he had held the post of secretary for many years. That photograph brings in his face in my memory once a year. But every time I hear that somebody came first in a school or class, I thank Surendarn quietly. He is the one who had a large heart to institute such an award, priceless for me, first time in my life.
I was going with my father to consult a doctor. He had come down from home town specifically for that. While I was driving suddenly he made a statement " Back home people drive the car keeping both hands on the wheel, here in Bangalore one hand would suffice I suppose !". Then only I realised that my left hand was holding the gear permanently, as a habit. My father would have got a bit scared the way I was driving! He passed away four years back. But, when ever I get a tendency to take my left hand off the wheel, just to rest on the lap/gear or to adjust my hair on my head (!), I am reminded of his words and immediately will bring it back to the wheel.
I remember my friend Sanjiv when ever I have a lunch "Seeth & Thoyu" ( rice and daal in Konkani). This Thoyu will have so many curry leaves. Sanjiv used to eat as many of them from it, he used to say it is good for health. I do eat one or two atleast even now, remembering his words who passed away a few years back.
I remember Varkey uncle, much older than us but used to join us to play volleyball. He died of cancer five years back. He had given me a tip when I had severe cold and my nose was fully blocked. "Take mouthful of water as much you can while having shower, hold it for as much time as you can and then spit it off. It would give you some relief." When ever I get severe cold I remember Varkey uncle and his words.
This one is a bit tragic. Mallya uncle was my god father, in the early days of my life in Bangalore. We both belonged to the GSB community migrated to coastal Kerala from Goa, centuries back, so bonding was strong. He used to take me places around the company where we both used to work. In his "Silver Plus" 50 cc vehicle. He was such a careful rider. After many years, I had moved to another company, I heard from my friends that tragedy. Mallya was returning after some work at MG road and he approached the traffic signal at Trinity circle, in front of Vijaya Bank. The light suddenly turned green to amber. He slowed down, but the State Govt bus behind did not notice this small vehicle. Rammed Mallya uncle from behind. I had gone and seen him, he was in coma at NIMHANs and he did not survive. Though it is tragic, I still remember Mallya uncle whenever I approach a traffic signal. Especially when it turns from green to amber. That is a crucial moment for one to take a decision in a fraction of second to decide to go fast or slow down especially on Bangalore roads. I take extra care in such moments, thanks to Mallya uncle.
I remember people who had influenced me in life by an advice or a few words or some action. I silently thank them even though they are not with me in this world. But, there are other people who had influenced me in similar ways in other occasions - they are very much around me. I take them and their gestures for granted. I do not bother to even thank them. After all I am also an average human being right? I realise the value of somebody only when that person is not around. I have to behave like this way only right? It's sad but true.
Years passed by. I completed my studies and landed up in a job. After acquainting with Surendran, manager in the company I realised that he was also hailing from same part of the world. "Do you remember there is a Soman memorial cash award in your school?, I go there every year to hand over the prize?". While Surendran told me this then only I realised that he was the sponsor of that award, instituted in memory of his brother. I had received the award from him only.
Surendran's tenth death anniversary was a couple of weeks back. The remembrance was published in TOI by a society in which he had held the post of secretary for many years. That photograph brings in his face in my memory once a year. But every time I hear that somebody came first in a school or class, I thank Surendarn quietly. He is the one who had a large heart to institute such an award, priceless for me, first time in my life.
I was going with my father to consult a doctor. He had come down from home town specifically for that. While I was driving suddenly he made a statement " Back home people drive the car keeping both hands on the wheel, here in Bangalore one hand would suffice I suppose !". Then only I realised that my left hand was holding the gear permanently, as a habit. My father would have got a bit scared the way I was driving! He passed away four years back. But, when ever I get a tendency to take my left hand off the wheel, just to rest on the lap/gear or to adjust my hair on my head (!), I am reminded of his words and immediately will bring it back to the wheel.
I remember my friend Sanjiv when ever I have a lunch "Seeth & Thoyu" ( rice and daal in Konkani). This Thoyu will have so many curry leaves. Sanjiv used to eat as many of them from it, he used to say it is good for health. I do eat one or two atleast even now, remembering his words who passed away a few years back.
I remember Varkey uncle, much older than us but used to join us to play volleyball. He died of cancer five years back. He had given me a tip when I had severe cold and my nose was fully blocked. "Take mouthful of water as much you can while having shower, hold it for as much time as you can and then spit it off. It would give you some relief." When ever I get severe cold I remember Varkey uncle and his words.
This one is a bit tragic. Mallya uncle was my god father, in the early days of my life in Bangalore. We both belonged to the GSB community migrated to coastal Kerala from Goa, centuries back, so bonding was strong. He used to take me places around the company where we both used to work. In his "Silver Plus" 50 cc vehicle. He was such a careful rider. After many years, I had moved to another company, I heard from my friends that tragedy. Mallya was returning after some work at MG road and he approached the traffic signal at Trinity circle, in front of Vijaya Bank. The light suddenly turned green to amber. He slowed down, but the State Govt bus behind did not notice this small vehicle. Rammed Mallya uncle from behind. I had gone and seen him, he was in coma at NIMHANs and he did not survive. Though it is tragic, I still remember Mallya uncle whenever I approach a traffic signal. Especially when it turns from green to amber. That is a crucial moment for one to take a decision in a fraction of second to decide to go fast or slow down especially on Bangalore roads. I take extra care in such moments, thanks to Mallya uncle.
I remember people who had influenced me in life by an advice or a few words or some action. I silently thank them even though they are not with me in this world. But, there are other people who had influenced me in similar ways in other occasions - they are very much around me. I take them and their gestures for granted. I do not bother to even thank them. After all I am also an average human being right? I realise the value of somebody only when that person is not around. I have to behave like this way only right? It's sad but true.
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