So far I have breathed 70 years in the
Earth as on 8th January 2020 .
S.Kasturi
Rangan is now 70 years old. Yes, the span of 70 years was not a smooth one. How
hurdle some it would have been? It is anybody’s guess. After passing through
such lot of obstacles and hurdles ,today I stand before you all my relatives
and friends.
At
this point in my career, it requires to make a presentation about myself and to
recollect some of the old events. Everyone has a fair share of sorrow and
happiness ups and downs in life. Mine is no different or same as the others.
Some life memories are very special. In some ways, they have made me feel
happy, yearn for more and some very frightening and disheartening that I would
not want to even dream of. Nevertheless, everything has made me strong.
Born and Brought Up
I
was born as the first son to my parents Late Sri.N.Srinivasan and Smt.Vedam
Srinivasan in the year 1950 at my maternal grandfather’s house at Ramanathan
Street, T. Nagar. Most of the days, I used to stay at my grandfather’s house,
where my grandparents and my uncle Sri C.S.Rangan, Maami Smt.Bama, their son,
my periamma and her daughters lived jointly as a big family. The house was a
bungalow with six grounds spread in area. My grandfather and a maternal uncle
were jointly running a wholesale Paper merchant business at Bunder Street They
were the prime supporters of our entire family both financially and
morally. During my summer holidays, I used to spend my leisure by
assisting them in their business by doing whatever small tasks I could. My upanayanam
held on 26/8/1962 at Ramanathan street
,T.Nagar .
Joint Family
The
entire family of my mother’s siblings which covered minimum of 25 people used
to gather at Mambalam house for Diwali celebration. Crackers were bought in
bulk orders and shared among all children in the house. Unlike nowadays, as a
custom, all school going children were gifted with two sets of uniforms along
with Diwali dress. I cannot imagine any such big family gathering ever again in
the future. We have reached a stage where we celebrate festivals in whats app
wishes.
Education
I
did my schooling at Saraswathy Vidhayalaya in elementary level, and at Sri
Ramakrishna Mission Boys High School.(Main) in high school level. In both
schools. I was only an average student. I did my PUC at D.G.Vaishnav college
Arumbakkam. I must say that I somehow managed to do B.Com at the New
College, Chennai. I got a seat at D.G.Vaishnav college and New college only by
influence of my Athimber, late Sri.V.R.Sampath.
Schools
and colleges are the place where I spend
the best years of my life. the life that gave me so much to remember, the life
that inked so many memories, so many stories; with happy and sad.
During
my college days, I used to get a rupee a day for pocket money. After paying the
to and fro bus ticket to college, I had enough left for a taking lunch in
Thousand lights café. That’s how far a rupee was valuable for.
On
this day I recollect those memoirs. Everything might have changed over the
years but, the memories the school and college building gave me still remains
intact. I don’t have the love stories in
School and college life. This is how school and college life is!
They are beautiful and profound in its own way.
Service
After
Graduation i got employed in Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd and served
more than 30 years. I served in the different capacities Viz. Liaison officer,
Sales Development officer, Assistant Public Relations Officer , Public
Relations Officer. During my tenure, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies
Corporation Ltd , had nominated me as General Secretary to Tamil Nadu Civil
Supplies Corporation Ltd. Central Sports Council in the year 1995. I have
organized inter Regional Sports meet at Erode .
I
was specially drafted for the work in connection with the 22nd International
film festival 1991 and I have performed my duties creditably.
I
have opted for VRS in the year 2004 ( 4 years before retirement ). I have got
several accolades from the senior I.A.S officers for my excellent service
during their tenure in Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. I have served
with 63 I.A.S officers and Food Ministers directly during my service.
Marriage
Married
my soulmate Ms.Radha in the year 1981.She is a dynamic women who has been my
support throughout the journey of my life. Her excellent culinary skills are
definitely to be mentioned. She always has a thirst to learn new skills. She is
a quick learner and works on computers and mobiles very comfortably
My Sashtiabdhapoorthi
celebration held on 23rd
April 2010 between 12 noon
to 12.30 p.m at SOPNAM Hall , Sir Madhavan Road,
Mahalingapuram(next to Iyappan Temple), Chennai 34 in a grand manner.
I have two children, Daughter Pavithra married
to Prasidh Ramabadran and has grand-son Chi.Ayan, and Son Venkatesh
married to Shravanthy and has grand-son chi.Adithiya. Coming from middle class
family background, It was mostly the time and effort spent on surviving the
battle and giving good education to my children
If I have grown, it is because of the grace of God, and my
faith in my mission. The journey has been long. I don’t see an end to it,
simply because my work is never ending. What I have done is very little.
There is much more to do. I will never miss to say about my
children,in-laws,grand sons,parents of in-laws. Take a look!
Daughter Smt.Pavithra
Prasidh ,Son–in-law Sri.Prasidh
Ramabadran DOM (2/11/2011)
Son
Sri.K.Venkatesh ,Daughter–in-law Smt.Shravanthy
DOM (26/10/2015)
Grandson-Chi.Adithya
Venkatesh DOB (25/8/2016)
Grand Daughter-Baby.Adithi Venkatesh DOB.(21/8/2020)
Grandson-Chi.Ayan
Prasidh DOB.( 9/11/2017)
And Parents
of in-laws- Smt.Mythili Ramabadran.
Smt.Prabha
Sarathy,Sri.K.R.P.Sarathy
Finding the life partner is not very easy, however by the grace of
God,
Life partner well matched for my Daughter and Son. Our family is
like the branches of the tree. We may grow in different directions ,yet root
remains one.
Son-in-law, Sri.Prasidh Ramabadran, Daughter–in-law Smt.Shravanthy are perfect addition to our family.
We attached much with them.
My daughter found her life partner Sri.Prasidh Ramabadran,
my son found a brother in him and I found a second son in him.
Similarly my son found his life partner Smt.Shravanthy, my daughter found a sister in her and
I found a second daughter in her .
Sri.Prasidh Ramabadran and Smt.Shravanthy were not born into our family as a son
and daughter, both become more than a son and daughter for me .
Karma finally set everything in our life right by giving us a good
son-in-law and good Daughter–in-law. Family is a top priority for them.
They focuses their time or attention on the family.
Grand sons / parents of in laws
Grandsons-Chi.Adithya Venkatesh
and Chi.Ayan Prasidh are gifts of God.
When I pick Adithya / Ayan in my hands I forget everything and
feel I am the world’s luckiest person. Adithya and Ayan look very
cute and their actions are even cuter. Spending time with my grandsons is
more important than spending money on grandsons.
.
I am so lucky to have Smt.Mythili
Ramabadran, Smt.Prabha Sarathy, and Sri.K.R.P.Sarathy as good parents of in laws.
My father Sri Srinivasan
and his parents
My father Sri Srinivasan did his school education at
Ramakrishna Mission Boys High School (Main) T Nagar and graduated( B A) from
Madras University through Loyola College. Initially he worked for High Court,
Chennai and then joined Accountant Generals’ Office (A G’s), Chennai. on
4/2/1949 He retired from the services
on31/10/1983 as Selection Grade Auditor.
He was a tall man with wheatish complexion. My father was blessed with a very supportive spouse Mrs.
Vedam and three sons Sri.S.Kasturi Rangan, Sri.S.Raman, Sri.S.Vasu and two
daughters Ms.Vijayalakshmi & Mrs.Vasumathy. My father taught me lessons
after school. He used to read the lessons and all that I used to do was only
listen to his reading. Otherwise, I had never put in great effort to study on my
own.
My father was very calm and soft spoken.He is a good
human being. I bet that there cannot be one soul who was hurt by his words. He
was very liked by all and a preferred company for anyone in the family. He
always cherished reading. He has set a high standard for his values He used to
wear dhothi with white full shirt only. My father expired on 29/4/2008 at the
age of 83.
Sri.N.Srinvasan’s parents lived a long
life. Sri.N.Srinvasan and his brother Sri.Varadarajan’s family supported them
well. In the earlier years, the parents were taken care by Chittapa Varadarajan
family at West Mambalam.. He used to go to West Mambalam house daily and assist
parents in all respects. ., Both my grandparents grew very old and their health
was sinking day by day. After his mother’s demise he took care of his father in
our house.,
My
Mother Smt .Vedam Srinivasan
My mother is now about 88 years is
leading fulfilled life. She definitely requires a special mention. She has
always gone above and beyond to get my sister treated and always hoped that her
daughter would be miraculously recovered. It was her love that kept my sister a
long life. My mother did not do M.B.B.S, but she was my sister’s personal
doctor throughout her life. She was the one who managed to keep her alive for
so long
.
.
Bank
account of my mother Smt.Vedam Srinivasan which is maintaining my me all
along. I deem it my privilege to thank all family members , for their confidence
reposed in me and to operate our mother’s personal A/c.
I
express my gratitude to the almighty for the opportunity to serve to my parents
,till my last breath I will take care of my mother’s health .
Most
lovable sister Ms.Vijayalakshmi by all our family members
My
sister Ms.Vijayalakshmi was a noble soul. She is no more with us now. She
suffered from an undiagnosed health problem since 5 months of birth. She never
walked or talked. She was completely paralyzed. However, she had a big dynamic
family around her to support and shower love to her till her last breath. My
mother and father showed unconditional love to her and taught us how
differently abled people should be loved equally in this world. She was so
blessed that even the daughters-in-law and son-in-law and their families were
very affectionate to her
Financial Sufferings
During
childhood days, pawnshop was the only quick, convenient and confidential way to
borrow money for emergencies. When in need, we used to seek the help of known
persons to do the transaction of pledging silver. During my days, it was my
gold ring which often visited the pawnshop to meet urgent needs.
When
we constructed the first floor in our old house, we borrowed money from the
co-operative bank by pledging our house. Immediately after construction one
Mr.Y.V.Rao film Director had come for rent. He started making the rent payment
quite irregular. At one stage he stopped the rent payment due to failure in his
business. Consequently, the interest money due to the bank also accumulated. At
the extreme state legal action had to be taken by the cooperative bank for
auction. My father somehow managed to solve the problem. But, it wasn’t an easy
task at all. My father has sacrificed a lot for running the family.
My Pet Dog- Roni
The Roni (pet dog) is the only creature on
earth that loves me more than she loves herself. Roni is not my
whole life, but Roni makes my
life whole. Today, German Spitz have become a
very popular choice as family pets and companions thanks to their charming looks
affectionate, and kind nature.
Roni has joined with our family in the middle
of May 2011( aged around one and half years).Since then my/our life has changed
a lot in positive direction and good things are happening. God's gift. We
had 5 Plus good years together and she is the best (dog) friend/family member
.
Well
built - AMOGHA
The family members were interested in converting
into apartments, so that the family members can provide fairly large sized
apartment each one of our family members.Smt.Vedam Srinivasan , Along with family
members of Sri.S.Kasturi Rangan—Smt.K.Radha (11/6/2012)
Sri.S.Raman---Smt.R.Mala
(10-6- 2012 ) Sri.S.Vasu---Smt.V.Nalini (7/6/2012)
Smt.M.Vasumathy—Sri.S.Muralidharan
(26-8-2012) Moved to our new house (indicated within the bracket)
the address is the same , but the keys are new !
In Appreciation of work
done and Well built at AMOGHA by M/s.Chennai R.A.S.Constructions ,
we have Presented an Appreciation Award to Sri.
A.S.George Managing Director , M/s Chennai R.A.S.Constructions.and to Sri.
N.Kanagasabai B.E, Engineer, M/s Chennai R.A.S.Constructions
presented by Dr. A.PanneerSelvam M.D, D.Diab ,President, Choolaimedu Exnora on
30th Dec.2012 No debts and No assets created by me
My
philosophy in life keeps me contented and happy. I am a man of simple needs. I
have had no great aspirations. My balance sheet is perfect. No materialistic
life, hence, no debts and no assets created by me. No commitments and no
unnecessary or unwanted needs.
I take life as it comes.
I never planned a career for myself. I never had any preparation for a career.
I never thought I could be like today. Somehow I did, and I became familiar
among the people particularly Choolaimedu residents. I've no personal
ambitions, I go where my destiny takes me.
My
public life started during my childhood. Once, I attended a public gathering at
Arcot road ( now corporation commercial complex). It was only when I went
nearer to a dias that I realised it was Anna who was addressing the gathering.
I had an opportunity to see and hear his speech.
Shanthi Arts Academy (1968 to 1988 )
A
group of enthusiastic and enlightened youngsters, inspired by the ideals of art
founded the Shanthi Arts Academy (a cultural organization) on 28-9-1968.The main objective of the academy is to promote art.
Got
associated with it as early as 18 years of age (in 1968)
Have
been instrumental in conducting more than 500 Cultural programmes
Zackria
Colony Resident’s Welfare Association (1980-till date)
I
have been a resident of Zackria colony (Choolaimedu) since childhood.
Quite few of the residents of the Zackria colony felt that adequate security
and civic amenities had not been provided. This exigency prompted the conveners
into forming a welfare association in Dec 1980. I was the founder Secretary of the
Welfare Association and forefront in conducting many awareness programmes
organized by Zackria Colony Residents Welfare Association
For
a decade until 1990, I have served actively in the association in different
capacities I had to take a break from my involvement with the association for 9
years until 1999 as I had to work outside Chennai on my official transfer at
Civil Supplies Corporation. After 2006
association activities slowly detrimental due to various reasons. In
these years I used to address the problems individually.
After
a long gap, in the year 2015, I had revived the Zackria Colony Resident’s Welfare Association. Many resident members
volunteered and participated in the
meetings and various activities. Now it is alive and kicking.
At
this juncture, as a Chief Co-ordinator of Zackria Colony Residents Welfare
Association I congratulate the President and Secretary members of the past and
also all those who worked for the welfare of the association, for their yeomen
services, exemplary commitment and utmost dedication all of which has helped
Zackria Colony Residents Welfare Association to grow strong. The volunteers
were the jewels of Zackria Colony. All of us have grown old physically
together, however, our spirit and enthusiasm remain youthful. .I salute their contribution and dedicate the success of all
our accomplishments to them .
Choolaimedu Exnora Innovator’s Club
(2000-till date)
I
entered Exnora, not out of conscious desire, it was by an accident in the year
2000. Choolaimedu Exnora was born with the blessings of former Mayor, Mr.
M.K.Stalin.
I
was nominated as a Secretary to Choolaimedu Exnora Innovator’s Club(CEIC) by
Exnora International in July 2000. Biggest strength of our club is the support
and co-operation of the club members.
During
my schooldays, I had never been on stage, but, today, I stand as the Secretary
of the club for continuous twenty years and I have hosted several public
programmes on stage. It is astonishing to understand what drove me to this
point. I was an average boy at school and college, but something transformed to
an extraordinary performer later.
The
biggest gift I received from Exnora is that I gained hundreds of new friends
among the Choolaimedu residents. In Exnora, every individual is quite unique
and has something special to contribute.
I
have been at the forefront of several Projects organized in Choolaimedu area.
What I have done is very
little. There is much more to do.
Honours
Received
Exnora
International presented “Exnora
Excellence Award “
Chennai
District Exnora presented “Outstanding
Performance Award 2004”
Exnora
club of Anna Nagar presented an Appreciation Award “Excel 2003”
Diabetic
Association of India presented an “Appreciation Award”.
Nungambakkam
Times (Neighbourhood Newspaper)
presented an “Appreciation Award”
Exnora International presented “Seva Ratna Award 2016 “
Exnora International presented “Stellar Community Service Award 2016 “
Express
Exnora Civic forum (A service Partnership Programme of The New Indian
express and Exnora presented civic crusaders award to the
President and Secretary.
Above all our club is very popular among the residents
of Choolaimedu and also among
the officials of Chennai Corporation , Metro Water , Police Department
and EB.
I won’t forget the following
personalities
1)Former
Mayor, Thiru. Ma. Subramanian,
2)Former
Minister Tmt.B.Valarmathi,
3)Dr. M.B.Nirmal ( Founder Exnora International),
4)Thiru.R.Govindaraj, Jt. General Secretary of Exnora
International
5)Dr.A.PanneerSelvam,M.D;D.DIAB,
I am very
much impressed for the Excellent way they have taken
care of the people..I have friends in all parties. My friends have spread all over
the political spectrum, so I have good friends in the DMK,AIADMK, BJP,
Congress, and the other political parties too. They call on me as friend viz
versa I used to call on them.
My Tributes
At this juncture ,I pay tribute to
the following persons who have supported our family particularly in my welfare.
Today I bow my head in homage to the
memory of our late relatives during these 70 years.
Sri
.N.Srinivasan, Ms.S.Vijayalakshmi .
Sri
T.V.Santhana Gopalan Iyengar
Smt Ranganayaki,. Smt Padma Vijayaraghavan;
Smt Rajam Krishnaswamy Sri.T.R.Krishnaswamy.
Smt Kamalam Ramarathinam .Sri.K.R.Ramarathinam
Sri
C.S.Rangan,Smt Bama Rangan.Sri.N.Varadarajan
Sri.T.V.Ramanujam,Smt.Jayam,Smt.Kanthamani,Sri.V.R.Sampath,Sri.N.Varadarajan,
Smt.Kamala
Sri.K.V..Ramanujam,Sri.M.S.Soundara
Rajan
With their blessings ,I hope the
rest of my life span will be smooth and happy..
