So far I have breathed 70 years in the Earth as on 8th January 2020

      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 22^nd 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 23^rd 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.

 Marriage of my Daughter and Son

 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.

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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
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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.

Let me narrate my Social Activities

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..