In Memory of Raju

I have some memories of Srinivasachari, my father’s elder brother. He had 4 sons, but all have passed away except for Justice Ranga (alive at the time of narration – he has since passed [SR]). The reason we all moved to Solaiappan Mudali Street / Kesava Permual Sannathi Street in Mylapore was to be close to my periappa. His house was nearby, and the children of the two houses all mingled a lot. He treated all kids from both families as his own children. We were so used to spending time in both houses, that when we were in one house, we called the other house “andaam” – as if both houses were our own. It was from my periappa’s house that I went to school for the very first time on Vijayadashami day, and I was dressed in a special half-shirt, half-drawer and a cap which made me look like a R K Laxman cartoon character. This was considered a very important and auspicious event. Appa even engaged a band and molam player to accompany me as I walked along the street for my first day of school.