In Memory of Raju

DEVARAJAN (BROTHER)

On the occasion of 1st anniversary:

RAJESH (NEPHEW)

“The Most Logical Man”.

Yes, that’s how I would describe Periyappa, among many other descriptions that certainly would fit him – for example – “The conscience keeper” or “A very straight man” and so on! It is all about my reminiscing of him, for I had shared many an enjoyable conversation and time with him since 90’s when he and Periyamma started spending more time in Haveli than in Delhi. Whenever and whatever I spoke to him about, he listened very carefully and did seem to know what exactly i am gunning at. I thought there was no ambiguity associated with what he talked. His responses were very clear and seldom noticed purposelessness in things he wanted to convey. Per me, Logic and Periyappa, were one and the same. His clarity, be it any subject, was really amazing.

Be it about anything, Periyappa would get the point before anyone. Well, there was an exception. In fact just one incident where Periyappa could not. It was in 1999 and I was watching the India vs Pakistan World Cup round match @ Periyappa flat along with him and Periyamma. India won the match and saw Pakistan out. I was jumping up and down. Periyappa for once could not fathom. After all, during that stage of the tournament, India was almost out of the World Cup and hence no reason for me to jump like that. He was trying to figure out the reason for my delirious state. He realised that only after I said – for me kicking Pakistan out of the tournament means end of World Cup in India’s favour!! The words were “ எனக்கு world cup முடிஞ்சு போச்சு , India won, பாகிஸ்தான் காலி” !! I clearly remember Periyappa saying – oh the world cup is over for you I see… and both he Periyamma were laughing heartily!

It was in summer 1984 when R Devarajan and family landed at Nizamuddin junction. We were arriving from Bombay after spending a week or two with Suda Aunty and Ranganathan Athimber. When we got down from Tamilnadu express Appa was looking out for Periyappa. But he was no where to be seen. Appa wondered for some time and then he called a porter and we came out of the platform into the main area. There we saw Periyappa waiting. Then Periyappa said, “Devu, look at the waiting line for the platform ticket. If I had waited for taking this platform ticket, you Prema and kids would have gone to my house somehow, finished your vacation and would have come back to this same platform. Maybe I would have got my ticket by then”… “therefore I decided to wait here knowing you would anyway come out” ….. I was laughing like anything. Periyappa had a way to explain things like that!!

One of the things I certainly miss now is a talk with him about my latest career move. Apart from my dad, he was the one person who would have been very eager to hear me out and talk with me about it. Those certainly were not general talks at all. As every one knows, he was up to date on many things and the industrial scenario was like a back of his hand. He would immediately discuss with me about the products of the company where I joined or suppose to join, its management and where it would head in future and so on. Could not forget the detailed discussion I had with him when I decided to move to Tata group. He sought of laid me out the prospects and finally said that it would be a good idea, inspite of needing to be out of Chennai.

The other thing about Periyappa was his interest in knowing about the books I read. He himself being an avid reader of so many subjects, he would not hesitate to talk with me about this book or that I had read recently. I remember when he started talking to me about a new book called “every body likes a good draught”. I immediately gave him a copy of that which I bought and he was so happy to read it. In fact I had given him one on Mao Tse Tung. He spoke to me in detail about it. During that conversation, for once, I saw Periyappa sort of disturbed by contents – which was about Mao’s utter lack of empathy when coming to the suffering of others. Probably it was too much for some one as upright as Periyappa. I mentioned this to Sanjay when I met him this week.

I went to see him when he was admitted in the Sundaram Hospital. As we all know he was quite weak then. The hospital of course was tight on visitor timing. There was this attendant with Periyappa who was trying to ask as to how I got inside without a pass. Periyappa, I remember, smiling weakly told to the attendant that being a TVS guy with a uniform I would have simply walked in. He was spot on and was as logical as one in his prime.

His sarcastic wit about many things was really a joy to hear. His description about some political figures and industrialists were hilarious. At the same time he was very considerate and caring. When I took my first job in Hosur, he told me to be very careful about malaria and some other things. In fact he offered to speak to my seniors if in case I was unable to find proper accommodation etc. When I had left my job there and moved elsewhere, he chanced upon to meet the head of the company I had left. Periyappa told me that the gentleman asked as to why the nephew had resigned. He had replied that if you folks would have given some better salary he would have stayed. He was spot on inspite of me not giving him a full account of the reasons for my resignation.

When talking about Periyappa, it would be incomplete for me if Periyamma is left out. For me, they had always been the big father and mother – together! The late 90’s was when I used to drop in on them once in a while to chat with both of them. Could not forget Periyamma’s response when I called her to tell about Sagarika’s birth. She said I was a very lucky person indeed to have both of the kids as daughters and how happy she felt for me and Preetha. Her words continue to be with me.

Meanwhile, Unfortunately, i was unable to see more of Periyappa in his final days. Of course, my father updated me daily about his health and status during our talk. Nevertheless, inspite of the sadness of his departure, what gave me some satisfaction was this opportunity to be with Sanjay (and Prakash) along with Periyappa’s ashes and that too in my car. For many this may sound trivial. Maybe. But for me it was not. I considered this to be my personal send off to him and was happy that it was in my car and of my driving that Sanjay took and finally immersed his remains in the sea.

Thanks to Sanjay, I had this satisfaction of giving this one final ride to Periyappa. Probably that was destined to be my most logical way of saying one final bye to one of the most logical man I ever knew in person.

Anuradha (Sister-in-Law)

Raju Anna is very much like a father figure to the RAMU CLAN. Patti (his Amma) used to say “அவன் பொறக்கச்சே பெரிய மனுஷனாத்தான் பொறந்தான்,” meaning even as a child he had all the great qualities of a matured dignified person. She always used to say how Raju Anna took many responsibilities on his shoulder and never complained about them. When I came to this family in 1983, I was amazed to see how all the family including Thatha and Patti gave respect to his words. He always had kind words for everyone including my maid Renuka and Subha. He was extremely knowledgeable and talked only with facts, as he always had fantastic memory and updated his data base by reading, listening or asking people. One of the most genuine humans, and someone I will be missing in the rest of my life. Pranams to you Raju Anna 🙏🙏🙏

ANNUPAMAA (Niece)

There is nothing but fond memories of this loving mama of mine in me. The only mama who used to visit us nearly everyday (under the pretext of taking a walk) to check on us when we lived in Delhi. The most encouraging mama with such an open mind. The one to fall back on whenever we needed any advice or help. I remember when I won the national youth festival award for best singer, he was full of praise and when i got offered my first gig in a Delhi hotel he asked me to take it up without batting an eyelid. Will sorely miss him, but I know he will always be in my thoughts and memories. Love you loads mama, always will. Thank you for being there for us every time. Thanks for being such a soothing and encouraging presence in our lives.

LAYAA (Grand Niece)

I used to eagerly anticipate Raju thaatha’s visits to Bangalore. He always loved children and knew exactly how to keep them entertained. I remember him sitting on his bed in chaplangal and playing games on his iPad. He taught me how to play Angry Birds and Where’s My Water, games which I enjoy playing even today! He even patiently explained the rules of chess to me and would let me make the moves, even if it cost him his game.
Raju thaatha had a Kindle or the Kindle app on his iPad. He would tell me that he could choose whichever book he wanted to read and it would come flying through the air and land in the Kindle. I was amazed and wondered whether it was some sort of printer. Raju thaatha was truly a magical thaatha and I will always remember him that way!

DEVARAJAN (BROTHER)

Memories of my Anna (audio)

SRIKKANTH (NEPHEW)

He was a light-house to the family. He guided us at many a juncture and he was very happy to see us grow. When Perippa came, we went for cherry picking on a farm near our place. He enjoyed the experience it so much, we got a lot of cherries, we had cherries for a week or more.

We will be definitely missing his iconic tone “என்னபா (ennabaaa) .“ Perippa was a father figure to all of us.  He was always a well wisher.  A guide to me personally.  Last we spoke to him, a month ago, it was a video call. He was actively asking about Sriya’s education, my job Jayashree’s job and other activities including US politics in DC.   We are very glad that we had the opportunity to host him at our place many times.  Every visit of his was memorable, sweet memories Jayashree, Sriya and I cherish dearly.  He lived a great life and he will be a part of us rest of our journey.  

GITA (SISTER-IN-LAW)

Raju Anna 🙏🏼 he was such a great source of love and comfort to the family. Dan looked up to him for everything. We will miss the wisdom and quiet grace of Raju Anna. He is irreplaceable. Both (Raju and Janaki) were like parents to Dan and me. We turned to them always for comfort support and advice. The passing of Raju Anna leaves a big gap which can never be filled. Raju Anna was a pillar of support for us and I will always cherish the time I spent with him …

SUDHA (SISTER)

A fatherly person who was respected very much by all the members of Ramu clan who loved us all is no more. The 12 months of suffering just melted in 12 minutes of fire. Almost all family members present in Chennai were present and Raju was put at peace with all the prayers of dears and nears. Myself, Gopu and Chari will feel the vacuum on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All those who are with Raju on every day on Alexa will miss him.

NIRUPAMA (NIECE)

For many of us, especially me (and amma and anu), this loss is profound. Raju mama (and Janaki mami) were such central figures in our small Delhi world that it is hard to reconcile with the fact that both of them are now gone.

When I think of Raju mama, I remember his bi-weekly (at the very least) visits in Delhi to our place as part of his walks. I remember his endless patience with Tony’s demands to be petted. I remember his always smiling face with a kind and encouraging word for all of us. I suspect he was the first progressive in the family I encountered and Janaki maami was the first feminist in the family I met (even before I knew what these words meant).

The last time I met mama in oct 2021, we chatted about Chari and Vimala Chari from Delhi and his memory was sharp as ever.

The last 2 years have been tough for all who live far away from their loved ones and I know you did the best that you could for mama. He will be missed!

JAYYU (SISTER)

Raju Anna was like a father to us. Raju …I really missed you. …Such a wonderful brother to all of us.

BHAMA (SISTER)

Raju was great for our family. He loved us all and helped us whenever we needed it. We all will miss him.

GEETHA (NIECE)

We lost such a loving personality. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

ANANTH (NEPHEW)

Feeling very sad to hear this news. Periappa’s smile, his kind words and his comments on the goings on in the world will always stay with us.

SRIRAM (NEPHEW)

To me he was this super nice uncle who listened carefully to everything I had to say, laughed at all my silly jokes, and had a wealth of insights to offer on so many things.  I will really miss him. 

VIKRAM (GRAND NEPHEW)

Raju mama was one of the kindest people I knew.

RANGI (SISTER-IN-LAW)

Feeling very sad that I too have lost a very fatherly and kind brother. May his soul rest in peace.

GOPI (BROTHER-IN-LAW)

For the last 50 years, he has been my own source of inspiration, education, and a guiding spirit on Indian culture, religion and philosophy. I will miss him sorely.

VISHAL (FAMILY FRIEND)

He was an amazing man.  I used to love talking to him.  I remember when he came to see us in the Infosys campus once.  There was a grace, a deep humanity, a curiosity and a selfless ness in him that is hard to describe and incredibly rare!  He lives on, in his sons, in us, in our memories. 

RAMAN (BROTHER-IN-LAW)

Extremely saddened to hear the passing away of Rajagopalan. He was a very gentle person and will be missed by all who had known him in his life. May Perumal take care of him in his afterlife. 

JULIE (NIECE)

He was such a sharp and funny uncle and I have many fond memories of our visits together. Anytime I talked with him on the phone, I would ask how he was doing, but he would inevitably update me on how his sons were doing instead, with so much pride.

YOGI (NEPHEW)

He was always a delight to be around and I will definitely miss him.

RAVINDRAN (COLLEAGUE)

Shri R Rajagopalan was a disciplined, dedicated soul endowed in studious work ethic with the TVS Group. My humble prayers for his soul to rest in peace with heavenly solitude.

RAMANUJAM (COLLEAGUE)

I am deeply grieved to learn about Rajagopalan passing away. We had a long association with each other. I am sorry to see him go.

BALAJi (COLLEAGUE)

It is with a deep sense of loss I read about the sad demise of Sri Rajagopalan. I had known him for over 4 decades and the numerous occasions where his advise helped me to sort out issues in Delhi when he was in charge of TVS office.

PAVITHRA (NIECE)

My earliest memory of Raju Perippa was when he came to the airport to drop us off for our first trip to Dubai. I vaguely remember the house and remember Tony, but i do remember there being a weird two way passage with glass and we’d go away around a corner and the visitors would go away around a corner. I remember perippa saying Bye to us.

EMPLOYEES OF VIANAI SYSTEMS, INC.