Glimpses From My Childhood
Narrated by R Rajagopalan from Chennai in the Winter of 2021
Vijay Scout Group
Once again upon Devu’s request, I am telling you about the scout group that we started in Tambaram called Vijay Scout Group. First, why the name Vijay? I wanted to pick a simple name, but not a common one in Madras at that time. I did not want the appearance of any political or religious affiliation. Vijay was a safe…
Keep readingFather Steinkist Medal for Political Philosophy
At Devu’s request, I am telling the story of my winning the Father Steinkist Medal for Political Philosophy at Loyola College. This was an annual medal and certificate that was given to the highest scorer in the university level exam on the subject. I was actually a student economics, not politics or philosophy, but both the subjects were of great…
Keep readingMy Friend Goodlance Cheenu
In addition to the 3 very close friends (LCN Srinivasan, Thambi Srinivasan and Ram Ganesh) I have spoken about previously, I also had several other lesser friends such as Crack Nagarajan, Goodlance Cheenu, P. Srinivasan, V. Krishnamoorthy and T.G. Narayanaswamy. Of these, Goodlance Cheenu was from an unusual background and was different than most. His father had been a senior…
Keep readingOn Shlokas and Scouting
As an intermediate student, I was the leader in the recitation of Vedantadesikar shlokas. I was part of a class of young kids who met regularly to learn shloka recitation. Perhaps Devu would also have come with me to this class, I know that Ambu refused to go. It was taught by one Mr. Parthasarathy, who was the son-in-law of…
Keep readingProf. Mohammad Ismail
I had previously mentioned that many wealthy Muslim traders in Koothanallur town would often support the celebration of Hindu festivals and restoration of temples with generous donations. I am reminded also of another example of syncretism from my college days – a part-time professor of commerce at the Vivekananda College, by the name of Mohammad Ismail. I did not take…
Keep readingA Failed Business Venture – A Lesson Learnt
I had 3 friends whom I can consider close and intimate during my youth and teen years. I think some may know them or have heard of them. First was LCN Srinivasan, second Thambi Srinivasan, and third Ram Ganesh. All of them have since passed away – they all died somewhat early, in their 60s and 70s. LCN Srinivasan was…
Keep readingA Close Call
Another tidbit about the drama business during Kombur days. The drama would sometimes take place in the school building courtyard, which was covered with a thatched roof with wooden cross-beams. One day, someone had the bright idea to hang a petromax lamp from one of the beams in order to light up the stage. As you might expect, the lamp…
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In Memory of Raju 