Ode to Chennai

If there is any city that has been loved by me after Calcutta, it is Chennai. Modernity blending with the old world natural charm.  Where jeans clad girls also wear the saree and mullapoo with equal grace. Disco style dances coexist peacefully with bharatnatyam. A city where women are respected . Where people are helpful , even the auto drivers who fleece you with their inflated fares.  I have always loved the city for its simplicity, for its old world charm and wonderful human beings.
The Tnagar shopping experiences especially on Sunday evening when you just have to stand there while the crowds will pull you along. 

The weather is unbearable especially in May when it would be humid to the level of infinity. The water would be hard that would play havoc with your hair. 

Yet if you have lived in the city once, you will fall in love with it. 

There is a class about Chennai that you cannot miss. 

May be Chennai is more dear to me because I learned the ropes of independence as I stayed as paying guests. It was the city where I found my love of my life. 

If I have to choose a place to settle, Chennai will always be my second choice, first one being Kolkata 

Rest in Peace Raghamama

This time when I land in Sreekrishnapuram , I will not see the familiar figure standing at the gopuram of Easwaramangalam temple. Hands tied at the back walking or sitting there striking a conversation with all. The temple was his life. Kazhakam was not a job for him, it was his soul and life. Very often he has gone beyond the duties of the kazhakam to get support for the different events of temple.

 My uncle raghavamama, or raghettan to all those who knew him. He was always smiling, contented and happy go lucky. From morning 4 till 11 and in evening 5 till 8 or beyond, he would be around in the temple.

For us nieces and nephews he was the friendly uncle with whom we could joke, play around and talk. He loved kids. He never had any demands or any desires. He was happy with what life had given him.

And may be it is because he was so close to God that he did not suffer although he was diagnosed with cancer in the final stages. Two weeks of illness and today morning he passed d away peaceful with all his siblings and children around him. A blessing because cancer can play havoc. A loving brother to all his siblings and favorite uncle to all and a doting father and caring husband. 

We will all miss you Raghamama you will always be in our hearts

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