THAATHA - THE CLAN LEADER

The post independent period saw the rise of entrepreneurs from the city of Erode - and NMR, that's thaatha, was one of them. From a humble dyeing  mill set up in the then distant Pallam, he forayed into the area of Printing and agriculture and became successful, only by dint of his hard work, shrewd acumen and perseverance to make it big. He belongs to the lineage of ancestors who were all founding fathers of a small town called Erode and that stately heritage gave him dignity, a sense of power and authority over the rest of his peers. His golden touch made sure that everything worked well and whatever he touched turned into a goldmine. I've seen thaatha at the pinnacle of his glory, starting his day at the office in the front of the house, meeting a lot of people and then visiting the mill and the factory through the day and coming back home for lunch, siesta and a return to his office, till he came back home late in the evening. 

Today, at the age of 92, though restrained by a few ailments, he still retains that power and grip over the household. He ambulates between the hall, the room and the courtyard in between his loud and passionate supplicatory prayers to Ayyappa, his favourite diety., in the morning and evening. ( Tears come to one's eyes, when one listens to his loud, clarion call of Swamiye Saranam Iyyappa). He remains the focus of the clan, for we all come together to thaatha's house to visit him, spend time with him and to be blessed by him. 

The joy, when he sees his beloved sons and daughters, grand children and great grand children, is visible and I feel, he gains strength from his clan. The love he continues to give his daughters is amazing...he is proud of their growth, shares their sorrows and griefs and takes pleasure in the manner in which they have taken their responsibilities and families as an integral part of their lives. He loves his two sons and though he doesn't always say it out aloud, I sense the quiet feeling of satisfaction and tenderness he has for the two of them. He accepts Ilaveni maami as his eighth daughter and sees in Rajalakshmi athai, an intellectual and spiritual person with whom he shares a bond.

Yes, he is adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They flock around him, because he so palpably reveals his pride that they have all shown great academic successes and that they all hold responsible positions in life. His birthdays are special, for they tell us  that the reason for the clan is there to guide and bless us. He may be impatient at times, but what is character without a few flaws? He more than makes up for it with his smiles and hearty laughter when we are all around. 

I often wonder what he must be going through...restricted  by his body, but an agile and brisk mind reliving his past,  his achievements, his failures, his glories, his present with a large clan, all of whom take pride in belonging to the clan, his success as a father, husband and grandfather. Many roles, but one person. Many years, much achieved.Much gained, some lost. Wealth, name and power now giving way to the wealth of love, the power of being loved and the name of God on his mind...this giant takes his strides , slowly and in a measured manner.

He is the Clan's father figure, loved and loving... and I remember this song I learnt at school :

"Tenderly He watches over you,

Every night, every step of the way". 

This is thaatha power, may it continue to bring us together always.