Suri thatha was the sweetest grandpa God ever made. He taught us love, contentment and how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In their two room apartment, thatha and patty have entertained scores of people. We learnt from them, that its not about how large your house is..its about how much love there is in it.
His family was his universe. He would beam with pride whenever his children and grandchildren sang and revel in our talent. Even though we were just navaratri singers, the pride in his loving eyes made us feel special indeed. At a family wedding thatha would take over the event management in his calm efficient manner. Quietly, he would take control and make himself indispensibile.
Thatha was an excellent chef and had a refined taste for food too. To simply watch him mix with gusto paruppu podi with saadham and nei was a delight. Tasting an urundai of what he had mixed was like tasting amrit.
I haven't met anyone who plays better carrom than Thatha. He loved teaching serious learners his game. With him around there wouldn't be a dull moment-he had children in awe of him with his repertoire of outrageous tricks and practical jokes.
As a raconteour, he had us spellbound with his delightful stories. The rakshasa in Sundaram's imagination as described by thatha replete with re-recording effects still sends a chill down my spine. How real he made him sound! He was a great teacher too . Methodical and patient, he could drill mensuration into the dullest brain.
Navaratri is always considered a woman's domain. But it was thatha who brought to life all the south indian temples with his thermocol art.
He had a great sense of humour. Lord Muruga, to him was "Chuppini". Even when he knew he was dying, he regaled us with Milka Singh, Ram Singh jokes.
In a world of nuclear families, not many children get to spend time with their grandparents. But we the grandchildren of Suri and Ganga were blessed indeed. Right down to his great grand daughter, Thatha showered his love and nurtured and protected us.
Love you thatha! Wish we had a chance to tell you how much we miss you!
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