Who was your first superhero? Take a few mins – neither spiderman nor superman or any other. For each one of us, it is their dad. For me even now, I consider my dad as a hero and compare him with Rajini in Kabali, which my hubby will not agree with.😉
Looking back a few decades, my dad Vivekanandan (VV) named
after the great Indian monk, although born in a big family with 3 brothers and
2 sisters, lost his father when he was just 2 years old. He was fostered by his maternal uncle and
aunt. As they did not have a child, he was the world for them. Yes, he repaid
that, by taking care of them till their end.
He was very studious when compared to his siblings, not
sure whether it was his uncle’s (Muthu Thatha) influence. He graduated in
Mathematics and Law. Although he did
not practice law, he always talks or contends like an attorney only. Since 1964
worked and retired from the public sector bank SBI.
He is very passionate about photography - I would say
passion is a less intense word when I see the fire in him regarding
Photography. With his first income he got a camera and his interest in this
field got so aggressive, he had set up a dark room where he would develop the
negative and positive at home itself - old photography techniques, pre-digital
world. Although now he is in his late 70’s, he hoards equipment that can set up
at least 2 to 3 photo studios. With his extreme knowledge in this field, he
shares and enlightens young amateur / professional photographers in various
workshops. For these workshops, he travels across the country too. Probably
through this, he made many young photographers build their careers. He hardly
stays at home. Only this pandemic is tying him to stay home. He is always seen
with his digital camera clicking away pictures and uploading them on various
internet sites. He also participates in
online competitions. He is very tech-savvy.
Yes, his first wife was not my mom Shyamala but
photography. He got married at 25 while
working at the bank and studying law at an evening college. He was so fortunate
that he had his in-laws attend his graduation ceremony when he completed
studying law.
My childhood memory about my appa - Since he was a
handsome young man, the neighbors called him “Kamal Hassan”. He was also a very happy-go-lucky guy.
Although he had a 9 to 5 job, he mostly returned home late after 9 pm since he
attended meetings in various photographic associations. After the meetings, he
would come home with late-night snacks which I would always enjoy. For example,
Jack fruit, varieties of bananas, deep-fried Indian snacks from ‘Iyer Kadai’ or
some freshly baked biscuits from the bakery ‘Bhai Kadai’. He rarely stays home on weekends. Even on
weekends, he was busy going out early in the morning to take a picture of the
sun rising, with his friends or fellow photographers. Sometimes on the weekend
afternoons, he will set up a record player with a couple of loudspeakers, and
we will enjoy the loud music – by bands like Osibisa / Bonny M. Also, he helped with the school projects,
which my teachers give only to me, as he would draw like an artist.
Appa is a walking encyclopedia, who can talk about
anything. He has a long-sighted vision always.
Truly based on his advice only, I blindly selected ‘Computer
programming’ and graduated which I am ever so grateful for. He had visited us thrice here in the US. Because of the
technology we have, I enjoy talking to him almost every day which has brought
us closer.
Appa is a big foodie.
He knows most of the restaurants in and around the city – What is best
in each one of them. When he visited us
here in the US, he would give me some tips and tricks which enhance the flavors
and at the same time be prudent too. Also, homemade food when he mixes with his
hands - no one can get that proportion, yummy!
He is the Jibba man. Being a south Indian, brought in the
culture of wearing Jibba (North Indian dress) in our circle. Spend his time
with his grandsons and granddaughter now in Chennai.
Wishing him Happy Father’s day Appa!
He starts and ends the conversation like a pastor, hence
ending this with a 'God Bless You'.
