My First Super Hero

 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'.