An ode to my Thatha

In tamil thatha means grandfather. I have known only my maternal grandfather. My paternal grandfather passed away before I was born. Off late, I have been missing my thatha a lot. He left us 2 years ago, but actually left us when I was 13. I will always regret not been given the chance to spend more time with him.

My thatha was my hero. He had traveled extensively and will have a quirky tale to tell about all his travels. Even now, he has been to more countries than any of us. He was a real champ. Thatha was the most handsome man i have known till date and was a huge influence in my life, when i think in retrospect. He introduced me to the things i enjoy the most now. He taught me how to swim, play tennis, the technical nuances of cricket. He introduced me to Sherlock Holmes at a very tender age, eventually transforming me into a reading addict. He taught me how to enjoy the good ol' English breakfast, French Toast and the glass of orange juice for breakfast. He was a man born ahead of his times. Even at that age, he used to enjoy an occasional drink although coming from a strict tamil brahmin setup. He gave all of us an environment and culture that i don't think any of us would have been able to visualize. An educator by spirit, he financed and founded a primary school in his village to prvent children form walking 5kms to obtain education. He ensured the quality of education by involving members of the family as teachers and the management. The school remains as an epitome of his vision.

I think if he had been around at the time of deciding my career or my education path, it would've helped me in a lot of ways. I miss having his perspective on things. I guess in short, I miss him. But as humans you learn to deal with loss and move on. His loss was sudden and unnatural. Physical presence and metal absence can sometimes be more painful than physical absence. It always pained me and still does when I remember what he went through. Ten years is not a short time. But even when he departed, he managed to teach us lessons in life - compassion, determination and unconditional love.

I will always miss u thatha. I hope to get to know u better one day. love u.