My good
friend of 45 years and a well wisher is no more. A writer, author, columnist, a Heritage activist
and chronicler of political and cultural history of Madras, passed away this afternoon after fighting a
losing battle with cancer. He was 89. What is remarkable and inspirational is
the fact that until he had the last
ounce of energy, he was working; either editing his favorite fortnightly Madras
Musings which he had founded more than 25 years ago or churning out his weekly
column for The Hindu or working on one or more of his book projects.
I can never forget Muthiah for the role he played in my becoming a
writer/author post my retirement. I had
retired as the CMD of my company Anugrah Madison in 2007 at the age of 65 and had already started penning my memoirs- in
fulfillment of a life long dream of
wanting to write my autobiography. I had completed a couple of chapters when I
happened to attend a meeting of the
Madras Book Club where Mr Muthiah was speaking on the topic
`Biography as History`. He was appealing to the audience consisting of many
retired bureaucrats, business men and professionals to write their memoirs, `not to become famous
authors but to leave behind for
posterity a “social
history”; to provide insights into the
life, happenings, values and mores of a city or a community or a profession at
a certain point of time.` He said that history is not just about kings and
kingdoms but about people. His talk gave my book a focus..
My autobiography titled `Courage My Companion`
was released at a well attended meeting of the Rural Marketing Association of
India held in November,2009. I was
delighted to have Mr.Muthiah receiving
the first copy. The excellent response I got for the book and my style of
writing encouraged me to write essays on a variety of topics. My first article
titled `The Ubiquitous Velaikari` appeared in the Eve`s Touch monthly of which
Mr.Muthiah was the consultant editor. I sent an article to Madras Musings which
was also published by Mr.Muthiah. Not only did he publish my articles but he
would also urge me to go through the corrections he had made while editing
them. He hated the use of too many adjectives
by writers. In the last 10 years, hundreds of my articles on a variety of topics
have appeared in several local dailies
and magazines. I have also published nine
books covering five genres of writing during the same period. I owe a deep debt
of gratitude to Mr.Muthiah for my evolution as a writer/author. Apart from
being my mentor Mr Muthiah had been a genuine well wisher.
Though a very
friendly person he can be brutally frank when he talked to people. He was known
for his rigid stands on issues. While he was fond of sports, he did not care
much for music or dance. Inspite of his disinterest in Carnatic music, on my special request, he attended the first
carnatic music performance of my 11 year old grand daughter Uthara at Tag
Centre in December,2013 and wrote encouraging words about her performance in
his column in the Hindu. His blessings meant a lot to my family.
He visited my home
with his wife Valli to offer condolences when I lost my wife to cancer in
January,2013. I did not realize at that time that Mr.Muthiah himself will become
a widower when he lost Valli, his wife of over 40years,a few months later.- an
irreparable loss in his life. The only time I have seen him break down was when I went to his house to offer my
condolences. I also broke down,because I know what it means to lose a life
partner.
I had got closer to
Mr Muthiah in the last few years.. What impressed me most was his never say die
spirit. Inspite of his ill health for the last few years, he continued to work
hard. He never displayed any self pity nor questioned `Why me?`. He will drag himself to his desk and continue to
work on some assignment or the other. Work for half an hour and rest for one
hour. Incredible man!
Whenever some
negative thoughts enter my mind because of health issues, I think of Mr.Muthiah
and his positivity. I get recharged. He was one of my role models in life. Like
the legion of his friends and students I will also miss him a lot. I am sure,
wherever he is he will continue to guide me to think and act positive in life.
May his soul rest in
Peace!
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