An Award with a difference

 It was an award function not organised by any industry body or a voluntary organization to recognize me.  It was my good friend of 48 years, R.T Chari and Ramu Endowments, a trust he had started in his father`s name years ago.  A Philanthropist whose contribution to Carnatic Music and South India Heritage is phenomenal, Chari has been recognizing and presenting Awards to many achievers over the last several years covering writers, authors, musicians, Heritage champions, artists and many more.

This New Year started with my receiving an award for the `Inspiring Writer of Nana Nani` on 2nd January. Now, I have this award from Chari, which recognizes me as an `Inspiring Senior Citizen for dynamism after retirement`. I accept it with all humility because it comes with Chari`s deep affection for me.

For me, Chari is a role model. He helped me discover the joy of giving and making people happy. I have also found that if people around you are happy, you are happy. Today, I have a policy of making at least one person happy every day.  With little acts, gestures, or using my limited resources. Also because my Bank of Goodwill is always overflowing,  I can help anyone needing any kind of help by connecting them with someone who can provide that help. 80% of the time it works making that person happy! There is nothing like the joy of giving.

I am also happy that  Mrs. Sivasankari, for whom I have great respect and regard, was the chief guest at the function.  Apart from being a celebrity writer,  she is also a great advocate of the need for senior citizens to lead an active life. She has been practicing what she preaches. I consider her also as a Role Model among Senior Citizens. I felt honoured to receive the award from her.

I was also happy to see many well-wishers in the packed audience at Tag Centre where the event was held on Sunday 23^rd February,2025 preceded by a sumptuous breakfast and followed by an interesting video programme on `Kishore Kumar` presented by another good friend S.R.Madhu and put together by  T S . Gopal. It was 70 minutes of excerpts from Kishore Kumar`s famous songs which brought back memories of the olden /golden days of film music to the audience, mostly consisting of senior citizens.

I was particularly happy that three of my friends from Nana Nani were present in the audience.

Thank you, Chari, for the Award and for giving me an opportunity to meet many old friends. Pray God to bestow good health on you so that you continue to make people happy!