LRGK- A HELPFUL SOUL – A tribute

 The news of the sudden demise of L. Rajagopalakrishnan (LRGK- 87), my wife Prabha's elder sister Jaya's husband, brought back memories of my long association with him. I first met him at my wedding in 1972. As Prabha had lost her father when she was only 20 days old, LRGK performed the role of her father at the wedding, while her elder brother Srinivasan conducted the wedding. LRGK was a handsome young man who played an important role at the weddings of my two daughters held in 1994 and 1998. Since I had opted for the labour contract for the catering, someone from the family needed to keep a close watch on the utilisation of the materials by the chief cook. LRGK, a knowledgeable man on the subject took charge of this job. He positioned himself outside the store room where all the groceries and vegetables required for the wedding were stored and kept a close watch on the materials being taken by the cook. Often missing out on important events at the weddings.

LRGK was an ardent devotee of Lord Murugan. As a father less child, LRGK had to struggle against all odds to get his B.Com degree. Like my father, he had no other interests in life except his family and his job in the TVS group as a manager in a department. He was a doting husband and a caring father. As the only surviving maternal uncle for the children of his sisters, he would be the first to arrive at any event in their families to extend whatever help he could. He was extremely popular among all his nephews and nieces.

As his first son was disabled due to a birth injury, he was particular that his second son, Parthasarthy, popular as Keerthy in the family, was well educated. Keerthy was not happy with the BSc degree for which he was admitted to a private college and wanted to get a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.. Though he had already spent a few months in the college, LRGK went to the office of the Vice-Chancellor of SRM College of Engineering to explore the possibilities. He sat outside the office of the Vice Chancellor for two days and did not leave until he secured admission for his son. A man of determination and perseverance indeed! Keerthy did not let him down. After getting his Engineering degree, he went to the USA on a job visa, where he later decided to settle down. He married Sangeetha, a girl chosen by his parents, who proved to be an ideal match for Keerthy. This made for each other couple have two teenage children – son Madhav Ojas (16) and daughter Yahvi (13) excelling in their chosen fields. It is a happy family making their parents proud.

LRGK was lucky that Keerthy, who was visiting India on a short holiday, was with him during his last days and will leave for the USA only after performing all the rituals. My heartfelt condolences to the family, particularly to Jaya, who has been a pillar of strength to LRGK in his life. Despite the many serious health issues that she has, it is commendable how she faces the many ups and downs in her life with tremendous willpower. I pray to God to give her the strength to face the loss of her life partner for 58 years.

May his soul rest in peace!