The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : An opportunity to relive the past

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Monday, Jun 25, 2007
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An opportunity to relive the past

Meera Srinivasan

Old students from Kumbakonam get together to felicitate M.S. Swaminathan

renewing ties: M.S. Swaminathan (third from right) interacts with alumni of educational institutions in Kumbakonam at a function organised in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: “Which part of Kumbakonam are you from?”; “Oh, I’m from Manikodi graamam (village). We moved to Madras later and I was in the first batch that did the Pre University Course (PUC) here.”; “ ;Did you live near Mada theru (street)?”; “Was your family associated with the Narayana Pillai’s?” — For senior persons once students of schools and colleges in villages in and around Kumbakonam, it was an opportunity to reminisce old times, establish lost connections and celebrate.

They got together to felicitate renowned agriculture scientist and M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation chairman M.S. Swaminathan, also from Kumbakonam, on his being nominated as Member of Parliament, at a function held here on Sunday.

Retired IAS official A.M. Swaminathan said he was impressed with Professor Swaminathan’s unfailing courtesy. “A true Gandhian, he leads a very simple lifestyle. He is easily approachable and affable, and never exhibits any tension or stress despite the demanding position he holds,” he said.

Retired IAS official B.S. Raghavan said patriotism and determination were the two distinct qualities of the agriculture scientist. “He has put Madras in the map of the world and this is no easy accomplishment,” he said.

Lauding his ability to get the best out of people working with him, Mr. Raghavan suggested that Professor Swaminathan form “pressure groups” with like-minded people at the Rajya Sabha, to effectively serve the nation.

Noted speaker Thenkachi Swaminathan (formerly with the All India Radio) said this generation did not know of a famine due to the efforts of Professor Swaminathan. “It is heartening that he has been made an MP. While politicians’ decisions are emotion-driven, scientists’ decisions are intellect-driven,” he pointed out.

In his response, professor Swaminathan said the first duty to be carried out in the 60th year of the country’s independence was eradication of hunger. “It is not very difficult. With political will, it can be achieved,” he said, adding that he was very optimistic as several good things were happening. “There is voter awareness, a free and independent media and a lot of judicial activism. We are proud of these and should strengthen these aspects of democracy.”

Re-living old times

“It was a simple life. There was collegiate feeling,” professor Swaminathan told The Hindu in an informal chat. He lost his father when he was barely 11-years-old. The joint family structure served as a mighty support s ystem.

Professor Swaminathan, who did his schooling in the town, recalled waking up to the strains of Shankarabharanam or Kambodi from the neighbouring house. “Every morning, at about 3 a.m., our uncle, who is now 101-years-old, would come and say wake up, wake up! Srinivasan has begun his practice, see!” Srinivasan was none other than legendary vocalist late Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer.

Organisers named their group the ‘Kumbakonam Old Students’ Association’ (KOSA). It was the fourth meeting of the group with about 75 members, who did their schooling or college education in Kumbakonam. They proposed to take up projects to benefit their alma mater town, N. Krishnaswamy, the organising committee member, said.

Indira Parthasarathy, G. Narayaswamy and Vasantha Rajeev are the other organising members.

For details, call: 2483 9309 or 2483 8959.

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