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The mush register

TWO FOR JOY VSRK Mouly, Vice-Chancellor, Sathyabama Deemed University, with wife Seetha

Mouly

A child will receive a great deal of attention. The aged can't expect such preferential treatment. In this context, togetherness between spouses becomes important, especially when they are advanced in years. We have three daughters and no son, and this meant we had to depend on each other during emergencies. At one time, my health necessitated hospitalisation and prolonged rest. She would go on a bike in the middle of the night to buy medicines for me. She can adapt to any situation and challenges brought out the best in her. She learnt to ride a bike at age 45. While receiving her licence, the RTO said she was the first woman biker in the whole of Anantapur District. At 55, she acquired a master's degree through distance education. Almost single-handedly, she built a house in our native place, even pledging her gold ornaments.

Seetha

Our families were related by blood, and I was reserved for him even before my birth. I was 17 when I married him. However, as was customary at that time, we were allowed to live as man and wife only a year later. Our marriage got off to an auspicious start, because on the wedding day he got his MSc results — he passed with distinction. His family was orthodox and there used to be minor difficulties conforming to their rules of conduct. Invariably, he would speak up for me, telling them I was just a little girl and would require some time to adjust to a new environment. He has always been a doting husband. Once, I lost Rs. 10,000 and was distressed. He told me, `Don't cry for anything that will not cry for you. When money is lost, nothing is lost. But when people are lost, you actually become poorer'.

AS TOLD TO PRINCE FREDERICK

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