by S.V. Narayanan
Professor S.K. Rangarajan. Hundreds of his students considered him as their remarkable teacher, their ideal "Guru." Several of his colleagues found in him a great friend, always ready to help either to solve difficult mathematical equations or to overcome some inconvenient professional problem. But persons like me, who by the good fortune of a family relationship had interactions with him for over 50 years, considered him as our mentor, a man who shaped our lives. But for him, I know, I would not have learned the basic tenets of life.
When I had my first contact with him, he was just 21 and I was 18. Event at that young age, Rangarajan, as many used to say, had a 'grey' head on 'green' shoulders. He was sure of his fundamental principles. He knew by instinct, what was right and what was wrong. That way he was able to guide the youngsters who had the good luck to be near him. He was never loud or abrasive. He never thrust his views forcefully on others. But his persuasive tone and his own exemplary way of living had a great impact on youngsters.
It was way back in 1956 or 1957, under his influence, I was reading Gandhiji's "My Experiments With Truth." That book affected me so much that I blindly tried to follow some of Gandhiji's practices, especially the food habits. I was trying to avoid sweets, cut on quantum of food, skip snacks, and what not. I became, as I realised later, somewhat abnormal, with a sort of superiority complex enveloping me. Rangarajan noticed this change and spoke to me. What he said then is still fresh in my memory. "Look! I can understand the impact Gandhiji's book had on you. But remember, everybody cannot be a Gandhiji. Without Gandhiji's noble temperament and absolute sincerity, merely copying his actions can lead you nowhere. Gandhiji's experiments were based on Truth, Love, Ahimsa, Simplicity and Straightforwardness. Imitating his actions without cultivating that strong base, you are just deceiving yourself." When i reflect on that timely advice of Rangarajan, a man just 22 or 23 then, I could not but admire even now the greatness of mind he showed at that young age.
Many may not know that Rangarajan started his career, first as a tutor in Madras Christian College, Tambaram, and later moved on to a clerical post in a Central Government office. He disliked the routine work of a government clerk and decided to shift to a job of his liking. He willingly went for a Lecturer's job at Alagappa College, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. The salary there was considerably less than what what he was drawing as a government servant. It was a bold decision, because some of us criticised him for choosing a job at a lower salary, and away from Madras city. But, he was firm and that crucial decision was a turning point in his life. He never looked back. I was with him for over a month at Karaikudi during that period. I saw how he enjoyed mixing with students. Math is a bitter pill to many. But his students had no particular difficulty because of the gusto with which he taught them.
It was at Karaikudi that he met Professor K.S.G. Doss, the then head of the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, CECRI. Rangarajan and Doss had a fruitful collaboration that resulted in a lot of creative scientific output. From then on, Rangarajan moved up the ladder, became an important scientific officer in CECRI, and subsequently moved on to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore as a Professor. At a later date, he was chosen by Appointments Committee of the Central Government to take charge of CECRI, as its Director. We have seen many people, including scientists, who lose their poise and become hot-headed, once they taste success in life. But Rangarajan was an exception. He was what he was throughout, the same simple, honest and unassuming person. Though he was the chief of a big institution, he was easily accessible to all, particularly to his students and friends. His peers admired him for his talents and ability. But his friends and disciples simply loved him. He was such a lovable character.
Many of us, perhaps, may not know that Rangarajan had a good ear for music. He had a very good voice too. He used to sing Sai bhajans. On the occasion of his marriage we made him sing and he gave a nice rendering of a Bhajan. His love for music continued through his life. When he visited our house, he made it a point to sit with my children for some time. My children were then learning some lessons on the instrument Veena. Despite his engagements, he would cajole them to play on the instrument and would listen with real enjoyment. He loved children and children also found in him a very dear uncle. He would talk freely with them and would willingly play a game of cricket or carroms with them.
Rangarajan firmly believed that if at all he had achieve anything in life, it was all due to God's grace and his father's blessings. He loved and respected his father immensely. His father, Sir Krishnamachari, was great in his own way. In the prim of his life, he lost his wife and was shouldered with the responsibility of bringing up a family of three sons and two daughters. Though remarriage was common in those days, he was not for it, and took it as his bounden duty to look after his children. Rangarajan, as the eldest son, took up the responsibilities from his father when he came of age. His love for his brothers and sisters was legendary. Till his end he was so much to attached to them that he made it a point to visit them every now and then and extend whatever help he can to them.
Rangarajan had a very smooth family life, mainly because of my sister Santha. Rangarajan and Santha were so devoted to each other that in their 52 years of married life I have never seen them even have any harsh exchange of words. My sister Santha stood like a rock behind him during all his trials and tribulations. Because of his marital bliss, Rangarajan was able to pay full attention to his scientific work.
Rangarajan drew his strength form another source too. Seeped in Vaishnavite philosophy, he considered it as a great blessing to visit temples in Srirangam, Tirupathi or Guruvayoor. He was specially drawn to Guruvayoor, perhaps due to the influence of his father who used to recite 'Narayaneeyam' daily during his lifetime.
Daily Aradhana was a must for Rangarajan and he loved reciting pasurams from 'Nalayira Divya Prabhandam.' When I visited his house at Bangalore last year, he made me recite pasurams from Thiruvoimozhi. As I was reciting, he got emotional and tears swelled in his eyes.
I saw Rangarajan in March this year (2008) at Madras. He had come to attend the funeral of my eldest brother S.V. Jagannathan. Though he was not well he insisted on coming all the way from Bangalore to Chennai to pay his last respects to my brother. He had a special regard for Jagannathan. Because it was he who successfully forwarded the marriage of our sister with Rangarajan.
Rangarajan is no more with us in the sense that we may not see him physically again. But when I read Divya Prabhandam pasurams, I feel that he is there in front of me keenly listening. When I hear the Gita lectures of Velukkudi Krishnan on TV, I feel his presence near me and remember the suggestion he made some time ago to spend a month or two at Alwar Thiruangari and have the benefit of hearing Thiruvoimozhi lectures by respected Shri Bhoovarahacharya Swami. When I play on my Veena in my own slipshod way, I seem to hear his soothing advice: "Practice more, Narayanan. Age is no bar for that."
Old people live in memories. A septuagenarian like me is no exception to it. The memories of Rangarajan continue to inspire me to do my bit in this world. We have heard of Philosopher Statesmen. Rarely we come across sage-scientists. Rangarajan was a unique combination. He was a sage by temperament and a scientist by choice.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Indian Institute of Science Remembers SKR
from Dr. K.L. Sebastian, IISc
I was lucky to have known SKR closely for a long time. I did not have the fortune to be a doctoral student of his, as I was already into the third year of my research when he joined the IPC dept. But I was associated with him as a postdoc. The interaction that I had with him has changed the course of my life. He was a genius. As my close friend Jyothi Basu used to say: the others that we meet, we can easily understand them and reach their levels of attainment (if we try), but with SKR that was impossible. He was in a class by himself. A true Genius and a marvelous person. We were privileged to have known him.
Please visit http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/Profskr-in-memory.htm, where Dr. Sebastian has written in memory of SKR for the Indian Institute of Science.
I was lucky to have known SKR closely for a long time. I did not have the fortune to be a doctoral student of his, as I was already into the third year of my research when he joined the IPC dept. But I was associated with him as a postdoc. The interaction that I had with him has changed the course of my life. He was a genius. As my close friend Jyothi Basu used to say: the others that we meet, we can easily understand them and reach their levels of attainment (if we try), but with SKR that was impossible. He was in a class by himself. A true Genius and a marvelous person. We were privileged to have known him.
Please visit http://www.iisc.ernet.in/news/Profskr-in-memory.htm, where Dr. Sebastian has written in memory of SKR for the Indian Institute of Science.
Stories from Ramayana
The following rare stories from the Ramayana were re-written by SKR (in his own style and language) for his granddaughter Vyju.
The Fate of the Trapped Pigeon
Once upon a time, a hunter trapped a female pigeon in his net and was happily taking it home. A sudden thunder and heavy rains disturbed his plans and everything turned dark and chilly. He ran looking for a shelter and found at last a huge banyan tree to take shelter. On the branches of the tree was a male pigeon-the spouse of the pigeon caught by the man and kept imprisoned in the net! Ironically, the hunter had come to the abode of his prisoner, unknowingly.
The pigeon in the net realised this at once and lovingly called her mate and told her of her fate. The male perched in the branches asked his wife; 'what shall I do, now?' The bird in the net said; 'My beloved one, don’t worry about me. Such a fate befalls us sooner or later. But, we've now a wonderful opportunity to abide by Dharma and help our guest! After all the man has come to our house in troubled state. He is shivering and hungry. It is our duty, as hosts, to make him feel comfortable and happy. Please do what should be done and this act will please Gods and our salvation is assured!'
Hearing this entreaty from his beloved, even in the pitiable state she was in, the free pigeon on the branch was determined to do what was right and proper under those circumstances, reminded by DHARMA. He flew all over and collected shrubs and sticks and managed to lit a fire to make the hunter feel warm. He then thought of a way to feed him and found no easy or better way than sacrificing himself by falling on the fire! It is said that the pigeons, by this act of kindness, hospitality and sacrifice pleased Gods and reached a State not easy for the most wise and learned of men!
The above story was narrated by Rama to Sugriva and his ministers who advised Him not to provide refuge to Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, when Vibhishana left Sri Lanka and his brother and surrendered to Rama. Rama argued that the pigeons have not had the advantages of humans in learning about Dharma, knowing thereby what is good and proper and what is bad and improper. The birds realised that one should not reject those who had come and sought or need help. Rama queried how such learned ministers (except Hanuman) as Sugriva himself could not know what the birds did! This occurs in Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda (chapter on war with Ravana).
The second story similar in content is also poignant and is narrated by Divine Mother Sita herself to none other than Hanuman! The context was also similar. After the slaying of Ravana, Hanuman meets Sita and seeks her permission to kill the Rakshasis in the Asoka Vana who hurt and abused Sita earlier. For this, Sita chides Hanuman strongly and asks him to show those who have not hurt others in some way or other! The Compassion of our Divine Mother is Incomparable and our very existence is due to Her Mercy only! Now, the story;
The Tiger, Bear and Hunter
A hunter during his rounds in the forest accosted unfortunately a ferocious tiger, who is not known for kindness or nonviolence! Obviously, the tiger badly needed its dinner and was determined to make a mince-meat of the hunter. The man ran in fright, and the only thought he had then was to somehow survive! He ran and ran, almost falling dead by fatigue. As luck (for him) would have it, he found a huge tree and started climbing. The tiger was not to be left behind and the hunter barely managed to climb finding a big branch as refuge. The tiger, no doubt ,was very disappointed in missing its prey by a hair's breath-so to say! It persisted and did not leave the tree. Watchful, hungry and angry, it came round and round the tree-fretting, fuming and cursing. It threatened the man, vowing to get him the moment he came down. The hunter ,exhausted that he was, clung to the branches . Soon, he heard a kind(but gruff) voice imploring him to rest without fear. There it was, a big Bear seated comfortably on the branch. He was scared to his bones but the bear assured him that he was its guest and have no fear! Very soon, the hunter was sound asleep on the fur-body of his bear-host! The tiger, waiting on the ground, seized this as its moment of triumph and pleaded with the bear: ''My dear friend, don’t you realise that we are both animals. The human being is our common enemy and hunts us relentlessly. It's but fair that we join together and get rid of this menace! All that you need to do is to push him down. I'll take care of the rest. He's my dinner, you are my friend and, in future too, you need not fear from me! Please understand, be wise and give the sleeping man to me!''
But the bear said: “My dear friend, you are wrong. It's not Dharma to refuse a life who had sought refuge in you, Whoever he might be. Even an enemy cannot be abandoned if he surrenders to you. I cannot oblige you. It's best you leave us in peace and search for some other prey! The tiger was angry and muttered ''You fool, you fool'' but continued its vigil on the ground.
Time passed and the man woke up rested and free from fear that gripped him earlier. The bear was tired too and started to sleep while the man kept awake. The tiger, persistent in its attempts to get the better of the two, found now a new opportunity. It called the man and implored: “My dear friend, I'm no enemy of yours nor a friend of bear. All I need is my dinner. If you provide me that, I shall go home and you are free too.” The man was surprised and asked how he can help tiger! The clever tiger said:
''All you need to do is to give a slight nudge to the sleeping bear. I shall have him for my dinner. After all, he is your enemy too, in a bad mood! Better protect yourself and push him down. The ungrateful hunter indeed did so in a selfish manner but the alert bear caught another branch and perched itself safely from the tiger! The tiger -true to the adage ''Never say die'' -now turned to the bear and pleaded again; Did I not warn how ungrateful human beings are? At least now, listen to me, teach the man a lesson by pushing him down!''
The bear refused, saying that you don’t do things that are wrong, just because others do such things. You stick to what you know as Dharma, come what may! Thus admonished and tired of waiting, the tiger at last had to leave without his prey! Thus a man was saved by a bear who stood by Dharma.
The Fate of the Trapped Pigeon
Once upon a time, a hunter trapped a female pigeon in his net and was happily taking it home. A sudden thunder and heavy rains disturbed his plans and everything turned dark and chilly. He ran looking for a shelter and found at last a huge banyan tree to take shelter. On the branches of the tree was a male pigeon-the spouse of the pigeon caught by the man and kept imprisoned in the net! Ironically, the hunter had come to the abode of his prisoner, unknowingly.
The pigeon in the net realised this at once and lovingly called her mate and told her of her fate. The male perched in the branches asked his wife; 'what shall I do, now?' The bird in the net said; 'My beloved one, don’t worry about me. Such a fate befalls us sooner or later. But, we've now a wonderful opportunity to abide by Dharma and help our guest! After all the man has come to our house in troubled state. He is shivering and hungry. It is our duty, as hosts, to make him feel comfortable and happy. Please do what should be done and this act will please Gods and our salvation is assured!'
Hearing this entreaty from his beloved, even in the pitiable state she was in, the free pigeon on the branch was determined to do what was right and proper under those circumstances, reminded by DHARMA. He flew all over and collected shrubs and sticks and managed to lit a fire to make the hunter feel warm. He then thought of a way to feed him and found no easy or better way than sacrificing himself by falling on the fire! It is said that the pigeons, by this act of kindness, hospitality and sacrifice pleased Gods and reached a State not easy for the most wise and learned of men!
The above story was narrated by Rama to Sugriva and his ministers who advised Him not to provide refuge to Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, when Vibhishana left Sri Lanka and his brother and surrendered to Rama. Rama argued that the pigeons have not had the advantages of humans in learning about Dharma, knowing thereby what is good and proper and what is bad and improper. The birds realised that one should not reject those who had come and sought or need help. Rama queried how such learned ministers (except Hanuman) as Sugriva himself could not know what the birds did! This occurs in Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda (chapter on war with Ravana).
The second story similar in content is also poignant and is narrated by Divine Mother Sita herself to none other than Hanuman! The context was also similar. After the slaying of Ravana, Hanuman meets Sita and seeks her permission to kill the Rakshasis in the Asoka Vana who hurt and abused Sita earlier. For this, Sita chides Hanuman strongly and asks him to show those who have not hurt others in some way or other! The Compassion of our Divine Mother is Incomparable and our very existence is due to Her Mercy only! Now, the story;
The Tiger, Bear and Hunter
A hunter during his rounds in the forest accosted unfortunately a ferocious tiger, who is not known for kindness or nonviolence! Obviously, the tiger badly needed its dinner and was determined to make a mince-meat of the hunter. The man ran in fright, and the only thought he had then was to somehow survive! He ran and ran, almost falling dead by fatigue. As luck (for him) would have it, he found a huge tree and started climbing. The tiger was not to be left behind and the hunter barely managed to climb finding a big branch as refuge. The tiger, no doubt ,was very disappointed in missing its prey by a hair's breath-so to say! It persisted and did not leave the tree. Watchful, hungry and angry, it came round and round the tree-fretting, fuming and cursing. It threatened the man, vowing to get him the moment he came down. The hunter ,exhausted that he was, clung to the branches . Soon, he heard a kind(but gruff) voice imploring him to rest without fear. There it was, a big Bear seated comfortably on the branch. He was scared to his bones but the bear assured him that he was its guest and have no fear! Very soon, the hunter was sound asleep on the fur-body of his bear-host! The tiger, waiting on the ground, seized this as its moment of triumph and pleaded with the bear: ''My dear friend, don’t you realise that we are both animals. The human being is our common enemy and hunts us relentlessly. It's but fair that we join together and get rid of this menace! All that you need to do is to push him down. I'll take care of the rest. He's my dinner, you are my friend and, in future too, you need not fear from me! Please understand, be wise and give the sleeping man to me!''
But the bear said: “My dear friend, you are wrong. It's not Dharma to refuse a life who had sought refuge in you, Whoever he might be. Even an enemy cannot be abandoned if he surrenders to you. I cannot oblige you. It's best you leave us in peace and search for some other prey! The tiger was angry and muttered ''You fool, you fool'' but continued its vigil on the ground.
Time passed and the man woke up rested and free from fear that gripped him earlier. The bear was tired too and started to sleep while the man kept awake. The tiger, persistent in its attempts to get the better of the two, found now a new opportunity. It called the man and implored: “My dear friend, I'm no enemy of yours nor a friend of bear. All I need is my dinner. If you provide me that, I shall go home and you are free too.” The man was surprised and asked how he can help tiger! The clever tiger said:
''All you need to do is to give a slight nudge to the sleeping bear. I shall have him for my dinner. After all, he is your enemy too, in a bad mood! Better protect yourself and push him down. The ungrateful hunter indeed did so in a selfish manner but the alert bear caught another branch and perched itself safely from the tiger! The tiger -true to the adage ''Never say die'' -now turned to the bear and pleaded again; Did I not warn how ungrateful human beings are? At least now, listen to me, teach the man a lesson by pushing him down!''
The bear refused, saying that you don’t do things that are wrong, just because others do such things. You stick to what you know as Dharma, come what may! Thus admonished and tired of waiting, the tiger at last had to leave without his prey! Thus a man was saved by a bear who stood by Dharma.
Memories
SKR in Alaska, 2007
SKR with granddaughters Vyju, Mayuka and Atmika, celebratinghis 73rd birthday in New Jersey
by Vyju Mukundan
I am Vyju Mukundan, one of SKR's granddaughters. SKR was the best thatha ever. He was talanted, modest, kind hearted, and a great teacher. He always used to give good advice and tell remarkable stories that always had a good meaning. He was an extremly smart man and always had some quotes to say. He was outgoing and had a likeable personality. I always remember and treasure every moment I have spent with him. I will never forget the good times and the laughs we have had. I was very close to him. He was an amazing thatha and my very best friend. I miss him terribly and will continue to remember every moment we have spent. He will always be in my heart.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
On Youthhood and Life
The following is an excerpt from an e-mail written from SKR to his grandson, Sudu.
“…reward and recognition are not easy to come by and one has to focus, persevere and energise oneself constructively....This is your age to train yourself in these and find out, prove to YOURSELF what stuff you are made of, what you can do with
yourself...Confusing?
The human being distinguishes itself biologically from the rest by a well- evolved brain function and it's in this direction one has to excel too, by making the maximum use of this endowed trait! Languages, literature, mathematics, music, rational, scientific thinking –don’t view these as school curricula but as human achievements and destiny...Go after them, master them, excel in them, enjoy them...these are high forms of enjoyment which you should assiduously cultivate –by conserving your energy in the right directions.....
I always believe that Life is for enjoyment, Life is for finding out what is enjoyment, Life is for bringing enjoyment to yourself and others, Life is too precious to fritter it away on frivolous goals or bring misery to oneself and others!
Life is at once a personal affair and a collective affair and one needs to do a balancing act...is both Giving and Taking....is a string of frustrations and ecstasy... is a sequence of sounds and silence.. All at the same time!
As an older (not aged) person, I can extol the virtues of youthhood and praise its Glory....you may not be able to save youthhood forever but, acting properly then, you may not miss it!”
“…reward and recognition are not easy to come by and one has to focus, persevere and energise oneself constructively....This is your age to train yourself in these and find out, prove to YOURSELF what stuff you are made of, what you can do with
yourself...Confusing?
The human being distinguishes itself biologically from the rest by a well- evolved brain function and it's in this direction one has to excel too, by making the maximum use of this endowed trait! Languages, literature, mathematics, music, rational, scientific thinking –don’t view these as school curricula but as human achievements and destiny...Go after them, master them, excel in them, enjoy them...these are high forms of enjoyment which you should assiduously cultivate –by conserving your energy in the right directions.....
I always believe that Life is for enjoyment, Life is for finding out what is enjoyment, Life is for bringing enjoyment to yourself and others, Life is too precious to fritter it away on frivolous goals or bring misery to oneself and others!
Life is at once a personal affair and a collective affair and one needs to do a balancing act...is both Giving and Taking....is a string of frustrations and ecstasy... is a sequence of sounds and silence.. All at the same time!
As an older (not aged) person, I can extol the virtues of youthhood and praise its Glory....you may not be able to save youthhood forever but, acting properly then, you may not miss it!”
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Genius As Our Root
by Mayuka Sarukkai
Like the roots of a great banyan tree
Thatha rooted our ancestry
In a ground of math and science
To bear fruits of discovery
There are so many more questions I could have asked
So many more stories I could hear
So many more moments of comfort
I could feel when he was near
He might not be here to teach me math
But he has started to pave a path
We’ll continue our life journey from the start
With dear Thatha always in our heart
I shall always treasure the memories,
Stories and things he’s said
He might be gone, but let’s carry on
The great life he has led
Like the roots of a great banyan tree
Thatha rooted our ancestry
In a ground of math and science
To bear fruits of discovery
There are so many more questions I could have asked
So many more stories I could hear
So many more moments of comfort
I could feel when he was near
He might not be here to teach me math
But he has started to pave a path
We’ll continue our life journey from the start
With dear Thatha always in our heart
I shall always treasure the memories,
Stories and things he’s said
He might be gone, but let’s carry on
The great life he has led
Monday, May 19, 2008
Introduction
Dear Friends,
As I have been reminiscing about my Thatha's life, I feel as though I have been rummaging through my memory trove to preciously guard every moment for posterity. Some of my recollections are of innocent interactions that are windows into his personality and quintessential spirit. Other memories are of his inspirational larger-than-life lessons that characterized the lens through which he viewed the world, and the basis for which he led a dignified and compassionate life built on uncompromising principles. These are sweeping statements that I feel entitled to make, as his granddaughter, but the purpose of this blog is to provide a forum for all those who have been touched by him to share anecdotes, details, nostalgia (in any form or medium), so that all of us have the opportunity to see the multifaceted influences of SKR. It is also a virtual album to preserve the power of words, images, and ideas that will help keep his luminous presence everlasting.
If you have anything you would like to share (text or photos), please e-mail me (priya381@gmail.com).
As I have been reminiscing about my Thatha's life, I feel as though I have been rummaging through my memory trove to preciously guard every moment for posterity. Some of my recollections are of innocent interactions that are windows into his personality and quintessential spirit. Other memories are of his inspirational larger-than-life lessons that characterized the lens through which he viewed the world, and the basis for which he led a dignified and compassionate life built on uncompromising principles. These are sweeping statements that I feel entitled to make, as his granddaughter, but the purpose of this blog is to provide a forum for all those who have been touched by him to share anecdotes, details, nostalgia (in any form or medium), so that all of us have the opportunity to see the multifaceted influences of SKR. It is also a virtual album to preserve the power of words, images, and ideas that will help keep his luminous presence everlasting.
If you have anything you would like to share (text or photos), please e-mail me (priya381@gmail.com).
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