An excerpt from an article published in Indian Express during SKR's tenure as Director of CECRI. 
SKR at a family function Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Taking Science to People
An excerpt from an article published in Indian Express during SKR's tenure as Director of CECRI. SKR at a family function 
He Always Remains Our Beloved Athimbere SKR….
Thoughts from Salem Mani Ramprasad (better known as Prasad)
It was way back in 1980 on a lovely December morning, the good old days when Bangalore was the real garden city. For me a seven year old kid, that was the first ever journey outside Madras to visit our beloved “Shantha athai." (Never thought that time, that destiny would take me to the same city, later on in my life to make my livelihood).
Till today those 4-5 days we spent with our Athai and Athimbere remain etched in my memory. The warmth shown by both, the enthusiasm with which Athimbere played with us, and his ability to simplify things for our understanding, made it all a great experience. As a kid we have seen Athimbere through the prism of our parents as a genius, an intelligent and self made person who has attained various distinctions purely by his dedicated hard work. All through this day he has ever remained an inspirational figure not only for me but will also be so for my kids.
As we grew up we used to constantly meet Athai & Athimbere in many of the family functions, and as we ourselves started knowing more about him, we used to look up to him with respect and awe, thinking how he remains so simple and down to earth in spite of his various accolades which he got over a period of time. It was another great quality of Athimbere that he made it a point to attend most of our family functions without making any fuss about it, in spite of his busy schedule. More importantly it was not just a passive attendance that he made, but a very active participation and on various occasions I used to enjoy his sense of humour and fun loving nature during such gatherings.
When it comes to knowledge sharing and helping others he has no parallel. I fondly remember one such occasion when I casually informed him of my interest to pursue my higher education in Biochemistry /Mirco Biology and wanted his advice if any course is available at IISC. I was surprised to get the application form and prospectus for the entrance exam for IISC PG courses within the same week from him with warm wishes. Though it’s another matter that destiny took me to a Management course, this gesture from a Deputy Director of IISC at that time further made me to look at him as a perfect role model.
Later as I got employed and moved across several cities within India and outside, my opportunity to meet him reduced. But finally, when I landed up in Bangalore, where I have been living for the last 8 years or so, it gave me again occasions to meet him. The two occasions which I remember with vivid memory are:
1) The first stage performance of Priya at Tata Auditorium - He always used to be so proud of his grand daughter’s vocal skills and was so thrilled when I shared my experience of her performance that day. He shared the similar feeling that I had on the ability of Priya to bring in the depth of spirituality in her performance which connects so well with the listeners. I was able to see a sense of fulfillment in him and was reminded of an ideal grandpa one can ever imagine.
2) The other occasion was the naming ceremony of my Son; I never thought he will make it to the function as he just arrived that previous night from an overseas trip. To my surprise, he spent close to 3-4 hrs and he really shared lot of information on various subjects from as simple as cricket to as complicated as spiritual salvation for human souls. Key things that I recall strongly from various things we discussed were:
One last time I saw him was at Apollo hospital by the time he was pronounced dead, and still could catch the glimpse of Athimbere with that trademark smile on his face with which he always greeted us. As I walked out of hospital the rain was pouring like anything; it was a thunderous hail storm shower. I imagined that it’s a befitting tribute by nature itself for the journey of this noble soul from this planet. My only regret was that though he was such a close relative to me we could only spend very little time with him through his life - the more time we could have spent with him would have meant a lot to us.
You are indeed an Inspiration for whole generation to come in this family and the highest values that you have bench marked will serve as the beacon lights for all of us in coming years…..
It was way back in 1980 on a lovely December morning, the good old days when Bangalore was the real garden city. For me a seven year old kid, that was the first ever journey outside Madras to visit our beloved “Shantha athai." (Never thought that time, that destiny would take me to the same city, later on in my life to make my livelihood).
Till today those 4-5 days we spent with our Athai and Athimbere remain etched in my memory. The warmth shown by both, the enthusiasm with which Athimbere played with us, and his ability to simplify things for our understanding, made it all a great experience. As a kid we have seen Athimbere through the prism of our parents as a genius, an intelligent and self made person who has attained various distinctions purely by his dedicated hard work. All through this day he has ever remained an inspirational figure not only for me but will also be so for my kids.
As we grew up we used to constantly meet Athai & Athimbere in many of the family functions, and as we ourselves started knowing more about him, we used to look up to him with respect and awe, thinking how he remains so simple and down to earth in spite of his various accolades which he got over a period of time. It was another great quality of Athimbere that he made it a point to attend most of our family functions without making any fuss about it, in spite of his busy schedule. More importantly it was not just a passive attendance that he made, but a very active participation and on various occasions I used to enjoy his sense of humour and fun loving nature during such gatherings.
When it comes to knowledge sharing and helping others he has no parallel. I fondly remember one such occasion when I casually informed him of my interest to pursue my higher education in Biochemistry /Mirco Biology and wanted his advice if any course is available at IISC. I was surprised to get the application form and prospectus for the entrance exam for IISC PG courses within the same week from him with warm wishes. Though it’s another matter that destiny took me to a Management course, this gesture from a Deputy Director of IISC at that time further made me to look at him as a perfect role model.
Later as I got employed and moved across several cities within India and outside, my opportunity to meet him reduced. But finally, when I landed up in Bangalore, where I have been living for the last 8 years or so, it gave me again occasions to meet him. The two occasions which I remember with vivid memory are:
1) The first stage performance of Priya at Tata Auditorium - He always used to be so proud of his grand daughter’s vocal skills and was so thrilled when I shared my experience of her performance that day. He shared the similar feeling that I had on the ability of Priya to bring in the depth of spirituality in her performance which connects so well with the listeners. I was able to see a sense of fulfillment in him and was reminded of an ideal grandpa one can ever imagine.
2) The other occasion was the naming ceremony of my Son; I never thought he will make it to the function as he just arrived that previous night from an overseas trip. To my surprise, he spent close to 3-4 hrs and he really shared lot of information on various subjects from as simple as cricket to as complicated as spiritual salvation for human souls. Key things that I recall strongly from various things we discussed were:
- a) He was anguished at the way temples across south India have been left without proper maintenance, and the plight of the priest and others in the temple who beg to each devotee. I could feel his pain when he shared this.
- b) The lack of funds at various scientific institutes which has blocked the conversion of pure science research to application oriented success benefiting mankind.
One last time I saw him was at Apollo hospital by the time he was pronounced dead, and still could catch the glimpse of Athimbere with that trademark smile on his face with which he always greeted us. As I walked out of hospital the rain was pouring like anything; it was a thunderous hail storm shower. I imagined that it’s a befitting tribute by nature itself for the journey of this noble soul from this planet. My only regret was that though he was such a close relative to me we could only spend very little time with him through his life - the more time we could have spent with him would have meant a lot to us.
You are indeed an Inspiration for whole generation to come in this family and the highest values that you have bench marked will serve as the beacon lights for all of us in coming years…..
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Maharishi Vasishta
by S.V. Mani
It is indeed a matter of very great pride and pleasure to receive any compliment from Shri.S.K.Rangarajan and it is more and more equivalent to a “Brahmarishi” title known in puranic days.
The intimacy, understanding and relationship of the families of Shri S.R.Venkatesa Iyengar and Shri S.R.Krishnamacharyar are historic, more a legend or an epoch.
He was a friend, philosopher and a guide to every word. It is well-known that behind a man’s great success and achievements, a woman is there and that is my beloved sister Santha Rangarajan. A very polite, calm and cultured,more an encyclopedia ,resembling that of Venkatesa Iyengar. She is Himalayas among mountains,Holy Ganges in midst of rivers! Yet very soft, dutiful and obedient and I always enjoyed that SKR ne’er missed even for a second to recite-Santha..Santha..Santha…..
The glories started pouring only after her entry into the SKR’s family. I am still to recover from the great loss. May His soul rest in peace!!!
It is indeed a matter of very great pride and pleasure to receive any compliment from Shri.S.K.Rangarajan and it is more and more equivalent to a “Brahmarishi” title known in puranic days.
The intimacy, understanding and relationship of the families of Shri S.R.Venkatesa Iyengar and Shri S.R.Krishnamacharyar are historic, more a legend or an epoch.
He was a friend, philosopher and a guide to every word. It is well-known that behind a man’s great success and achievements, a woman is there and that is my beloved sister Santha Rangarajan. A very polite, calm and cultured,more an encyclopedia ,resembling that of Venkatesa Iyengar. She is Himalayas among mountains,Holy Ganges in midst of rivers! Yet very soft, dutiful and obedient and I always enjoyed that SKR ne’er missed even for a second to recite-Santha..Santha..Santha…..
The glories started pouring only after her entry into the SKR’s family. I am still to recover from the great loss. May His soul rest in peace!!!
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