calvin
King Calvin
HIS CHILDHOOD DAYS
M.A.Thangasamy Nadar couple has 5 children. King Calvin, commonly known as Calvin was born as the third child (second son) on 15-4-1946 in Munnar. His maternal uncle Mr. G.J.Pauldurai proposed this uncommon name in memory of his military friend whose name was King Calvin, which was accepted and baptized. As a coincidence, he was called as, 'Chinna Pauldurai' (means junior Pauldurai) by certain relatives, as he has some qualities and features of him! He was born as the third child with a gap of 2 years from the elder child, and 2 years from the younger child. Also the elder 2 children were born in one year gap and the younger 2 children were also born in one year gap. Hence, the elder 2 children gave company to each other, and the younger 2 children gave company to each other and Calvin was left without any companion in the family. So he cultivated the habit of living alone without companions or friends. Also he developed courage to go alone anywhere without fear, even in the nights! His mother also would prefer to send him at nights for any urgent purposes, when the other children refuse to do.
HIS SCHOOL DAYS
Since he trained himself to live alone, he had only limited friends, while studying in the school. After completing VI Std. in Munnar High School, he was taken by his father to Madurai and joined him in VII Std in the Pasumalai High School, by putting him in the prestigious Lakshmanan Chettiar hostel. While he was in the IX Std, he had a bitter encounter with an unruly HM of the school, in the last term! One Saturday evening, after the school hours, he and his friend K.R.Gomu, a classmate, hailing from Nagalapuam near Aruppukkottai, were leisurely passing their time, by sitting on a culvert near the main roadside. By that time, another student of his school came and informed that the HM wanted to bring them. When they looked around, they found that the HM was standing with his daughter, on the opposite side, in the bus stop. They immediately rushed to him thinking that he might have some urgent message to pass on to somebody else. But, on seeing them, he told in a rude voice that he wanted them to come to his office on Monday morning! They were shocked and confused by his unwarranted authoritative behaviour as they had not committed anything wrong! From that time onwards they were upset and restless as the incident was haunting them! On Monday morning they reached the HM room and waited outside, with great tension. At first, his friend was called in.
After he entered, he heard the beating noise, followed by the screaming of his friend! When he came out with tears, he enquired what happened to him, for which he could not reply, but cried further! Hence, before he was called, he made up his mind to react suitably if any such incident happened to him! When he entered the room, he saw the HM was furiously standing with a cane and getting ready to beat him! He ordered to stretch out his hand to give the 'punishment'! After he stretched out his hand, he raised the cane and gave a severe blow in the palm! On receiving it, with his both hands he pulled the cane from his hand in maximum force, so that the HM lost his balance and his head was about to hit the opposite wall! However, he managed and stood up. He was terribly shocked and motionless and his body was sweating profusely which was seen over his full-sleeved shirt. Calvin, in a thundering voice warned him that if it was repeated, he would meet severe consequences! Saying this, he threw the cane inside, closed the door with force and left the room and reached the classroom! When the class teacher enquired, he kept quiet in spite of his repeated requests, and was seriously thinking about the next course of action! Then nothing happened afterwards! But, the next Monday, while he was in his class, he was told to his surprise, that his father had come to meet him!
He was surprised as he never visited him in the school hours! When he met him who was waiting in the bench under a tree near the school building, he informed that his HM wanted him to come and meet him urgently! Since Calvin knew the reason, he narrated to his father the whole episode, and he understood the situation and went to meet the HM. He returned after sometime and briefed him about the allegation made against him by the HM with vested interest, as the latter tried to justify his actions with unacceptable reasons! Since Calvin wanted to leave the school, his father realized his feelings and, asked him to wait till the end of the term. Though his father understood that he was made a victim of the authoritative HM's unruly behavior, he did not recognize his retaliation, considering his position and old age! Also he requested his son to keep the whole matters in confidence as it would severely damage the reputation of the century-old school and also the 'image' of the head of the institution. Accordingly, after the results were published, his father got the Transfer Certificate for him, in spite of the protest from the HM, and admitted him in Setupati HS, Madurai, by putting him in the YMCC hostel in Kremmerpuram, near Arasaradi, from where his elder brother also had stayed and studied. However, his happiness did not last long, as his father expired in the summer vacation, which was a great shock to him and also to his family and his business. His father's establishments started making heavy losses continuously after his death. However, he continued his education with the help of his beloved mother and elder brother and completed 11th Std.
HIS COLLEGE DAYS IN POLLACHI
After passing 11th Std., he applied for PUC in the American College, Madurai, but he did not get admission there and that too he was informed very late! However his uncle (mother's younger sister's husband) of Udumalpet, got him a seat, by his influence in the NGM College in Pollachi. He could not get hostel as he was late. Hence, he had to stay outside in a rented room along with some students of the college in the 'Sundaram Buildings', belonging to the brother of then Union Finance Minister C.Subramaniam, in the Coimbatore main road. He was called by the classmates as 'Maduraikaran' as he was speaking 'Madurai Tamil', whereas the others were speaking 'Kongu Tamil' in different style! Also he was known as 'King' only, as most of the students hailed from the surrounding village areas who found difficulty in pronouncing his uncommon English name ‘Calvin’! But, the high profiled lecturers found pleasure in calling in the right pronunciation! He passed PUC with an average marks.
HIS COLLEGE DAYS IN MADURAI
Since he got only average marks in PUC he did not get admission in science group which he opted, and joined in the Economics group in Thiagarajar College, Madurai. However he got admission in the Bharathidasan Hostel. In the meantime, his family's financial position was worsening as the businesses were running in heavy losses and gradually a few shops were disposed to pay off the debts. Hence, the family was not in a position to spend for his education. However he managed to continue his education upto the third term of the final year, with the help of his beloved mother and elder brother, but discontinued before completion!
HIS CAREER
Then, he was back to Munnar and looked after the shops which were already in the sinking stage. Since he felt that his presence there was of no use, he went to Bangalore where his sister and her husband, an IAF official, were living, and in Bangalore Calvin was searching for a job but in vain. Then he was called to Udumalpet by his maternal aunt, a teacher and her husband, a businessman, who got him seat in the NGM College, to look for a job. While he was there, he received a message from his mother from Munnar that he was called for an interview from the KDHP Co.Ltd to whom he had applied for a job. He was selected and appointed in the Company as an Assistant Field Officer, at Periavurrai Tea Estate, on 01-02-1971. The manager of the Estate was Mr. John Martin, hailing from Scotland, and he was well-known to his father M.A.Thangasamy Nadar, while he was the manager in the erstwhile Sothuparai Estate, that was amalgamated with Gundumallay Estate, later. Then Calvin was transferred to Kalaar Estate, with promotion in 1977 and to Nullatanni Estate in 1981. Again he was transferred to Grahamsland Estate in 1987. From there he was transferred to Kundaly Estate on promotion as Field Officer in 1990. He was transferred to Periakanal Estate from there in 1993 and posted in the Lower Division. (While he was working there, he purchased a car and cardamom land in nearby Pooparai, on the way to Bodimettu). From there, he was transferred to Chundavurrai Estate in the year 1995 and worked there until he was transferred back to Periakanal Estate in 2002, and posted in the Centre Division. At last, he retired in the end of April 2004, from the Top Division (Power House Division) of that estate. While he was working in the Company, whenever he was transferred to a new estate, the chairman post of the staffs' club there would be offered to him, as he was a good orator in English and talented to lead any function. While he was working in Periavurrai Estate, he married his cousin Parimala. They have 2 sons namely Aron Vijaykhar & Ruban Vinodhkhar, and their details are given below:-
ARON VIJAYKHAR
He was born on 20-06-1979 in Munnar GH, while his parents were in Kalaar Estate. He was born as one of twins, but the other did not survive! He studied LKG & UKG in Little Flower School in Nullatanni, in Munnar followed by Tata's High Range School in Munnar, in I Std., which was later shifted to Madupatty in the newly constructed building. The newly built High School had the entire infrastructure and was recognized by the CBSE, Delhi. He had the leadership qualities, and became a well-known student of the school. His behavior in the school with the students and teachers earned him a very good reputation from all, including the principal, and was in their good books. He still maintains contacts with them though he is living in Mumbai now, with his family. He continued his education and completed Plus 2 in the same school. He joined in B.A. (Economics) in the American College in Madurai. Since he was talkative, he became a prominent person in the college through his behavior and participation in the various college and social activities. He was an NSS volunteer while studying in The American College, Madurai. He was the secretary of the blood donors club of the college, and used to donate blood whenever urgently needed by the patients. He was very fluent in English language and a very good orator. His maternal uncle, Mr. Stephen was working as a lecturer in the same college, but he never boasted himself as his relative, to take advantage or any favor out of it, though he was the guardian and stayed in his home and studied for some period! After successfully completed graduation, he joined in IFIM, a prestigious, reputed business school in Bangalore and passed PGDM which is equivalent to MBA. He had owned a motorcycle branded as Kawasaki Bajaj while studying there. Since he is very much interested in automobiles and gained thorough knowledge on his own and became an expert in the field, he joined in an automobile company called, 'Methods' as an executive and later elevated to the position of the Assistant Manager.
He also worked as marketing manager in TI Cycles India Ltd. Chennai, and also in Bericap Company in Pune for brief periods. Now he is back to automobile industry, and works happily in Alliance Tire Company as Marketing Manager, in Mumbai. He was a subscriber of the 'Auto India' magazine, published from Mumbai from his childhood days! He was talented to drive car while he was in IX Std. and ride motor cycle while in X Std. He has married Cordelia (alias) Dinna, D/o Mr. Manovah Chandrakumar & Joanna. Mr. Manovah is an ex-officer in Labour Dept. of Central Govt. at Chennai. His wife Joanna worked as a secretary in a private company for some years and resigned. Their son Pradeep Noelraj is working in a Gulf country. Cordelia also had worked in corporate companies as secretary. Aron is very fluent in English, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam, besides Tamil, his mother tongue. His talent in attracting the audience, by his eloquent speech in English on his first day in the college orientation programme, as a new comer that surprised the lecturers and students! His maternal uncle was also very proud of him for his talent and revealed his relationship with him (i.e. he is his sister's son), only in later days! Aron and Cordelia couple has a daughter named Caroline Celena. They live in Thane, near Mumbai.
RUBAN VINODHKHAR
He is the younger son born in Munnar, on 22-12-1981. He studied LKG in the Little Flower School in Nullatanni, and joined in The High Range School of Tata Tea Ltd., in UKG and continued upto X Std. He also earned a very good reputation from the teachers, principal etc. He was a very good artist and the pictures painted by him are still displayed in the wall of the school auditorium. He used to take part in almost all activities of the school. He was good in academics and always No.2 in the class till he completed 10th Std. His hand writing was excellent which was appreciated by all. Since he was taller than the other students (6'2"), he was inducted in the school basket ball team. He was talented to drive car while studying in VII Std. and ride motor cycle, while in IX Std! He passed X Std of CBSE syllabus with 86% of marks. His ambition was to become an engineer, for which he had to score the highest marks to get admission on the merit in the engineering college, he opted to take State Board syllabus in Higher Secondary and joined and studied in TVS Lakshmi HSS in Madurai, by staying in his maternal uncle Stephen's house. He scored 93% in the final exam and with 98.5% in Maths. Hence, he got admission in Madurai Thiagarajar Engg College in B.E. (Mechanical Engg. group) on the govt. quota. Further, he was awarded scholarship every year from UPASI (United Planters' Association of South India) Coonoor for 4 years. His much affectionate maternal uncle was his guardian and looked after all his needs, starting from the counseling for his admission till completion of his course, without waiting for his parents, while studying in Madurai. His maternal grandmother had special affection on him as he was much disciplined in his life and studies, and scoring high marks that made her very proud! He joined in NCC in the college and became a 'C' certificate holder. He participated in an NCC Basic Leadership camp in Bihar. He was selected in the campus interview held in the college and appointed as Engineer in ELGI Group in Coimbatore, after successful completion of the course, in 2003. Later, he resigned it, and is now working for Ford India, at Chennai as Deputy Manager. While he was in the college, he developed enduring friendship with a set of college-mates, hailing from different communities and religions. They lived together in a rented house in TVS Nagar and studied. This friendship bond continues even after their marriages and changed as an enduring family friendship and remain as the true models of friendship.
While he was studying in The High Range School he became member of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and participated in the wildlife population conducted by the organisation in The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala. He is talented to speak very good Malayalam, besides English and Tamil. He got experience in trekking in Kodaikanal while he was in the NCC in the college. He also learnt karate (Okinawa Aiki style) and a holder of Blue Belt. His father had the ambition to study in the prestigious Thiagarajar Engineering College, when he was studying in Pasumalai HS, as the college was giving a majestic view from the school. His ambition did not materialize due to his father's financial problems, but his son studied in the college and became an engineering graduate, with high marks which made him proud! Ruban was fond of motor cycle riding, that he was having a Suzuki while in college, and a Hero Honda (CBZ) after joined in work, in which he met with an accident with his fiancee, just one week before the marriage, but escaped without very serious injuries, at Chennai! He had an accident earlier, near Vagavurrai Estate in Munnar, in the same bike which caused minor injuries.
He married Gracelin Jean, an MBA, D/o Mr. Manuel, Ex-Professor of St. John's College, Palayamkottai. Her mother Darling is an ex-teacher of Sarah Tucker HSS there. Ruban couple has a daughter named Belinda Sherin.
HIS WIFE
Calvin has married his cousin Parimala, D/o Mr. GJSamuel, brother of his mother. The marriage was held in the Vagavurrai Estate CSI Church on 12-9-1973. The bride's mother Mrs. Jebamoney was working there, as a teacher in the Aided Primary School. The staff in that estate such as Benson Daniel, Albertson, Bhaskaran, Gnanamuthu, and Rajendran (HM) helped the bride's family in conducting the marriage. Mr. Albertson provided his car for the bride's procession and drove the car by himself! Parimala was born on 28-7-1955 at Dohnavur, and her age at the time of marriage was 18. Her marriage was arranged immediately after she completed X Std (SSLC). All the family members of her husband were very much affectionate towards her. Though she was too young, she learnt cooking and turned as a good housewife in a very short period. She managed to adjust and live a satisfied life within the salary of the husband, by sacrificing her needs, in spite of many short comings.
She is a well-disciplined homemaker and very truthful. She never lied nor misbehaved with anybody. She helped others like her father-in-law Thangasamy Nadar whom she considers as her mentor. She is a role model of a true mother and played a major role in educating and shaping her beloved sons. She sacrificed a lot for her children and made them achieve their aspirations in all aspects. Her husband also contributed and sacrificed his needs to bring the children to a higher status in life by giving them a high quality education beyond his capacity. She looked after her mother-in-law very well when she was living in Munnar. Also when she became old and was not able to live alone, she took her and kept with her in Periakanal Estate and looked after her with much patience, before she was taken to Delhi, by the other brothers.
She had only limited friends while studying in the school and also in her public life. Her teacher in the Sarah Tucker School named Manorama Duraisingh was her inspiration and role model. She had vision from the angels of Lord Jesus Christ at the time of her delivery of her elder son, who was born after a long wait of 5 years after marriage! Hence, her faith in God increased and became a believer. She came further closer to God when there were serious problems in her husband's work, which were overcome by the grace of God. While she was living in Korandakad Division of Grahamsland Estate, a teen aged RC girl named Reeta, daughter of Sri. Iyadurai of that Division was taking tuition for her sons. She was very much affectionate towards her, her husband and children and they also loved her very much. In course of time, she became one of the members of the family and used to call her and her husband as Appa (father) and Amma (mother). They too treated her as their girl-child! They used to pray together in the house and also in the RC Church there and established a very good fellowship with the Sisters and Mother Superior of the Convent. This mother and daughter bond between Parimala and Reeta continued further in their life, from the latter's teacher work, marriage etc. till her death in her very younger age due to cancer! Her death brought a great shock to her which is haunting her mind even now! Her death was a turning point in her life and started doing gospel work for the Lord Jesus Christ as requested by the 'daughter' by sacrificing all her ambitions! She discontinued the habit of dying her hair from that day onwards! Her gospel work continued wherever she lived afterwards. The Vattavadai Division of Chundavurrai Estate is more significant in this aspect!
Though there were some Catholic families, they were living a life of the locals who were worshiping devils and sacrificing animals in temple festivals! Both men and women used to drink illicit liquor and dance in the festival nights. They rarely went to the church! Also, suicide among teen aged girls was common in the area. Hence, she started praying for them vigorously. Since she was a member of CSI Church, she persuaded her pastor to hold an open-air gospel meeting for the first time, which was attended by all the people from the Division. As a coincidence, a new, dedicated Catholic priest named Antony Pattaparambil, who was appointed by the church, started visiting the area. She made fellowship with the RC families and also with the priest with the result that the RC families started participating in Sunday Masses. She, along with the priest, conducted prayers and counseling in their houses, which made the errant men to repent and forsake the drinking. Also, the persons indulging in making and selling illicit liquor stopped such activities. She succeeded in her efforts as God was with her and saved many families from disasters. Many unmarried girls got married through their prayers and the suicide deaths also stopped!
She had a vision about one Duraipandy, a teacher, who came on transfer to that division and who was not blessed with child even after many years after he got married, in spite of treatments and offerings to the temple gods. At last, somebody had advised him to read the Bible and pray to Jesus Christ, and accordingly he got the Bible and he and his wife started reading and praying faithfully in their house, though they were traditional Hindus. One noon, while Parimala was praying alone in her house, she was informed through a vision of Jesus that the new teacher's wife was in greatest sorrow and praying and the Lord asked her to visit her. Immediately she closed the house and rushed to the new teacher's house. When she knocked at the door, the teacher's wife opened the door and with a great surprise that she told that she was eagerly expecting somebody to come and console her! On hearing this, Parimala told about the vision given by the Lord, and sat together and started praising and thanking God. Their prayer fellowship grew further and continued. As a result, God conceded their faithful prayers and she got conceived in the next month and gave birth a male baby.
Since Parimala was the wife of the Field Officer of the Company the people respected her. But, because of her such noble character and behaviour towards them, they gave her extraordinary respect, and called her 'Amma' means 'Mother'! As the result of her selfless dedication, many people tasted the love of Jesus Christ, who made their life flourishing, gave up all their bad habits and turned as His believers! They started going to the CSI and RC church of the Estate! She has established enduring relationships through her such noble work and has a big list as affectionate daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, etc. who maintain their contacts with her, even as they are put up in different faraway places.
Parimala is a good christian devotional singer in Tamil and Malayalam. She and her husband were members in the Lent Days choir of CSI Christ Church while at Coimbatore. She is a very good interior decorator who keeps her house in attracting manner. She is much interested in gardening especially in cultivating rose garden and rearing indoor and shade plants such as Anthurium, African Violet etc.
DETAILS OF HER GOSPEL RELATIVES
1) REETA: Her first 'daughter' who was her inspiration and role model for the other girls to follow! Though she is no more, she still lives in her heart!
2) VARGHESE : A very affectionate RC boy of V V Dn., who was a right hand and accompanied her in her gospel work. Now he got married and lives in Chennai, with his wife and mother Loordammal.
3) GEETHA: Her another affectionate 'daughter' hailing from a Hindu family of V V Dn., whose marriage was held with Saravanan, son of Anthony of Kundaly Estate by the initiative taken by Mrs. Parimala. Anthony's family is well known to her and she had led them to Christ. They got baptized, while at Kundaly Estate. Now, Geetha is a believer who lives in Chennai with her husband and children.
4) SINDHU & HER SISTER SINU: Both of them are the 'daughters' found in the Vattavadai Dn., with whom her fellowship also deeply rooted and still continues. Both of them are living in Chennai now with their families.
5) JEYANTHY & HER SISTER SUGANTHY: Both of them are also very affectionate & inseparable 'daughters' of Vattavadai Dn. The former is living in the Yellapatty Estate and the latter is in Madupatty with their families.
6) B.MUNIANDY & WIFE MANOHARI: They were also hailing from a Hindu family and got baptized and became members of the RC Church. Muniandy is no more.
7) ESAKIMUTHU & WIFE RUBY: He is the watcher in V V Dn. They too got baptized with family and became members of CSI Church. They are living with family in Vattavadai Dn.
8) ANTHONY & HIS WIFE EASWARI: Both of them were helping her in the household works while in Kundaly Estate. Both of them were very loyal and innocent. They were very much attracted by her affection towards their family. In course of time, they expressed their intention to attend church. They were led to Christ and were baptized with family and became the strong members of the CSI Church there due to the ministry of Parimala. Only their son Saravanan married Geetha from Vattavadai by the initiative taken by her.
9) Pastor DAVID RAJA & WIFE PAMELA: Both of them are being considered by her as her gospel children, who are running a church for the poor, known as 'Ellam Yesuve' in Kannampalayam in Coimbatore where her family was living for a brief period. She used to pray with them and render all possible helps to them in their gospel work. Pr. David Raja is a repatriate from Malaysia and his wife Pamela hails from a RC family of Kannampalayam.
Apart from the above, she established prayer fellowship with lot of other Christian, Hindu women and even with one Muslim lady, Sithie Sahadoon of Coimbatore, whose fellowship still continues!
Enduring relationships were established with Calvin’s family in Munnar area by many people and the details are given below:
PAULRAJ
In the year 1977 while Calvin joined in Kalaar Estate on promotion, Paulraj joined as a domestic help in his adolescence. He did memorable help as he was the real guardian and reared the two children, born there. He showered affection on the children and the children also loved him as a member of the family. He got baptized and became member of the CSI Church. He was promoted as a supervisor. Now, he is in charge of the Church who brought lot of new souls to the church. He became one of the best preachers who practices what he preaches. Hence, he earned many followers for Jesus Christ!
RAJAMANI & WIFE KARUNILA
Rajamani is the most affectionate person with aptitude to help others and he is living in Periakanal Estate, Lower Dn. Whenever the family of Calvin shifts from one place to another or shifts from one house to another, Rajamani would be there to help and did not hesitate to travel and reach the spot just to help shifting household goods. He is a traditional CSI Christian and takes part in church activities with his big family.
GANDHI
He hails from Sholamallay Dn., of Periavurrai Estate. He was the domestic help to Calvin when he started his career as the Assistant Field Officer there. He is very affectionate and humourous in nature. He is now the Vice President of the Munnar Panchayat.
OTHER UNFORGETTABLE PERSONS FROM MUNNAR ESTATES
MURUGESAN from Nadiar South Dn., SHANMUGHAM, CHOLLAMADAN from Kurumalai Dn., IYAPPAN from Korandakad Dn., are some of the unforgettable persons in the estates.
FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES OF CALVIN WHILE WORKING IN TATA TEA
P. SUBBURAJ
Both of them joined in the Company in the same estate in the same period in the year 1971. He joined as Assistant Factory Officer. They were very thickest friends that they almost shared everything with each other. He is living in Madurai with his family after retirement as Management Assistant. He is still maintaining his contact with Calvin.
K. RAJENDRA NATH
He was another thick friend who worked with him in Periavurrai Estate, who resigned and joined in Govt. Plantations in Punalur, Kerala as Asst Manager. He was promoted as Manager later. He and his wife Lalitha are still maintaining their contact.
P. K. SREENIVASAN & WIFE DHAYA
He also worked in Periavurrai Estate as Asst. Field Officer at that time. Later he and Calvin worked in Nullathanni Estate also. Dhaya is a role model of a housewife and a soft-spoken lady. They live in Thalassery, Kerala.
D.A.S. FRANCIS & HIS WIFE MARY
Mr. Francis worked as a Field Officer in Periavurrai Estate. His wife Mary is a cousin of Calvin. When Calvin could not score the required marks in the probationary examination, he took special effort to get him pass the examination, using his influence, which cannot be forgotten in his lifetime. He and his wife Mary were very much affectionate towards Calvin and his wife and looked after them with great affection. Now, they are living in Sawyerpuram of Tuticorin Dt in Tamilnadu with their son's family.
N. PHILIP
He was the first field officer to him with whom he worked for 5 years in Sholamallay Dn. He was his 'guru' (teacher) in work, and he is no more now.
C.A.VICTOR
His field officer in Nullatanni Estate. He was very affectionate and helpful to Calvin in his difficult times. Now he is no more.
RAMACHANDRAN NAIR
He was the boss of Calvin and was Field Officer in Kalaar Estate. Though he was his superior, he was very humoristic and treated him as a brother and never treated him as a subordinate official. His father Govindan Nair was an ex-field officer of the Company. R.C.Nair is no more now.
W.S.S.M. RAJ
He was his senior when joined in work, who taught him the techniques of the field work. Later they both worked in Kalaar Estate also. He taught him motor cycle riding there. His wife Mrs. Agnes was very much affectionate and helped Parimala a lot, especially in her confinements. Now they are living in Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamilnadu.
SINNASAMY HM
He is the one among others to be remembered. He was the guiding light for Calvin when he was transferred on promotion to Kundaly Estate. He was a believer of Pentecost Church. He helped him a lot in critical times, which cannot be explained in mere words. His wife established a prayer fellowship with Parimala and prayed together. His son got employed in the Company's Regional Office.
ENBARAJ
He was a businessman in Chundavurrai Estate, who was very much affectionate and helpful to Calvin and his family. He died in his young age leaving behind his wife and daughters. His death was a great shock to Calvin as he was helpful as a younger brother, which cannot be compensated!
P.B.SEBASTIAN & A.JAMES
Both were his bosses in Korandakad Dn., of Grahahamsland Estate. They gave Calvin and his family a great encouragement when he suffered a setback in his career and helped him restores his position. Mr. Sebastian who settled in Perumbavoor in Kerala is no more now, and Mr. James is living near Adimali in Kerala.
THE UNFORGETTABLE MANAGEMENT STAFF OF THE COMPANY
Mr. M. SREEDHARAN NAIR
He was the limelight of his career, and instrumental in his elevation to a higher status and also in gaining a good knowledge and communication skills in English language. He was the real encouraging and supporting force behind his success. He only got him promoted to the senior most position much earlier. Also when there was a setback in Calvin's career, he made him restore his position, before his retirement, in spite of his ill health. Mr. Sreedharan Nair started his career in Kerala police and later joined in the company as a field staff. He then rose to the position of manager, and retired from Kundaly Estate. He settled in his native place in KK Dist., He is no more now’
VISHAL MANKOTIA
He was a junior, hard working manager, hailing from Delhi. Calvin was adjudged as the best staff of the Tata Tea in the year 2002, while working in Periakanal Estate, in his period. Also he recommended making him as a management staff of the Company, in recognition of his hard work and integrity. However, this did not materialize due to the Company's policy at that time. He resigned his job and joined in Nokia India Ltd., later.
ARUN GANAPATHY
He worked with him two times, while he was an Assistant manager in Nullatanni, and also when he was a manager in Kundaly. He is a kind-hearted gentleman with decent manners, and he helped Calvin a lot in his difficult times. Now, he is a senior manager in the Company.
HIS INTIMATE COLLEGE FRIENDS
He had only limited sincere friends in his college days.
JEGANATHAN
He was his intimate and affectionate Hindu Nadar friend in Thiagarajar College. He was a native of Dindigul, and son of a businessman. He would call Calvin affectionately as 'King' and act as his guardian. He is no more.
M.VIVEKANANDAN
He was his another close friend in Thiagarajar College. He was the son of a District Educational Officer of Namakkal, hailing from a Vellalar family. After completing his studies, he joined in Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College of Sivakasi as a lecturer.
CHOCKALINGAM
He was his hostel-mate, hailed from Devangar Chettiar community of Chinnalapatty near Dindigul. He was his intimate room-mate, who had visited & stayed in Calvin's house in Munnar.
MUTHIAH
He was another faithful hostel-mate, hailing from 'Naattukottai' chettiar community of Devakottai, Ramnad Dt. His family owned medical shops in Madurai and Devakottai.
HIS FRIENDS IN MUNNAR TOWN
N.SUBBIAH
He was a native of Ponnamaravathy in Pudukottai Dt of Tamilnadu, and was working in a pawn broker shop known as Chettiar & Co. He was a very good friend who helped him a lot while working in Periavurrai Estate. He had the nature of helping others, and many people in and around Munnar was benefited by him. He later left Munnar and worked in Madurai. He is no more now.
''KALAIPULI'' SEKARAN
His original name was Sekhar, hailing from Kannipatty near Virudhunagar. He lived in the home of his maternal uncle, Sri. Subbiah Nadar, a well-known trade unionist and a freedom fighter from Munnar. He was one of the founders of Tamil Nadu Congress which fought for the rights of Tamils in the region. Present Munnar Panchayat Community Hall is named after him. Sekhar was one of the strong members of the 'Nehru Ninaivu Mantram' founded by Sri. Selwyn G. Thomas, a businessman in Munnar, which installed the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the RC chapel in the heart of Munnar Town. Sekar left for Chennai, where he joined in Tamil Cinema Industry and turned as a producer. Now, he is the secretary of the Film Distributor's Association in Chennai. He is very affectionate and still maintaining his contact with him.
KANIRAJAN
He is known as 'Kani', a cousin of Sekhar, is one of his best family friends, who now lives in Bodinaickanur with his family and mother.
V.N.RATHINAM
He is a son of Sri. V. Nataraja Nadar, a big businessman in Munnar. He is very much affectionate with all his brothers and a very good family friend of Job Anbalagan. When Calvin joined work in the Sholamallay Dn. of Periavurrai, he took him in his Standard-10 car and helped him to settle there. His wife Lakshmi also very affectionate like him, and both used to visit Calvin's family in the estates.
PONNIAH
Ponniah is also one of his best friends in Munnar. He used to attend all the family functions of Calvin and his brothers. He is running an accounts office in Munnar Town.
HIS EXTRA-ORDINARY RELATIVES
NOBLE CHELLADURAI
He is his most intimate maternal cousin among the lot. He is not only a relative, but a trustful friend, adviser, well-wisher with sense of humor, and more! He shares almost everything with him. He is one of the correspondents of The Scism Matric Hr. Sec. School, Bodinaickanur in Tamilnadu. He is a dynamic person who has very good knowledge in English and Tamil languages.
B.J.THAMBI
He is his co-brother having very pleasing manners and unbiased helping nature. He does any sort of help without expecting anything in return. He is a hard working gentleman with honesty and integrity. He is very much affectionate towards Calvin's family and relatives and never bothered to spend or lending a helping hand for them. He is working as the secretary to the CMO in The Tata Global Beverages' General Hospital at Munnar.
S.STEPHEN
He is his maternal cousin cum brother-in-law, as Calvin's wife is his elder sister. He is working in The American College as Maths professor. Calvin's both sons studied in Madurai under his total care. He looked after them as his own children that they never felt that they were away from their parents. The children also have got extra ordinary affection and respect on him.
JEYARAJ
He is his maternal cousin Prema's husband, living in Udumalpet. He is also very much affectionate and helped him purchase some assets in Udumalpet that were disposed later. Also he helped him to sell his car in a reasonable price. He is an ex-employee of Sri. Palani Andavar Mills in Udumalpet. His both daughters got married and he is living in Udumalpet with wife.
UNEXPECTED MEETING WITH THE ENCOUNTERED HM IN LATER DAYS
Many years after he left Pasumalai High School the incident happened. While he was working in Munnar he used to visit his elder Brother Victor’s house in Udumalpet. One day, he was walking fast with a shoulder bag, from the brother's house to the bus stand to board the Munnar bound bus. He was in hurry and eagerly looking for some vehicle, to catch the bus as he was late. At that time, an auto rickshaw was passing him, and he signaled it to stop. The rickshaw stopped after passing a few yards and he ran to it and saw an elderly person who was sitting inside who moved to the other end and gave him space to sit. After he sat comfortably he requested the driver to stop the Munnar bus if it could come on the way. Then he had a glance at the old man who was very generous to offer him the seat. On seeing him he found to his shocking surprise, that it was nobody, but the same HM of Pasumalai HS with whom he had the unforgettable, bitter experience! However, he looked at him again and confirmed, as he became too old by that time to recognize Calvin! He recovered from the shock and asked him in a polite voice that whether he was Mr. G.I. Manickavasagam, HM of Pasumalai High School, for which he simply nodded his head and accepted, but did not speak further. Though he was not able to recognize Calvin, the latter told him in a humble voice that he was his student, and did not elaborate further.
Then, Calvin asked him why he had come over there, for which he informed that he came to visit his daughter, who was a doctor in Udumalpet. Though he was not able to recognize Calvin, the latter told him in a humble voice that he was his student, and did not elaborate further, as it would remind the past bitter experience which might have lead to an embarrassing situation, and spoiled the peace of mind of both! By this time, the driver stopped the Munnar bound bus coming in the opposite direction. Calvin then got out by bidding 'good bye' to his aged HM and rushed to the bus after paying the auto fare. After a few months, when he was back to his brother's house, he had to share that incident with him and his wife. At that time, he came to know to his surprise, that the doctor as mentioned by the HM as his daughter, was their closest family friend, named Dr. Shantha Fredrick. He did not reveal to them that bitter experience he had with him as HM of Pasumalai HS, as it might spoil the image and relationship of their best 'doctor' friend. Also, he thought it might create a bad impression about Calvin and his brothers and the society would not accept the justification of the role played by him in this rare incident. But, later days the matter was brought to the knowledge of his brother and he realized the situation and advised to forget that bad experience, once for all!!
AN UNFORGETTABLE MUSLIM FRIEND OF MADURAI
ABDUL SATHTHAR
He is the true 'friend in need a friend indeed'! While Calvin was studying in Madurai, whenever he ran short of money, he was the person to help him with money and food whenever needed, before asking for anything! He was running a laundry shop in the West Masi St. Near the mosque. Calvin came in contact with him while he stayed in a rented room along with a few college friends for quite some time. He used to take part in all the functions of the family and deserves to be remembered lifelong, for his unstinted helps and supports. He had visited Munnar several times. He later settled down in SS Colony in Madurai.
CALVIN’S TALENTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Besides English and Tamil he is very fluent in Malayalam too. He speaks, reads and even writes! He got good proficiency in Tamil as he studied in The Thiagarajar Arts College, known as present day Tamil Sangam, which produced many Tamil scholars, where Tamil Language is being given much importance and priority. Calvin is a good motor cycle rider from 1977 who was owning Jawa, Bullet, Kawasaki, Suzuki etc. He is a good singer in Tamil & Malayalam melodies and also in carnatic to an extent. He is much interested in collecting wood with natural designs and carvings which are unique in nature, that can be used in interior decoration.
He had joined in the KDHP Co. Ltd. of James Finlay Group in 1971 & retired in 2004 after 33 years of meritorious service. He served Tata Tea, a conglomerate of Tata Group, one of the top ethical companies of the world with absolute integrity. Following are some specific instances of the career which were ups and downs. He was responsible for running the section of the estate such as organizing and executing various cultivation works, labor management, cost control, production etc. He was adjudged nation wise best staff of Tata Tea in the year 2002 and that was published in the Company's house magazine, 'Tata Tea Seithigal'. He submitted lot of suggestions to the Company which were taken into consideration for implementation, and appreciation letters received from the top management, especially from the then Executive Director, Mr. Hameed Asharaf. He was recommended for extension after service, with promotion, which did not materialize due to the change of Company's policy at that time.
HIS CHARACTER & INTEGRITY
He does what he thinks right and act according to his conscience, and nobody can induce or influence him. He considers religion as secondary, but believes in God and loves him, and does not like anybody coming between him and God in the name of 'spiritual teaching or advice'. He respects human values rather than respecting spiritual fundamentalism. He believes in God's grace which is leading him, though he is not leading a pious life like other 'believers'! He believes that he was saved once from a wild elephant by His grace!
He is not soft natured, but hard natured like a rock. Though he stands like a rock, he has the heart of a dove to love others. He does not reveal his emotion even in great tragedies such as his father's and brother-in-law's deaths! He hates flattering somebody for any favor or project himself as a person what he is not! He has no role models to follow and does not want to change his 'gifted' character to satisfy others. He does not pretend to be a 'holy' man, but practices holiness in his life as far as possible, which others cannot see from outside! Nobody can easily read his hidden life, but judges him by his outward life! He was honest and straight forward in his work and never indulged in any malpractices or corruption to earn money out of way, though he had lot of opportunities! He had no savings for his retired life as he had disposed his only earned asset, a cardamom land, for his elder son's higher education, and also he spent his total PF amount for his younger son's higher education, for their bright future!
HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE FAMILY
His contribution to the family's welfare is praiseworthy. He took initiative and leading role in arranging and conducting of the marriage of his elder sister. Also, he played major roles in conducting the marriages of the other family members. He took responsibility of solving the problems of the family members amicably by his fair and bold decisions. He never showed any partiality among the members of the family and loved all equally, and branded as 'affectionate rude fellow' by them! He maintains good relations with all the relatives irrespective of their status. He helped them in all aspects, including financially, whenever there was a need, from his own resources!
When his elder & younger son were doing their higher studies simultaneously in Bangalore (MBA) and Madurai (BE), Calvin & his wife used to send almost all his salary amount (about Rs. 8000/-) for their education by keeping a very lesser amount (below Rs.500/-) for their monthly expenses!
While he was living with his wife in Sholamallay Dn of Periavurrai Estate, with a gross salary of Rs. 150/- per month, he supported his mother and brother's family who were also living with her in Munnar Town. His newly married wife also cooperated with him by spending meticulously, by living in ration rice, and sacrificing her ambitions and even her necessities! But, they permitted his mother to draw the required commodities on his a/c from the KDESociety that was resulting in debit balance in his salary a/c. Also, they wore the old clothes given by his brother-in-law to him, and his sister to his wife, as they could not purchase new dresses even for the Christmas!
(Written by Job Anbalagan with inputs given by Calvin)
