Page 7 - PowerPoint Presentation

Guide……

My brother was my friend, philosopher and guide. He was very fond of me and I liked him a
lot.

He was extremely kind towards everyone and when the situation warranted he would be
strict also.

When I was in school, Sharma Anna was the only earning member of the family working for
All India Radio. Both Lalitha and Venkataraman Anna were in college..With a single income
in the family it was very difficult making ends meet. Sacrifices were in order. Venkataraman
Anna would religiously do his part.... To get to his college he used public transport
and would get off 2 stops ahead and walk so he could save some money for his brother.

When he started earning, he used to give me 10rs everyday for my pocket money and would
remind me to use it responsibly... he certainly did not like me spending it towards the coke I
loved. So that was out the door!!!

Jokes apart, he was always helpful and lent a hand to anyone in need. This was evidenced,
when my husband was building our house in RA PURAM,Chennai. Anna would come daily
and ensure that the construction work was being done correctly and quickly.

I still believe that he is blessing me from up above and I will continue to love him and my
other siblings till my last day.
Prema Venkat Ram, Sister

Honesty & IntensIty …….When I think about Venkatraman
mama I am a child again. The word that comes to mind when I think of him ..actually it is
words...honesty and intensity…

Honest in thought. and expression..even rebuke…

And intense...in his piercing gaze .....in his feelings about things and people

I spent most of my childhood with him and imbibed his almost brutal honesty from him. I
would also like to think that I feel as intensely about people and things as he did.
One thing stands out in my relationship with him...he loved me a lot.. Even with my bratty
rudeness and wayward ways which despaired Amma. He loved me so much that he would
get into my razai before I did so he could warm it for me when I went to sleep.

Yes..his very intensity made me uncomfortable sometimes..mainly because it was hard to
live up to his expectations..but then that is something that inspired me to work harder on
myself.

For so long he was the father figure in my life till my terrible late teens when I felt I needed
no body.

Love you Venkatraman Mama
Nirmala Thyagarajan, Niece

4