Page 22 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

Memories of ‘Tikki Nantha’ – the Sivanandan family

We were so very sad to hear that ‘Tikki’ had passed away. She was the
beloved sister of Siva; sister-in-law to his wife, Jenny; aunty (‘Tikki
Nantha’) to Siva’s children, Tamara, Natasha and Rohan, and their
partners, Neil and Rani; and great-aunt to Tamara’s daughter,
Anusha. We thought she was a remarkable person: intelligent, witty,
passionate, a teacher who was ahead of her time.

I was especially fond of Tikki Nantha, despite the fact that I only
managed to see her a few times as an adult because of having lived in
the UK since childhood. I loved her spirit and the stories of the family
that she would tell me when we met, especially those recalling her
close relationship with my father, Siva, with whom she had a special
bond. Perhaps because of her close attachment to him, she was always
completely loving to us, his children.

It means a great deal to me that my husband, Neil, and I managed
finally to visit Australia in 2014, when we were able to spend some
time with Tikki Nantha. Even though she was unwell at the time, and
had to be hospitalised during our visit, she welcomed us both warmly
and delighted us with her spirited memories of childhood and family
life. Her detailed recall of these was astonishing. She shared Siva’s
skills of being a witty and mischievous raconteur. Her stories often
recalled the playful competitiveness she shared with her elder brother
Siva. We like to think, therefore, that she would have derived some
amusement from the fact that she managed to live for a few weeks
longer than he had!

We will miss you, Tikki Nantha. Rest in peace.
With love,
Tamara

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 21