Page 28 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

I Have Known Thilaha Anty All My Life…

The Mylvaganams and Thiruchittampalams seemed to be always in each
other’s homes. I was made to understand that we were related to each
other, but only when I was older, did I realize that we were only
connected through marriage - my father’s sister was married to Myl
Mama’s brother. As I always say, we get to choose our friends, so
friends are very special. Another connection I had, was that one of my
closest friends, Mena, was Thilaha Anty’s first cousin.
I remember going on a day trip to Moragala, with all of them - the
Mylvaganams, the Nagendrans & special friends - which was a lot of fun.
Chitta, Deva and I were around the same age and we were playmates
when we were very young. Then Jano and Arul came along and I had
some girls to play with. Vasu like me, came along much later, so was not
part of this play group. Invariably, Thilaha Anty would direct our idle
play, towards some word game. It was not good enough to get the word
right, we had to spell it correctly as well! I remember playing ‘Girls,
Boys, Fruits, Flowers…’ and ‘Scattergories’.

It was always fun to be at one of the Mylvaganam parties, as at that time,
that was the only home where singing was part of the evening’s
entertainment. This love of music continued throughout her life, and
my mother’s 100th birthday, was a sing-along party with songs that Arul
had compiled for Thilaha Anty.

Spending time with Thilaha Anty was special. I always learned
something new, from the teacher extraordinaire. She had so many
interests and could talk on any subject. We often ended up laughing at
something we both found funny. When we were both in London in
1976, we were able to spend time together. Then, Myl Mama and
Thilaha Anty came to the USA and spent a few days with us in
Maryland. My children and I met up with them again, when we went to
Sydney, in 2000. Unfortunately, we did not have much time there, so my
children did not get to spend time with her and learn more about her.
My mother and she had a close bond and Thilaha Anty even named
Arul, Arunthathi, after my mother. Our home was opposite the
Australian High Commission, where ‘Mr. Mill-ver-gaanam’ worked. It
was near St. Bridget’s and Royal, so Arul, and sometimes Thilaha Anty,

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 27