Page 41 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

The Sambandan family’s memories of Amma
(As remembered by cousin Dr. Siddha Sambandan, Norwich, UK)

I always called your mum - “Thilaki Acca” like my elder sisters; and your
dad - “Mylvaganam mama”! When I was in my teens, I remember one
day your dad asking me, why do you call me mama, and call her Thilaki
“Acca”? I laughed and said she looks much younger than you! Thankfully
he was not offended and laughed it off.

In much later years, I made every effort to meet amma - for two
reasons- she was the only cousin on Papa’s side whom I was close to -
and she always had a lilt in her eyes and was sincerely interested in our
studies, and doing well. From my UK life - I used to call her “Thilaks”. -
& mama used to say she is your aunt. I told him how can I call her
aunt when she looks younger than me!! Both were hollering away. Your
dad insisted on my using his car when I was in Sydney. I did drive them
to Devas for the fantastic reunion from noon till eve.

When Thilaks came to UK, despite all the problems I had with the health
of my daughter Natasha etc, I took my other daughter Nikki and went
down to London to Puni Acca’s (Thilaks’ sister) house, to see her. We
spent a few hours and I wanted Nikki to meet my favourite cousin sister
on Papa’s side. She was always interested in my welfare.

It’s on that visit that she said about our genealogy and that she would
get me a copy of the thesis written by a relative. When I spoke to her in
the Residential home (Jesmond Aged Care), she said she had it with her,
and I mentioned that I would get my friend to come over and copy it-
but I didn’t (much to my regret!).

These are some of my pleasant memories of your Amma. I also
remember Amma telling me when she met me in Sydney, showing her
forearm - “Now I’m a full Australian”!

There you go - I have shared my memories of Thilaki Acca - always
pleasant, charming and seeing the humorous side of everything; and
being very close to Anandhan Annai (Thilaks’ elder brother in UK) in the
last 30 yrs - I know that he was very close to and loved your mum very
much.
Jenny (Anandhan’s wife) will vouch for that! --- bye for now

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 33