Page 33 - Ganesh Arunasalam

My acquaintance with Aruna span more than three decades. We came to know each other when the Federation of Tamil Association (FTA) was formed in 1984. From then we liked each other, respected the contribution we could make to the FTA and gradually became very close friends in the process.
He was soaked in Tamil nationalism, but without any hint of extremism or violence. His personality was characterised by his simplicity, honesty, consistency and directness. There was never a hint of subterfuge or cunningness. We used to argue a lot and very intensely and in doing so, we did not fall apart, but learnt to mutually respect each other.
In spite of his immense interest in the wellbeing of the Tamils and in politics, his overriding concern were the wellbeing of Kamala, Mathavan, Zorica, Kannan, Sweta, and a whole army of nieces and nephews. He discarded many opportunities for prominence in public life and chose to enjoy the time with his family. He was always there for them; in their pain and pleasure, to suffer or to enjoy, and they in turn loved and revered him.
He was a wonderful gardener and all his plants were cared for with tenderness and affection and this was a great revelation to me. He would take me to his garden pronouncing that this is where he was most happy to be “among my plants”. His plants were in all their glory, very bright and healthy, affirming that they too were as happy as he.
Well done Aruna!
Dr N. Satchi
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