My father

There are fathers, but there is nobody like my father T.R. Krishnamurthy (called TRK in office and among relatives). He is special, simply because he is simple. He taught me the value of maintaining relationships.

Even during the peak of his career, he ensured that he made weekend visits to relatives houses, almost all of them. We used to call him "ulavarum olikathir" (roughly translated into roaming light).

The visits continue even 6 years after his retirement.

He said, "the reason why today's generation dosen't have any long-standing relationship is because for them the other person should reciprocate whatever he/she does." An inch deviation and they are upset, he says. Relationships suffer, old friends part ways. Out of sight, out of mind is another reason, he reasons.

My father shunned those negative mindsets. He continues to meet people whom he met decades earlier. Old friends remain intact. New friends keep adding. Something unimaginable now.

Last week, when my father's old friend who was his neighbout in Villivakkam (now we r in Anna Nagar) came to our house and recollected my dad's generosity and large-mindedness, I was touched to the quick.

Intrinsically, his habits have rubbed off on me and I try my best to maintain relationships.

I think it is a lesson our younger generation would do well to put into practice.