What kind of people could be a writer’s
ardent admirers and close buddies? fellow writers, poets, publishers, even
politicians, right? Well, this rule doesn’t hold good when it comes to JK. A
doctor who hasn’t read even a word of his writings, an illiterate auto-driver,
drug peddlers, Gana singers, and several other people from the lowest economic
strata of the society have special places in their hearts for him, and have
enjoyed his kinship for years.
Though this is not a sudden revelation, I
truly realized its significance when he was recently hospitalized in critical
condition. Mr. Pazhani who relentlessly rode 80 Kms to and fro on his bike, just
so he could be at dad’s side, Dr. Poonkunran who kept checking on his wellness
thrice a day, though he was supposed to be holidaying in the US, Auto Selvaraj,
who came with Amman temple’s holy blessings and tearfully applied tikka on his
forehead; the list goes on. JK’s love for humanity is not only evident from his
writings but also from his friends ranging from all ranks of the society.
Can you truly love something, bound by its
authority? It’s a known fact that artists who hold a great love and compassion
for the society are also guilty of breaking most of its norms.
For years, I had believed that the
charismatic author JK and my dad with his varied idiosyncrasies are two very
different persons. Perhaps, had I been one of his close buddies I might have
been illuminated better.
“Your children are not your children. They
came through you but not from you; and though they are with you, they do not
belong to you.” – These words of Kahlil Gibran remind me largely of dad. This
was his way with us. He has never hampered our wills and wishes; has let us
make our own choices in life, guiding us with only gentle and wise words. It’s not so easy for parents to shower such
unconditional love on their kids without expectations.
As kids, we have enjoyed his utmost
pampering and attention. He used to tell us stories, sing funny songs; even tie
our shoelaces and fill water bottles when we were running late for shcool.
Also, he has been very scrupulous in sending someone for us without delay whenever
the school-rickshaw could not pick us up. That he himself came to take me home
on a rainy day is one of my ‘evergreenest’ memories!
I believe that the best gift you could give
your children is to live an exemplary life, not compromising your integrity and
dignity. And this, I learnt from dad.
- Deepa
