Hyderabad- 60.
3rd June, 2025.
Dear Appa,
You have been my constant source of inspiration, the person who backed most of my decisions. I hardly remember you having scolded me, leave alone beating me, in my 60 years of life. You would say it once firmly, and the message would be loud and clear.
As a confused 7th class student who did not want to give up on his dream of becoming a scientist, when I approached you, you were the one who said that pursuing engineering after the 12th class (Intermediate 2nd year in the then unified Andhra Pradesh) is equally good. You knew how heartbroken I was to replace “engineering” with “scientist,” but still had the guts to call a spade a spade. Similarly, when I got rejected twice for the engineering seat after getting 1393 (out of 27,000 candidates) and 1145 (out of 30,000 candidates) ranks, as I was a forward caste and Non-Local candidate (having done my 9th and 10th in Tamil Nadu), it was you who motivated me to try it again for a 3rd time. I took it up as a challenge, got 635th rank out of 33,000 candidates, and pursued Electrical & Electronics Engineering.
Today, if I have spent 35 years of employment spanning various industries, it is because of the invaluable guidance and the unlimited freedom you gave me. It is in our daily evening carom board games that I learned to take failure in my stride. It has been my lifetime dream to win against my dad in carom. Most of the time, he has only won.
You encouraged me to play all sports and stay fit, though I did not do it post my 10th class. You have physically taken part in cricket and volleyball games. You have also guided my son on how to play hockey. Today, he is a hockey champion.
I was deeply worried when you (90 years old) were diagnosed of suspected kidney cancer. It is equally worrisome that you refused a biopsy or surgery if the need arises. While I am glad that your eating quantity has gone up and you still look more physically fit than me (with a paunch), it is worrisome that you might experience pain in the future.
It was my job change that took me to Ahmedabad and Chennai for 24 long years. I am glad that I am back at Hyderabad and with you for the last 8 years to serve you and Amma in your halcyon days, which is my prime duty. My wife also doles out dishes that you love to devour. I am happy to see that smile on your face. It is nice that you chose to come with me to Tank Bund in September 2022 and to a nearby hotel for Rawa Dosa about a year back.
You have stood firm like a rock, supporting me financially too in the last 8 years, when I was shaken financially and mentally, thanks to my wayward son, who got spoilt after going to the USA. I could get him back to India, thanks to your support. Today, he has recovered mentally a lot and works for a good startup in Bengaluru, in his chosen line of artificial intelligence. I am sure that, with your blessings, he will shine well in his career and his marriage will soon be on the cards.
While we do differ on a few subjects like rituals and religious beliefs, I appreciate the way you steer clear of such controversial topics, allowing me to follow whatever I believe in. We hardly try to convince each other, stating that whatever we believe in is right. Last, but not least, I cherish all our joint photos, including the ones taken in Srinagar and Port Blair (Andamans), where I could live, thanks to your daring nature of taking calculated risks by accepting deputation/transfer to such locations while working in your central government office.
I wish you good health and a long life. I remain,
Yours affectionately,
The Momma Clan 
Leave a comment