January 2, 2023
by uma sasi
Yes. True. Yet One more year passed without hearing your deep voice commenting about political issues and what not. Heaviness in heart but acceptance to mind day passed.
January 1, 2022
by uma sasi
So true that this day passes through with lot of heavy heart. As for all of us, more than New Year , wishing Prasadetta was the most important part on that day. We miss you so much Prasadetta.
Learning work-life balance from a workaholic
July 4, 2021
by Naveen Kumar
This is quite a paradox, how do you learn balance from a workoholic? Technically Dad qualified as a workoholic. He worked 6 days a week all his life, in fact he worked 7 days a week quite often in his 70s too. Work was his passion, you just need to get him started on a conversation on what he's working on!
If you consider this (perhaps unthinkable for our generation) - he had never taken a single vacation of more than 3-4 days at a time in his entire life! Till he made a 2 week visit to the UK in 2009 to visit us (and later there would be a 2 month visit again to ours when Shravan was born).
But he always demonstrated balance in his life, passion at work did not mean a sacrifice in his domestic life. He did not carry work home. You could never see him stressed about work or lost in his thoughts. He had a lot of time for Mom, he would help out with cooking (Mom and him were always together in the kitchen), he would have time for his grandkids and their dance performances, he would make time for books, his favourite TV shows, explore spirituality, and definitely enough time to read the Hindu newspaper upside down, and critically analyze politicians and public affairs.
His last year was his (semi) retirement, at home almost all the time, thanks to the pandemic! Still working a bit, but most of his time was devoted to Mom.
If you consider this (perhaps unthinkable for our generation) - he had never taken a single vacation of more than 3-4 days at a time in his entire life! Till he made a 2 week visit to the UK in 2009 to visit us (and later there would be a 2 month visit again to ours when Shravan was born).
But he always demonstrated balance in his life, passion at work did not mean a sacrifice in his domestic life. He did not carry work home. You could never see him stressed about work or lost in his thoughts. He had a lot of time for Mom, he would help out with cooking (Mom and him were always together in the kitchen), he would have time for his grandkids and their dance performances, he would make time for books, his favourite TV shows, explore spirituality, and definitely enough time to read the Hindu newspaper upside down, and critically analyze politicians and public affairs.
His last year was his (semi) retirement, at home almost all the time, thanks to the pandemic! Still working a bit, but most of his time was devoted to Mom.
Impeccably dressed
July 4, 2021
by Naveen Kumar
We don't have a memory of Dad leaving home without perfectly ironed clothes. When we think of him, we think of him in neatly ironed (almost always white) clothes any day of the week. Infact he went to the hospital in a well ironed shirt and trouser the last we saw him. His shirts were 90% white, we know for sure, as we went through it all last week. There were a few colours thanks his sons (us) who forced him to add a few coloured t-shirts to his wardrobe.
His brothers and sisters also describe him in his youth in white and white, with a T-scale in his hand.
His brothers and sisters also describe him in his youth in white and white, with a T-scale in his hand.
Stories from the master story teller
June 28, 2021
by Naveen Kumar
Of all skills, this is a skill only his sons have the privelege to fully testify!
Dad was a master story teller. We have had years of 5 star story telling in our childhood. I don't mean just the stories of Panchatantra and Indian mythology, there were a few of those. But I mean those stories made up in the moment, on that particular night and not to be repeated again. These were the stories were Siva and I were always the protagonists (depends on who's around). We were the secret super heroes in his stories, the bravehearts that fought beasts and animals. It was usually a pretty scary desperate scene in the story till we turned up and made the difference.
We would tell him inbetween if we don't like the way the story is going. And he would make a twist and make it up as he went. It was his creativity on full display!
Dad was a master story teller. We have had years of 5 star story telling in our childhood. I don't mean just the stories of Panchatantra and Indian mythology, there were a few of those. But I mean those stories made up in the moment, on that particular night and not to be repeated again. These were the stories were Siva and I were always the protagonists (depends on who's around). We were the secret super heroes in his stories, the bravehearts that fought beasts and animals. It was usually a pretty scary desperate scene in the story till we turned up and made the difference.
We would tell him inbetween if we don't like the way the story is going. And he would make a twist and make it up as he went. It was his creativity on full display!
French fries
June 18, 2021
A visit to Madras, was one of the events I eagerly looked forward to when growing up. It always made a memorable vacation -traveling by train, meeting family and going to the various tourist spots. During one such trip, I must have been about 10 years old, as a family we got into some conversation related to French fries.If you remember, back in the 80s, French fries were a delicacy and I must have only had them a handful of times and like any other kid (or adult) loved them.
Prasad valiacha had an opinion about almost every topic, French fries were no different. He was a bit perplexed why someone would think of French fries as something special. He said something like - "Its just potato, oil and salt, anyone can make it". He quickly asked me - "Do you want some now?" I eagerly said "Yes". The very next minute, he picked up some potatoes, peeled and chopped them into those perfect shapes, fried them in oil and sprinkled some salt on. He handed me a plate of fries and said - "There you go, French fries!"
This simple story captures who Prasad valiacha truly was - a creator/builder. I can imagine if I was in his place, I would have gone to a restaurant to buy some fries. But, that is not how he looked at things.
Now, I will always remember him every time I eat french fries. But, trips to Chennai will no longer be the same.
Prasad valiacha had an opinion about almost every topic, French fries were no different. He was a bit perplexed why someone would think of French fries as something special. He said something like - "Its just potato, oil and salt, anyone can make it". He quickly asked me - "Do you want some now?" I eagerly said "Yes". The very next minute, he picked up some potatoes, peeled and chopped them into those perfect shapes, fried them in oil and sprinkled some salt on. He handed me a plate of fries and said - "There you go, French fries!"
This simple story captures who Prasad valiacha truly was - a creator/builder. I can imagine if I was in his place, I would have gone to a restaurant to buy some fries. But, that is not how he looked at things.
Now, I will always remember him every time I eat french fries. But, trips to Chennai will no longer be the same.
Drinking! Albeit responsibly!
June 18, 2021
Drinking has always been a taboo in our society ! Not with out reason. There have been families destroyed and Empires frittered away by people who could not manage their drink. When I turned 18 my dad called me and said, lets have a drink ! Probably that was the first time I had one (if one were to oversee a few I used to snitch just to get an idea what it was all about as a teenager) I still remember the words of advise he had for me--With Freedom comes responsibility (some thing I quote more often to my daughters nowadays). I never had a reason to drink on the sly after that . Later on during the IMTEX gatherings he would proudly announce 'You cannot sell machine tools if you cannot hold a glass of Whiskey !'
Whenever we had get togethers , it was mandatory to have a good bottle of scotch on the table. Over the years Dad restricted his drink to one( his retort was " I'm high on life already') but he was nevertheless an integral part of the gathering, regaling us with his past experiences and jokes.
Whenever we had get togethers , it was mandatory to have a good bottle of scotch on the table. Over the years Dad restricted his drink to one( his retort was " I'm high on life already') but he was nevertheless an integral part of the gathering, regaling us with his past experiences and jokes.
Birthday Surprise !
June 18, 2021
April 28th 2021 was a very special day for me. Not because it was my birthday but more so because dad and mom sang songs for me which were my favourites from my Childhood. It rekindled a lot of very special memories from my past, made so special by mom and dad both singing them out to me. It was the first time they sang for me ( past my childhood) and little did I know it would be the last from dad. This is a very special memory !
If Some one can do it, then I can. Even if they can't, I still can !
June 17, 2021
It was in the year 2006. We had just about developed an Indigenous Waterjet cutting machine and an entire line of VTL's for AMW Gujarat. Just when we thought that we had quite a momentous year, in walked a German Gentlemen with an unique request. He wanted to know if we were capable of manufacturing and supplying 5 Meter size CNC VTL ! Let me explain this in layman terms. The machine that he wanted weighed 120 Tonnes in weight whereas till then the heaviest machine we had manufactured was 10 Tonnes! And he did not want one machine he wanted 22 of them , in less than 2 years. The manufacturers across the world told him that they could manufacture 2 machines in a year at best !. Here is where I saw his optimism sparkle. Dad quickly understood we had two major drawbacks. One was supply of castings and the other was a positive cash flow. We asked the customer to provide for both and we would deliver what they wanted. This was a landmark deal in the Indian market. Perhaps the largest single order for machine tool ever ! Though the customer went in to financial issues and could pick up only 6 machines from us, still it was the better than the best in the world in terms of delivery.
Our Beloved Prasadetta
June 15, 2021
by uma sasi
I was 12 years old when Chandrichechi got wedded to Prasadetta. So like a daughter to them as always he treats me like that. Since Venutta in Navy always out of town and comes only once in a year on annual leave, Prasadetta took the lead as the eldest brother of our family or we wholly accepted HIM as our own Property.
I had to attend Exam on clerical cadre in UPSC at Chennai. After completing Diploma in Commercial Practice in 1976, I attempted this exam. So first ever my train journey with Prasadetta's mother. So thrilling it was. From that year we started travelling often to Chennai for chumma or some occasions . Their welcoming nature and hospitality is beyond words.
After my marriage at 1985 yen yen number of times had been to Chennai mostly with my Baby chechi and Ramanujetta. Going to Chennai is the most favourite thing for my husband since he likes Prasadetta very much as he tries and serves different different dishes even when he returns from office after hectic travel. That is the SPECIALITY of our beloved Prasadetta. Through them only we could visit yen number of places in and around Chennai. He is a treasure of himself. For any kind of question he keeps reply tells in his own way. When Sowmya worked in Chennai she used to go to chechi's house during weekends for happy weekend.
Besides all, he always encouraged me to sing some beautiful songs. Even it was ok he will give only best comments. So I lost a true admirer. No No No. . Prasadetta stays in all our hearts for ever.
I had to attend Exam on clerical cadre in UPSC at Chennai. After completing Diploma in Commercial Practice in 1976, I attempted this exam. So first ever my train journey with Prasadetta's mother. So thrilling it was. From that year we started travelling often to Chennai for chumma or some occasions . Their welcoming nature and hospitality is beyond words.
After my marriage at 1985 yen yen number of times had been to Chennai mostly with my Baby chechi and Ramanujetta. Going to Chennai is the most favourite thing for my husband since he likes Prasadetta very much as he tries and serves different different dishes even when he returns from office after hectic travel. That is the SPECIALITY of our beloved Prasadetta. Through them only we could visit yen number of places in and around Chennai. He is a treasure of himself. For any kind of question he keeps reply tells in his own way. When Sowmya worked in Chennai she used to go to chechi's house during weekends for happy weekend.
Besides all, he always encouraged me to sing some beautiful songs. Even it was ok he will give only best comments. So I lost a true admirer. No No No. . Prasadetta stays in all our hearts for ever.
June 15, 2021
by Raghu S
திரு SKP, என்னுடைய குரு...
என் வாழ்க்கையை தொடக்கியவயர்..
பத்துக்கு பன்னிரண்டு அறை.....
அவருக்கு ஒரு S இருக்கை....
எனக்கும் சிவாவுக்கும் ஆளுக்கொன்று...
எனக்கு மட்டும் drawing pad & mini drafter. .
அன்று செய்த மெஷினும் மினி தான்..
இன்றுஅவரே மதர் மெஷின் செய்தார்...
இன்னும் பாஸ் ஆகாத ஒருவனுக்கு வேலை கொடுத்த தைரியம்....
யோசனையிலேயே ஒரு இயந்திரத்தை கட்டும் தைரியம் கொண்டவருக்கு இது எம்மாத்திரம்?
பொறியியல்..... அவரிடம் பயின்ற பின் தானே இன்னதென்று அறிந்தோம்?
பத்து பாடம் சேர்த்து எழுதினேன் , தேறிவிடுவேன் என்று எனக்கு முன் அவர் நம்பினார்...
ஆயிரத்திலிருந்து நாலாயிரத்துக்கு சம்பளத்தை உயர்த்தினார்..
உயர்தர drawing board நிறுவினார்...
என்னை எழுந்து நிற்க வைத்தார்...
தலைகீறி என் படத்தில் கைவைக்காதீர்... எண்ணை படிகிறது..என்றால்.. ... தப்பைதான் நான் கைவைத்தேன்.. முதலிலிருந்து வரை என்பார்...
"Technically arrogant" என்பேன் நான்..
"plan B" யே இல்லாமல் வேலை செய்த ஒரே மனிதர் அவர்...
அவ்வளவு தைரியம்... தன்னம்பிக்கை..
தகுதி குறைந்தவனை ஏன் வளர்க்கணும்?.. என கேட்டால்,
தெரிந்தவனுக்கு எதற்கு சொல்லனும் ?
உனக்குதான் கற்றுகொடுக்கணும்..
என்று எதையும் simple ஆக்குவார்..
உணர வேண்டும், google இல்லா நேரத்தில் அவர் பேரறிஞர்...
Bearing நம்பர் சொன்னால் அளவு கண்டுபிடிக்க சொல்லிக்கொடுப்பார்..
பொறி மட்டுமல்ல மொழியிலும்..
அம்மா அப்பா போல அங்ஙாடி தானே சரி? நீ ஏன் அங்காடி என்கிறாய் ? என்பார்..
அவர் என்னை கோபப்படுத்தியதை விட,
நான் படுத்தியது அதிகம்...
இதில் மட்டும் தான் ஜெயம்...
ஆனால் அவரிடம் ஒவ்வொரு முறை தோற்பதிலும் ஒரு படிக்கல் உயரலாம்..
இனி யாரிடம் தோற்பேன் ?
எப்படி உயருவேன்?
Automatic Water Dispenser, 1991
June 13, 2021
by Naveen Kumar
Science Exhibition at Venkata Subbarao school: Hardly an occasion to witness cutting edge science or engineering. I needed to work on a project for the exhibition and was speaking to Dad about it (I remember it was a weekend). He said "Lets make an automatic water dispenser" - something that dispenses water when you place a cup and stops when the cup is full. I said, "That's fantastic dad - but I actually need something working! Not a piece of science fiction".
In his usual fashion he didn't say much about it, took me to an electronic shop in Nungambakkam, bought a couple of solenoid valves, a plank, springs and cut off switches and we walked back home. Out came the Big Brown Milton water can (it had a push button for dispensing water), and a palaga (wooden plank) that we used to sit to do kitchen chores like scraping coconuts.
He started fixing springs to the plank, solenoid valves and cut off switches on the reverse side of the palaga. Wired via the swith mechanism was a lever of sorts that triggered a push to the button on the Milton water jug.
And then followed by several long hours of tuning, he achieved what in my eyes was a miracle. It just worked. A cup placed on a plank triggering a solenoid valve, that triggered a lever to start dispensing water, and the weight of a nearly full cup of water triggering a second solenoid switch triggering the stop.
With sheer disbelief, I took this piece of genius to my school and I believe the only commendable, meritworthy thing I did that whole week was telling the judges my dad built it and I helped massage his shoulders.
I was given a special mention by the judges (no prize, alas) but a long line of friends queuing up to have a go at the 'magic water dispenser'.
Dad was the original Engineer. You could leave him on an Island and expect him to start building a flying machine to come back home (and it might even work). God broke the mould when he made him!
How I wish I had that water dispenser today. I would pay a million dollars for it (if I had a million dollars of course!)
In his usual fashion he didn't say much about it, took me to an electronic shop in Nungambakkam, bought a couple of solenoid valves, a plank, springs and cut off switches and we walked back home. Out came the Big Brown Milton water can (it had a push button for dispensing water), and a palaga (wooden plank) that we used to sit to do kitchen chores like scraping coconuts.
He started fixing springs to the plank, solenoid valves and cut off switches on the reverse side of the palaga. Wired via the swith mechanism was a lever of sorts that triggered a push to the button on the Milton water jug.
And then followed by several long hours of tuning, he achieved what in my eyes was a miracle. It just worked. A cup placed on a plank triggering a solenoid valve, that triggered a lever to start dispensing water, and the weight of a nearly full cup of water triggering a second solenoid switch triggering the stop.
With sheer disbelief, I took this piece of genius to my school and I believe the only commendable, meritworthy thing I did that whole week was telling the judges my dad built it and I helped massage his shoulders.
I was given a special mention by the judges (no prize, alas) but a long line of friends queuing up to have a go at the 'magic water dispenser'.
Dad was the original Engineer. You could leave him on an Island and expect him to start building a flying machine to come back home (and it might even work). God broke the mould when he made him!
How I wish I had that water dispenser today. I would pay a million dollars for it (if I had a million dollars of course!)
Memories
June 13, 2021
After finishing college, I came
to Chennai and started the second half of my life living with chechi
and Prasad etta. They were like second parents to me at the time. I had all my
freedom in the house and I really enjoyed my life there then. I had no
restraints and had a very boisterous early 20's then, in spite of which
chechi and Prasad etta were kind to me.
I still remember the first time I drove off their ambassador car without their knowledge and because I was not an experienced driver then, ended up ramming it at the lake area compound wall. I was shivering with fear when I had to tell prasad etta. To my surprise he was not furious as I was expecting him to be. He did not even scold me. He was calm and simply advised me to learn properly and drive.
I also used to take his jawa bike frequently. I still have memories of sneaking back home after a late night second show with the engine turned off so I would not wake them up because the bike could be very loud. Prasad etta knew about this but never scolded me for it.
He was wise, experienced, humorous and knowledgeable all at the same time. He was a human encyclopedia. I remember, after his return from his trip from the Czech Republic he mentioned had learnt the word for "switch" in Russian which was "pereklyuchatel". We had a good laugh when he revealed that he was able to easily remember that word because it sounded a lot like "periyavar kulichacha" in Tamil and he was able to use that as a mnemonic to remember it. Now because of that I will never forget what the Russian word for switch is.
Prasad etta was more than just my brother in law. He was also my guru for whatever little mechanical engineering knowledge I have, because my background had mostly been electrical engineering. He gave me a strong base to launch my own career as an engineer in the industry.
I was always impressed with his knowledge and understanding of mechanical systems. I still remember my time during 1981 when I started working as an apprentice with him at Precision Machine Builders. The first project when I saw his prowess in machine designing was a copy milling machine for a wooden handle. He single-handedly came up with the entire design for the system. All of us there were absolutely astonished by his knowledge. Engineers of his caliber were not common at the time and possibly even today.
In a lot of ways he was a pioneer. A lot of his unique machine design ideas were implemented at Ameerudeen and company with Mr. Babu bai family at Royapuram. And their company still being associated with them to this today shows the extent of the bonds and connections he built through his career. I still remember, he used to visit them everyday after his work in Batliboi and spent many evenings in this place.
He was always ambitious and took on several challenging dream projects. I remember all the struggles we went through to create a successful prototype for a handy versatile milling machine. Another time we also had a challenging job request from Ennore foundries for a special milling machine which we were able to complete thanks to his guidance. I also remember him being the consultant of a very important windmill project in the 80s.
I can not forget the times we spent together reconditioning a LB20 HMT lathe at the BHEL training center. I was amazed by the extent of his technical knowledge and experience. He was able to figure out and perform a delicate job of properly scraping to level the lathe bed all by himself, something which was usually done by professional scrappers.
He was so many things and I owe a lot to him. While he will be truly missed, he will always remain with us through all our memories and the wisdom he has imparted to us.
I still remember the first time I drove off their ambassador car without their knowledge and because I was not an experienced driver then, ended up ramming it at the lake area compound wall. I was shivering with fear when I had to tell prasad etta. To my surprise he was not furious as I was expecting him to be. He did not even scold me. He was calm and simply advised me to learn properly and drive.
I also used to take his jawa bike frequently. I still have memories of sneaking back home after a late night second show with the engine turned off so I would not wake them up because the bike could be very loud. Prasad etta knew about this but never scolded me for it.
He was wise, experienced, humorous and knowledgeable all at the same time. He was a human encyclopedia. I remember, after his return from his trip from the Czech Republic he mentioned had learnt the word for "switch" in Russian which was "pereklyuchatel". We had a good laugh when he revealed that he was able to easily remember that word because it sounded a lot like "periyavar kulichacha" in Tamil and he was able to use that as a mnemonic to remember it. Now because of that I will never forget what the Russian word for switch is.
Prasad etta was more than just my brother in law. He was also my guru for whatever little mechanical engineering knowledge I have, because my background had mostly been electrical engineering. He gave me a strong base to launch my own career as an engineer in the industry.
I was always impressed with his knowledge and understanding of mechanical systems. I still remember my time during 1981 when I started working as an apprentice with him at Precision Machine Builders. The first project when I saw his prowess in machine designing was a copy milling machine for a wooden handle. He single-handedly came up with the entire design for the system. All of us there were absolutely astonished by his knowledge. Engineers of his caliber were not common at the time and possibly even today.
In a lot of ways he was a pioneer. A lot of his unique machine design ideas were implemented at Ameerudeen and company with Mr. Babu bai family at Royapuram. And their company still being associated with them to this today shows the extent of the bonds and connections he built through his career. I still remember, he used to visit them everyday after his work in Batliboi and spent many evenings in this place.
He was always ambitious and took on several challenging dream projects. I remember all the struggles we went through to create a successful prototype for a handy versatile milling machine. Another time we also had a challenging job request from Ennore foundries for a special milling machine which we were able to complete thanks to his guidance. I also remember him being the consultant of a very important windmill project in the 80s.
I can not forget the times we spent together reconditioning a LB20 HMT lathe at the BHEL training center. I was amazed by the extent of his technical knowledge and experience. He was able to figure out and perform a delicate job of properly scraping to level the lathe bed all by himself, something which was usually done by professional scrappers.
He was so many things and I owe a lot to him. While he will be truly missed, he will always remain with us through all our memories and the wisdom he has imparted to us.
Memories of ‘a memory bank’
June 13, 2021
This happened in early 2020.
There was an enquiry from a customer related to hydraulic press.
I haven’t worked on a press and so decided to have a meeting with Mr Prasad at his cabin.
He patiently listened to the issue I explained and then told me pointing at his book-shelf in the cabin: “Baskar, can you take that book from that shelf; that one, the one placed third from left in the second rack”. That was his reference book related to press which is kind-of brochure of Czech make presses. He just glanced through the book for a few seconds and then started discussing on the terminologies like ‘daylight’ and so on and so forth(which I took some time to understand fully after googling the notes made during the meeting). He ended up having details for the design of entire press and we quoted for a new press to the customer.
I was amazed by the power of his memory more than once and I decided to ask this time , “Sir, How could you remember all these things ? “
He just replied with a smile on face , “It’s because of the passion I have for those things”.
True; He indeed had deep intense passion for his work. And there was one other ‘X-factor’.
There was an enquiry from a customer related to hydraulic press.
I haven’t worked on a press and so decided to have a meeting with Mr Prasad at his cabin.
He patiently listened to the issue I explained and then told me pointing at his book-shelf in the cabin: “Baskar, can you take that book from that shelf; that one, the one placed third from left in the second rack”. That was his reference book related to press which is kind-of brochure of Czech make presses. He just glanced through the book for a few seconds and then started discussing on the terminologies like ‘daylight’ and so on and so forth(which I took some time to understand fully after googling the notes made during the meeting). He ended up having details for the design of entire press and we quoted for a new press to the customer.
I was amazed by the power of his memory more than once and I decided to ask this time , “Sir, How could you remember all these things ? “
He just replied with a smile on face , “It’s because of the passion I have for those things”.
True; He indeed had deep intense passion for his work. And there was one other ‘X-factor’.
தமிழ் பற்று மற்றும் திருக்குறள் ஞானம்
June 13, 2021
by Naveen Kumar
அவரின் தமிழ் பற்றும் ஆழ்ந்த ஞானமும் குறிப்பிடத்தக்கதாகும். கல்வி கற்கும் காலத்தில் பொதுத் தமிழ் மற்றும் சிறப்புத் தமிழ் எனும் பிரிவுகள் இருக்க, சிறப்புத் தமிழ் பயின்றவர்.
திருக்குறள் அதிகாரங்கள் 133, அதில் குறைந்தது 100 க்கு மேல் அவருக்கு அத்துப்பிடி. வாழ்க்கையின் ஒவ்வுறு தருணத்திற்கு ஒரு குரள் வைத்திருப்பர். இவ்வாறு எங்கள் செவியில் சிந்தி சிந்தனையை செதுக்கிய பலவற்றில் சில:
(Dad had studied 'special tamil' in school - in those days you could choose 'common tamil' or 'special tamil', and the latter was much harder to comprehend - it dwelved deeper into literature and the subtleties of the language. Thirukkural, made of 1330 couplets, is a masterpiece by Thiruvalluvar. Written 2000 years ago, it covers all aspects of human life and lays down rules written in a beautiful elegant couplet format. Even the most scholarly tamil poets of today (this is as mentioned by Vairamuthu in an interview) struggle to write a few couplets. Thiruvalluvar capsulated 1330 golden rules into couplets.
Dad had a few favourites that got repeated quite often and invariably shaped our thinking too. Here are some of them below:)
அறத்துப்பால், குறள் 314:
இன்னாசெய் தாரை ஒறுத்தல் அவர்நாண
நன்னயஞ் செய்து விடல்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
நமக்குத் தீமை செய்தவரைத் தண்டிக்கும் வழி, அவர் வெட்கப்படும்படி அவருக்கு நன்மையைச் செய்து அவர் செய்த தீமையையும், நாம் செய்த நன்மையையும் மறந்துவிடுவதே.
இதை வாழ்கைலியும் கடைபிடித்தவர் என்பதே உண்மை.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-314/
பொருட்பால், அறிவுடைமை, குறள் 423
எப்பொருள் யார்யார்வாய்க் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள்
மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
எந்தக் கருத்தை எவர் சொன்னாலும், அக்கருத்தின் உண்மையைக் காண்பது அறிவு.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-423/
This was his favourite reference whenever he read a whats app forward that has been forwarded without being verified.
பொருட்பால், தெரிந்துவினையாடல் , குறள் 517:
இதனை இதனால் இவன்முடிக்கும் என்றாய்ந்து
அதனை அவன்கண் விடல்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
இந்தச் செயலை இன்ன ஆள் பலத்தாலும், பொருள் பலத்தாலும் இவன் செய்து முடிப்பான் என்பதை நன்கு எண்ணி அந்தச் செயலை அவனிடம் விடுக.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-517/
"Thiruvalluvar spoke 2000 years ago about the skills an employer and a manager should have" என்பார் .
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 66:
குழல் இனிது யாழ் இனிது என்பதம் மக்கள்
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
பெற்ற பிள்ளைகள் பேசும் பொருளற்ற மழலைச் சொல்லைக் கேட்காதவர்தாம், குழலும் யாழும் கேட்க இனியவை என்பர்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-66
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 67:
தந்தை மகற்காற்றும் நன்றி அவையத்து
முந்தி இருப்பச் செயல்.
மு.வரதராசன் விளக்கம்:
தந்தை தன் மகனுக்குச் செய்யத்தக்க நல்லுதவி, கற்றவர் கூட்டத்தில் தன் மகன் முந்தியிருக்கும்படியாக அவனைக் கல்வியில் மேம்படச் செய்தலாகும்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-67/
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 69:
ஈன்ற பொழுதின் பெரிதுவக்கும் தன்மகனைச்
சான்றோன் எனக்கேட்ட தாய்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
தம் மகனைக் கல்வி ஒழுக்கங்களால் நிறைந்தவன் என்று அறிவுடையோர் கூற அதைக் கேட்ட தாய், அவனைப் பெற்ற பொழுதைக் காட்டிலும் மிகுதியாக மகிழ்வாள்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-69
திருக்குறள் அதிகாரங்கள் 133, அதில் குறைந்தது 100 க்கு மேல் அவருக்கு அத்துப்பிடி. வாழ்க்கையின் ஒவ்வுறு தருணத்திற்கு ஒரு குரள் வைத்திருப்பர். இவ்வாறு எங்கள் செவியில் சிந்தி சிந்தனையை செதுக்கிய பலவற்றில் சில:
(Dad had studied 'special tamil' in school - in those days you could choose 'common tamil' or 'special tamil', and the latter was much harder to comprehend - it dwelved deeper into literature and the subtleties of the language. Thirukkural, made of 1330 couplets, is a masterpiece by Thiruvalluvar. Written 2000 years ago, it covers all aspects of human life and lays down rules written in a beautiful elegant couplet format. Even the most scholarly tamil poets of today (this is as mentioned by Vairamuthu in an interview) struggle to write a few couplets. Thiruvalluvar capsulated 1330 golden rules into couplets.
Dad had a few favourites that got repeated quite often and invariably shaped our thinking too. Here are some of them below:)
அறத்துப்பால், குறள் 314:
இன்னாசெய் தாரை ஒறுத்தல் அவர்நாண
நன்னயஞ் செய்து விடல்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
நமக்குத் தீமை செய்தவரைத் தண்டிக்கும் வழி, அவர் வெட்கப்படும்படி அவருக்கு நன்மையைச் செய்து அவர் செய்த தீமையையும், நாம் செய்த நன்மையையும் மறந்துவிடுவதே.
இதை வாழ்கைலியும் கடைபிடித்தவர் என்பதே உண்மை.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-314/
பொருட்பால், அறிவுடைமை, குறள் 423
எப்பொருள் யார்யார்வாய்க் கேட்பினும் அப்பொருள்
மெய்ப்பொருள் காண்ப தறிவு.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
எந்தக் கருத்தை எவர் சொன்னாலும், அக்கருத்தின் உண்மையைக் காண்பது அறிவு.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-423/
This was his favourite reference whenever he read a whats app forward that has been forwarded without being verified.
பொருட்பால், தெரிந்துவினையாடல் , குறள் 517:
இதனை இதனால் இவன்முடிக்கும் என்றாய்ந்து
அதனை அவன்கண் விடல்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
இந்தச் செயலை இன்ன ஆள் பலத்தாலும், பொருள் பலத்தாலும் இவன் செய்து முடிப்பான் என்பதை நன்கு எண்ணி அந்தச் செயலை அவனிடம் விடுக.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-517/
"Thiruvalluvar spoke 2000 years ago about the skills an employer and a manager should have" என்பார் .
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 66:
குழல் இனிது யாழ் இனிது என்பதம் மக்கள்
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
பெற்ற பிள்ளைகள் பேசும் பொருளற்ற மழலைச் சொல்லைக் கேட்காதவர்தாம், குழலும் யாழும் கேட்க இனியவை என்பர்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-66
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 67:
தந்தை மகற்காற்றும் நன்றி அவையத்து
முந்தி இருப்பச் செயல்.
மு.வரதராசன் விளக்கம்:
தந்தை தன் மகனுக்குச் செய்யத்தக்க நல்லுதவி, கற்றவர் கூட்டத்தில் தன் மகன் முந்தியிருக்கும்படியாக அவனைக் கல்வியில் மேம்படச் செய்தலாகும்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-67/
அறத்துப்பால் , மக்கட்பேறு, குறள் 69:
ஈன்ற பொழுதின் பெரிதுவக்கும் தன்மகனைச்
சான்றோன் எனக்கேட்ட தாய்.
சாலமன் பாப்பையா விளக்கம்:
தம் மகனைக் கல்வி ஒழுக்கங்களால் நிறைந்தவன் என்று அறிவுடையோர் கூற அதைக் கேட்ட தாய், அவனைப் பெற்ற பொழுதைக் காட்டிலும் மிகுதியாக மகிழ்வாள்.
Translation: https://www.ytamizh.com/thirukural/kural-69
Instructions in Tamil
June 13, 2021
For a Keralite to speak fluently in Tamil was one thing but to write a manual of instructions in that language was another. He had great passion for Tamil and in fact learnt advanced tamil( சிறப்பு தமிழ் )while at school. While interacting with Engineers who were comfortable only in their mother tongue( தமிழ் in this case) he realised they carried inhibitions in understanding English which in turn reduced their confidence levels while learning new technologies. To make things simple for them , he wrote the entire gamet of assembly instructions required for the assembly of large CNC machines in Tamil. Probably a First in the field of Heavy duty CNC machines.
Meet and Greet
June 12, 2021
Mr Prasad was a person of confidence. Various incidents bear testimony to this. One such that comes to my mind is when we were invited to a meet and greet session organised by IMTMA on the occasion of IMTEX in DELHI. I presume it was in the early nineties. The get together was at The TAJ and we both landed on time. To my dismay he had forgotten to bring his visiting cards. It was a big mistake to make especially when you are looking hobnobbing with the top industrial honchos( end users of our machines) for the first time. I had mine and I happened to have one of his cards with me. He was totally unfazed and entered the hall saying he was his own visiting card ! The next two hours I saw him milling around effortlessly and cheekily asking me to give my card where ever it was required !! Where as the one card that he had, he gave it to the person whom he thought we would be interacting more in the long run. It proved right as the subsequent year the client conferred us with orders worth more than a Cr !
Original designer
June 12, 2021
It was some where in 2010. There was one Gentlemen called Jan Ryd from Sweden who had come over to meet us. The agenda was that they would pick up a stake in our Waterjet company. Jan Ryd was an Engineer par excellence. We were manufacturing Waterjet cutting machines ourselves and he thought we had stolen the design from them. He spent a day discussing one to one with Mr Prasad about various machines they had developed over the years. In the evening at a dinner hosted by Jan, he opened up. He said ' I came to fight with you thinking you had stolen my design , but looks like only the colour is similar !! You have made a very good machine, I' happy to be your partner !" and then went on to call for a toast! Unfortunately Jan was diagnosed with cancer and passed away soon. But the mutual admiration remained long after.
Culinary expert
June 13, 2021
Dad was quite the innovative cook at home. On rare ocassions when my mother went to her native alone, it used to be quite an innovative attempt at cooking. Never the one to stop trying new recipes ( this was at an age when these was no internet and phone was luxury !)) I remember once he tried his hand at making Chocolate burfi. What eventually ended was a piece of of dish we could couldn't find the nearest resemblance to. But all the same it was extremely tasty. Looking at the success, he tried again the next day the same dish and what came out another new variety but tasting equally good. His attempt at making pickles with mangoes and Pomegranate met with excellent results. My friends from Mumbai would devour them in a jiffy, calling it pickle did not necessarily mean it had to be had as one. This apart he was a terrific chef on any of the dishes he attempted. Over the years when my mom's health came down and needed help, he was there to help with her day to day cooking requirements. He found great joy when visitors would sample his cooking and went out of the way to prepare anything that they liked. There was no sign of the chairman of the group visible while he was at the kitchen ! As we write this we have the pickles made by him two weeks ago being a part of our daily food !