It seemed like providence to come across Ram, who was unknown to me in year 2010, playing in a volleyball tournament  near Cupertino and I was awestruck with his playmaking skills and calm demeanor. The inspiration I drew from that day rekindled my volleyball nerves and we became regulars in volleyball tournaments on opposite sides of the net for couple of years and he always posessed a pleasing smile and a warm personality.

 I and my family moved to San Ramon in 2013 and he was the only known face in the new town. He embraced me with open heart and made me part of a new volleyball team. The first tournament I played with him is forever etched in my memory. We were down 5-15 in a finals decider game, playing against a ‘mediocre’ team. Ram rotated into front row and he carried our team on his shoulders and we won the game 21-19.  His thunderous volleyball ‘kill’ would uplift the spirit of the entire team whatever the circumstances be. He was special and magnanimous in everything he did, on and off the court.  

 In a new town with no acquaintances, he embraced me and my family into a wider family of friends that we cherish. He extended boundless energy and care to all of us in celebration or in desperation.  His special  “சொல்லுங்கோ..” would warmly touch many hearts that blossomed into many special moments. He carried everyone around him with elegance and humility and Ram would be missed forever by my family.  Rest In Peace,  Ram!    


பனிவிழும் மலர்வனம் பாடல்
உனக்குப் பிடிக்கும் என்றார்கள்.
பனிவிழும் மலர்வனம் ஒன்றில்
நீ மீளாத் துயிலிருப்பது
யாருக்கும் ஒப்பவில்லை என
யார் உன்னிடம் சொல்வது?
   - Bouncer Ram

I knew Ram for the past few years through volleyball and Kid's Tamil school. Our friendship blossomed, we started being close including families. We also became so comfortable sharing all our emotions, good and bad that we go through in life/work without any inhibitions. 

As others mentioned, Ram was always cordial, approachable and kind at heart. He always advice friends and families keeping their well being in mind. Many of his friends would vouch for it. He is the one guy who can keep his cool and smile in the middle of heated arguments, whether in get together or at volleyball games. 

I'm fortunate to have known him, however short it is. Still spent enough time to have many cherishable moments with him. Can't forget the camping trips, family get togethers and the guy's night outs roaming around bay area having good time. Ram will be living with us through all the lovely moments etched in our hearts and captured in photos.

Rest in peace Machi
- Anand

I came to know Ram as a great volleyball player!  I think he was part of Spandana volleyball tournament winning team in 2012 or 2013 which we organized.  He also used to join us in volleyball at Ramona occasionally!  He was simply one of the best spikers and great player we had and always teaching and sharing tips with rookie players.  Always sported a charming smile and a good friend.  It is a shock to all his friends here in San Ramon. It is real tragedy that you are taken away from your loving family and all your friends so soon at such an young age! Ram, you will be missed forever!

To my dear anna from Tamizh ( Sister)

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard.  Mother would come out and say you are tearing up the grass;  we are not raising grass, dad would reply, we are raising children.   He likes amma killipotta sambar one of his favorite dish.  When my mother prepares dosa he never-eats alone, he  always shares  with me  and he used to sing a song pachakovindam by m.s subbulashmi very well.  My brother is like a shining star in our life.  He is there when you need him the most.  I could share my future and things I wanted to, actually I have lived the best childhood because I had a wonderful brother.   Brother like you is a perfect example in life. He made  me happy in my  sorrow.  I am missing the times that  we spent together all that naughty pranks and laughter in life.  All that silly things you did for while not a moment without you  was nice still i know for me you have sacrificed  my anna as i remember those days miss you more.  I still miss you the sound of your voice, the wisdom in your advice.
Life truly gives us a blessings in different forms in my life, my true blessing is you my bro.  Cannot think of spending my life without you . But today I am missing you so much physically.  I know that you are inside my heart now. 
Love you da anna. 
Tamizh.(loving sister)

I know Ram since 2013 from DVHS San Ramon Tamil school, the time we have known you was just 8 years but feels like we know you for a very long long time.
Ram is such a wonderful soul, warm and welcoming. He is so cheerful and spreads the same to people around him. Whenever Ram is in a group, he brings fun filled memories to cherish.
It’s  his smiling face that comes to our mind when we think of Ram.

Ram, you were more like a brother to me and inspired in many ways. It is so unfortunate that we lost you soon but you will be in our heart forever!
You brought us (SRF)and families together thru Volleyball (VB) and introduced lot of good friends and families.
Our VB pair Ram & Somu always worked out well and had so much wonderful and cherishable memories in Bay Area VB tournaments.
In VB, offense is your natural strength and your smart blocks and drops always have been admirable and unforgettable ones.
The time we spent at VB and SRF family gathering are the best and evergreen memories.

Miss you Ram!
Somu and Family

Ram is my super senior at college, recollect his infectious smile and his positive attitude! He is very humble and easily approachable anytime for help - will certainly be missed by us, pray almighty to give all support to his family and let his wonderful soul rest in peace ~ Anand

He is an excellent human being supported everyone had lot of potential but never showcase to people. He had taught many friends from Engineering subjects to volleyball game. Let us resolve to find cure to avoid such happening in future. 

I met Ram first time at Concord Temple thru Sangeetha (my college junior). This was in 2010. After that I met him again on his Arya's birthday. He was such a lovely person...embraces everyone with a big smile. Later that year, I again met him during volleyball game at Tamil School (Pleasanton CA), clearly he was the best player on the court and yet very humble....invited and embraced everyone at various skill levels to play. He loves the game of volleyball. As years progressed, we become friends and developed strong brotherhood through SRF (San Ramon Friends volleyball team). With his big heart and radiant smile, he brought SRF families together as one big joint family. He is up for anything and everything related to SRF. I have never seen him get angry at anyone. He always looks at the positive side of all difficult situations among friends and lightens the mood with his big smile. I still can't believe he no more with us. Rest in Peace buddy...you will be dearly missed and will be in our hearts forever - Selvam

Ram was always known for his big smile and a giant heart. All of us who knew Ram are aware that he has been contributing heavily to lot of charity organizations for under privileged children's education. He is always been the first person to welcome newcomers to a community, college campus, volleyball ground and at work. His big smile will provide the confidence for people to open up freely with him.  Ram was known for his interesting questions to people who newly join the group to extract some exciting information which goes a long way in building life long relationships.  True gentleman to the core and has always been helpful at any instance we need help! He was also the one inspiring people for taking care of the health and family. He had pushed many of us to take life insurance and other administrative procedures to provide safety and security for our near and dear ones. He was one of the best Volleyball players that we know who never discouraged anyone for all the mistakes we made. We are sure he is part of the Volleyball team that the Almighty has in Heaven ! 
Rest in peace Machi !