Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Unforgettable Touching one.
Nenjai Thottadha (Unforgettable Memories)
Our Madhyamar group administrator gave us a beautiful and touching topic—“Nenjai Thottathadha” (Touch the Heart)—and encouraged us to share memories that truly moved us. Experiences differ from person to person, but the essence, the emotion, must reach the heart. Here's one such moment from my own life that still lingers in my memory like it happened yesterday.
It was during my school days, sometime in the 1960s. A highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan was to be played at the Madras Corporation Stadium, which I believe was located behind Moore Market. Like most young boys back then, my friends and I were thrilled. One of my close friends assured me that he would take me along, as he had some influence with the gate authorities.
The big day came, but to my surprise and dismay, he took two of our friends and forgot me by oversight. I was left behind.
As was my routine, I went to Tambaram Ramar Kovil that morning. There, I ran into another friend who was with his uncle. Seeing me there, he asked, “Why haven’t you gone to the match?” I told him, a bit shyly, “Our friend forgot me by mistake.”
His uncle looked at me with kindness and asked, “Aren’t you disappointed?”
I replied, “No sir, he's a good friend. It was just an oversight. Maybe I’m just not lucky today.”
He smiled and said something that still echoes in my heart:
“Don’t worry. Tell your parents you're going for the match—there’s still time. Go to Park Station, get down, and head to the stadium. At the 'M' stand gate (Chair Gallery), ask for Sergeant Swaminathan and tell him my name and the code I’ll give you.”
I had just three rupees in hand and a third-class season ticket. I quickly set off, full of hope. Once I reached the stadium, I nervously approached the gate and mentioned the code and the Sergeant’s name. To my amazement, I was immediately allowed in. I walked inside and found myself comfortably seated in the third row of the Chair Gallery.
The match began, and the atmosphere was electric. I was overjoyed—not just because I got in, but also because my favorite player, Chandu Borde, scored a fantastic 177 runs! It was like a dream.
Since re-entry wasn’t allowed, I stayed till the end. After the match, I went to the railway station canteen, had a cup of tea, and returned home to enjoy my mother’s delicious rice uppuma.
This wasn’t just a memorable experience—it was a touching life lesson. Sergeant Swaminathan, though I met him only briefly, recognized my calm and forgiving nature and gave me a seat in the Chair Gallery. His gesture, combined with the kindness of my friend’s uncle, still lives in my heart.
Some people don’t just help—they become part of your story.
Even decades later, this memory continues to touch my soul.
K.Ragavan
22-4-25
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