Chaami Mama-a true embodiment of generosity and love

He is known to the world as Lakshmithathachar, Swami Lakshmithathachar and more. The word that resonates with me is "Chaami mamal". From a very young age, I had heard about his remarkable achievements, such as being a great Sanskrit scholar, renowned for his eloquence in the language, and his expertise in the teachings of Srivaishnavism as expounded by Ramanujacharya. I remember him trotting across India In search of "taale gari" inscriptions. But to me, as a child, he was the one who patiently cut mangoes and encouraged everyone to eat. He would take us near the cows, show us around the garden at the Sanskrit Institute! He would visit us in Bangalore, bringing home so much jackfruit that my stomach would hurt from overeating. I remember how the cows and peacocks at the Sanskrit Institute would go wild as soon as they heard his loving voice.

That was Mama a true embodiment of generosity and love.

As I grew into a teenager, I became more aware of his significant contributions to uplifting Sanskrit literature and making it accessible to the common person through various publications. Recently, I listened to one of his lectures on how Ramanujacharya is relevant today and how he adopted sustainability long before it became a buzzword. I learned that Mama's thoughts and actions are indeed very relevant today, he embraced the new age of computers and became proficient in converting disintegrating scriptures into permanent digital records. His work on local herbs and home remedies exemplifies his commitment to sustainability. I would like to share with you a picture published in "Outlook" featuring Mama sitting on a rock with a computer by his side and a cow nearby. It truly encapsulates who he was!