M. A. Lakshmithatachar - My Perspective on the Giant

MAL as the world knew him was a truly exceptional man, who strode this planet like a colossus amidst us all ordinary mortals. Mere words are not sufficient to describe his true persona, but I personally experienced him to be a 'daring, energetic & a robust go-getter'.

There was nothing too big or too small for him and there was absolutely no challenge that would deter him. "Perseverance against all odds" was his sole motto, when it came to functioning in life.

But, more importantly, he was a true human being in every sense of the word. If we have put in some qualities to describe him, he personified the qualities of 'Daya, Kshama & Dama in full splendour'.

Despite his superior intellect and personality, he always remained as a fully grounded, humble and helpful person, who motivated the ones around him with true integrity and sincerity of thought & sincerity of purpose.

Although, his achievements in the academic & literary circles of Sanskrit literature and our timeless Santhana Dharmic systems of Bharathavarsha was immense and unparalleled, I would delve more on his rather simple and endearing qualities, which appealed to me the most.

Being known as our "Chami Mama" to us-his nephews & nieces", He would teach us swimming, would take us on nature treks, showcase various flora & fauna, identify them by their scientific names, describe their unique qualities applications and uses and greatly enlighten & entertain us all in a truly beneficial manner thus shaping our personality also in the process.

His other true tenet was his kind demeanour towards all 'jeeva rashis', be it birds, animals and other simple creatures, which was absolutely matchless, He was also

simply too affectionate towards them and would give his life to them, if need be.

He was such a great nature lover that he revived many water bodies, "kolas & kattes", cultivated many herbal gardens, flower gardens, the fragrant flowers of which were plucked and dedicated to lord Thirunarayana or Cheluvanarayana as the world calls Him. He virtually transformed apparently barren lands into fully green, lush gardens, plantations, glowing in full verdant greenery in the blazing sun light, which was like an "oasis in the desert" all around.

Personally, I truly looked up to him for inspiration, and he was always there for me, in all ways, innumerable times. There are very few individuals I have come across in life, like him and he remained truly exceptional throughout his life. Such a brilliant and special sparks does not emanate always from the parabrahman and I think he was a truly blessed being, "a true Lakshmiputhra" amongst us ordinary mortals

A very important aspect to be mentioned here is that, he was empowered this way also due to the immense and kind hearted support and companionship of his wife, our beloved 'Goda Mami', without whom he couldn't not have achieved all this in his noble and brilliant life. She was a truly kind, compassionate and endearing soul, always striving and working towards supporting him in all his endeavours throughout her life.

To sum it up, Shri M. A. Lakshmithathachar, our endearing Chami Mama, was a truly blessed soul and continues to reside in our hearts as long we are all alive. I can only describe this blessing upon him, which only truly very rare ones get as follows:

मूकं करोति वाचालं पंगुं लंघयते गिरिम्।
यत् कृपा त्वमहं वंदे परमानंद माधवम्॥

mūkam karoti vācālam pangum langhayate girim.
yat kripa twamaham vande paramānanda mādhavam...

I salute that supreme bliss, Madhava, by whose mercy even the dumb become most eloquent and even the lame are able to jump over the mountains, so to say, & even conquer Mount Everest, if need be.

Not everyone is blessed in this manner in life. We pray to his wellbeing & happiness always, wherever he is, throughout our lives.