Shri T.V.Rajagopalan, popularly known as TVR was an old student of T.A.H.S, studied under Sir S S Iyer, K G Iyengar, M.A.R, V.V.L and others. He is one year older to me. Myself, T.V.T, R.Sm, N. Purushothaman of Satthanur S.Rajagopalan (ex AG’s office), Rajagopal Naidu (Thirubhuvanam) were all the students of the Govt. College, Kumbakonam. In the intermediate course, I selected M.P.C (Maths, Physics, Chemistry) while T.V.R joined I.M.L (Indian History, Modern History and Logic). R.Sm joined in M.I.M (Maths, Indian History and Modern History). Just a month after joining the college, T.V.R was walking on the bamboo bridge over the River Cauvery to come to the college. The Cauvery was in full floods and there was heavy wind blowing…..Suddenly, he fell into the river. The whole college was witnessing the scene. Some people jumped into the river to save him. An unalarmed TVR, swam majestically and reached the college shore. He was applauded by the college as a great swimmer and was selected to the Canoe Club without swimming test. We were staying in the college hostel for two years. It was a very happy period. Myself and T.V.R were the winners in the Tennikoit Tournament and won the silver cups.
After passing Intermediate, he left the college and joined the Teachers’ Training School, Thanjavur and studied 2 years course (Secondary Grade Training). After completing the course, he joined the T.A.H.S as a secondary grade teacher. I joined the B. Sc course in Govt College, Kumbakonam. That was the beginning of the B.Sc course in the college.
Our marriages took place on the same day in June 1946 (09/06/1946…am I correct ?)
I was 19 then and studying B.Sc, 2nd year.
Mahaswamigal was camping in Pachaiyappa Mudali street, Tiruvidaimarudur. One fine morning he was coming through Mahadana street with some followers. Suddenly he stopped before a house. It was decorated with Thoranams (Mavilai) and Plantain trees. A big kalyana kolam (padi kolam) was drawn before the house. Chanting of Veda Manthrams was heard from inside. Mahaperiaval, “ Whose house it is? Is it not the house of Muthur Kanakku pillai”……some function is going on….So, saying he entered the house. All were surprised. All rushed and fell on his feet. T.V.R and his wife were sitting on wooden planks. It was their Seemandham function at that moment. They fell on Mahaperiyava’s feet and HE blessed them Profusely. What a fortunate couple they were !! Really, God SANKARA came to their house and blessed them! As T.V.R. used to say, they were blessed not with one or two children but with eight children (5 Sons and 3 daughters). They were real gems. All of them were intelligent, obedient to elders, dutiful to their parents. They are all well off.
T.V.R’s children were educated from VI std in L.F.H.S Kumbakonam. T.V.R qualified himself by passing B.A.B.T, and M.A….all privately. He was a good, pains taking teacher. He along with Dr.Sundaram renovated the Bhajanai Mutt, worked for the Asthika Sabha, arranged Night vigilance (Rondhu) in the streets throughout the Night. Pious, religious minded, regular reader of Valmiki Ramayana, Non-interfering nature etc,. He was an inspiration to all of us.
One thing I should mention. He was a constant (Betal with Tobacco) Chewer. Daily we (Myself, Baby sir, R.Kannan, N.Viswanathan, S.Ganesa Iyer and some others used to sit in his house on the sit out (Thinnai) from 7 P.M. to 8 P.M and chew betal and talk about various matters and empty the Betal box.
Now he is (age 86 or more?), living in Chennai with his sons and daughters. He is happy, contented and peaceful.
May his tribe increase!
M. Venkatraman
Retd Teacher,
T.A.H.S.S
Tiruvidaimarudur
Camp : Pondicherry
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