epidT kyH

THANK YOU
The Family
of
Mr. Sinniah Thambiah Muthucumarasamy Mahendran
[28.08.1937 – 30.11.2009]

wish to thank
all his relatives, friends and colleagues

who visited him in Hospital during his last few days

all those who attended his

Funeral in London
on 06.12.2009

all those who telephoned us

to enquire, encourage and console us

all those who sent us emails, oral and postal messages

all those who brought or sent floral tributes

all those who spoke and wrote about him

at the Funeral and in this Souvenir

all those who thought about him and felt sad

but could not do any of the above

and all those who heard of his demise

rather too late.
2
 May His Soul Rest In Peace
at the Feet of Lord Siva!

3
4
5
PROFESSOR KOPAN MAHADEVA’S ORATION ON 06.12. 2009

6
MAHAN WAS MY BROTHER-IN-LAW. MY WIFE SEETHA’S BROTHER. ONE OF FOUR. TWO
OF THEM HAD PREDECEASED HIM. MAHAN WAS MY ONLY IN-LAW LIVING IN THE U.K.
AND IN ORDER TO LIVE NEARER TO HIS TWO ADORABLE SONS PRATHA AND RUBAN, AND
TO US, HE AND AMBAL SOLD THEIR HOUSE IN MANCHESTER, WHERE THEY HAD LIVED
FOR FORTY YEARS OR SO, AND MOVED TO PINNER, JUST THREE YEARS AGO. OUR
FAMILIES MET OFTEN AFTER THAT MOVE; ALMOST MONTHLY IF NOT WEEKLY.
AND LAST YEAR, MAHAN ALSO JOINED THE LITERARY GROUP THAT SEETHA AND I
RUN, CALLED ELAB: EELAVAR LITERATURE ACADEMY OF BRITAIN. HE STARTED
WRITING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE AND DID A REALLY GOOD JOB OF IT. FOUR OF
HIS ARTICLES, TWO IN TAMIL AND TWO IN ENGLISH, PRESENTED BY HIM AND
ACCLAIMED FOR THEIR MERITS, ARE TO BE PROUDLY PUBLISHED IN OUR VERY NEXT
ANTHOLOGY.
AS A TEXTILE ENGINEER, MAHAN EXCELLED BOTH IN SRI LANKA, AT VEYANGODA
STATE MILLS, AND HERE IN THE PRESTIGIOUS COURTAULDS LTD., OF MANCHESTER.
WHEN HE RETIRED, HE STARTED A SMALL FACTORY OF HIS OWN, RAN IT FOR A FEW
YEARS, AND THEN SOLD IT. OUR FAMILY STILL USES SOME TOWELS PRESENTED BY
MAHAN DURING THOSE YEARS. THEN HE BEGAN HELPING TAMIL REFUGEES IN
MANCHESTER. BY ASSISTING THEM TO GAIN RESIDENT VISAS, TO REGISTER FOR
NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND IN SETTLING DOWN. HE ACTED AS INTERPRETER
TOO, FROM TAMIL TO ENGLISH & VICE VERSA. THEREBY HE BECAME VERY POPULAR
INDEED.
MAHAN WAS A GREAT SPORTSMAN, AS MANY OF YOU KNOW. HE EXCELLED IN FOOT
BALL AND TENNIS. HE WAS FOOTBALL CAPTAIN OF ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, AND AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF CEYLON, COLOMBO. HE WAS THE TENNIS CHAMPION OF MANCHESTER,
NOT LONG AGO. AND HE TAUGHT THOSE GAMES TO HIS SONS PRATHA AND RUBAN.
HAPPILY, THEY ARE NOW IN LONDON TEAMS IN BOTH THOSE GAMES. WHEN HE COULD
NO LONGER GET OUT AND PLAY, HE BECAME A TV VIEWER, OF ALL TYPES OF SPORT.
NOW, HOW DID SUCH A SPORTSMAN DEVELOP A WEAK HEART? I DO NOT KNOW. WE
MAY NEVER KNOW.
THE WAY THAT AMBAL AND MAHAN LIVED THEIR MARRIED LIFE IS A CLASSIC
EXAMPLE OF DEEP LOVE AND ROMANCE. NO WONDER THEY ENDORSED THE LOVE
MARRIAGES OF PRATHA AND RUBAN WITHOUT ANY HESITATION WHATSOEVER.
YES, MAHAN WAS A TRULY LIBERAL MINDED PERSON, A REAL GENTLEMAN. I HAVE
NEVER IN 55 YEARS OF KNOWING EACH OTHER, EVER HEARD HIM UTTER A SINGLE
HARSH WORD TO, OR ABOUT ANYONE.
AMBAL AND MAHAN TOGETHER MADE HUNDREDS OF FRIENDS IN MANCHESTER &
LONDON. HE WAS ELECTED AS PRESIDENT DESPITE HIS QUIET, SOFT SPOKEN NATURE;
OR, MORE LIKELY BECAUSE OF IT. HE HELPED ANYONE AND EVERYONE AS BEST AS HE
COULD. HE BOUGHT A CAR FOR HIS SISTER ALL ON HIS OWN, IN 1978, EVEN BEFORE I
ARRIVED BACK IN U.K. WITH OUR FOUR CHILDREN UMA, USHA, LAVAN AND ULA. THEY
SIMPLY ADORED THEIR MAHAN MAAMA’S CAR, AND EVEN GAVE IT A NAME--RHODA. WE
PAID HIM BACK, ONLY MONTHS LATER. HE HAD ALSO HELPED ALL HIS OTHER SIBLINGS.
HE USED TO EVEN REMIT REGULAR SUMS TO HIS SURVIVING YOUNGER BROTHER RAJE
IN MANIPAY, UNTIL RECENTLY. HE WAS THAT GENEROUS.
THE CLOSEST PERSONS WHO WILL MISS MAHAN MOST, ARE PERHAPS HIS FOUR
GRANDCHILDREN, SONNY, ROSIE, KAELEN & RIAN, I.E. WHEN THEY REALISE WHERE
GRANDDAD HAS REALLY GONE. MAHAN LOVED PLAYING WITH THEM, AND EVEN
BATHING AND CARING FOR THEM UNTIL HIS LAST. HE WAS JUST REPEATING WHAT HE
DID WITH PRATHA AND RUBAN: BRINGING THEM UP WITH NO REPRIMANDS, ONLY
LOVE, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND MORE LOVE, AS I KNOW HOW HIS OWN MOTHER, MY
MOTHER-IN-LAW, BROUGHT UP MAHAN AND HIS SIBLINGS.
NOW, MAHAN HAS SUDDENLY LEFT ALL OF US, AGED JUST 72. I HAVE NO DOUBT
WHATSOEVER THAT HIS SOUL WOULD GO STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN, TO THE FEET OF LORD
SIVA. LET’S REMEMBER HIM, AND LEARN FROM HIS CHARMING NATURE AND LIFE OF
QUIET, UNASSUMING AND COMPASSIONATE SERVICE. THANK YOU.
jpUkjp rPjhNjtp kfhNjthtpd; mDjhgr; nra;jp

7
vdJ mUikj; jk;gp kfhd; vd;DlDk; %d;W Mz; rNfhjq;fSlDk;
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8
te;Jre;jpf;fTk; ,J kpftrjpahf ,Ue;jJ. nrd;w %d;W tUlq;fNs>
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kfpo;thH. mNj tpjk; mtupd; kUkfs;khiug; gw;wpAk; jd;
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Ngrp kfpo;e;J> jiyiaf; Fdpe;J mlf;fkha; rpupj;Jf; nfhs;thu;.
mk;ghis mtHfSila kfd;khUf;Fk; Ngug;gps;isfSf;Fk;
fpl;ltha; ,Uj;jp> jd; flikfs;; vy;yhtw;iwAk; nrt;tdNt nra;J
tpl;L> ,uz;L Mz;LfSf;F Kd; mtHfs; ,tUf;Fj;njupahky;
xOq;Fnra;j 70k; Mz;L epiwit kpfTk; urpj;Jf;nfhz;lhb>
xUftHr;rpahd> cd;djr; nrhw;nghopTk; Mw;wpdhH.
mJele;J ,uz;L Mz;Lfspy; vd;jk;gpkfhd; kiwe;Jtpl;lhNu!
A Shor t-Lived Interaction but a Long-living
Impression
[A few months with late Mr. M Mahendran (Mahan) at CROFTE]

We in our life meet with many people either by accident or by intention.

We talk to them and interact with them. This interaction is shortened or
lengthened, depending on how a situation permits. But in their absence
only a few stay in our memory, via the qualities and attributes they had
displayed when alive and the beneficial lessons we have learned from
these attributes.
Mahan was introduced about four months ago by his beloved wife,
Ambal, to the Cultural and Recreational Organisation for Tamil Elders
(CROFTE) – a Day Centre which serves to meet the varied needs of
Tamil elders living in and around the London Borough of Barnet.
Mahan’s membership with CFOFTE was shortened by his sudden
death and this caused a great deal of sadness to his peers at the
Centre. However, during his short membership, Mahan and the Centre
had mutually benefited from each other.
Within a short space of four months, Mahan, together with Ambal,
integrated well into the Centre’s routines and thereby forged a healthy
relationship with other centre members. This was partly because of his
experience of interacting with a wide variety of people elsewhere and
his ability to grasp the needs and sentiments of other people in a
manner free of any prejudice. Mahan’s deeper association with the
Centre became more evident when he engaged himself in every aspect
of its activities; this included attending the Centre on a regular basis,
playing games with others, being part of the luncheon club, and giving
9
a helping hand wherever appropriate. When Mahan’s condition became
a great concern to us, all celebrations at the Centre were suspended,
and this could be seen as a tribute to how Mahan had won the affection
of others within a short span of four months.
To sum up, Mahan’s association with our Centre sadly lasted only
for a short period of time, but the impression he had left behind
continues. He will be remembered for the contributions he had made,
the selfless affection he had shown towards others and the willingness
he had displayed to be an active member. We all pray for his soul to be
in peace.

▬Dr. Sella D. Gunasingam▬

(on behalf of CROFTE members)
December 10, 2009

W ork in 10
 MANCHESTER MEMORIES
11
 ▬Pratha▬
I remember when I had left Southampton University after a term, as the
course and experience had not been what I had expected. My parents
were obviously worried about what I was going to do next, and I was
nervous about returning home to Manchester. But Dad was fine. After a
trip to America and Canada with my Mum, Dad gave me a job in his
business. I worked with Dad before starting back at my University, and I
worked with him for most of the summers whilst I was at university.
I remember driving with him from Didsbury, through Burnage,
Levenshulme and Droylsdon---the streets becoming more and more like
Coronation street, the closer we got, to get to Ashton Under Lyne,
where he had his factory. I can picture him sliding open the wooden
gate of the factory and seeing the big embroidery machines amidst the
boxes of clothes and threads. One half of the factory was dark and the
other light under the glass concertina roof.
The first thing he would do, was to switch on the radio and then
make us both a cup of tea. Then we’d start work. We’d work through
until mid morning, having brief conversations through the day about the
orders, and that sort of thing. He would offer me a Bakewell tart or
some other snack at around midmorning. And then at lunchtime, he’d
give me some money and I would go for a wander around Ashton.
After lunch, we’d work some more, and have a few more cups of tea,
before finishing around five, when we’d go and pick Mum up before
returning home.
Dad had a quiet calm about him, and I can picture him peering at
the machine with his glasses at the end of his nose as he tried to
rethread a machine or change the design on the computer. He seemed
happy in his factory getting on with his business. I didn’t know it at the
time, but he was looking after me; making sure I was all right.
I can see ourselves walking through the streets of North
Manchester, in the rain, after we’d been to see one of his clients. He
had a walk, which was his own, and I remember him taking me to a
canteen, where they served cheap but delicious Indian food, which
warmed me up from the cold and wet.
Dad loved tennis, and started playing when he was in his 40s. We
played together while I was still at school and at university. I remember
driving with him through Withington onto Princess Road past the
playing fields through Whalley Range to the Darley Tennis Club.

12
 The summers seemed hotter than they should have been for
Manchester, and I can remember his chaotic tennis bag, and also
sliding around on the red shale courts. We sometimes played in
League Matches together, and I can see myself having a drink with him
at the bar afterwards. There was one time we played in an evening
league match, and it was Dad’s turn to organise the post-match tea. He
made Cornish pasties, oven chips and baked beans for everyone,
which went down as a treat.
Mum and Dad had lots of friends in Manchester, and they had a
full social life. So I had my doubts when they said they were moving to
London. Dad wasn’t in the best of health over the last couple of years.
But seeing him with his grandchildren, especially Kaelen and Rian, who
he saw nearly every day, I couldn’t doubt at all, that the move had given
him a new lease of life.
He was a lovely Dad, who never shouted at me. He had an easy,
kind manner, and he gave me the confidence to be who I am. I will
indeed miss him greatly. ”

MAHAN, THE GENTLE GIANT

▬Paakkiyakkaa: His Elder Sister-in-Law▬
Everybody knew Mahendran, The Gentle Giant, as “Mahan”. True to his
name, he proved himself to be a real Mahan by his gentle ways, soft
speech, and helping nature. He lived a high life, earning the respect of
everyone whom he met in his life. His inborn nature urged him to be
enthusiastic to help anyone, at any time. Although he suffered many
illnesses, he never complained of them, but was ever ready to help
anyone. People never heard his voice. He spoke softly and was gentle
with everyone. Neither did he utter harsh words, nor speak ill of others.
He helped all his friends in Manchester in some way or another, and
assisted many refugees from Sri Lanka. With heavy hearts, Mahan and
Ambal moved out of Manchester---after a successful life of forty long
years. They moved to Pinner near their son Ruban, and kept
themselves busy looking after their grand-children in the evenings.
Mahan also kept himself busy tending the vegetable garden in Ruban’s
house and supplied a few for others too. He enjoyed playing scrabble
with Ambal and me. Almost every day we played scrabble, either in
their house or my flat. Until he won, he would ask us to play again and
again. Even then, we would not have heard him speak aloud. Such was
our Gentle Giant. Mahan.

13
 May his Soul Rest in Peace!

DAD
▬Ruban▬
As I sit down at my desk and write this tribute to my Dad the first
thought that crosses my mind is, “How do I justify in words the love he
showed us, and the invaluable lessons in life he taught us all?” As
everyone who knew Dad knows, he was a man of few words, and as
time went by he became more and more reticent. But his actions spoke
louder than any words could.
I have many fond memories of growing up in the family home in
Manchester. Dad was a devoted husband and father, and he did
everything to ensure that our childhoods were carefree and happy. One
thing I will be eternally grateful for is that he instilled a love for sport into
his sons. As soon as we could walk, Dad would take us to play tennis
in the local park, kick a football around in the back garden with us, and
play cricket against a tree. He would take my brother and I to the local
leisure centre every weekend, to practice our swimming, and to play
badminton.
As well as playing sports, he also loved watching sport on TV.
Cricket test matches, football games, tennis tournaments, snooker,
golf…If there was sport on the box, then Dad would settle down on the
sofa, remote control in hand, with a cold beer and a bowl of peanuts.
He’d watch tiddlywinks world championships, if they were televised!
Also, Dad could build or repair just about anything. He was
extremely resourceful, practical and intelligent. He would set himself
personal challenges and thrive on meeting them. Around 25 years ago
he installed, from scratch, a complete central heating system—with
pipes, radiators and all in our house in Manchester. And as far as I
know, it is still going strong, keeping the house warm to this day.
He wrote a complex formula to solve the Rubik Cube, and I can
still remember the notebook that he used to record his workings and
findings. He enjoyed solving puzzles, and loved playing Scrabble and
Su Doku. In his later days he took up personal computing as his hobby,
and he would spend time in his study, browsing the Internet, learning
programs and installing software.
Throughout my life I always knew that I could at any and every
time depend on Dad. He exuded such confidence and trust with his
quiet and unassuming manner, and I always knew he would be there to
14
help out and take care of us. He never let me down, not once. He
would never refuse a request to drive me into town on a Friday night
when I was a difficult teenager, and he would even slip me an extra £10
when I got out of the car!
It must have been a daunting ordeal for Dad and my Mum when
they moved down to London in early 2008. They were well settled in
Manchester, after spending most of their lives there. They had
established a large and close circle of friends there, of whom they were
very fond, and who helped them lead a very active social life. My wife
Sonal and I were worried that Dad would miss his life in Manchester,
and would struggle to keep himself occupied in London.
Those initial worries were soon allayed, however, when he
dedicated his life to his grandkids. Everyday, without fail, he would turn
up at our house to look after Kaelen and Rian, who he loved deeply. He
became a new person when he was around his grandkids, and would
come out of his shell to entertain and play with them, with silly laughs
and funny voices. He spoilt them with books and toys, and they played
with them in the garden when the weather allowed it. He grew a
fantastic vegetable patch in our garden this summer, and Kaelen and
Rian would follow him around, helping him out with their little spades
and forks.
He would give them baths every evening, and allowed them to
stay in the water for ‘far too long’ and splash water everywhere, and
play with their bath toys. He would dry them and put them in their
nappies and pyjamas. By the time Sonal and I got back from work they
were ready for bed. Bath times will not be the same without him.
Kaelen and Rian loved their granddad, and they would wait on the
windowsill at 5.00pm every evening, in anticipation of his arrival. They
would jump up-and-down in excitement when they saw Dad’s battered
old Nissan pulling up outside the house, and Rian would shout ‘Appah,
Appah’. Even now, he still does that, when the doorbell rings in the
evening, expecting his ‘Appah’ to walk through the door.
If you asked Dad what his greatest accomplishment in life was, he
would answer, “My children and grandchildren”. Many men measure
their successes by the size of their bank accounts, their possessions, or
social standing. Dad measured his success by how well he had
instilled good values, and work ethic, into his children. His philosophy
in life was to treat others as equals, no matter what their background,
class, religion or race. He took tremendous satisfaction in helping
others, and would never turn down a request for help, be it large or

15
small. I have heard many stories, and seen at first hand, how he would
reach out a helping hand to a friend, neighbour, or stranger in need.
What he had, he was willing to share with others. I’m still amazed at the
number of people who turned up for his funeral, but it should really be
no surprise, as here was a man who had spent his life helping, loving
and caring for others. “
NEPHEWS & NIECES MOURN THEIR CHINNAIAH

▬Hamsa, Hari, Dharmini, Kiruba and their Families▬

When my brother and I first landed in England as students, it was

a great comfort for us, and a relief for our parents that Mahan
Chinnaiah was there to meet and greet us at Manchester Airport.
Though he was a man of few words, he made us very welcome into his
home. We lived with him and Ambal and our two cousins for nearly two
years before we ventured out into the wide world on our own.
Being a great sportsman, Chinnaiah fully occupied himself with
sporting activities, including playing tennis regularly in a local club for
most of the weekends. In addition to this, he distinguished himself as a
DIY person. He single handedly installed the central heating system in
his house in Manchester. Adding to his repertoire of achievements, how
can we ever forget the delicious apple crumble that he used to make
from the apples in his back garden?
Having moved to London to be nearer to his sons, Chinnaiah
became very fond of his grand children. He would volunteer to look
after them at every opportunity he got. For him, his grand children
became the focal point of his existence. I am sure the feeling was
mutual, judging by how they looked out eagerly for his arrival as their
chief playmate.
Despite his quiet nature, Chinnaiah entertained his visitors well.
During the forty years he spent in Manchester, and more recently in
London, he helped several persons in need, without regard to how
difficult the problem, or how inconvenient the time.
Although his death was unexpected, the fact that he left this world
after attending the birthday celebrations of our beloved Baba, the
previous evening, probably indicates that his services are required for a
higher power.

16
 We pray that his soul rests in peace, and take comfort in the
knowledge that he will be looking out for all those close to him even
more vigilantly from his abode above. [Article written by Hamsa] “

THREE MORE SCENES FROM MAHAN’S LIFE & ALBUMS

OUR UNCLE, MAHAN MAMA

▬Ula Mahadeva [also on behalf of Uma Mahadeva, Usha

Moran (née Mahadeva) and Lavan Mahadeva]▬

I write this as the youngest of the four children of Mahan Mama’s only
sister, Seethadevi. In modern life we are faced with an extraordinary
proliferation and embellishment of job titles, so it is reassuring that the
titles of mother, father, child, aunt and uncle remain unadulterated.
I first met Mahan Mama in the early 1970s, as a small child in Sri
Lanka, when he used to bring his young family from England to see
their grandparents and other relatives. At that age, my memories
centred around my cousins, Ruban (with his comfort blanket
permanently screwed up his nose) and Pratha, rather than Mahan
Mama and Ambal Mami.
However, after we emigrated to Birmimgham, England, in the late
1970s, they became our closest relatives on my mother’s side, in our
new foreign home.
We spent many a school holiday at their house in Manchester---
the days playing outdoors with Pratha and Ruban, and the evenings
relishing Ambal Mami’s delicious Sri Lankan cookery (with yoghurt and
a glass of water close at hand), and trying in vain to beat Mahan Mama
and Ambal Mami at Scrabble. Mahan Mama would often take us to
play badminton at Moss Side Leisure Centre; unfortunately, the
Mahadeva side of the family was never going to emulate the
Mahendran side at sporting prowess.
For the last 20 years or so, Mahan Mama has been our only uncle
in this country. So, in my mind, the term has become almost

17
synonymous with him. After Ruban and Pratha a few years ago wisely
helped Mahan Mama and Ambal Mami move to London, we started to
see more of them. It was touching to see Mahan Mama, frail though he
had become, caring for and playing with his grandchildren, Sonny,
Rosie, Kaelen and Rian.
My over-riding memory of Mahan Mama is of a gentle man and a
gentleman. At his funeral, the crematorium was overflowing with well-
wishers, many of whom had made the journey from Manchester to be
there. It appears that in his quiet and unostentatious way, he had
moved mountains.
----

PERUMALPILLAIS AND THEIR YOUNGEST UNCLE

Mahan chinnaiah became the youngest of our maternal uncles when he

married Ambal, our mother’s youngest sister. We vividly remember the
day he was introduced to the Gnanasundaram family at Chelvacot, our
ancestral family residence in Kokkuvil, Jaffna, and at the subsequent
registration ceremony. We were all caught up in Ambal’s excitement
when he made many visits of familiarization prior to the wedding.
Chinnaiah was, especially amongst us noisy Gnanasundarams, the
quietest and most reserved. He was a great observer, and would only
give his opinion when asked. He was always generous with his time,
always offering assistance when required. [His contribution to Man-
chester’s Tamil society, is well known and documented elsewhere].
He was a perfectionist when it came to cooking---especially meat
and fish curries. His cooking style exemplified his leisurely, unruffled
personality--- a slow and steady simmer, to achieve maximum flavour!
Chinnaiah was the sportiest of our uncles. Not only was he an
armchair enthusiast, but also played football and tennis. In fact, he took
Ravi (the eldest of us) to his first Manchester United match at Old
Trafford in the early 70s and also both Ranjit and Usha to our first
football matches in England; travelling to Bolton to see Chelsea play in
1974. His enthusiasm for cricket was highlighted by his visit to Jeeva
and her family in Pakistan to attend the 1996 World Cup final in Lahore.
For a quiet man, he certainly made his presence felt when Sri Lanka
won! That was indeed a proof of his wholesome patriotism.

18
 Usha was fortunate enough to get to know Chinnaiah more than
anyone else in the Perumalpillai family, during her undergraduate
studies at Salford University. She is most thankful for his kindness and
selfless concern when she first arrived in Manchester, when Ambal was
hospitalized for Ruban’s birth. In the first few days he would drop her off
at Salford and pick her up after classes; his familiar face peering
through the glass pane of the door to the physics laboratory was always
a welcome sight. Chinnaiah took it upon himself to ensure that she
settled in quickly to the new environment, and helped her learn the
ropes to function within the ‘Mancunian’ society.
He was a great companion to Ambal. Together they saw much of
the world, including the many music festivals in Chennai, but their
planned trip to Australia, to visit Usha and family, sadly never
materialised.
He will always have a special place in our hearts. ”

DAUGHTER-IN-LAW SONAL PATEL RECOUNTS…

When I first met Ruban’s Dad, I called him ‘Uncle’. However, I will
forever remember him as ‘Appah’. During most of my married years,
they lived in Manchester. I considered Appah quiet, considerate and
kind. He always made me feel welcome; nearly always cracked a good
joke at Ruban’s Mum’s expense. There were never any airs or graces
about him. I don’t think I really got to know him until he came down to
live in London.
When I remember Appah, I will remember his adoring and
everlasting devotion to his grandsons, our Kaelen and Rian. How he
loved to get involved! So much so, that nappy changes, feed times, play
times, bath times and bedtimes were never a chore for him. I felt that he
enjoyed every minute of it. I will remember him for his ever-readiness to
baby-sit Kaelen and Rian, which allowed Ruban and I to escape for a
few hours. I’ll remember the new and interesting recipes he used to
cook in his new and interesting ‘tangine’ cooking pots. I’ll remember him
insisting on baking Kaelen’s 2nd birthday cake, and how he decorated it
with chocolate Minstrels in the shape of the number 2. There are many
other ways he cared for us, loved us and was there for us. It all seemed
to come so naturally to him, and it was never too much visible effort.
When I remind Kaelen about his Grandpa, I will tell him about the
number of times I found him in Grandpa’s car---Kaelen in the driver’s
seat, hooting the horn, clicking and pressing all the buttons, and
winding the window down for a short time to say “Hi” and “Bye” to

19
Mummy, whilst Grandpa was in the passenger’s side. I will tell Kaelen
about the lovely times they spent in the garden, playing with cars, bikes,
bouncy castles, sticks, stones, mud and buckets, and planting, digging
and growing their own vegetable patch. I will tell him about the walks to
the nearby farm, the times they spent throwing leaves and twigs in the
river by our house, and sometimes disappearing, leaving us all a bit
worried, and sending out search parties to find them. Kaelen’s wish was
Grandpa’s command.
When I describe Appah to Rian, I will pass on the fact that Appah---
that was how Rian called his Grandpa after copying Grandma, would
do everything and anything for him. Appah wanted to be involved all the
way from nappy changes, feed time, to bath and bedtime. Appah
wanted to do it all for Rian. I found it amazing, the number of times
Appah would be up and down the stairs to check on the boys whilst
they were sleeping. There was no task that was too much effort when it
came to both boys, especially for Rian, happily world-gazing on
Appah’s lap or in his arms.
They had the most amazing bond, which makes me think that they
were destined to touch each other’s lives.
I will tell them both, of the times that they would wait at the front
window at 5pm for Grandpa’s car, then run and get their shoes,
bypassing Grandma on their way, to get to Grandpa. In our house,
Grandpa followed them everywhere, and they followed Grandpa.
Grandpa would spoil them, allow them to do anything, and he would
cover for them when they had been naughty, and never allowed them to
get into trouble. I only understand now, that Grandparents have a right
to do that, for their love is like no other love. Their love is unique,
special.
Most of all, I thank Appah. I wish to thank him for all the love and
devotion he showered on Kaelen and Rian, and for enriching their lives
so much. I thank him for taking such a big step when moving from
Manchester to London, so we were all able to spend time together, and
I was able to get to know him much better. Appah became such an
important part our lives, and he will be greatly missed by us all.
A bedtime conversation between Kaelen and his Mummy a
couple of weeks after losing Appah: ME AND MY GRANDPA
Mummy: Kaelen, what’s you favourite farmyard animal?
Kaelen: Cow…..one day I went to see cows with my Grandpa.
Mummy: Did Grandpa take you to see the cows at the back of the house?

20
Kaelen: Yes…..and when I saw them, I started crying because I was
scared.
Mummy: Oh dear. What did Grandpa say to you?
Kaelen: He picked me up and carried me home. I knocked on the door.
Mummy: Who opened the door?
Kaelen: Grandma.
Mummy: What was Grandma doing?
Kaelen: Looking after Bhai (Rian).
Mummy: What was Bhai doing?
Kaelen: Looking for Kaelen.
Mummy: What did Bhai say?
Kaelen: Appah! Appah! Appah!
Mummy: What did Grandpa say?
Kaelen: Yes my Son (which is a phrase that Appah used, when Rian
called him Appah)
Mummy: Lets go to bed.
Kaelen: Mummy, can you tell me another story about my Grandpa.
(….and so, I told him that story about when he and Grandpa planted
strawberries in the garden.) “

khd;nr];uwpy; ,Ue;J W}gp Njth vOJfpwhH

md;gpd; jpUTUtkhd kNfd; mz;zhitAk; mk;ghs; mf;fhitAk;
Kjd;Kjyhf tljkpo;r; rq;f tpohtpy; jhd; re;jpj;Njhk;. md;W
Kjy; ehDk; vdJ fztUk; mtHfSld; kpf neUq;fpa cwtpdH
Nghy; jhd; ,Ue;J te;Njhk;. kNfd; mz;zh vd;Wk;
Gd;rpupg;Gld; jhd; ,Ug;ghH. xUNghJk; Nfhgkhf mtiu
ehk; ghHf;fNtapy;iy. mjpfk; fijf;f khl;lhH. VJk;
Nfl;lhy;> ,uz;nlhU thHj;ijfs; jhd; NgRthH.
kNfd; mz;zhTk; mk;ghs; mf;fhTk; khd;nr];uwpy;
,Ue;J yz;lDf;Fr; nrd;w NghJ mtHfs; ,Utupd; gpupT vdf;F
kpfTk; tUj;jkhf ,Ue;jJ. Vd; vd;why;> vk;ik xt;nthU
nts;spf; fpoikAk; NfhtpYf;Ff; $l;bg; NghtJk; my;yhky;>
VJk; fiy epfo;r;rp vd;whYk; mtHfs;jhd; jq;fSld; vk;ikAk;
$l;bf;nfhz;L NghthHfs;.
kNfd; mz;zhtpd; gps;isfs; gpujhgd;> &gd; mtHfSk;
Ngug; gps;isfSk; mtUld; kpf neUf;fkhf ,Ue;jtHfs;.
&gdpd; gps;isfs; kNfd; mz;zhtpd; tPl;Lf;Ff; fpl;l
,Ue;jgbahy; mtHfSld; jhd; mtH $ba Neuj;ijr; nrytopj;jhH.
Ngug; gps;isfSlk; mtUld; ghrkhf ,Ue;jhHfs;. ,ij mk;ghs;
mf;fh jhd; nrhy;YthH. Mdhy; kNfd; mz;zh ,t;tsT nfjpahf
kz;Zyif tpl;L tpz;ZyFf;Fr; nry;thH vd ehk; epidf;ftpy;iy.

21
 mtH M];gj;jpupapy; ,Ue;jJk;> gpd; ,we;jJk; vdf;Fk;
vd; fztUf;Fk; kpfTk; mjpHr;rpahf ,Ue;jJ. mtupd; G+jTly;
kiwe;jhYk; mtH Gfo; vd;Wk; kiwahJ. mtH vd;Wk; vq;fs;
vy;NyhH kdj;jpYk; epiwe;J ,Ug;ghH. kNfd; mz;zhtpd;
Mj;kh rhe;jpaila Ntz;Lnkd ehDk; vdJ fztUk; vy;yhk;ty;y
,iwtid Ntz;LfpNwhk;.
Xk; rhe;jp. Xk; rhe;jp. Xk; rhe;jp. ,g;gbf;F W}gp
Njth. “

MAHAN & AMBAL AT THEIR WEDDING REGISTRATION

TRIBUTE TO MUTHUCUMARASAMY MAHENDRAN
▬A. Karunanithy▬
Mr. Mahendran who is popularly known as ‘Mahan’ among close
circles, will be remembered by his family and friends as:
• Soft –spoken
• Gentle
• Incredibly caring
• and, an Eminent Sportsman.
He loved sports and had played for First Eleven teams of Manipay
Hindu College, Maradana St Joseph College and University of Ceylon.
He was a member of the great Ceylon University Team, which
participated and competed in the South East Asian Inter-university

22
football competition in the year 1960. Ceylon University Team was the
champion that year, and the other teams that participated in the
competition included teams from various universities from India,
Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Mahendran’s father, Surveyor Muthukumarasamy, was a public
figure. He was the Chairman of Manipay Town council, and had done
many services to the development of that village. His mother’s youngest
brother was the famous Dr. Appacutty Sinatamby, Professor of
Obstetrics & Gynaecology of the University of Ceylon. Mahendran’s
intellectual achievement, his personality, his character, and his
endurance were all derived genetically from his Mum and Dad.
When I think of Mahendran the first thing that comes to my mind
are the words used by R P Sethupilaai in his book Veeramanagar,
where he describes king Ravana in the epic, Ramayanam.
Mahan’s boldness, when he was at play on the football field, was
comparable to that of Ravana during his fight against elephants. His
physical strength and diplomacy were comparable to that of Ravana
when he attempted to lift the huge Mount Kailas, and then how Ravana
played his musical instrument Veena, to pacify Lord Siva and get out of
difficulty. Mahan’s ability to present his arguments convincingly in any
forum was comparable to that of Ravana when he convinced even
Narada Munivar, in many tricky arguments. Mahan’s prestigious
heritage that he derived from his Mum and Dad is comparable to those
of the ten crowns of Ravana.
Mahan’s divine strength, and the gift of his gab are comparable
to the sword presented to Ravana by Lord Siva himself, when he
performed penance to alleviate the pains and misery of his race.
As a close friend of Mahendran, I had occasion to learn about his
conscious view of his inner life. He firmly believed that one should
accept and meditate on the Supreme Lord, unconditionally, accepting
Him as the one who knows everything, as the oldest, as the controller,
who is smaller than the smallest but yet a maintainer of everything, who
is beyond all material conception.
We were at the University of Ceylon, Colombo, during the late
Nineteen Fifty’s. I can remember the times when we used to sit at the
College House Common Room, chatting or playing Table Tennis. I
could still remember him saying the following:
“When Knowledge becomes matured, it becomes Skills. When
Skills become matured they become Wisdom. When Wisdom gets

23
matured, it becomes Bakthi---Bakthi, which is the culmination of all
Knowledge.
Now, I want to convey a Message to his children and grand
children on behalf of my Friend Mahendran (Mahan):
To the grieving Children and the beloved wife of Mahendran, I would
say, “While sharing your sorrow of his death, you must be proud of your
dear Father and beloved Husband’s achievements in life”.
Finally I wish to bid farewell to my dear friend with the Gayathri
Manthram, to guide him for the rest of his journey:

AUM, BHUR BHUVAH SWAH!

Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat!!

MR. MAHENDRAN AS FOOTBALL CAPTAIN OF ST. JOSEPHS

MY MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH MAHAN

▬Cumaraswamy Harichandran▬

My cousin Mahan was truly my friend, more than a cousin, and gave a
rare feeling in my life. Most of all, this person was generous and
truthful, and his motives are purely honest; never scheming. One thing I
can truthfully say is that we never gossiped about anyone.
Whenever we met, we enjoyed recalling the good times we had
with our cousins. We shared similar interests in sports, films (Tamil,
English or Hindi) and music.

24
 Our temperaments coincided, in that we both exchanged very few
words. I could sense that I felt a strange air of calmness in his
presence, a feeling of well-being.
In our recent days, when I visited him in Pinner, he was well into
retirement, living in a two-bed flat, where gardening was just minimal.
When I now recall his smiles, he seems to say,” Don’t worry about
anything, Achchu. Every thing is alright.”
Whenever he smiled without eye contact, he appeared to say:
“Stop there! Don’t be judgmental. You don’t know what you are saying.”
And when he shrugged, he seemed to say: “The whole thing is no great
deal. There is no need to blow things out of proportion. You will soon
feel calm, and not feel agitated or act out a drama.” Having the need to
express our great secrets, I like to take this opportunity to describe my
most memorable moments with Mahan.
As background information I wish to describe how I came to know
him so well. Of course Ambal knew him more than anyone else.
I knew Mahan from when I was six years old. My father was
transferred from Colombo to Jaffna, and we went to live in Manipay.
Mahan was six years older than I was, and at that time I knew
him as a very gentle, kind and caring person, and that I could get him,
for instance, to make kites and take us to the rice fields to fly them, or
get him to take us fishing.
I have never seen him angered by our demands. He then had the
same personality as he had even lately, without much change. We had
many cousins and other relatives of all age groups living in the area. So
we always ended up playing cricket, kiddi (the game with sticks) and
football, with our own age groups.
So many times I wanted to play cricket or football with the older
set, but I was often left out of their teams and ended up watching them
play. I always admired Mahan’s clever manoeuvres and ploys, and tried
to copy them to apply when I played with my own age groups.
We lived in Manipay for five years, and then my father was
transferred to Andradhapura for the next four years, during which we
kept contact through regular visits to Manipay.
When we came back to live again in Manipay in 1957, Mahan was
attending St. Joseph’s College in Colombo, captaining their first eleven
football team. But in 1958, he rejoined Manipay Hindu College (after
completing his GCE A’ level exams in the previous year), to help the

25
ailing school sports by captaining the first eleven cricket and football
teams. He was my hero. I did not miss a single game of his.
I lived in Colombo from 1959 to 1968 with my parents at Mary’s
road, Bambalapitya. Our house was located close to the coastline. In
1963 Mahan lived in a rented room in a house in Castle Lane, which
was next to our road towards at the north-end. And in 1964 he lived in a
rented room in a house in Ridgeway Place, which was two roads next to
Marys Road towards the south. At that moment of time he was still
attending the Science Faculty of the University of Ceylon and
captaining the University’s football team. He used to visit us frequently
and we played great games of carom and the card game called 304.
Whenever I passed the place where he lived, I stopped by to visit
for a brief chat and tea, or to go for walk along the beach or go for
cinema (usually the gallery’s front rows where normally all fun breaks
out, with people shouting support for the hero or heroin). On one such
occasion, it was getting late (my curfew time was 7pm), I was taking my
leave, and as usual Mahan came with me to the front gate of the house
he was living in Ridgeway Place. This house was located next to the
railway track beyond which was the beach. When they built the
railways, they also built a barrier across the road to prevent any vehicle
getting on to the railway tracks. But the barrier had rusted and fallen off
over a period of time and disappeared completely leaving spiky posts.
As I proceeded to get back to my home, a friend of Mahan
happen to come by, and he was talking to Mahan at the gate. It was
dark, and I was in a hurry. As I crossed over to the railway tracks, I
tripped and fell over the railway line. Almost half of my body was over
the railway line. When I tried to get up, I found I couldn’t move my left
leg. My left leg waist downwards was numb and paralysed. I did not
feel any pain. It was as if my left was stuck to the iron post over which I
tripped. It was quite dramatic, because I heard the whistle of the on
coming train and its front lamp visible around quarter mile away. So I
shouted loudly Mahan! Mahan! By miracle Mahan heard my voice over
the background noises of the surf breaking in the sea and the distant
on coming train. Mahan and his friend came running and I shouted
“Quick! Quick! Pull off my leg!”
At first they did not understand me and tried to carry me off the
track. I repeated, to say that my leg was stuck, and directed their
attention to my left leg. Finally they lifted my leg off the iron post, and
as they pulled me off the rail track and stood up at a safe distance
(against a wall) The train passed us. It was a narrow escape from very

26
serious injury or even death if things went wrong (as we held a
discussion at a later date that I could have pushed my body away using
my hands against the rail and so on).
Mahan graduated and worked in a textile establishment in
Veyangoda and in 1966 they sent him to India for training. I regularly
visited him at Veyangoda during my holidays or long weekends.
-----

TRIBUTE TO OUR DEAREST FRIEND MAHENDRAN

▬Dr. V. Srikanthan▬

It gives me a great pleasure, and I consider it a privilege to write a few

lines in loving memory of our dearest friend Mahendran, whom we had
known for more than twenty years. He was a true and sincere friend
indeed, always helpful and obliging at any time of the day and night. He
gave his services willingly to all others, especially to the Sri Lankan
community, and helped many to settle down in this country. His motto
in life was ‘Service before Self’, and was always available to help and
advise others. He did this in a quiet and dignified manner and gave his
help and advice to the best of his abilities.
There are so many occasions when he had helped us. I can
quote one occasion when I mentioned to him that I was looking to buy a
laptop. He inquired all around, and took me to a friend of his, and got
me a good computer, on a good deal. Like this, we can go on talking of
his great qualities of selfless service to others. He and Ambal were well
known and popular within the Tamil community in Manchester where
they lived for about forty years.
My wife always remembers him for his help in giving lifts to the
temple, cinemas and other places, all organised by his wife Ambal. In
this manner, he had touched many lives and hearts, including ours.
Finally, let us pray for his soul to rest in peace and to be blessed
by The Almighty.
----
To Mahan: RIP
November 30th 2009

27
 ▬Sylvia Harichandran▬

The one with the not-tightly-sealed lips

Let no one losing his tongue slip.
Let alone whispers or whispering steep
Be as a favour to slumber down.
Forsaking the never-ending clamour of dawn
Till dust reckoning the wilderness that fawn
Of endearing mindfulness for spring aglow;
Be he that role model to follow.

That offspring may observe

Lest tongues are loosened
Loudness shall not prevail
Nor bashfulness by sheer arrogance;
Surely not, not serving for self-glorification.

Silent but wilful

By nods for approvals
For those who observe, honour and respect
The will of silence.
Many a good deeds for the following
All those with tributes to consolation
Till he rests in peace;
And only his silence directs
To the path that we now see
Paving the walks his spouse
With unending goodwill, unforgettable. “
-----

khd;nr];lH RNgjpdp MWKfj;jpd; ftpij

28
 kz;Zyfk; tpl;L> tpz;Zyfk; nrd;whYk;
kfhd; mz;zh> ePq;fs; capUld; jhd;
vq;fs; midtUlDk; ,Uf;fpd;wPHfs;.

jathd cq;fs; ghHitAk;

fdpthd cq;fs; Ngr;Rk;
filrptiu epiyf;Fk;.
fz;zPNuhL tpil je;Njhk;.

ve;j Neuk; mioj;jhYk; - ePH

me;j Ntis te;jpLtPH.
fUj;jha; tprhupj;J – vk;ik
fldhspfsha; khw;wpdPH.

kfhd; mz;zh vd;whNy

kwf;fNt KbahJ> INah!
kh kdpjdha; tho;e;J ePH
kiwe;Nj ,d;W NghdJ vq;Nfh?

,iwtd; cik mioj;jjdhy;

,isg;G MWjy; mile;jPH.
mtdbapy; ePH jQ;rk; - ck;
Mj;krhe;jp Ntz;b epd;Nwhk;. “

MAHAN WITH SONS RUBAN [L] & PRATHA [R] IN 2007

29
 MAHA

▬Rasan and Rani Jegarajah▬

Our dear friend , Maha was born on the 28h August 1937 in Manipay.

I (Rasan) knew Maha from my childhood, because he was a

distant relation of mine. Whenever he came to Kokuvil, we would play
cricket on the Vairavar-Thundu, along with my other cousins. He always
thrashed us.
I later met him when we attended St Joseph’s College in 1958.
Maha was a brilliant sportsman. He played rugby soccer, and later
tennis. He was the Captain of the college soccer team. Later, Maha
went on to captain the university soccer team. Maha was an intelligent
and hard working student.
After graduating, he worked in Sri Lanka, and in 1967 he married
Ambal, my cousin. Rani and I had only been married for a few weeks
when we attended their wedding. It was the first wedding that we
attended as a couple; so we have never forgotten it.
Maha and Ambal lived in Manchester for many years. Their sons
Prathapan and Ruban were both born in Manchester.
After years of working in the textile industry, Maha set up his own
textiles firm, which was very productive and successful.
Throughout his life, Maha was an avid sportsman, and coached
his sons in tennis and cricket. We lived close to Maha and Ambal and
we visited them regularly.
Maha was active in the humanitarian plight of Tamils, and was
tireless in raising funds and awareness. He helped refugees, acting as
their interpreter, and providing them with a wide range of assistance.
Maha was a loving father, and his sons are a real credit to him.
Prathapan and Ruban are fathers themselves now, and have had the
best role model to follow. They were encouraged and supported in their
education and careers, and have made their father proud.
Maha and Ambal were a real partnership, and their marriage was
a warm and loving union.
Maha was a dear friend; a good and decent man; and both of us,
Rasan and Rani, will miss him everyday.

30
 ----

TRIBUTES FROM MATHURAI JEGANNATHAN

I was shattered to hear of Mr. Mahendran’s sudden demise. He was a
good friend. He represented ‘my people’ from across the waters of the
Palk Strait. I always called him ‘Mahendra Iyya’ with total Tamil respect
and affection, as in our old country, the Pandya Desam. It felt so sweet
on my tongue.
He moved away to London from Manchester, a couple of years
ago---to be near his children. Whenever I drove past his old place in
Manchester, I felt that the light had gone out, and the place held no
more interest for me.
He loved tennis, like me. We used to talk about the big Grand Slams
all the time. He used to receive live tennis on his TV. I didn’t, and so he
very kindly recorded a few good matches for me to watch.
He was also interested in computers and in downloading music. I
used to help him to set it up for him. His eyesight was not so good, but I
thought, he was fairly healthy otherwise. Hence I was shocked to hear
of his passing away. Now I have no one to call ‘Mahendra Iyya’.
Sai has taken him unto Himself.
----

31
 MAHAN & AMBAL ON A HOLIDAY

CHERISHED MEMORIES OF MAHAN

▬Rasan & Reva Gunanathan▬

Mahan has left us without notice plunging his family, relatives and
friends in dismal grief. Mahan was not just my next-door cousin, but a
dear and trusted friend since childhood. My pleasant memories of him
go as far back as my memory lane could lead me.
Mahan was always very kind hearted and soft spoken---to the
extent one had to strain hard to listen. But he was merciful, in that one
hadn’t to strain long; since he rarely spoke more than a couple of words
at a time.
During our childhood, Mahan and I lived in adjacent homes
separated by a fence made of woven coconut palm leaves (fpLF).
There was always a large inbuilt opening (nghl;L) in the fence. The
traffic through this poddu was such that the ground below was always
sunk and formed a muddy pool with every rain, through which we had
to wade. The traffic through the poddu was indeed a sign of the
closeness of our two families.

32
 We both attended Manipay Hindu College, where Mahan was two
years my senior. He was good in mathematics and physics, and
tutored his younger brother Theiva and me in these subjects. Mahan
was right through a talented all rounder---which feat many could only
envy. Our interest in games kept us out from all the vices except one:
the frequent sneaking to the cinemas for the late night show---often with
disastrous consequences.
Most of the free time during our childhood was spent in the rear
verandah of Mahan’s home, under the watchful eyes of Mahan’s kind
mother and disciplinarian father, my Chinnamma and Chinnaiah. The
large bed in the rear verandah was our wrestling ring. We wrestled,
played and fought---the delightful memories of which are truly
mesmerizing.
Mahan’s mother was such a kind lady that she was loved by one
and all. She indeed served as the local counsellor to the young and old
alike. Almost every evening we return to Mahan’s home tired after
games. Mahan’s mother happily served us delicious milk tea, the taste
of which lingers to this day. In words, deeds and mannerism Mahan
was a replica of his mother and so is Seetha Acca.
Mahan’s dad was an ardent Federalist, and was elected as the
Chairman of Manipay Town Council. He was amongst the most famous
and highly respected in Manipay. He was indeed well known throughout
the Jaffna peninsula.
He took us with him on his occasional bird hunting jaunts, which
are among the most memorable events of our youth.
Mahan went to Colombo to continue his studies at St. Josephs
College from where he entered the University of Ceylon. At St.
Josephs, he captained its prestigious soccer team. After leaving St.
Josephs, he captained the even more prestigious Old Joes Team. At
the University of Ceylon he participated in most of the sports, and had
the rare distinction of captaining the University Soccer Team for two
consecutive years. He was honoured with the University Colours for
soccer---which was the highest award for that sport.
Mahan and I lived in the same room in Colombo, with Balendran
Annai in the adjoining room, for well over five years. Mahan’s younger
brothers Theiva, and in later years Raje, were frequent visitors. Both
Balendran Annai and Theiva (my best friend) are alas, no more, and
the thought of them trigger a feeling of emptiness in my mind. Mahan,
my cousin, friend and guide, will be sorely missed by me. His loss to
Ambal and their sons, Prathab and Ruban, is beyond words and no
33
amount of consolation could alleviate their profound grief. Yet, death is
inevitable!
The Tamil sage Thiru-Valluvar, whom Rev. Dr. G.U. Pope had
hailed as the ‘Bard of Universal Man’, says that the bond between the
soul and human body is akin to that between a bird’s embryo and its
eggshell; when the time is ripe, it sunders that bond and away it flies.
Such is the Impermanence of Life (epiyahik)!
May Ambal, the pious Hindu, find solace in the teaching of the
Hindu scriptures which state that it is the body that perishes while the
soul survives through several rebirths, and trust that one day, all of us
will be rejoined with Mahan and our other departed loved ones!

MAHAN AND BROTHER THEIVA IN MANIPAY

MAHAN CHINNIAH

▬Santha Ramachandran & Children▬

Mahan Chinniah, the soft-spoken, mild mannered man, passed away

on November 30th. He died the way he lived. Quietly! Chinniah had a
good life. He also had a good wife. Ambal took care of him well, till the
very end of his life. And so did his two boys, Pratha and Ruban.
Although we were very young then, Gita and Shoba remember
Ambal’s wedding. It was a joyous occasion at Chelvacot Mansion in
Kokkuvil. Most importantly, we remember the handsome man who
came to marry our aunt.

34
 We also remember Chinniah as a well-dressed man, always.
When Asha met him in September this year, Chinniah was in high
spirits, absolutely enjoying his grandchildren.
Chinniah, as we all knew, and also heard at his funeral,
volunteered his time for the Sri Lankan refugees. For this, his soul will
be blessed.
He spent enormous amounts of time helping these refugees in
whatever way he could. He helped them with translations, and coached
them for interviews. He will not only be missed by his family, but by the
countless people he had helped in Manchester.
Shoba remembers how Chinniah picked her up at the Manchester
station many times during her college breaks. She also recalls how he
made sure there were plenty of Tamil movies for her to watch, and kept
her company watching movies.
Amar’s memory of Chinniah was his passion for Sports. We
witnessed together, the Sri Lankan team winning the 1996 world cup in
Gaddaffi Stadium, Lahore, in Pakistan.
We were wearing Shell Corporate T-Shirts, sitting right on the
screens in corporate boxes. He gave me big hug when the winning run
was scored, and said that that was the best sporting moment he had
witnessed.
When Chinniah and Ambal visited us in Philadelphia in 2003, the
only two things that he wanted to shop for, were tennis rackets and
tennis shoes. Anu also recalls Chiinah’s passion for photography.
Chinniah will be missed for the many little things that he did for others.
Good-bye Chinniah. May God Bless Your Soul.
----
SHANKARI PRADEEP WRITES FROM CANADA
I am Shankari Pradeep, Mahendran Sithappa's niece. The sad news of
Sithappa's sudden demise came as a shock to my family and me.
However I consider myself to be very lucky since I had the opportunity
to revive my fond memories of my beloved Sithappa and his family on
our recent visit to London. During our visit, he was very cheerful and
happy. And I wish to mention that he was steady enough to drive us
around. I have heard that Sithappa was a good sportsman, especially a
great soccer player. Though he was quiet in nature, his sense of
humour is something I will always remember. When we lost my father
Mr. Balendra (his elder brother), Sithappa has been someone we
35
looked up to, and he had helped us financially. While we share her grief
with Sinamma Ambal, Pratha’s family, and Ruban’s family, we pray for
Sithappa's soul to RIP: Shankari’s Family & Mano Balendra

PASSING AWAY OF A NOBLE MAN

▬Dr. Siva Thiagarajah, Author▬
I have known Mr. S.T. M. Mahendran (Mahan) for about six
months, during the period both he and I had been attending the monthly
ELAB meetings. He was a quiet, soft-spoken, kind-hearted gentleman
who never spoke ill about anyone. Humanist ideas and ideals
permeated through his conversations. He was well liked and respected
by all the members of our Literary Academy.
During our conversations, I have come to know that he was a
brilliant sportsman in his heyday, and this did come through in his
demeanour and behaviour. From top to toe, he was a gentleman
emanating empathy and understanding, one of the traditional Tamils
who nowadays seem to constitute an endangered species.
Mahan never claimed that he was an academic in literary
matters, and the articles he presented at the ELAB meetings were
down-to-earth, realistic and presented a common man’s outlook on life
and events. He took the assignments seriously, and played his part.
On behalf of his friends at ELAB, I wish to convey to his wife, two
sons and their families our heartfelt sympathies at this hour of grief, and
pray that Mahan’s soul rests in peace with the Divine.
To appreciate Mahan is to invoke nostalgia for an era when
popular and political culture could champion humanist ideals without
provoking narrow and selfish, or racial, ethnicity-based thinking. Those
days have gone, and men like him now a rare breed. Mahan has left his
footprints in our hearts. We will always remember him. “

vd; ,yf;fpa ez;gdpd; gpupTj; Jau;

▬EzhtpY}H fh. tprauj;jpdk;▬

mz;ikapy; vk; midtiuAk; tpl;Lg; gpupe;J neLe;J}uk;

VfpAs;s rpd;idah Kj;Jf;Fkhurhkp kNfe;jpud; mtu;fs;
gw;wpa xU rpy rpe;jidj; Jspfis cq;fs; Kd; itj;J kd nefpo;T
fhz tpiofpd;Nwd;.

36
 ‘gpupj;jhdpa <otu;; ,yf;fpar; rq;fk;’ (ELAB) vd ,yf;fpa
Mu;tyu; Nguhrpupau; Nfhgd; kfhNjth mtu;fs;
jiyikapy; ,aq;Fk; vkJ mikg;gpy; kNfe;jpud; mtu;fs; nrd;w
Mz;L Xu; cWg;gpduhf ,Ue;J ,yf;fpag; gzp Mw;wpg; ngU
kjpg;igAk; ngw;Wf; nfhz;ltu;. vOj;Jj; Jiw mtUf;Fg;
Gjpjhf ,Ue;Jk; Ngnuz;zj;JlDk; MHtj;JlDk; nrayhw;wp
Kd;dpiyf;F te;j ntw;wpia vk;khy; kwf;f Kbatpy;iy.

rq;fj;jpd; vy;yh mq;fj;jtu;fSlDk; rfrkhff; fijj;J kw;iwa

mq;fj;jtu;fisAk; jd; gf;fk; <u;j;Jf; nfhs;thu;. fijiaf; Fiwj;Jf;
nfhs;thu;. Mzpj;jukhd fUj;Jf;fis Kd; itg;ghu;. fUj;Jld;
epd;W fUj;Jg; gupkhWk; ty;yik nfhz;ltu;. mikjpahdtu; ―
mikjpiaf; fhg;gtu; ― ,jpy; mtu; Kd;dpiy va;jp epd;wtu;.

rq;fj;jpdu; khjnkhU Kiw $bf; Fwpf;fg;gl;l tplak;

njhlu;gpy; Ma;T Mf;fq;fisr; rq;fj;jpy; itj;J fUj;Jg;
gupkhwy; nra;tJ toik. md;dhUk; ,jpy; jtwhJ gq;Fgw;wpj;
jd; GJikahd fUj;Jf;fisf; $wp mq;fj;jtu;fis Mr;rupag; gLj;jpa
gy epfo;Tfs; vd; kdj;jpy; XLfpd;wd. mtu; xU rpy
thu;j;ijfis khj;jpuk; ,ufrpak; Nghy; rj;jkpd;wpf;
$wptpl;Lr; Rk;kh ,Ue;J tpLthu;. mtu; $wpa cl;fUj;ij cw;W
Nehf;fpa gpd; ehk; tha;tpl;Lr; rpupj;J kfpo;e;j
epfo;TfisAk; ehd; ,d;W ,q;F Fwpg;gjpy; kfpo;r;rp
milfpd;Nwd;.

mtu; xU tpisahl;Lg; gpupau;. vy;yh tpisahl;LfspYk;

kpF Mu;tk; nfhz;ltu;. Kjypy; khdpg;gha; ,e;Jf;
fy;Y}upapYk;> nfhOk;G mur;. Nahnrg;G fy;Y}upapYk;>
filrpahf ,yq;ifg; gy;fiyf; fofj;jpd; nfhOk;G tshfj;jpYk; cij-
ge;jhl;lf; FOf;fspy; tpUk;gp Nghl;bapl;L ,lk;ngw;W> gpd;
FOj; jiytdhfTk; njupT ngw;Wf; flikahw;wpg; gupRfSk;
ngw;wpUf;fpd;whu;. ,d;Dk;> ,q;fpyhe;jpy; khd;nr];uu;
efupy; nudp]; tpisahl;by; <Lgl;Lr; rhk;gpadhfg;
gupRfSk; ngw;wpUf;fpd;whu;.

vk; xU $l;lj;jpy;> ‘tpisahl;by;> tho;tpy;: ntw;wpAk;

Njhy;tpAk;’ vd;w fUg;nghUspy; Xu; Ma;Tf; fl;Liu
rku;g;gpj;J Xu; mupa ciu tpsf;fKk; epfo;j;jp
mq;fj;jtu;fspd; ey;kjpg;igAk; ngw;Wf; nfhz;lhu;. mf;
fl;Liuapy; mtu; $Wk; rpy gFjpfs; ,it:-

“ehk; nty;Yk; NghJ vk;kplk; Njhw;wtupd;

epiyiaAk; kdjpy; nfhz;L mtu;fisAk; Cf;Ftpj;jNy
ju;kk;. Vnddpy; vk; ngupa Ml;lkhfpa tho;tpd;
37
Kbtpdpy;> Mz;ltdhu; vk; gpuahirfspd;
gyhgyd;fisg; gw;wp vOJk;NghJ> ehk;
ntd;NwhNkh my;yJ Njhw;NwhNkh vd kl;Lk;
vOjkhl;lhu;.” mtH NkYk; vOjpdhH:
“vg;gbahf kw;iwNahiug; gw;wpAk; rpe;jpj;J>
mtu;fSld; $b xj;Jioj;Jg; nghJj; ju;kk;> tpjpfis
mDruiz nra;J MbNdhkh> vd;Nw Mz;ltd; vikf; fzpj;J
vOJthu;.” vd.

NkYk; mtu; mf; fl;Liuapy; Mq;fpyj;jpy; $Wk; xU

gFjpiaAk; fhz;Nghk;. ,e;jpahtpy; tho;e;J> ftpijfs; gy vOjp
Nehgy; gupR ngw;w wbahu;l;fpg;gpspq; (Rudyard Kipling)
vd;gtupd;; ‘IF’ vd;w jiyaq;ff; ftpijapd; gpd;tUk;
gpurpj;jk; tha;e;j mbfisAk; nfhLj;jpUe;jhH;:

“ … If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster/And treat those two
impostors just the same… … … … … Yours is the Earth and everything
that’s in it./ And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son! ”

md;dhu; fUiz cs;sk; nfhz;ltu;. cjtp GupAk; kdg; ghq;F

cilatu;. vk; rq;ff; $l;lk; KbTw;wJk;> rf mq;fj;jtu;fisj; jd;
thfdj;jpy; fpl;ba Gifapuj epiyaj;jpy; nfhz;L Ngha; tpl;L cjt
Kd;te;jijAk; epidj;J ,d;Wk; ngUikailfpd;Nwhk;. rq;fj;jpy;
mtu; ,lj;ij epug;Gtjpy; ehq;fs; rq;flg;gl;Lf;
nfhz;bUf;fpd;Nwhk;.

Kbtpy;> mtu; gpupthy; thb tjq;fpf; nfhz;bUf;Fk;

mtupd; FLk;gj;jpdUf;Fk; cw;whu; cwtpdUf;Fk; MWjy;
$wp> md;dhu; Mj;kh rhe;jpaila vy;yhk; ty;y ,iwia Ntz;b
epw;fpd;Nwd;. “

38
 YOUNG MAHAN CONTEMPLATING COMPLEXITIES OF LIFE?
MR.T. MAHENDRAN
▬Indran Segarajasinghe▬

I first met Mahendran in the playing fields of St. Joseph’s College at

Darley Road Colombo, Sri Lanka, in the mid 1950’s. My first cousin
Basil who was in the same class as him introduced me to Mahendran.
He was very nice and affable, and his self-effacing charm and convival
nature came through without any effort on his part. After some
conversation, and a couple of hours of football, which we all enjoyed,
we went our separate ways.
As we wended our way home, Basil said that Mahan was good in
both sports and studies, and should make his mark at both St. Joseph's
and outside, with time. It was indeed a prophetic statement. That was
exactly what transpired later on. Mahan left St. Joseph's to pursue a
course in Textile Technology, and our paths did not cross for some time.
We had all three come to a temporary parting of the ways: Mahan to
qualify in textile technology and take on a responsible job in the same
field in Colombo, Basil to complete his motor engineering in Germany
and return to work also in Colombo, and me to finish my degree at the
Ceylon University and join a Bank as sub-accountant.

39
 Life with its opportunities and difficulties was to take its toll, and
while Mahan and I ended up in midlife in the fair city of Manchester, my
cousin Basil was to continue his life in Colombo. In Manchester Mahan
and I, and our families, were to become good friends. Between us and
other Tamil families, we were to found and nurture the Northern Tamil
Association; with Mahan in a difficult role as its first Treasurer, needing
to put together the funding for its various activities, while I took on the
less taxing role as General Secretary.
While at that stage the Association, by and large possessed of a
membership that was essentially Sri Lankan Tamils, we did not at any
time exclude Tamils from any other country from joining us. Mahan
worked very hard, to ensure the success of this Association. Indeed he
held many different offices over the years including as President, all of
which he discharged with immense credit to himself. Needless to say,
the Association and its members also gained immensely form his
patronage. Mahan was always one who was much interested in games.
At Manipay Hindu College, he took part in the three traditional sports of
Cricket, Football and Athletics. In later life in Manchester, he would
exercise himself in good games of tennis in which, with time, he began
to excel. The cruel hand of fate, however, was to show itself when in the
1990's he had to face up to health problems in his heart.
A successful by-pass gave him a 17-year lease of life. He was,
from then, on what might be called borrowed time. Mahan knew the
seriousness of the situation, but faced up to it with much courage. I
know that Mahan will forever live in the hearts of his beloved family and
friends, and will also continue to do so in the hearts of others who loved
and cherished him. Mahan’s memories will never indeed die.
----

OUR HUMBLE PRAYERS FOR YOUR SOUL

▬Supethini Arumuham▬

Your pleasing look – and

Your kind words
Will last with us forever.
We bid you farewell with tears!

40
 Whenever you were called
You were ready to respond;
Your concern for us
Made us indebted indeed.

Mahan Anna! Yours is a name

That’ll remain long in our hearts.
A life exemplary, that you led!
And where did you go today?

God Almighty has called you

To grant the rest you desired,
Also quiet refuge under Him!
Our humble prayers for your Soul !!

MAHAN AS A TEENAGER
A TRIBUTE TO MAHEN
▬T. Ulaganathan▬

I could give this tribute in just five words. Mahen had a huge heart:
Loyal to his family and friends, Reliable at all times, With a Remarkable
Sense of Humour. I have known him for nearly forty years going back to
North West England, and lately in London.
During my early days in Bolton as a student, when I arrived in UK,
he visited me together with Ambal and provided me with advice and
support, which I always treasure.
I always enjoyed his companionship, and his witty sense of
humour. He was a unique person, and never said anything bad about
other people. He was man of few words, and a gentle giant. Mahen was
a loving and kind person. I remember the day when he came to our

41
house with Ambal, and gave a birthday present to my eldest son Victor,
on his birthday---a tracksuit embroidered with Manchester United
Emblem! Even today. Victor remembers this event. And he shared this
with my family, when he heard the bad news that Mahen was admitted
to the hospital.
Mahen had a good life, and was well respected by his friends,
and also the whole Tamil community in the North West. He was our
Chairman of North West Tamil Association, and also Chairman of
Bolton Tamil Association. He was a Director of his own company and
he looked after all his employees well. He shared his profits with his
employees when very few employers would do that type of thing these
days. He was such a wonderful man. I also understand that a couple of
years ago when he was in Manchester, he was a voluntary worker
helping Tamil refugees, sorting their problems and helping them to
settle down smoothly in the UK. The fact that a coach load of people
attended his funeral shows that Mahen was not just a person but
peoples’ person. I am sure his wife Ambal, children and grandchildren
must be proud about this unique man. Recently, a month ago, I came to
know that Mahen presented toys for his grandchildren on Ambal’s
birthday. This event speaks itself about this practical and loving man.
While he was reserved, and a little shy by nature, he was also
remembered for his sense of humour---which could be just be a little
wicked. He read through people quite easily, and just could not resist
getting some folks into a bit of disarray. It was for the sheer fun of it and
never with any malice. He was witty, and a sharp repartee was common
when engaging in any lively exchange. As a man, he got away with
plenty, thanks to a guileless look that he was blessed with.
He often relied on humour to help himself to relax after a hard
day’s work.
Mahen was gifted as he lived his life fully and happily. He brought
his wife to London about eighteen months ago and made sure she is
looked after, safe and secure with her children and grandchildren. A
wonderful man that filled our hearts is now gone. Mahen! You have
fast-tracked the glory and success of a lifetime, in 72 years. We
celebrate that success and will hold you close to our hearts forever.
----

kfhd; mq;fps;!
▬jahgud; FLk;gk;▬
42
 gz;GfSf;fhdJ cq;fs; ngaH
ngaUf;fhd nray; tbtk;
vy;Nyhuplj;jpYk; md;ghf goFk; gz;G
fUizapd; cUtk;.

kidtpf;F ey;y fztdha;

gps;isfSf;F ey;yNjhH
je;ijaha;> cw;w ez;gdha;
vy;NyhUf;Fk; ey;ytuha;.

,iwtdpd; nray; J}Jtdha;

ePq;fs; kuzpf;fNt ,y;iy>
kfhd; mq;fps;. ,y;iy> ePH
ePo;-Japypy; cwq;FfpwPu;!

vq;fis tpl;L ePq;fs;> NtW

vq;Nfh nrd;Ws;sjhfNt vz;Zfpd;Nwhk;.
cq;fs; Mj;kh rhe;jpaila
,iwtidg; gpuhHj;jpf;fpd;Nwhk;. “

A SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY POEM FOR

MAHAN
[WRITTEN AND READ BY HIS DEAR BROTHER-IN-LAW, PROFESSOR KOPAN MAHADEVA
ON 02-09-2007, WHEN MAHAN’S 70TH BIRTHDAY WAS CELEBRATED IN LONDON]

[ WHAT SETS MAHAN APART AS A UNIQUE PERSONALITY?]

Mahan’s most talked of quality is his ever

silent mouth,
Wherever he goes or lives–-East, West,
North or South.

43
 [IS THERE ANYONE ELSE LIKE MAHAN IN THIS WORLD?]

Mahan’s one dear cousin, quiet like

Mahan, is called Hari
Whom unstoppable talker, poet Sylvia, did
love & marry.
[WHAT WAS AT THE PEAK OF MAHAN’S PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS?]

Expert Textile Computer-Embroidery,

Mahan designed
Until he retired, and to his comfy TV
Lounge, resigned.
[WHAT IS MAHAN’S MOST FAVOURITE PASTIME?]

Now and always, Mahan watches all and

every type of sport
With bottles of beer, beside his ever
health-vigilant consort.
[ HOW IS MAHAN AS A HOST? ANY ADVICE FOR UNSUSPECTING GUESTS? ]

If Mahan, as host, ever cooks for you,

Jaffna chicken curry
Make sure you run away, real fast, in most
fantastical hurry,
[OH, GOD ALMIGHTY! WHY ON EARTH SHOUD WE DO THAT, PRAY TELL US!]

For you could end up consuming kilograms

of salt or chilli
And go home with watering eyes, nose,
even ears and gully.
[AND HOW IS MAHAN AT HOME? IN HOUSE MAINTENANCE, AND THINGS LIKE THAT?]

Mahan, to take up DIY jobs, at home, is always

prepared
For, his garage is full of gadgets that he
has, to be repaired.
[HOW DO YOU KNOW THESE INTIMATE DETAILS, DOMESTIC SECRETS, MR. POET?]

You know who told me all these? His

beloved wife Ambal
Who’s bent on goading Mahan round this
globe in gambol.
[SO WHAT COULD MAHAN BEST DO NOW, NOW THAT HE IS 70?]

Mahan being 70, with his new MOT, must

now take rest

44
 With his sons, DILs, and three grand-kids
-- world’s best:
[WHAT ABOUT MAHAN’S TENNIS? WHOM CAN HE PLAY TENNIS WITH, HERE, IN LONDON?]

Sonny, Rosie, Kaelen (& Rian), the best

anyone could wish,
So, we wish Mahan to relax now, and his
retirement relish!
[ANYTHING ELSE, MR. POET, WHO HAS INTERRUPTED OUR LUNCH AT PAPAYA ON 02-09-07?]
P.S. If anyone finds in this poem, any signs of
pin-pricks or punch,
Well, those are meant merely to help in
digesting your lunch!!
-----

Professor Kopan Mahadeva

45
46
47
48
MAHAN’S DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW AND GRANDCHILDREN
49
MR. S.T.M. MAHENDRAN’S SOUVENIR: DECEMBER 2009

Compiler & Editor: Professor Kopan Mahadeva

Sub-Editor & Publisher: Mr. Ruban Mahendran

50