Sethu's Eulogy

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing.
-Benjamin Franklin.

Anna would be an ideal person who would fit to the tee for the latter category. If there was one word in the English language that captured the essence of anna, then that would be 'magnanimous'. Anna was essentially a simple person at heart - a staunch believer in hard work with a sense of conviction of purpose that truly inspires. He was to be concise 'Perfection Personified'. A person who made this world a truly better place to live in because of his presence.

He was so adept in donning so many different roles at the same time: from being a responsible first son to his parents to being a loving husband to anni, from being more-than-successful Supply Chain Analyst at Dell to being a fatherly guiding figure to me and akka, to being a person who means so many special things to so many of his friends. More than anything else, the rousing farewell that anna received both here in India and the US stand testimony to the lasting and unforgettable impact that he had on his friends and the man that he was.

On a personal note. The first 8 years of my life when I was with anna in Madurai will surely be the most cherished memories of him. The weekend baths that we used to have with all the fun and frolic and sound in the bathrooms, the movies that I used to watch with him and akka in the video cassette player on Sundays, the cycling lessons that we used to have in those narrow streets of Anna Nagar, the walks with him every evening from the school bus stop back home when I used to get all the 'gyan' from him, the way I used to tug him along wherever he went when I had nothing to do during those kindergarten days. I would give anything that I have just to relive those years back. Anything.

If you are the youngest of the three siblings, then you shall be showered with some extra love, some extra care, some extra pampering and some exclusive benefits from your whole family. My case was no different. I was the eternal 'podi payan' to him meaning the smaller one. He used to make so many exceptions when it came to me. I still get goose bumps when I think of that moment. Anna's most favorite t-shirt was a striped short sleeved yellow Tommy Hilfiger. When I casually asked him if I can have it for myself, he said an immediate 'yes' with his trademark smile. It was only later on that I learnt that it was his most favorite one. When I went asked him again, if I can still have it, he said, "Had it been anybody else I would have said a no the very first time. But only because it was my 'podi payan' who was asking for it, I said an yes." I think I would have been the happiest person on earth that second when he said that.

I stuck a deal with him once that he should get me watches every time he comes to India and that I will wear only those watches that he bought me for the years to come. He kept his word always except for the last time that he came to India on August 21st, 2007. Anna I'm still wearing that Casio that you got me two and a half years back. It's old now. It's time you got me a new one Anna...

Anna would hug me whenever he left to the US from India . Very crisp, short hugs, they would be. Something which I'll miss badly. Something which I'm in need of badly now. I will not be understating when I say my life will always be divided into two parts: one with Anna and the other without Anna. An irreparable irreversible loss.

These days, whenever Anna comes in my dreams, I ask him to just keep smiling as always and not to worry about anything and to be at peace with himself. After all, why should he worry when he lived his life, to the fullest extent, the way he thought it should be right from Day 1.He consents to the first part of my request readily, but I'm not sure about the rest...:-(

Thanks Anna. For all that you have done. For all that you have been to us. For leaving behind a world that is profoundly richer because of YOU. We are still trying really hard to cope up with your loss, to learn to get on with life and live in a world that is not fortunate enough to have you for long.

As they say 'Good men must die, but their death can't kill their names and memories', long after you leave us, you will still reside deep inside our hearts. For the rest of our lives. May your soul rest in peace and may you guide us through the remainder of our lives by being the Light.

Love you Anna.