Adieu Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri sir.

Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri sir, the eminent poet and academic whose verses reflected a fine blend of tradition and modernity, passed into the mist of time yesterday afternoon. He was 81.

For sometime now, he was confined to 'Sreevalli' - his home at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram.

In autumn '72, I was a degree student with Physics (main) at the University College, Thiruvananthapuram. Of the classes that I was very fond of attending was English, taught by a young, energetic and handsome lecturer, Vishnu Narayanan Namboothiri sir. After a few sessions and because of the frequent doubts that I would pose to him, he used to insist that I sit towards the front benches of his class.

He used to give a feedback about the interest that I took in the language and in his classes, to my grandfather. His advice still rings in my ears as I took leave of him and the college, in Dec '72, to join the NDA. Whenever I used to come down on vacation, he was one of my teachers whom I always made it a point to call on and he was very fond of me.

I remember my last meeting with him, quite a few years back, during a 'Vaayana Dinam' when I'd customarily touched his feet and he said very proudly to the people around him then, "He's one of my favourite students and has the soul of PN Panicker sir in him". I consider that compliment equivalent to the gallantry medal that I've got.

RIP sir! The unadulterated love and affection that you'd showered on me shall always remain fresh in my memories and I consider myself to be lucky. My salute to a great teacher, along with my tears and prayers. May your near and dear ones have the strength to tide over this immense loss.

    *            *              *

A lovely poem written by Mario de Andrade (San Paolo 1893 - 1945), poet, novelist, essayist and musicologist. He's one of the founders of Brazilian modernism. 

           MY SOUL HAS A HAT

I counted my years

and realized that I have

Less time to live by,

Than I have lived so far.

I feel like a child who won a pack of 

candies : at first he ate them with 

pleasure,

But when he realized that there was 

little left, he began to taste them 

intensely.

I have no time for endless meetings

where the statutes, rules,

procedures and internal regulations

are discussed,

knowing that nothing will be done.

I no longer have the patience

To stand absurd people who,

despite their chronological age,

Have not grown up.

My time is too short :

I want the essence,

my spirit is in a hurry.

I do not have much candy

In the package anymore.

I want to live next to humans,

very realistic people who know

How to laugh at their mistakes,

Who are not inflated by their own 

triumphs

and who take responsibility for their 

actions.

In this way, human dignity is

defended

and we live in truth and honesty.

It is the essentials that make life

useful.

I want to surround myself with people

who know how to touch the hearts

of those whom hard strokes of life

have learned to grow, with sweet

touches of the soul.

Yes, I'm in a hurry.

I'm in a hurry to live with the

intensity that only maturity can

give.

I do not intend to waste any of the 

remaining desserts.

I am sure they will be exquisite,

much more than those eaten so far.

My goal is to reach the end satisfied

and at peace with my loved ones

and my conscience.

We have two lives

and the second begins when you

realize you only have one. 

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle late, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Hameed chauffeured me to the Rajah hospital and Thesni, renewed the dressing. My wound seems to be healing comfortably.

Had a long chat with Bal, my course mate and it was great hearing him after a long time. He has settled down in California.