Soma Naadham
Someswaran literally means the Lord of the Moon. A name associated with Lord Siva. This is an attempted ode towards our dear Someswaran T S, whom we fondly call Somu Thatha. And hence this is his naadam- a bio-essay.
Before I go on, my wife’s grandfather, Mr Someswaran, epitomised energy and simplicity. Having lost my grandfathers a decade ago, I always felt a special attachment towards him and vice versa. I may not be the best person to tell the story, as I’m sure his armada of fans, people he’s helped, his kith and kin, the grandchildren and children and his siblings would have more stories to tell.
Yet, I try.
Somu Thatha was known to be a world-beater. From his berth in Nandyal to the humble beginnings in the backyards of the Mumbai coast, over the time of Indian independence to his career as a banker in the villages of Andhra Pradesh- notably Kakinada, which saw a mic of acumen, intellect and empathy, help the poor villagers and serve customers to dedicating his retired life, motivating his grand-children, taking good care of his better half and being a friend and guide to all, he touched, turned and twirled many, with or without realization.
On nearly any day, his panache towards tradition and easy gelling into newer realms or getting himself updated on general knowledge, pulling up a nearly unbiased political debate or humming to the yesteryear songs of the Bollywood- 60s and 70s would make anyone in the vicinity, pause, observe, reflect and put a smile.
If he breaks into a dance, his spurts of energy would rival and defeat the young. His care and devotion to service towards Parvathi Paati would render anyone speechless about their bond. And it paved out in nearly the same way. The everlasting bond reached an intangible zenith when she beckoned him to the stars on nearly her first anniversary of passing to the heavenly abode.
Truth be told, he never needed a call to the stars. He already was one. He would have helped become many stars, through his touch of duty. No not just relations, but as a banker- the countless students whose lives he would have touched, the countless entrepreneurs who would have turned millionaires, the hundreds of farmers who would have seen record harvests and many more…
In line with his legacy, let me wish Thatha a safe journey to the heavens. There is going to be a balance in the energy scales tonight, with the heavens likely to see an energy surge. It is sure to resonate in tune with that ‘Soma Naadham’.
