Writing the reminiscences of a great lady, all of it relating to the yonder past isn’t easy. The tyranny of a remorseless keyboard and a numbed mind yoked together by a desire to 'get it right' complicates matters. It is a case of start and stop – write and cross out cross out, then restart again and tarry along to a conclusion. It isn’t a joke and jokes are taboo in describing her dignified presence even when words defy obedience. Shall I just say that I was closely associated with three of her children- Pratheepan and Somar as my study-mates and Balaranjan as my tutorial student. Mrs. Gunalingam and Prathapan were past my age-group and the other youngsters of the family were too young for friendship. When Pratheepan, Somar and I had study sessions for our advance level years, we would stay awake past 2.00am in the morning, she too kept a vigil in order to serve us fantastic, piping hot tea in the midst of our studies. Always loving and never condescending, she treated me just like one of her own kids. Her dignified comportment was a boon to any youngster who came under her influence. On the social side, it was a sight to behold when the couple walked along the streets of Mallakam for a Temple pooja or other familial function when they forgo the use of their car. I remember the other ladies of her circle heaping praise for her green thumb for her flower beds and vegetable plots were a sight to behold. She had the sterling quality of punctuality – a trait worth emulating. In all that she said and did, she was a fountain of pleasance streaming along. But didn’t I forget all of this for such a long time until this obituary notice came along to rekindle such mixed feelings. Whether to rejoice her dignified life or express sadness for a great loss suffered is hard to choose. May we join our prayers with those of her family that this Great soul may attain eternal bliss under the Holy Feet Twain of Lord Natarajan. Our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family.