An Icon

When does one become an icon – difficult to say but as a general rule I think when there are some outstanding qualities worth emulating. I believe you don’t have to be a famous personality, be in media focus or be extraordinarily accomplished to be an icon. We just need to look among people who are in our circle of acquaintance to find them. Little do we realise that a life well lived with integrity, enthusiasm and character is in itself an accomplishment. It sounds very easy but many of us know it takes a lot of balanced approach to achieve it.

Rajam, Renuka and I had this very inspirational meeting with our beneficiary Mr. Venkateswarn, who will celebrate his 100th birthday next year. Visiting him at his residence was a study on how one should live life not only when young but also with advancing age. He has seamlessly moved from the world of the twenties of the 20th century to the nearing twenties of the 21st century with ease and grace. His father had the courage to move to Bombay, now Mumbai, in the 1930s from Kerala for better education and opportunities. Mr. Venkateswaran did not disappoint. After completing his B.Com he took up a job but pursued his studies by attending evening classes to obtain M.Com degree. In his fifties he obtained his Ph.D. He carefully nurtured his passion for writing poetry even when his job took him out of the shores of our country. They have been published in some international journals. He also found time to be associated with cultural organisations.

Now living alone, he continues to write poems and keep a diary of his life to share with his grandchildren in the US. This prompted us to ask how he keeps in touch with them; he stunned us by revealing that he learnt computers in his eighties. Born in an age when computers were also “being born”, he has managed to keep himself abreast of the fast changing technology.

It was impressive to see him in good health but for the constraints of advancing age, and a very pleasant and warm disposition. During our stay for over an hour we were amazed to note that he had not voiced any complaints about his health or otherwise. He exuded the contentment and peace of someone who had seen and accepted life as it comes. That to me was the making of an icon.