THE OLD MAN
If the term appears uncomfortable take it as the grand pa. But, ‘grand pa’ would create the impression of relationship, though the present endevour does not refer to specific individual. The information presented is to be more generic and so ‘old man’ fits the description better. To appropriately understand the details or features, one should travel 65-70 years back into the times, since such personalities are not around for us to infer how those old men were.
The old man being referred to was able-bodied but suffered hindered vision. So, he was fond of ‘commanding’ errands from young boys –not necessarily his grand children. Like the proverbial crane watching for ‘prey’ the O M [OLD MAN] was invariably seated in big platform in the frontage of house. If he spots a boy [ 8- 10 in age] he would signal him to come near ; then he would in a low whisper tell the boy ‘please buy PATTANAM SNUFF’ from ‘Murugan shop’ on the bazaar street; so saying the OM would pass on a 4 Anna coin [=25 paise]and further tell him ‘come bag quick , without walking in the hot Sun’. When the boy returns with the material, he would critically examine the label for ‘pattanam stuff’; if he was not convinced, the OM would not hesitate to send the boy back with a firm directive to gather only ‘pattanam stuff’. Now the boy is more alert lest he should again go in search of ‘pattanam snuff’. Once done, the OM would not fail to say ‘thanks’. This- the OMs practised almost daily.
Again the OM WOULD REAPPEAR on the platform by 11.00 am and await for a passer b[o]y. This time OM sendts another boy to a particular house by naming the inmate of that house and tells, ‘please fetch ‘HINDU’ Paper [of that day], by telling him that Railway maamaa wants. Again he would express ‘thanks’. This boy may say ‘no much sir’. OM with wide open eyes further magnified by the spectacle he wore would be frightening and say ‘what did you say? ’no much’. It is wrong, say ‘don’t mention please’. OM would turn a tutor to anyone without hesitation.
By 3.00 pm the OM takes ‘mesmerizing’ filter coffee- pretty hot, delivered into his mouth from a silver tumbler with a definite capacity for 400 ml. The ‘delivery ‘would be from a height of 3 inches from his mouth. The hot stuff reminds something to OM; Yes, to procure Coffee seeds from India Coffee Depot. OM is saddened that it is already 3.20 pm; India Coffee Depot shuts by 2.30 pm.
The next day the OM , deputes his grandson to buy coffee seeds [Plantation A] and strongly warns the boy not to buy the flat seeds[ Plantation B] But, the OM does not trust the boy’s arithmetic ability and insists on ‘purchase bill from I C D’ counter. It will be easier to tally the cost with the bill and the balance returned. Those OMs were meticulous about every paisa spent and that it should be accounted for.
Most OMs were excellent with their English- diction, usage, grammar and spelling. Most girls would seek help from such OM for doubt clearing. OMs were very sensible too; they would not send any girl to any work , besides would ensure that girls reach their homes safe and in time. Most OMs were genuine prides of their locality. Quite organized were those OMs of 1960s , 1970s and earlier.
Prof. K. Raman
I still remember an old man next to my house called young boys and wanted to tell Krishna-Arjuna story. But nobody obeyed. Now I feel that I missed a chance to hear basic Bhagavad Geetha. Similarly my friend’s grandfather lying on the easy chair request his grandson to read Hindu paper loudly. He also tell him the meaning. In my street an old man uses to sell appalam and vadam. Another man used to bring idli and chatni in the morning for sale.
ReplyDeleteWe have to appreciate those old men.
K.Venkataraman