CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 'EMINENT' KIND (11-Sept-2020)

 

An accidental encounter with a quote, motivated me to write this piece – a profound one from Eli Khamarov, a famous writer from England “the best things in life are unexpected, because there were no expectations.”

Serendipity, if you will, from my childhood days - the close encounters that I experienced, through this write-up is my effort to relive those unexpected moments.  If I caught their shadow, a brief one notwithstanding should sprinkle a little intelligence and value into my life.  These legends are a household name in Karnataka and their works have defined milestones in Kannada literary world. 

DVG – D V Gundappa a stalwart among Kannada writers, produced the most notable work titled Mankuthimmana Kagga; he lived in Basavanagudi and the street where he lived was named after him.  My childhood formative years around 1970-75 were in this neighbourhood – a stone’s throw was my grandmother’s place on East Anjaneya Temple road where I returned from school, while the school itself was equidistant in the other direction at Netkalappa circle.  Midway, an Iyengar bakery a favourite for kids, was strategically located next to his house; the aroma wafted through had in it the numbing effect to freeze us in our path.  On many instances, had the good luck and caught more than a glimpse of the legend who alighted the few steps for an evening walk. A majestic gait etched in my memory to this day.  Truly my destiny!

KuVemPu – K V Puttappa a Jnanpith Award winner who stood out for his literary contributions, lived in Mysore Vontikoppal area on 12th cross.  When we relocated to Mysore, it was a sheer coincidence that our house was located on the same street.  His daily evening strolls must have challenged his instincts as he navigated through while we kids were engaged in cricket and other games.  One such instance my younger brother drove his tricycle right into KuVemPu who pivoted on his cane and jumped up with his mundu to avoid an accident.  Such evening encounters, even a glimpse, translated as a silver lining that illuminated us mere mortals.

TaRaSu – The great novelist TR Subba Rao lived in Yadavagiri, Mysore.  Among many, his book titled Hamsa Geethe is a popular one.  I had secured a rank in seventh public examination and AIR had interviewed me.  My good fortune that they invited me to review a book on-air.  I chose this book, sat down to read in a few sittings so I could grasp the storyline.  I wrote a few pages of review, fit enough for a 15-20-minute AIR relay; since our families' hail from Chitradurga my father managed to get me a timeslot and I went over to TaRaSu’s house.  He read-through and appeared impressed and to motivate a young teenager commented - “Your review is better than my book!”  My little effort that brought me onto a chair across from the legend had fortune written all over.

HGS – H G Somasekhara Rao is the winner of Kannada Rajyotsava award 2016 for his contribution to the field of Kannada theater, as well a respected writer with an autobiography titled “Somannana Stockninda” that has earned him good reviews.  My good fortune that I interact with him from close quarters; he is my beloved father.  This is Power of Providence!

Close encounters of the eminent kind - a time to salivate and cherish every unexpected moment.  My wish is it should elicit a positive rub on me to achieve a fraction of their splendid life journey and achievements.  

Don’t we all have such close encounters with eminent and famous people that inspire us; what is yours?