The Ballads of Nelamangalas

THE BALLADS OF NELAMANGALAS

by

MURALI MURTHY

Ajji Mane

A huge house buzzing with family members, all busy talking and laughing. The entire family across all ages used to sleep in one big hall with cots rolled open in the night and it was fun filled task to roll up all the cots in the morning.

A house bang on the corner of a very busy junction, with a backdrop of Chamundi hills.

Many elders sitting on the Jagali of the house and chatting...with absolutely no traffic on the lane, the only traffic blocks were caused by Cows slowly strolling on the streets.

Few ladies of the house leaning on the terrace wall, chatting and overlooking the people and street below.
Kids of all ages running and playing and few of them riding the rented bicycles.

I was one of those kids, and that's how my childhood summer holidays looked like.

Summer holidays would mean the entire family comes down to Ajji Mane.

Sumptuous traditional food prepared my aunts and Ajji, playing with cousins and evening outings.

It was not just fun and play all the time though, mornings were dedicated for teaching, not the academics or general knowledge, but the teachings were about Madhwa Philosophy, Guru Parampara and not just chanting of Mantras, but explanations of the Mantras to be learnt and recited.

Hymns

The background to such daily teaching sessions was the pious background of our learned Thaatha, a thinker, a philosopher, a scholar, an ardent student of Madhwa school of thought - Sri Vedavyasachar.

He spent all his life studying Veda shaastra and writing his perspectives and interpretations of the Shaastras.
Retired from PWD department, he used to spend most of the time learning from his Guru - Sri H.N.R

Thaatha ensured all the children have thorough knowledge on Shaastras and used to teach everyone Bhagavat geetha. He had instructed Ajji not to serve anyone even a Coffee until they complete reciting Geetha in the morning.
The eldest son Sri Subbannachar was well trained and all the knowledge was imparted.

Thaatha used to write constantly all the time about veda and upanishads...he used to write all the time and on any piece of paper he came across at home.

During his last days, Thaatha held Subbanna's hands and took an oath from him that he would promise to give Brahma gyana to all his siblings.

Being the eldest, wisest and duty-bound, he taught all Mantras and stotras to all the siblings.

Subbanna stressed on understanding the meaning of every Shloka they all recite.
While Annaji was directly taught by his father, JK and Narayan became shishyas of Subbanna and ensured they learnt all Shaastras.
In the words of Narayan "I don't need to listen to any one else's lecture/paatha, even if Sriman Madhwacharya comes and explains, I would prefer listening to Subbannachar - my Guru, as no one can explain things as he does, and we are used to his style of teaching"

The house was filled with Veda gochara, Paatha.
All Brothers and Sisters even today enjoy singing and chanting all Mantras taught to them. That is their favourite way of bonding everytime they meet. Amongst all other Shlokas they are taught, MangaLashtaka has become our family anthem. And no function, be it wedding, Gruhapravesham, or any small function, reciting MangaLashtaka in chorus is mandatory.
Subbanna moved to Tirupati to complete his PhD and started to work as Lecturer and eventually retired as Professor in Psychology.
As all his siblings were still young and studying, he was the sole bread winner of the house after Thaatha passed away.
He used to get Rolls of Cloth and all sisters and brothers used to get dresses stitched with the same Cloth.

It will be incomplete to talk, write about Nelamangalas, if Sri Subbannachar's one of the life time work - Shastra Vichara Kaipidi does not have a mention. A true representation of the Subbanna himself, his thoughts, learning & perspectives. When Narayan & JK were working closely with Subbanna to complete his book, he used to dictate and Narayan used to write down. Once when Subbanna was dictating so fast that Narayan asked him to slow down, for which he explained "I don't have time, We have to be fast. What will you do if it's incomplete".

The Gems

Annaji finished his education, with the intelligence and brilliance he had, Annaji started Earning and slowly sharing the responsibility of running the house at the age of 22.

When Annaji was born, Ajji went to a priest to get his horoscope written...the priest held the horoscope on his head in respect and told Ajji "He will be an amazing personality with intelligence and education beyond our imagination...he will take care of you very well till the end"
And that Priest was spot on, Annaji was duty-bound, knew his responsibility towards his family and happily carried the load on his shoulders. He went on to become an eminent scientist with his works in the field of Liquid Crystals, and was awarded with Bhatnagar Award and it was a proud moment for the entire family (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N._V._Madhusudana).

After settling down in his career, Annaji told Subbanna one day "I am now earning well, I will take care of the family and our siblings...You have done enough and held the responsibility on your shoulders for quite a long time, I will take over now"

All the children of Kamala Bai and Vedavyasachar were intelligent and exceptionally good academically.
All did well in their studies and most part of their education were on Scholarships.

Bonding between the sisters was always exemplary, and they have never fought with each other. The fights were silly, harmless and innocent.

As there were no Maids those days, the sisters used to split the work. Shanthi was assigned job to clean first floor, Vedi was responsible for Ground floor, and Manji was allotted job to clean the common passage and the bathrooms. While Manji usually was busy attending music and arts classes, she used to skip her part of the job. This made Shanthi and Vedi furious and used to fight with Ajji, but as Ajji loved Manji's artwork and bead arts, she used to take side of Manji.

When all sisters used to visit Tirupati every year, Subbanna used to gift each sister a Saree, but gifted 2 Sarees to Manji. And the others used to fight with him.

Subbanna used to visit Mysore for 3 Months in a year, and continued with his Paatha to the brothers and teaching Mantras to the sisters. Both JK and Narayana learnt all the Shaastra teachings, while Narayana spent more time with Subbanna assisting him with own writings and publishing.

Subbanna used to shed tears in joy stating "It was my duty to teach you all, but am so happy that you all are learning so well. I am glad I could fulfill the promise given to our Father."

Subbanna was happy as everyone's voice synchronized and he used to hum and nod his head in jubilation, as all sisters used to recite the Shlokas taught to them.


While Ajji started to show age related ailments with BP variations and her problem with harpees, Subbanna instructed the brothers to not let their Mother go to clinic regularly, but to ensure a Doctor visited the home to check her every week.

Annaji handled house expenses, while Narayana and Vedi took care of Shanthi's and Manji's wedding expenses.


Thaatha's guru HNR used to take Thaatha to the palace on many occasions, where they used to rewarded with bowl full of silver coins from Maharaja in respect of their knowledge and paandithya. Those silver items came handy during sister's marriages.

Shanti did her PhD in CFTRI and Used to get 500₹ scholarship, she used to give 200₹ for Manji's pregnancy expenses and checkups.
Narayan and Vedi were good teachers, and I will always remember how each of us, especially me who spent most of my holidays being taught by Vedi on Maths in school days, later by Narayan in Mandya on Science and Maths. Though they were strict teachers, but were very effective. They ensured I understand what they taught, Narayan explained most complicated problems in the most simplistic way possible.
Narayan & JK with utmost sincerity and interest learnt, followed everything taught by Sri Vedavyasachar and Sri. Subbannachar. The teachings were so impactful and inspirational that they remember every word taught to them, even to date. Even today they recite, practice and teach as much as possible.

The flying Dosas

The famous and mouthwatering Dosas of GTR, which I still crave to eat every time I visit Mysore. Their Dosas are famous since 1970s, the taste, the ambiance has never changed. GTR Dosas are integral part of every Mysorean and so was our family's.

The Brothers and Sisters also loved Dosas, but knowing the hardships and value for money Kamala Ajji would not allow her children to waste money on hotel food.
But being young and craving to have Masala Dosas from GTR, the siblings used to hatch a plan to eat Dosas. This craving to eat atleast once in a fortnight, made them collect 5 paises everyday and pool around 3₹ to get 6 Dosas.
JK used to get the Dosas and wrap it in a bag. Remaining 5 of them used to keep a watch to ensure Ajji is not aware of their plan and used to signal each other and choose the right time to get the Dosas in.
Narayan used to wait on the terrace, and based on the signal, JK used to throw the Bag full of Dosas and Narayan used to catch it. The throws were not always landing in Narayan's hands and many a times the throws used to miss the target with Chatni splattered in the bag.

After savoring Dosas, each of them used to run to the Kitchen to drink Water and Ajji would come to know about their Dosa venture and gave them advice on how they should not waste money.

Ajji

Both Kamala Ajji and Madi Ajji have gone through a strenuous life, seen difficulties, still didn't loose their composure and ensured they taught good values and principles to children and grand children. Kamala Ajji was devout to family values, family tradition. She was kindhearted, very sensitive, emotional, innocent and a epitome of Affection.

I remember the Kayyi thuthu Ajji used to feed, with all her grandchildren sitting around her.

Ajji always used to express her happiness and pride in seeing all her children fairing well in life and used to jubilate their success.

As JK and Narayan had lot of hairs, Ajji used to go and stand outside the Barbour shop and used to send the boys back if she felt they needed more haircut.

JK joined Iron and Steel factory, and when Ajji asked him about his work profile, JK used to explain (on a lighter note) "I carry long iron and Steel rods from one place to other" and the innocent Ajji used to Cry hearing that.

As Ajji was very emotional, none of the sisters used to share their difficulties or any problems in front of her, Ummi became their next mother to vent out and Cry.

Unable to say No to Annaji's suggestion, Vedi took up a clerical Job at the DC office. Despite being a well paid job, she cried in front of Ummi as she always had this remorse that she couldn't pursue her BEd and her passion to teach. She thought it was not intelligent to do clerical job; Ummi helped her complete BEd.

Madi Ajji was no different from her daughter. All the hardships she faced during her lifetime didn't deter her aspiration and her values. She ensured she gave good care and love to her daughter and grandchildren. I can't forget the piping hot and spicy huLi she used to prepare, the stories she used to so animatedly share, her home remedies for almost every ailment.

Madi Ajji took care of all daughters and grand daughters during their pregnancies and she was leading the charge in such situations.

JK went on to pile up Degrees and Masters, he was a Gold medalist in MSc, joined ISRO and climbed up the ladder of success quite fast.

JK got a job in Riyadh and started to earn well and sent money to get house renovated...Ajji who had never seen and handled so much money used to tell JK.."Please don't send me so much money". He had promised sending a Big color TV next time, and by that time Ajji had passed away.

It is still fresh in my memories how Ajji used to suffer from herpes and how we grand children used to take turns to scratch her back using a Comb.

Vedi's wedding was fixed and the entire family was busy preparing for the grand wedding and on one unfortunate day, Ajji had a massive heart attack, she collapsed in the kitchen and she chanted "Narayana Narayana". Kempamma who was around screamed and Narayan ran, held her in his shoulder and Ajji took her last breath on his chest.

Narayan was deeply hurt with this loss as he took care of his mother in her last days. He saw a void in that home after his mother passed away and took transfer to be away from that house and Mysore.

Doddamma

As all brothers and sisters moved out of Mysore pursuing their career and family, Ajji Mane eventually had to be sold. The building still stands tall and the memories still alive, every time I visit Mysore. We stand there reliving our childhood memories and remembering Ajji, Thaatha and Subbanna Mava.

Uma Doddamma slipped into the role of Mother, and our Summer vacations and family gatherings shifted to Saraswathipuram, with Ummi and Bhavaji filling in the void.

Subbanna also set his Summer holidays base in Saraswati puram and the Paatha, manthragosha and singing continued as ever.


They were the guiding force, mentors and idols all of us looked upon. Both Ummi and Bhavaji helped their brothers and sisters emotionally, financially. Uma Bhavaji pushed everyone to buy Site/properties that has helped each of them in their difficult times or just as a good investment.

Some of the etched memories of Doddappa taking us all kids to Chikkmarket, exhibitions, Palace, Zoo, Phalamrutha and Ofcourse sponsoring Movie Tickets, especially Jackie Chan movies that me and keshava loved. Who can forget the Luna and mopeds Doddappa used to park outside the house and how he used to get angry if we tried our hand on it, yet each of us across all ages have driven that Luna. And his famous dialogue to threaten us kids "I will hand you over to the Police"


Doddamma's leadership qualities, her ability to guide each of us, talk through our problems and solutions for every single problem we had, she has been our true guiding force.
The way she used to manage home, work and family, her love for Mysore Silk Sarees that she used to wear and gift as well to all the women..she has left a lasting impression on all of us, especially Malini and Ramya look upon her as their Hero.

My Impressions

I always wondered why all the Nelamamgala brothers and sisters have such high regards and respect for Subbanna Mava, why all of them have so much of love and admiration towards Annaji Mava, why the sisters never get tired praising their brothers and sisters, until I wrote this piece.

I have seen love and affection between the siblings, I love and care my own sister. But the love, care, affection, respect, praise, honour and the way they laud each other all the time made me wonder.

What I realized is that the bonding grew because of the upbringing, pious environment, values that Ajji and Thaatha imparted on them, the influence of Subbanna mava on everyone, the Shlokas that they chanted together.
Subbanna was the impetus in their lives. After Subbannachar passed away, the brothers who were taught every knowledge & shaastra that Subbanna and their father earned were passed on, felt that Subbanna has said everything he wanted to say and teach. He has fulfilled his duty in this world and he is now with them, in form of his works, books, especially - Shaastra Vichara Kaipidi.

The sense of pride on each other's achievement is due to the fact that the financial limitations did not stop them in amassing Degrees and PhDs and mastering in their line of profession.

Despite being blessed with in born intelligence, they worked hard towards their goals.

The hardships the family went through and the way each of them supported each other, stood for each other, sacrifices one made to support the other and the way each of them passionately took responsibility and were unconditionally dutiful, are the reasons I believe they have this undeterred respect and honour for each other. No one has ever taken credit of help and things they have done for the other, and the one who took help even today remembers with the sense of gratitude.

Looks like the prowess to learn and teach is also something that's ingrained for next generations as well. All the brothers and sisters are great in teachings and couple of them also took teaching as their profession.

With all the success each of them have attained, with all the rewards each of them are conferred, the simplicity with which they carry themselves is unbelievable.

My work also involves training my new Employees and this innate ability has surely helped me.

Subbanna Mava used to insist on understanding what you learn, this has deeply influenced me and I practice it in everything I learn or teach.

This flair of mine to Write (Blogs, Novels, Experiential write-ups) and the confidence in effective teaching - is something that I strongly believe has come to me as inheritance.

No doubt the same abilities are inherited by all my Cousins. Starting from Guru, Keshava, Malini, Pramod, Ramya, Badari, Pavana, Shruthi, Samhita to Saakshi, each of us are successful in our own way and are indeed making our parents proud. I see the same kind of pride in my mother's eyes when she sees our success.
The next gen in Anagha, Mihir, Mahima, Pranav & Bhargav have already proved the genes are strong enough to run through many more generations.

I cherish and feel blessed to be born in this great family, knowing all my aunts and uncles being such great achievers and a gifted mother who masters in everything she does - be it cooking, singing, handicrafts or following traditions.

The life lesson for us to learn: How hardships must be faced; How we need to support each other during the hardships, as they overlooked the difficulties and focused on getting over it.
All of them are satisfied with their lives, and have always been happy and content.

This piece of write-up is in admiration, in respect, salutation and applaud to each and every Nelamangala brothers and sisters.

This is also to tell our story, our parent's stories to generations to come and let them know how strong their roots are.

Thanks to J.K for digitizing some of the memories, that are invaluable and a treasure that should be safeguarded for life.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1rap9VHtEELWXK2whi2zj1Re4DY_B3RRc
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WEK7bJryE0pgvZ0zFufDbJRaWl4h3BUv
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gQ5CtS2uKkdCw9No_le0C7lJkttqF-ON
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qQeWOXoaLhFFDhHQLHNxoFy34N63kLBQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ECfYXiBfp9WUEGCS3CKuoQSxzPecqWAh
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cquF4U8qrXEBjT2QlC5q-h0ujqli2dQp
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1E_S_aTAi7c46dUUVAxz9Zr5OA33WDRGD
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1s-3Fj7xa-ksHGJXHbF4o-i6rZWhyEKTX
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Cn0hDzjXuloj-GyTOty2WwkFUmo-a-G8
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bZPlyrQS5lXkjRciyartTHVFVhVI1Bm2
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zarKsw_dk9Hap1SQpbgxF6MSiO4INiW4

Timeless Memories