Blessed

ತರಂಗ (Taranga) is a popular kannada magazine. In my reckoning, it is one of the top two, along with ಸುಧಾ(Sudha). The latest edition carries an article, in which is featured my grandfather ! I had lost track of time recently, but the article reminded me that he will turn 103 in a few days time. So many of my fond childhood memories feature him and Tirthalli, so this is very pleasant and touching. You go, Bhava !

For those who don't read Kannada, here is an rough English translation. The article doesn't really do justice to him, I suppose I would write it differently. But then, he is my grandfather after all.

Translation:

Only 5-6 kilometers from Tirthahalli is a little village called Doorvasapura, also known as Mulubagilu. Mulubagilu is famous for it's advaita Mutt and for the dwaita mutt in nearby Bhimana katte.

There is another reason for it's fame, though. A senior person lives there. Name Sakkare Shamacharya (Born: August 5th 1906). He is now 103 years. Except for some weakened sight and hearing due to his age, no disease has dared come near him. His strong body, straight posture and limited use of a walking stick embarrasses youngsters. His hobbies include making jokes in English.

All guests to his home, whether old or young are treated with the same trust. He always makes humorous talk. He used to work as a teacher in Tirthahalli's high school. He used to teach Kannada and Sanskrit to children. Everyday, he would wear his white kachhe panche and Petha and travel to the school in Tirthalli either on his cycle or by walk. He had gained the trust of the students. Religious, and extremely interested in music. He also used to play the tabla.

Even today, after his daily activities, he has a lengthy session of prayer everyday. A vegetarian meal at around 12, snacks in the evening and dinner at night around 7 or 8. He never tracked the amount of coffee he drank, even from his youth. He still is crazy about coffee.

His house on the banks of the Tunga is a garden home. Until very recently, he used to handle oversight of the lands. Devoid of bad habits, his healthy lifestyle has been the secret of his long life.

In 2006, a function was organized in Tirthahalli to honor him for being a centurion.

The time he has received pension for, has exceeded the time he has spent working in his Government job. Saying that we are all unnecessary burdens on the Government, he displays his social concern. Sakkare Shamachar has a rare personality.

Commentary:
-Was he born in 1906 ? The article is factually incorrect, it seems. If I remember right (ya, right!) he was born in 1905 !

- The last few times we talked, he has been talking to me in English. Apparently, he must think the US has made me forget Kannada, and the little bit of Sanskrit he had taught us.

- He also apparently played the mrudangam. In fact, he gave me his to practice, when I was learning the instrument long ago.

- Bhimana katte is so named for a reason. There is a large carving in the rocks, in the form of a mace resting on the ground. Folklore has it that Bhima rested his mace there, and caused the impression. So, folks from all around worship the place. No, really. So they called it Bhimana katte.