Capturing memorable moments

This photograph was taken at Athreya Apartments in Malleswaram at Ramaswamy Iyengar’s (fondly called PGR) house on July 10, 1989. The occasion was his 50th wedding anniversary. He was my father-in-law and I have some fond memories of him. In fact, this article is a tribute to him.

Ramaswamy Iyengar was born on October 3, 1907 and married on July 10, 1939. He was a graduate in BSc and studied at Central College which he would walk to everyday. Later, he joined the Indian Institute of Science (Physics department). He worked under noted scientist C V Raman and later under R S Krishnan. He was also a good sportsman in cricket and represented Central College as a fast bowler (under arm), in hockey and also in football. He was a very well-respected person in the family.

A spiritual person, he was very calm, spoke politely and took great care of his children and grandchildren. He was very good in English, Kannada and Tamil. He was married to Ranganayaki, a resident of Commercial Street area, who belonged to a small and respected family. My father-in-law hailed from Pudukotai in Tamil Nadu.

He had three brothers, two sisters, three step-brothers and three step-sisters. He has three sons and three daughters and is also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. One of his brothers Doreswamiyengar P G was a great cricketer and represented the then Mysore team for the Ranji Trophy.

His photograph has been displayed in KSCA stadium. My father-in-law told us that during his younger days, he met and spoke to Mahatma Gandhi when he visited Nandi Hills along with Sri Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. Being an Iyengar (Vadagalai), he loved the environment of Malleswaram and usually visited temples in and around the area after ‘puja’ at home.

He would go shopping all by himself and bring home vegetables even at the age of 86. He never travelled in BMTC buses and used his bicycle to go his office (IISc). He lived on 2nd Temple Street (Krishnappa Block) near Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, 15th Cross, Malleswaram before moving to Athreya Apartment on 15th Cross, Malleswaram, near MES College.

I am fortunate to have been the second son-in-law of Ramaswamy Iyengar. I worked in a bank and as I cycled to office, he would reminisce about his days of cycling as well. At that point, KG Road was two-way and using a bicycle was very easy. Now there is a dramatic change in the traffic of the city  and one cannot walk freely even on a footpath. I truly cherish the moments spent with him and will treasure them in the times to come.



(The author can be contacted on 23390462)