My Grandfather : K.R Natarajan

Anisha Badri, I PSEco, Roll number 24

My grandfather, K.R Natarajan, was born on 17^th December 1935 in Bopatla, Andhra Pradesh (now Vijayawada). His father, K.S Ramaswami, was a journalist who worked for ‘The Hindu’, while his mother, Rajammal, took care of him and his five siblings. He attended St Josephs Indian High School and graduated from BMS College of Engineering with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Growing up in a big family like most Indians those days, there were a lot of adjustments to be made, a lot of compromises between the family members. However, his family was always content with what they had and jumped at every opportunity to learn something new and interesting. He enjoyed his childhood and describes it having been “very good, no problems at all”.

As a young boy, my grandfather loved playing sports, especially cricket and hockey and has represented his college a number of times. He was also fond of playing the mouth-organ whenever he had the time. He did not have any ambition as such but wanted to do his best in whatever he faced.

 When my grandfather started his business, the only thing that got him through, he says, was sheer hard work, practical ability and help from others as he had neither money nor was there a market for him to sell his products. But he never gave up and always had the support of his family, no matter what the circumstances were. After many years of hard work and dedication, he became successful and learnt a lot from his experiences-good and bad and this success inspired his son to follow his footsteps and work with him.

When asked what success is according to him, my grandfather said that it is simply ‘achieving what you set out to do’. "However, he also said that, if given a chance, he would like to correct some of the mistakes he has made during the course of the business.

I asked him one piece of advice he would like to give the young generation of today, and he chose the one he usually gives my brother and I: “you must have passion for whatever you choose to do and learn from your mistakes, instead of letting them weigh you down and discourage you from following your dreams”. He believes that all it takes is a little effort to set things right and you will certainly find the answers to your problems.

My grandfather has always been a compassionate and warm hearted person and believes that we must always help and keep in touch with our near and dear ones. His loving nature is portrayed in the way he takes care of his family, supporting everyone through thick and thin. He is the head of the family and is also the glue that sticks our large, close knit family together. Additionally, his friendships mean a lot to him and he is still in touch with many friends from his school and college days and meets them quite often.

  

I think that my grandfather has lived his life effectively and to the fullest with regards to success, happiness quotient as well as relationships, among many other factors. He started out with a few rough patches in the beginning but has come a long way and has learnt from his experiences and peers. 

 Therefore, I can say without a doubt, that my grandfather has led an effective life and is one of the most inspirational people I have come across thus far.