Podcast #018 - Haridass Ramadoss - E&C

KREC'89ERS

Haridass Ramadoss from E&C was an unassuming guy who was an affable classmate and was one of those proverbial guys who wouldn't hurt a fly. He utilized the stint at College to hone his skills and carried that out in his professional field. Dedicated to the core and a hard working guy. He was one of those silent warriors who made a difference without seeing that as a big deal.

Unfortunately, as it happened, he lost his battle to the after effects of Covid and passed away on 12th May 2021 leaving behind his grieving Wife and Daughter.

This is a special remembrance episode as batchmates recall & celebrate his life.

Translation (from Tamil) of the birthday wishes segment that Hubert had shared with Haridass :

"Hey Haridass, Birthday boy, how are you? I think you are starting your 55th year. It has been a long journey with you. We have done a lot together. We have been in touch though we did not connect for some years. That is really good. I wish to recall a few things. We have done a lot together amongst our friends. During College, except perhaps for you, me and a handful of others, there were hardly anyone who used to study during the afternoons. We used to feel sleepy a lot and I used to come to your room and even you used to be studying around 2.30 pm though you were droopy as well. We then used to go out to drink tea and eat murukku (crunchy savoury). I think Tea used to then cost around 50 paise and murukku around 5 or 10 paise, if I recall correctly. We never had money to eat more than 2 murukkus. But, you used to feel so happy after drinking Tea and eating two murukkus. And we then used to return to our studies with no one to disturb us. Dilo, Siva, Saravanan and others used to make a lot of noise during nights and therefore, we were unable to sleep properly. Hence, we used to study during the afternoon itself. I recall this vividly doing that with you and we have a done a lot together at College. And no one else used to be involved in this routine as everyone else were busy sleeping during the afternoon. And after we finished College, we applied for jobs simultaneously. I used to stay at Ennore and you at Egmore. I remember going to Shipping Corporation and some other Companies to look for jobs together. I then went to Carpanam and you went to MRL. And another thing that I vividly remember is that we were very happy that we started earning and could spend money at that time. I used to mostly come on Saturdays by train from Ennore. And when I came, we used to watch two movies back to back for sure. And after that, we used to eat and am not sure if we used to drink beer at that time. But, we have done this routine many a time entire Saturdays. On Sunday, we used to rest. I cannot forget these incidents. And then we lost touch for a while. And you became a busy Officer now. You are a big man. But, I want to tell you one thing that I have repeatedly told you before, Haridass. You are forever fretting about work even at this age. You should not sacrifice your personal life. You cannot enjoy your life only after retiring from work. We are all becoming old. Nowadays, I'm unable to do what I used to do 5 or 10 years ago. So, please slow down and learn to balance your work & life. You have a nice family with a Wife and a good Daughter. You have lot of responsibilities towards them. May be you should start travelling. You should go visit your daughter with your Wife and start doing such things. You have worked a lot and it is enough and nothing else is required. Have a nice day with your family and I wish you many more happy returns of the Day. Bye, Haridas!"

The '89ers stand behind his Family and extend the offer of support to them, whenever they need.

Music credit:

1. Flashback by Monplaisir (pixabay.com)

2. Memories by Benjamin Tissot (bensound.com)

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