My immortal friend

My immortal friend

My association with M S Ravi began more than four decades ago. He was very well known to all as the chief editor of Kerala Kaumudi. He was an eminent presence in the State’s social and cultural circuit and a confidante of the power bases of the state. He was also a recipient of several awards and recognitions. A prominent figure in the cultural and political front and a well-known person the state and nationally. For those who knew him closely he was also lifelong office bearer of AMICOS, the Alumni body of Mar Ivanios College students.

This was M S Ravi for all. But to me, he a great deal more. He was a close friend who stood by me in times of need, a guide who led me the right way and a philosopher who showed me the light and the sides of life I missed. For four decade he was one of the closest confidantes I had.

As a person, he was someone who was perpetually at peace with himself. He had the confident ease at all times and I had never seen him in any form of worry or irritation. The smile he wore on his face was genuine and needed no pretenses. He could easily put a worried soul at ease with his demeanor. In fact there have been countless time, when I have walked into his office with all the worries on my mind and was put at ease by him in a matter of minutes. His quiet confidence and reassuring manner had that effect on all who had the good fortune to know him. His simplicity and honesty were qualities that those who knew him closely adored in him and endeared him to everyone.

There are a variety of things I remember him for. Our sojourns abroad, were memorable and more like school trips. He would carry all our travel documents in a sling bag and led us where we need to go. He was the school teacher, the travel guide and master controller at these time, he made our trips enjoyable and worry free. The rest of us in the group saw him as the group leader and turned to him for advice.

Three years have passed since I had the sheer pleasure of being in his company and the comfort of hearing his soothing word. It is still with utter disbelief that I realize that I will no more see him. His sudden demise has left a gaping vacuum in my life.

For me and all who knew him he is very much there, still showing us the way. Someone like M S Ravi, never truly passes away. They just leave an aging body behind and live in the hearts and mind of all who were fortunate to know them.