(September 28th, 2020)
This is an article I co-authored (for the silver jubilee souvenir) along with the Mother Superior of the special school I used to work in, Santhi Nilayam. I recently spoke to Mother and she gave me the sad news of Nagarajan’s demise and I always feel such special individuals who don’t know how to hate or bear grudges or contempt against another or thine own self will now be more at home in a place where such concepts do not exist. Rest in love Nagarajan, you’ve made us better human beings by showing us how selflessly you embodied love.
One fine day in May 1996, a small boy named Nagarajan, son of Mr. Velayutha Perumal and Mrs. Saraswathy, arrived in Santhi Nilayam with his parents. Born in 1980, Nagarajan is the only child of his parents, who realised their son needed special care and sought admission in Santhi Nilayam. Nagarajan was an energetic, smart and affectionate child who had mild mental retardation and slight hearing problems. His enthusiasm was contagious and he quickly became the centre of attraction in school. He slowly responded to the training in school and progressed in all the day to day activities.
As he grew older, he became more responsible and the younger children looked upto him as an elder brother, and Nagarajan in turn, loved and knew each child by name. He had great love and concern for all, especially towards elders, teachers and superiors. It was really surprising to see how he welcomed guests, especially sisters, visiting the school. He would rush to pick up their bags and lead them to the convent, while enquiring about their well-being. He loved to meet new people and converse with them, his trademark grin in place as he made them feel at home. Towards his early twenties he was given the duty of caring for the school bus, which he did with utmost sincerity and perfection. With Nagarajan around there was no chance of any mishap, as he knew the number of students on any given day and he made sure that none of them missed the bus.
Nagarajan has great faith in God, that always keeps him in a joyful mood. Around 2007, he was diagnosed with kidney problems, and admitted for a few days, later he became better and started going to school. As he was unaware of his ailment, he was always happy. Going to school, being with all the children and teachers was the best antidote for him. Slowly he had to start undergoing dialysis, ten years have rolled by and even now he is going for the dialysis treatment twice a week. Inspite of the pain and constant medication, he feels happy and content. Joy emanates effortlessly from him and infuses everyone he meets.
It is a great gift of God indeed to witness Nagarajan’s resilience and stamina that would have toppled many able-bodied people. He is still going strong because he does not understand the seriousness of his condition. His innocence and simplicity of heart is the driving force behind his pleasant nature. He really is a living miracle. Santhi Nilayam is immensely proud of him. We wish him a long and wonderful life in the service of God.
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