My Friend Ram (Ramakrishnan Selvaraj 1974 - 2009)

I knew him from our year 6 in school (1985-86). He was a smart, fair, curly haired, good looking kid who always had a smile on his face. He was on the same school, same year as me but he was on tamil medium and I was in the English medium.

We became little bit more closer when we went for the same tution in our year 10. In that year, one thing that I remember of him of was that of him running away from home for 3/4 days for no reason. Apparently a friend of him had a disagreement with his parents and wanted to run away from his family. Ram just gave him company.

After 3 days when he had spent all the money, just came back home. Apparently they had both gone to Chennai (then Madras) watched some movies, marina beach, roamed around and when it was all over, they just decided to use their return tickets. The first thing, he did when he came back was to eat. He apparently did not speak to anyone in the family since, about the reason for his running off. He thought there was no need for it. He disclosed all this to us in his later years.

He is a very thoughtful guy and had a strong opinion on most things. He had a very good sense of humour and likes to take mickey out of all of us. But never in a hurting or humiliating way. After his textile diploma he worked in many textile mills in and around Udumaplet.

He is a very self respecting and sincere guy when it comes to work. The only thing that he did not like was some one questioning him. Even if it was his superior or the MD of the company. He worked only in his own way. If someone questioned it, he simply quit the company. It does not mean that he is not good. Infact, he was very good in his work, but just did not like some one questioning it. Because of that he changed quite a few companies.

During the later years, he became much more thoughtful, caring about his family, brother and his little daughter.

Some of the moments, I guess most of our friends can remember about him.

• His running away from home in year 10 (i.e With a return ticket)
• His efforts on growing moutache and beard and his spectacular failure in his attempts
  
• It was his idea that was effectively used by us in our "We steel Steal" efforts to make money for buying sports kits.
• His cycle accident along with me, when he was hit by a lorry and miraculuosly escaped in our year 10 (1992).
  
• His questioning abilities. especially he asked us some interesting questions like a) How would it be if the aniumals have laughing abilities like humans? b) How do we know that animals (e.g tigers) have sense of cold climate without we ever having lived as a tiger?
• His affection for politics and especially his liking for BJP
  
• Him making fun of our other common friend "Perusu"
• His revelation about his affinity for being truly bi-sexual
• Though he was an occasional smoker, he quit the habit in his last years
• His penchant for good food. He really liked his food and he did enjoy it to the full.
  
• He resembeld his dad in every sense (looks, calm demeanour except he was a little fair (Like his mom)

I can remember,so many little moments about him and it is absolutely gutting for me to think he is not alive anymore to re-live them.

You gave us so much joy in our lives. We all miss you Ram. May your soul rest in peace..!!

here are some more pictures