Memorialising Dear Nandu - A Collection of Memories & Gratitude

Dear Friends & Family,

Welcome to a space we wish wasn’t needed so soon, yet find solace in creating—a place to celebrate, remember, and honor the remarkable life of a man who was not only my father but also a dear friend, confidant, and Guru to many.

My father, dear Nandu, was a man content with life’s gifts, dedicating himself to supporting others with a sincerity that stemmed from the very depths of his heart.

Despite life’s trials, he remained unwaveringly positive, always seeking the brighter side, living with a rare equanimity that guided his every action.

As an eternal optimist who always chose to look at the brighter side of things, he would want us to remember and talk about him in a positive light. We gather here not to dwell on loss but to share the multitude of ways he touched our lives.

A teacher, A Yoga guru—what noble professions. Among his numerous accolades, he was recognized for his contributions to the field of yoga, being presented with the “Educator Extraordinaire” award by the Rotary Club of Madras, and even had the honor of teaching yoga to the President of India. Yet, in his characteristic humility, he never dwelled on these achievements. Instead, he deflected praise, attributing his virtues to his gurus and the divine, embodying the true spirit of a Samaritan.

He taught us to embrace our true selves, to remove our masks and be comfortable in our skin, inspiring us with his eternal optimism. His life was a testament to selflessness—always ready to lend an ear, live simply, and find joy in the everyday moments, whether it was through the soul-stirring songs of M.S. Subbulakshmi Amma or the heartfelt laughter evoked by Mohanasundaram’s comedy.

He navigated the various roles of life with grace and dignity: a dutiful son to his parents, a pillar of support for his siblings, cherishing family values above all; a high-ranking student who transitioned into a much-revered teacher; a great father, and a very good Samaritan. Each role was carried out with a lot of grace, yet he remained ever humble, a rare quality that made him all the more revered.

Dear Nandu

A Great father, Dear Friend, Confidant & Guide

To me, he was the first hero, the answer to “Who is your best friend?” and “Who is your one person?”—it was and will always be, unequivocally, my dad. His kindness, guidance, and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on my heart, and even as we navigate the sea of emotions his memory evokes, we remember the journey of life he cherished so deeply. A journey where every arrival and departure has its time, and through this site, his journey continues with us in spirit and memory.

My father, my dearest friend, a true embodiment of God’s good work on earth, I cherish the hope that we’ll meet again. Until then, let this space serve as a testament to his legacy, inviting all who knew him to share their stories, laughter, and lessons learned from a life well-lived.

Welcome to our tribute to a great father, a dear friend, a confidant, and a guide. Let’s celebrate his life together.

– Shravan Nandakumar

Nandu Through Our Eyes

Unbelievably, a year has passed since we bade farewell to the mortal version of Nandu. “Boss, 7.10/15 tomorrow, please”, read the message that I received from him, at 8.46 pm on April 9th, 2023, indicating the time for our customary yoga session the following day. That tomorrow never came, for Nandu. He was a stickler for time, and on the odd occasion that he was delayed, he would message to say that he was running 3 minutes late! On that fateful morning of April 10th, the minutes ticked by, but there was no message from Nandu. I feared that he might have met with an accident. Repeated calls to his phone went unanswered and it was then, that I was overtaken by panic. A few frantic calls to his family members ensued, and by 8am that Monday morning, my worst fears were confirmed. Nandu was gone.

But today, which Nandu should I reminisce about; My childhood friend and classmate, my yoga guru of over two decades or a beloved friend who shared his innermost fears and dreams with me, as I did with him? Or should I dwell on our many shared passions, from our love of the English language, our fanatical support for CSK or our hero worship of Tiger Pataudi and Roger Federer? Each of these could fill a volume, but that is for another day!

Nandu was a true Karma Yogi who toiled every day, to be the best husband, father, sibling, teacher, friend, and human being that he could be. His positivity, even in the face of adversity, and the challenges that life threw at him was truly remarkable. There was always a spring in his step and a song on his lips, invariably of the Carnatic genre. He was as passionate about the Mahabharata, as he was about Oliver Strange, the legendary creator of the ‘Sudden’ series of novels. His respect for his teachers, from the legendary BKS Iyengar to Pandian sir, his martial arts guru, was boundless. He taught Econometrics to the children of the rich and famous, Yoga to the who’s who of Madras’ high society, but none of that affected him. Somewhere in passing, you would learn that the likes of Nirmala Sitaraman and Sitaram Yechury were his contemporaries at JNU, that many a Southern superstar had learnt yoga from him! To find such humility in one so accomplished was truly remarkable. Nandu was truly one of a kind.

My wife Bagyam and I often recall with fondness, our yoga sessions with Nandu, which encompassed asanas, pranayama, discussions on English grammar, cricket, tennis, Carnatic music, and philosophy, rounded off with a steaming hot cup of coffee, before he dashed off to his next class! His mortal version may have gone away but he lives on, in our memories, in our inner consciousness, in our every Prana. Stay well my dear friend.

TT

Memoirs of having spent a lifetime, with ‘Nandu’ (a.k.a T Nandakumar, Professor and Yoga Teacher par excellence)

My dear fiend ‘Nandu’ as he is known to all his friends and family was my classmate in school and college and we grew up together for nearly six decades. Sadly, on 10th April 2023, it was destined that he had an appointment with his maker in heaven and left this world.  He left behind a huge crowd of friends, students and well-wishers.

I have had the special privilege of being with Nandu right from class six in MCC School till we graduated together in 1975 from MCC again. This period was the most important in my life during which time I shaped by attitude, sense of responsibility and strength to face life as it should be. For this alone I owe my deepest gratitude to Nandu. Thereafter though we were separated in life due to our respective pursuits, we were in constant touch.

It was in 1977 both of us started our journey in the path of Hatha Yoga and Nandu despite all his other pursuits in the world stuck to this path steadfastly and established himself as a great Yoga Guru.  I constantly drew upon his advice and to this day practice his guidance and also till date have been trying to keep myself fit mentally and physically remembering his fine instructions and advice.

His ever fresh and bubbly enthusiasm in all that we discussed and shared always will serve me as a source of motivation to continue life.  His sense of humour and wit, not forgetting his penchant to express himself in voice and written language in English always kept me in awe.

Despite many challenges physical, monetary and societal, (coming from a conservative Tambram background) he chalked out a unique life plan and held all his close friends and relatives in his orbit with great elance. 

His compassion, open mindedness and boldness always held me in awe. A true mark of a gentleman and evolved soul. As I write my eyes fill up and overflow incessantly!

I really miss him a lot. I was on a short holiday in Kerala when Ginju our good common friend called me to inform the passing away of Nandu.  It was just the previous night when I browsed through the animated exchange of comments in Whatasapp Chat box, on a cricket match and could not believe what I heard to be true.  My only regret is that I could not make it to be part of his last journey on this blessed earth.

Spiritually we have exchanged many thoughts, and he has played a significant role in my state of mind as on date.  It is on record that Nandu excelled in all his pursuits.  Likewise, it is my personal view that even in Life he passed the Exam called Death, most creditably.

He had an anayasa maranam.  Which means he left to meet his maker in heaven royally and in peace, having fulfilled all his responsibilities on this earth.  In relation to the Hindu philosophy this I think was a reward he earned rightfully. 

A six-decade relationship is long and deep.  I will continue to traverse my own journey in life with all the best things I learnt from him and hopefully get to meet him up there in the same spirit as on earth.

Thanks, Nandu. Take care.

Sashi

During his lifetime, Gurujee, as we fondly called late Sri T Nandakumar, inspired life around him. Yet, on April 10- 2023, he chose to quietly leave all of us, as if his job was done. He was truly a God’s gift to me and my family. Gifts are never to be returned. But, alas, the Giver chose to take back this precious gift.

He left an unforgettable imprint on my life and my family members down to my granddaughter Rukmini right from her age 3. So much so, Rukmini often asks us as to why Gurujee had stopped coming!

It was on Aug 5, 2000, that I met Gurujee for the first time in connection with a table calendar project on Yog, which he had undertaken to do for Lakshmi General Finance. I was 46 and I casually asked him, after a month into our engagement, if he would teach me Yog at my age. His eyes lit up and he responded, “Why not!” And the next day he arrived in my life and took control. I never looked back. He inspired me to discover significant amount of flexibility in my body. I introduced his Yog to many, and the list went on becoming longer and longer. One only had to say that one would like to start Yogabhyaas and he would reach out the next day. For everyone that he thus reached out, it became a lifelong association. He stood like a Banyan tree, and we all felt comfortable under its divine shade. I always felt gifted to come under the tutelage of a great Yog teacher that Gurujee was. He was a living example of all that is good and divine about Yog. I consider myself lucky to have lived in times Gurujee lived and illuminated our life with his selfless approach to life. He was an encyclopaedia of Yog and life. The only fee that ever satisfied him was the relentless and regular Yogabhyaas by his students. Speaking for myself, it was a divine wish that he came into my life and transformed my attitude to life. While I thank the Almighty for this, I also carry the grudge that the Maker took him back rather too soon.

I do feel his presence during my Yogabhyaas and feel his patronising smile of approval.

But I miss you a lot, Gurujee.

– Srinivas Acharya, Chennai

Nandakumar

I met him at the Madras club and that was the start of my journey in Yoga, which has continued till date.

Sometime in the early 2000’s, we started our classes at home. It was the last class of the day for him at 7 30 pm and he had to drive for a minimum of an hour to his home. There would be days when we would be late, and he would wait with all the props and patiently coaxed our bodies. We then moved to our morning classes. Yoga was not a morning chore. It was English, music, books, politics and stories for the timed stay.

He was always loving and dear to all at home, from my children, in laws, our maid, our security guard, and even visiting friends! My brother Baba who lives in Perth used to call Nandu his saviour, he learnt yoga on a vacation, but Nandu kept in touch with my brother even more than I did.

Heralding the New year with Shashank at the Music academy on Jan 1st was equally about the Gaana, as it was about the Khana! 

His zest for life was as much as his zeal for yoga. We miss you a lot Nandu, but you made sure that we don’t miss yoga in our lives.

– Bagyam

Nanduji taught yoga to Chander and me for over 22 years. Over this long period, he tailored the practice expertly to our separate and changing needs and lifestyles. Three unmissable times a week.

Very soon, he became a dear personal friend. We could talk to one another about anything. And he taught us so much more than yoga. The subjects ranged from the history and finer points of tennis and cricket, Karnataka sangeetham, also mythology and religion. He’d also talk about his years in JNU, his time with the legendary dancer Chandralekha’s troupe, his love of the Tamil language – and his boyhood love of Zane Grey’s and Louis L’Amour’s Wild West novels!

All these topics included accounts of the cast of characters, famous episodes/matches/concerts, debates and interesting trivia. Once I asked him casually about Shankaracharya. He told us the riveting story of the saint-scholar’s life and teachings, in fascinating, moving, free-flowing detail. Unforgettable.

Just like him. Not sure who we miss more, the teacher, or the friend. There was, and always will be, only one N’ji.

– Suguna Swamy

I got to know Nandu better in Delhi after we finished with MCC. There was a quiet composure and dignity about him which he not only retained but exuded in his later years — a palpable sense of calm. This was one among his many other unique traits.

– Mukund Padmanabhan, former Editor, The Hindu

The very first thing I remember about Nandu is Ramrod straight Spine and I have never seen him hunch even a little bit in my entire days in Angika…Sparkling eyes, full of energy and always alert and fresh at any given time…and his timely witty comments… though I didn’t spend much time with him …his presence definitely made an impact on all us….we miss you Nandu…🙏

Viji (Thalaivasal)- member of Chandralekha’s group

A loving tribute

Quickly, a year has gone by,

The wounds are slowly becoming dry,

But….the pain remains.

Longing to hear your resonant voice,

Giving directions using word of great choice

Correcting, cajoling with a lot of care,

A tear trickles down my eyes, unaware.

Then, I remember the mantra you gave,

When faced with difficulties of life, to save,

“A life struggles in a small cocoon

To become a beautiful butterfly soon.”

I look up to see a butterfly flit so near,

Your soothing voice, I do hear,

A smile touches my lips by and by

Knowing you are looking at us from the sky.

– Rama Muthukrishnan

Nandu -A dear friend who has been a great inspiration since my 18 th year -initially as a teacher of yoga both as part of the angika group as well as a private yoga teacher for some of us. During our travels with Chandra, I learnt a lot just watching him (one of the oldest members of Chandralekha’s group) both on and off stage- his body control, focus, perseverance, his language, articulation, passion and drive and all that along with his razor-sharp wit and humour… the unspoken understanding between him and Nagin as they worked on their sequences. When I look back now, I think this was my foundation on how to work with others on stage. Even now, memories of Nandu create that spark of motivation in me to keep myself going.

During our train rides by with the group, I’ve had the privilege of listening to him recite the Panchali shabadam effortlessly, the wind blowing through the second-class compartment’s open windows and his eyes gleaming in the darkness as he kept us all enthralled!

 In later years, we kept in touch, he would come by, chat with my grandmother who started looking forward to his visits so she could refer to him on some asanas.

The last few years I have been requesting him to do a reading of Panchali Shabadam or and teach the sutras of the Martial sequence in Angika. A few days before he left us, he said in response to the martial sequence – “that’s a closed chapter”, and the next thing I knew was that he had left this world so quietly and clearly! 

I am so proud to have had the opportunity to interact with such people during the most important phase of one’s life – teen to adult. I wish there had been more time to learn a lot more from you dear Nandu, but grateful for what I received.

– Meera – dancer with Chandralekha’s group

Nandu, who for a brief while named himself “nandanandan” straddled diverse worlds seamlessly and effortlessly.

He was equally at ease with Vedic pandits and the irreverent, madisar mamis and haute couture; with billionaires and paupers; the educated and illiterate; successful and failed and  left everyone with a mischievous simile.

A lifelong proponent of good health he was called back rather abruptly, quickly following his wife. He loved life and lived it fully on his own terms.

– TN. Ramachandran, classmate at MCC Tambaram

It is a year since my beloved uncle Shri T Nandakumar (whom we all called Nandu Mama) attained Shivalokam.
Nandu Mama was a wonderful person and a great Yoga teacher. Nandu Mama was kind, affectionate, patient and ever cheerful. Even when he faced problems he used to wear a smile on his face. Almost never have I seen him without a smile. As a yoga teacher he was as we say “vera level”. Myself Krithika and Raghav all benefitted immensely from the Yoga that we learnt from him – like a thousand others. It is hard to believe he is no more and we will continue to miss him – a patriot, gentleman and Yoga master all rolled into one 🙏🙏

– Dr. Bharadhwaj, Amaravati​

With heavy heart I write these few lines in memory of a friend and classmate. But in mind and heart I can go on and on.

Nandu was my classmate from 6th at MCC through high school and again in MCC college, though in different subjects at college. A very open, affectionate, and jovial guy all friends will testify. He was one of those I had special bonding as we travelled together daily in school bus as well.

One of excellent students in studies, always was willing to help others with doubts, exam times or otherwise. After college we lost touch with many of close mates. Was fortunate to reconnect through school group again and it was as if we had been in touch, so warm and spontaneous our relationship was though unfortunately cut short too soon.

Pray for his soul always.

– Gajendra Kumar, classmate

Our dear Nandhu will always remain the great man he was : simple, witty, genuine, generous,  knowledgeable and saintlike. Above all, he was a wonderful yoga guru. Our travels and performances are such fond memories that we still cherish. Remembering Nandhu with gratitude and respects 🙏🏼🙏🏼

– Geetha & Sukanya

The day Nandu passed away to sojourn

I smiled amidst weeping tears of burn

After casting him to the ever blissful Urn

I restrained meself casting ashes to Varun

Burn on dear Nandu was my silent fervent cry

Burn on for those yet to see what you held high

Burn on Nandu who showed me the light

Burn on Nandu to whom I gave my might

The fire anneals just as much the water tempers

The sword born is a beauty of sweet swaggers

Just as you smile in swaggers of “subtle mock”

There is something in Nandu that turns the stock

I seek a boon from those kneeing of a soul depart

Let Nandu burn to the Lord of his own pearly part

Pearl he was, had to bleed his skin gleefully apart

ssacrifice ‘tween intellect and wisdom torn apart

He burned so subtly casting his fragrance to all

Alas, do let him burn in the bowels of your heart

He seeks no bathing in the coolness of the water

Asks how much of you is fire pure and water pure.

He smiles amidst La Sa Ra

Avaravar Manam Poothathakku …thakkapadi

Nandu, in his own “sway” made us flower and fruit.

Let him stay for what he held within us in whispers

Do not, please, cast him away in Mantras of eagers.

– Captain RK Kumar

In Remembrance of a Yogi

When I was a young boy growing up in Kuwait, I would often feel inadequate and lacking when it came to sports and other physical activities and would often get teased by my peers. I remember my parents enrolling me in a Taekwondo class. As a warmup, when the taekwondo master would make us all do some stretches, I would struggle to do the stretches and be unable to touch my toes or do the splits. It was during this time period in the nineteen nineties that I attended some yoga classes, and got introduced to Nandakumar uncle, who had come to Kuwait to teach Yoga.

Even though I attended only a few of Nandakumar uncle’s yoga classes, I truly felt comfortable and relaxed there. Nandakumar wasn’t like my other teachers: he didn’t make me feel like a failure because I struggled with the asanas. He calmly guided me through the yoga class with his characteristic joviality, patience, and kindness.  In my interactions with Nandakumar uncle, these three qualities (joviality, patience, and kindness) truly characterized him and made him who he was. Over the years, as I got older, and moved from Kuwait, our interactions became rare and infrequent, but whenever I did meet him, his enthusiasm and optimism would charge me up, no matter how down I felt. Some years back, I embarked on a new career path as a researcher of Indian cultural and spiritual traditions. Nandakumar uncle was one of the few people in my life who would show interest in and encourage my line of research.

There was always a freshness and energy coming from him, no matter the time of the day or the hardships he was undergoing in his life.  In his interactions with people, I got the sense that he uttered no unnecessary words and made no wasted motion. In these and other senses, he was a true yogi. His passing is a great loss not only to his friends and family; the world is a spiritually poorer place without Nandakumar uncle in it. I miss him and will always cherish the fond memories we experienced together

– Aravind Kaushik, Kuwait

Nandu until 1979

Nandu- was at first a name, lovingly spoken of by his sister Seema, our neighbour.

Nandu- was a bunch of ink drawings, of Gopulu standard, proudly shared by his family.

Nandu- was the brilliant student of Economics from JNU (something I aspired for then)

Nandu- was the soft-spoken yet incredibly sharp young man who moved in upstairs next door.

Nandu- was a name on the post that was delivered downstairs.

Nandu- was the rhythm of the music that he whistled ever so often.

Nandu- was the occasional point of reference for economics, my new subject in JC.

We lost contact.

2019

Nandu- came back to honour the memories of my father after his demise.

Nandu- recollected memories of the short time we spent as neighbours.

Nandu- informed me humbly that he is a Yoga Teacher with no trace of how renowned and respected a Guru he was.

Nandu- was the non-recipient of the Whatsapp message I sent on 11 April 2023 asking to meet him and his older sister who was visiting him.

Nandu- became a memory.

I remember him with the thought “I wish I knew you better”.

– Jayaradha Shankar, Chennai

 

My memories of him are now 40 years old or older. I remember him physically as an agile man, with sharp eyes and a head crowned with rich dark curls. In a college where almost the entire faculty seemed to be slightly or significantly overweight, he was the ultimate contrast. Lean, sprightly and agile, he stood out like an athlete. Physically more in tune with his students than his fellow workers.

He gave us lessons in Monetary Economics. His method of tutoring was unusual too. Whereas his colleagues would sit on a chair imparting instructions, Prof Nanda Kumar sat on the table guiding his students. His voice was almost a whisper. Much, much later in life, I would discover that it was a technique written about in the best management books. In order to ensure that everyone listens, a manager was advised to speak in a low voice. This would ensure that his comrades around the table would have to do their best to hear what was being said. And in order to do so, they would pay utmost attention to what was being said. Looking back, I think Prof Nanda Kumar’s classes were the quietest and perhaps most effective. Another aspect of his teaching style was unique too. Once he was done instructing us, he would ask us to be silent. When silence descended in the class, he would ask us to meditate until his lesson giving hour had passed by. In that he was a pioneer back then. I am sure it is something that most people do now, when they end their day, working day or have completed a task at hand.

Most of us, will remember him on that black day back then, on Wednesday, 31st of October 1984. We were being lectured by Prof. Nanda Kumar, when two of his associates dropped by, asked him to step out and had a brief conversation with him. Our Professor took leave of them and stepped back into the class, took his place on the table. He waited again until silence descended in the class. He then informed us that he had just been informed that the Prime Minister had been shot and that she had been taken to a hospital. For our safety, the college was being closed. He emphasised upon the fact that we should head home as quickly as we could. “And pray for her after you are safe in your houses” he added. That he said all this without drama but in a calm and composed manner befitting that tragic occasion is a moment unforgotten by me.”

– Sundar Srinivasan, MA Economics batch of 1987 & BA Economics batch of 1985 / Vivekananda College, Madras. 

Nandu embodied a unique blend of intellect, humour, and passion that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Transitioning from the academic world as an economics professor to dedicating himself entirely to yoga was no small feat, but Nandu approached it with unwavering confidence and determination.

His expertise and charisma in yoga were recognized at the highest levels, as evidenced by his invitation to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President of India. Yet, Nandu’s charm and wit weren’t confined to formal settings; he effortlessly sprinkled humour into everyday encounters, brightening the lives of bus conductors, waiters, and anyone crossing his path.

During the photo shoots for his yoga calendar, Nandu’s warmth and affability endeared him to everyone involved, creating a sense of anticipation for each session. His ability to form genuine connections extended beyond professional endeavors, as he became an integral part of the lives of those around him, including my family.

Nandu’s love for sports, particularly tennis, added another dimension to his vibrant personality, showcasing his passion for life in all its facets. His unexpected departure has left an irreplaceable void, a testament to the profound impact he had on those whose lives he touched. Nandu’s legacy will endure, a shining example of laughter, friendship, and inspiration.

– Desikan Krishnan

Prof Nanda Kumar was quite unlike the rest of the profs in Viveka – he was much younger, fit and agile, unlike the fuddy-duddy profs of Viveka in those days. Apart from his teaching, i recall he was a keen badminton enthusiast and used to play on our stage which also doubled up as a badminton court.

In the first year or second year, I had organised a badminton tournament between the Viveka Profs and our club members – at the railway institute in Tambaram. Nanda Kumar took the initiative to get all the profs together and travel all the way – we had fun, and the profs were a sporting bunch even if we beat them hollow because we all were younger and fitter.

In later years, Nanda became a top yoga guru, though i never got to meet him, some of my friends had him as their yoga guru …

Given his yoga and his inherent fitness, i was quite shocked and surprised that he passed away at this young age. Yoga doesn’t promise longevity, I guess. When your time comes, you go! … “

– Vinay Kamath, class of BA Economics 1985 / Vivekananda College

Yes, I remember those hand cricket days with Nandu. Playing with him, I always had the feeling that rather than playing against an opponent, Nandu seemed more intent on seeing how he himself could improve … setting himself higher standards.

I also remember him saying he wanted to see how it would be to travel by local train from Tambaram to Beach, and pulled by his curiosity, the two of us did that one day.

Even back then, Nandu inspired me with his quiet confidence and on my few meetings with him as an adult, I saw that this confidence remained, indeed had become stronger, with an underlying sense of peace.

The last time I saw Nandu was after our 50th year get together. I was staying at Woodlands Hotel, and he came over for lunch. A sort of last supper.

I think of Nandu often and wish I could pick up the phone and call him. Yet, simply thinking of him, I feel his calming presence, and can almost hear him say, ‘Vasu, come on, let’s … ‘

Vasu, MCC school classmate

 

MR. T. NANDAKUMAR

It was in early 1990 when Mr Srinivas Acharya, former MD of Sundaram Home Finance handed over a desk calendar of Sundaram Finance to me, after one of the Board meetings of Equipment Leasing Association of India. When I looked at the calendar, it had various yoga poses demonstrated by a person. I had seen this gentleman teaching yoga through one of the TV channels earlier. His physique and outstanding communication skills in English caught my attention. Being an active sports person, I did not have much fascination for yoga.

When I saw this photograph, I enquired with Mr Srinivas Acharya about this model whom I had seen in TV channels. Mr Acharya informed me that it was Mr Nandakumar, a yoga guru. “Would you like to meet him?” he asked, and I responded positively. Two days later, Mr Nandakumar dropped at my residence in the morning. He suggested that if I was interested, we could have yoga classes twice a week. Out of sheer curiosity, I agreed. When I mentioned this to my wife, she said: “you do whatever you want, but I am not interested in yoga”. So, I started the sessions. After two to three sessions, my wife asked me “could I also join?”. The master was more than pleased to accept her as a shishya.

There started our yoga journey for the next 15 years, with every member of my family, including children and grandchildren joining us. Mr. Nandakumar, a former product of JNU and an expert in martial arts, left a lucrative job for the cause of yoga!

He was a complete human being and a connoisseur of arts, sports, literature etc. To me, conversations with him on various issues were the best part of our association. He was very young at heart; and over a time, had become an integral part of our family.

His sudden demise was such a shock for all of us. I am sure this will be true with almost all his disciples. May his soul rest in peace.

– V.A. George

At the very outset, I wish to state that I was deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Prof Nandakumar last year. From the very beginning he struck me as someone quite different from his peers. With the benefit of hindsight, I could say that he was perhaps ahead of his times. While I only learnt much later about his passion for “Yoga” (he was a well-known exponent), looking back, I am in no doubt that he was practising Yoga for many years. He was always physically fit and soft spoken with a calm demeanour (which was in constant manifestation). The unflappable manner in which he conveyed the news of the shooting of Mrs Gandhi whilst we were in a classroom session with him is etched in memory. Prof Nandakumar’s unconventional marriage was clear evidence of his unwavering approach towards life. He leaves behind a rich legacy for his sons, and I am sure they have benefitted immensely from his parenting.”

– S. Anand: MA Economics batch of 1987 & BA Economics batch of 1985 / Vivekananda College, Madras

Nanda Kumar or Nandu as we fondly called him, is sadly no more with us.

I knew him as a young student at JNU in Delhi, and because we were family, he would often drop in to see us. He had this gentle playfulness which was very attractive, and my children loved to interact with and argue with him. He was equally at home with my husband and me discussing economics and of course the politics in JNU. His intelligent and incisive mind made these conversations very interesting.

Later, when he moved back to Chennai, and we would meet him on our visits. Our conversations continued to be interesting, but a new dimension was added to it. Being the December Season, we would meet often meet at a concert which he would choose for us. Music was very dear to him and he could have been a talented musician if Yoga had not claimed him.

That he was a highly respected yoga teacher and guru is known to all, but for me he remains the bright young Nandu that I first knew and think of with deep fondness.

– Vatsala Shivasubramaniyan, New Delhi

Me, Vasu, Arthur and Nandu were on the school bus, and alternatively going home on second trip from school. During those days we used to play hand cricket and nandu used to be the prime spin bowler of the game.

– Vasant, MCC school classmate

Nandu was a sweet guy and very witty. When I was in ICU after my stroke he noticed that I was not posting anything in the group. He called my number which my wife was having, and he asked about finances for which my wife said we are having at the moment   Then he started the initiative in the group and the money started coming which really was helpful for the treatment which was quite expensive.

– Rupert, MCC school classmate

The depth, resilience and compassion of Nandus character are very difficult to describe. He travelled the last mile to stand by his family, friends and even acquaintances.HI had a chance to witness his growth as a student, a professor, a yoga teacher, a family man, and a mentor to many more people. He lived upstairs from us in Krishnamachari Road. We were a close knit family. Mami, Mami, Nanu and Shakunthala  were close to us and I cherish those wonderful years.

– Viji Bhaskar I I T Chennai

Nandu was a friend right from school. He lives sharper in memory because he was quiet yet fun, humorous and wise, and he cornered all the marks.

He was a strong friend. Later, we met at various stages of our lives, both planned and unplanned. In college meets, after he became a professor. At our school reunions. Each time, his wit and wisdom remained with me long afterwards.

Once, a few of our batchmates dined together. And who should be at a nearby table but Nandu with his friends. For a time, we felt the two tables grow into one, large and wholesome, with memories and laughter.

His Yoga stood him in good stead. It also stood his friends in good stead, because he had turned into a pillar of support and dependability. When you have such a friend, you know he’ll always be there for you.

Which is the main reason his death came as a shock. The night before, he was robust and funny in our WA group, almost as lively as the cricket match he was analysing. The next morning, he was gone.

Even so, we know he’ll always be there for us, though not in his physical form. God bless his family.

– Shree Kumar Varma, Classmate at MCC School