AN ORPHAN INTO A SUCCESSFUL PRIEST

AN ORPHAN TURNED INTO A SUCCESSFUL PRIEST

(KITCHA- alias- Krishnaswamy was left as an Orphan when his Parents died. His relatives gave him asylum. Unable to educate him, he was left to find his livelihood by doing odd jobs. He used to sell Calendars during festival days, Crackers during Deepavali and so on. He used to assist houses where death occurred by bringing Priest for doing last rites. On one occasion the Priest failed to turn. Kicha turned into a Priest to complete the last rites and was rewarded. That is the starting point for a lucrative Career)

When Krishnaswamy was 10-years old both his father and mother passed away and
Kitcha was left as orphan. His uncle took this boy but he too was very poor. He could not educate him and left to earn his lively hood by doing odd jobs.Kitcha worked for his neighbors by meeting all their requirements – going to Bazaar, posting letters, going to laundry etc and whatever they offer- cash or food – he took
gladly.

But he had one ambition that he should come up in life and lead a decent life.
Towards that goal-he started working. In 1940s during New Year beginning= calendars
and diaries would sell like hot cake. Kitcha was engaged by a Firm to sell their products. He used to travel to places where festivals were held annually like- Thiagaraja Music Festival at Tiruvaiyaru, December season at Madras, Vaikunda Ekadasi Festival atSrirangam.

Calendar sales will be very brisk during these periods and Kitcha would get handsome
commission. This gave confidence in life. He soon started to work as Salesman. By
nature he is very active- only 6-hours sleep in night-rest of the period he will go on to do something. With always smiling face-he became popular in his locality.

His parents belonged to Priest family. He learnt many Sanskrit slokas and customs in
Hindu religion and utilized his sparetime by going to wealthy families and doing
Lakshmi Pooja and earn extra income.He got married in 1956. The girl belonged to a Pundit family. Unable to cope up with the additional expenses Kitcha started to think further opportunities available.

Soon he realized that more than the marriages, People-especially Non-Brahmins like Chettiars and Naidus find difficulties in getting Purohits and materials to perform the last rites of their dearest souls passed away (like cremating the bodies)He found that he could work along with the Purohits and helps to procure the materials needed. He got good commission. He started to get good income through this job.

On one such occasion he arranged funeral service for a wealthy man who passed away.
Relatives and family were waiting but the Priest did not turn up. Embarrassed Kitcha
decided to act as Priest. Since he knew the necessary procedures and mantras-it was not difficult for him. All assembled persons and the family praised him and he was rewarded well. That was the starting point for Kitcha to carve a career for him.
People heard the timely help rendered by him and soon he got calls from many families.

He decided to officiate only Death ceremonies- since People were very particular that the departed soul should rest in sleep peacefully and won’t mind to spend any amount to that effect. There were not many competitors in this field. Kitcha decided that his sons should not suffer like him and educated them and one son went to States and other son is working as Bank Manager. In spite of his sons asking his father to retire, he is not stopping. You can see him at Ammamandapam officiating as Priest to perform the rites to the departed souls. Kitcha respects his Profession, which gave him new lease of life.

Analysis:

No job is mean. Being born in a conducive environment alone you cannot reach
respectable position. It requires hard work both physically and mentally. In those days people who work, as Purohits were looked down by the Society – more so who were
officiating the ceremonies connected with death. Kitcha broke that tradition and showed the world that he can also be a respectable member of the Society.


· Born, as orphan is not the end of the world.
· All jobs are respectable and noble.
· Good nature, habits, timely help and smiling face attract clients.

R.Jagannathan