K S Anantha Swamy

It was a fine morning on the first day of the year 1942. The celebrations for welcoming the new year were muted as they were the dark years of Second World War. A 25-year-old young man was getting ready for a challenging day that was to come up in his life on the next day. He was a cricketer in whom his near and dear ones saw great promise. He had earned the distinction of representing his state, Mysore State, later on named as Karnataka, in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament. He was a fine right-hand batsman and also bowled fast medium right handed. His earlier matches did show lot of promise but did not result in a memorable performance. 

His wife Nagarathna was away to assist his elder sister Lakshmidevamma, who was expecting a baby in those days. The young man went to that house to tell his wife about the big event next day and get her best wishes. He also met the sister-in-law (wife's elder sister) and wished her smooth delivery. She in turn wished him well and joked that they both had a big challenge on them, the next day as she was getting into labour and he was getting into a crucial match.

Even today matches between Karnataka and Tamilnadu (Mysore and Madras states in those days) are looked forward to eagerly. That match was played on the Central College Grounds (situate between Kempe Gowda Road on the south and Centra Jail on the north. (The jail has since been demolished). The young man's turn to bat arrived quickly as early wickets fell. He started cautiously, exhibiting stout defense against a very capable bowling attack. Once well set, he opened his range of attacking shots and consolidated the innings. By afternoon he was in sight of his century. A beautiful cover drive brought up his 100 and he went on to score 127 runs that day. He made the day memorable by scoring the first century in Ranji Trophy for his state side!

Just as he was scoring his century, his sister-in-law delivered a handsome baby boy. The boy was named as K S Anantha Swamy. The date is memorable. 2nd January 1942.

Capt. K Thimmappaiah was a highly respected and big name in Karnataka cricket. He served in the Army as a Doctor and discharged his duties with great distinction. Later on, he moved into cricket administration and held various positions in the MSCA, which later on became KSCA. He was the President of KSCA for 8 years, from 1990 to 1998. 

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K S Anantha Swamy, popular as "Anti" among his relatives and friends, born on that eventful day, 2nd January, 1042, charted a silent and wonderful life for 82 years and left us last week, on 30th October, 2023. He left a mark on the lives of many who had the fortune to interact with him over the years.

A Civil Engineer by profession he served the HAL with distinction. His early grooming in the construction industry was under one of his uncles who was a civil contractor for sometime. He picked up the key aspects of construction of buildings and managing the workforce and supervisors. He learnt Tamil as most of the workers and supervisors were speaking that language. Just as his knowledge about Kannada culture and literature was strong, he developed an affinity towards Tamil culture, language, films and TV serials. He always had some interesting anecdotes about all these when drawn into long conversations.

His uniting with Mangala in 1977, his companion for 46 years, was a perfect match. Both complemented each other in serving others around them. For all events and functions in the family, extended family and anyone known to them, the couple were available full time, all the time. Arriving before the hosts, taking charge of the function halls and choultry, supervising preparations and operations, receiving and taking leave of guests, ensuring that food and refreshments were served to all without any hitch, and finally disposing the leftover assets and waste, they were a formidable team. 

The "Design Engineer" in him was very evident in what all he did. For him design was not just angles, curves and lines; they were a medium of expression. The way he got made his furniture items, the manner in which he picked decorations, and even the arrangement of items around him showed that artistry. His nephews and nieces were fond of the way he bound their books with wrappings at the beginning of the academic year. They are all done with full heart and soul; not a just a job to be started and finished.

He was an honorary architect for many of his relatives and friends. He handled the projects from drawing board to the sumptuous "Gruhapravesh" lunch. No honorarium or fee. Forget it, he would even spend from his own pocket to visit the sites. He always prioritised convenience and aesthetic beauty while planning but with the cost at the minimum. The beneficiaries of his benevolence will sorely miss him.

A frail looking man with moderate eating habits, he knew all the best restaurants and the delicacies available in them. His next generation buddies in the family visiting from outside Bangalore always had two days earmarked for breakfast and lunch with Anti. It was a must for them and they enjoyed visiting the joints as much as being with him on those visits.

Not just family functions and celebrations. First to arrive when there was a death in the family and friends circle, he was the eternal pallbearer, companion in the burial ground and strong source of strength and well wisher for the bereaved family. No job was small for him. He gave dignity to all and sundry errands and motivated the others in the group to share the burden.

His sense of humour was wonderful. He had great light hearted stories and would use them to soften the atmosphere when required. He could invent humour all of a sudden in a given situation. 

Easily approachable, always pleasant smooth to talk to and ever available for consultation and comforting, never betraying confidence reposed in him, Anti was available to one and all. A legendary walker, his weekly (and many times in between) walks to Lalbagh were a regular feature. Half cup of coffee when near a "Darshini" was his favourite item. 

When you are with him you could find that there would always be some friend to say Hi to him, be it a function, walk on a road, a park or even a restaurant. He had a tremendous memory and could recall many things about people, places and events. Absolutely no confusion.

People speak good about some people. People speak bad about some other people. Anti was a rare exception. He never spoke ill of anyone. And well and truly, no one could speak bad of him. Not a word. Don't even think of a sentence.  

You were of a rare breed, Anti. One of a type. A remarkable man. All light and no sound.  Symbolising giving all one had without taking anything. Defining what service to the society means. You will be missed. Missed a lot.