From Varalotti, a poignant story apt for Friendship Day !

Dear I L ites,
As I was browsing through the D H middles, I came across this story by Sridhar ! I think this is an ideal story to appear on this day.
It needs a very large heart to forgive the bus driver who was responsible for his family to perish, but a larger heart to accept him as his friend.
Father Francis Jeyaraj proves that a mortal can be " Our Father who art in Heaven" !
We can never unravel the mystery of such meaningful coincidences in life !
Please go to
http://deccanherald.com/deccanherald...1839200685.asp
to read Varalotti's story.

My dear Sridhar,
It is so " soft" and nice, this is one of your best stories on par with " The Scar".
Great going !

Love & regards,
Chithra.

Dear Chitra,
thanks for the posting. I never realised that the story would be apt for today.
I will take this opportunity to blow a bit of my own trumpet.
This story was written in 98 and published by Anandha Vikatan in 99.
The Govt of Tamilnadu chose this story for a second prize. The contest was for stories promoting communal harmony.
And I was invited to Chennai and got a cash award of Rs.5000 from Minister Virapandi Arumugam on 2/10/2000.
That was the first time I had gone to a public place as a writer and got the Award.
And Vikatan got Rs.2500 for publishing the story.
Another touching incident about the Award Function was that the third prize was won by a convict in Tirunelveli Prison who was suffering a life sentence for a murder.
Life has never ceased to amaze me.
Thanks, for spotting my story and posting it in IL.
regards,
sridhar

That was a truly touching story. Congrats on the award.

Dear varlotti,
The story is very nice but i think i have read it before, in your book perhaps?a nice one on integration of religions.
Regards,
Meenu

Hello Sridhar,

that was a touching story perfectly depicting communal harmony.
to accept someone who was responsible for one's family's death is hard & to accept the murderer as friend is something great.

Chitra,

thanks for posting this thread & bringing this touching story to us.

Beautiful to say the least.... words just dont come out Varalotti...

Purnima

A lovely story. Enjoyed reading both the story and about the award function. Yes, life is stranger than fiction at times.

L, Kamla

Dear Sridhar,

As I wrote to you, the first thought that came to my mind was, 'how come my story in still in cold storage of D.H, while Sridhar's second story has found its way into print!Got the answer after reading it- What a Superb creative piece! Congratulations is a small word.......May Devi bless you with all awards!

Dear Pankaja,
When you wrote those kind words about my story, it was nothing but Devi's blessing for me.
See how powerful you are. The words became true as you wrote it.
Thanks once again for the affectionate words of praise.
regards,
sridhar

That was a moving one Sridhar. It takes a very large heart for one to forgive.

Bye,