I believe in The United States

I believe that America, the United States, is a nation that continuously questions itself to address the burning problems of humanity—problems that are present in every nation. At this moment in history, despite the challenges of the pandemic, millions of people from all races have united as one voice. People who are not personally affected are standing on the streets for those who are. This is the spirit of America—a country where empathy transcends boundaries and people fight for justice, not just for themselves, but for others as well. Great minds from the USA are responsible for incredible inventions such as electricity, the computer, the Internet, and so many other advancements, including the very medium I’m using to write this. These innovative thinkers are not only pioneers but are also willing to learn from and apply the wisdom of other cultures.

In 1893, the United States invited a great man, Swami Vivekananda, to speak at the World’s Parliament of Religions. He delivered one of the most iconic speeches of all time, addressing the gathering with the words, “Sisters and Brothers of America.” The United States embraced him as one of its own. One of the many ways this country honored him and India was by naming the street adjacent to the hall where he made that famous speech “Swami Vivekananda Way.” It has been 127 years since that speech, and its impact still resonates.

Martin Luther King Jr., inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, applied those principles to challenge the moral failures of his time. His voice was heard, and his message addressed. Today, America’s daughters and sons carry forward his spirit, along with the spirits of many other leaders, striving to complete the transformation that Dr. King gave his life for.

Sure, not everyone welcomed Vivekananda. Not everyone supported Dr. King. And yes, there are still those who do not and never will.

Similarly, there are some who act uncivilly, some who seek to loot and exploit even in times when their brothers and sisters are risking their lives for justice. This is a shameful reality.

But how ignorant it would be to judge an entire nation by these exceptions. How unfair it would be to take a moral high ground and ridicule a country whose products, services, and above all, ideas, benefit the entire world.

An honest introspection by every citizen of the world would reveal how far each of us is from the ideals that millions of people in America are striving for today.

Long live The United States. #CitizenKK #Kamaraj #TheUnitedStates #America

One of my real heroes

In 1993, I found myself in an unknown city, one that felt relatively daunting compared to the small towns I had known. The city was Madras, now called Chennai. Those of us who entered the "College of Engineering, Guindy," wore the pride of having made it into the top engineering college in Tamil Nadu. But for many of us who came from village backgrounds, there was a certain insecurity when mingling with the city boys who were fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Just as my father accompanied me, Easwar's uncle accompanied him. I was comforted by the fact that Easwar, who like me came from a village, could be my roommate. We found a third roommate in Nantha, who also had a similar background.

Although I had studied in an English medium school, Easwar had studied all his subjects in Tamil until he entered college. To my surprise, Easwar didn’t seem to mind what he lacked. He had—and still has—a brilliant smile, a childlike enthusiasm, and a very active lifestyle.

After college, we went our separate ways, taking up job opportunities that were available at the time. Two years later, we ended up working at the same IT company, though in different divisions. We both eventually traveled to the United States. Years later, I heard that Easwar had started his own company with a few partners. When I was in the early stages of attempting the same, I met him again.

We reconnected in New York, and to my surprise, Easwar gifted me a coveted headset. He told me that a contact I had introduced him to had led to an excellent client connection, which brought in significant revenue. More than that, it was our interactions and his openness that won my heart. I was overjoyed by the kind of character my friend had built for himself.

Fast forward to 2019, I had the opportunity to represent his organization in different contexts. My exposure to Easwar's unseen, untold character always lingered in my mind as a topic worth writing about. Vivekananda once said that it is in small things that one can observe the nature of a great man, not in grand, planned gestures. I believe this is true. Observing how Easwar approaches his fellow people, even in seemingly small gestures, I see how his character shines through his decisions and consistency.

To quote a few examples:

His operational manager once told me about how Easwar pays close attention to employee welfare in a fiercely competitive Indian market where companies typically pinch pennies. In one instance, after coming across a sensitive, heartfelt Facebook post about an ex-employee's difficult, almost suicidal situation, Easwar made sure that he and his ops manager reached out to see how they could help.

In situations where employees needed to travel and work, Easwar ensured that not only were their essential needs met, but that they had excellent accommodations that supported their emotional well-being. I have personally experienced this with Easwar. This may sound like a reasonable thing to do, but it’s not something that is typically prioritized by companies of his size, especially given the strict budgets they operate within. But the Easwar I know is a hospitable man who extends what he has to others.

As an entrepreneur, Easwar also makes brave decisions to venture into new territories, and he doesn’t hesitate to invest his hard-earned money. What’s unique about this is that beyond a certain limit, he doesn’t just use the company's resources; he invests his own money as well. He understands and demonstrates integrity with his partners, many of whom are investors. It’s no wonder that his investors trust him implicitly, knowing that they’ve placed their confidence in the right person to lead the company.

One day, Easwar mentioned to me that he wanted to make videos powerful enough to help reduce accidents in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Erode, the city near the village where he was born. This is just one of the many ideas and visions he has to give back to the place he came from.

Easwar never seeks attention for what he does. I remember one time in the USA, while with Easwar, I noticed a man working at an open store in a shopping mall who looked sad. I wanted to talk to him and lift his spirits, and he did seem happier after our conversation. When I shared this with Easwar, he quietly pointed out that such acts of kindness are essential to our humanity. His words reminded me not to make what is natural and kind an exception.

As a father, Easwar guides his daughter with freedom and an eagerness to expose her to the world. Behind every successful man, they say, is a wonderful woman, and in my experience, this is true of Easwar’s family. His partner supports his visionary activities, takes care of their daughter’s education superbly, actively participates in critical business and personal decisions, and is a great host.

In a world that often glorifies projected heroes on the big screen and mourns the loss of great leaders, it’s easy to overlook the acts of kindness, courage, and the heroic character that form the foundation of true greatness. This essay is not just a compliment to a man who doesn’t seek recognition; it’s a note to myself and to the world to find inspiration in these quiet, everyday acts of integrity. Yes, I have known many people who do good deeds, but often the hunger for recognition overshadows the goodness they genuinely offer.

Easwaramoorthi Amarapathy, whom many of us fondly call Easwar, is one of the real heroes I’ve had the privilege to know.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj #Easwar

Who am I?

Love and Self

With an unknown company, it does not see,

On life’s road, with one aim, the mind walks.

The mind from its birth is a tumultuous sea,

Shaken by its own storms in this lone task.

Blindfolded in mystery, amazed in wonder,

The mind attempts to find its maker.

Often it loses, finds itself, and ponders,

With the light of its will fading to a flicker.

Uncharted journeys in deep blue waters,

Easy are they, as the eyes finally find a way!

The shackled mind’s claim that it is “I” shatters,

Ultimately to find you at the heart’s bay!

Are you a treasure meant to be found?

My love, cage it may be, stay in my heart, left bound!

In Tamil, there is a word for God, “Kadavul.” “Kada” means to pass, and “Ul” means the mind. When you go beyond the mind, God—or Self, Soul, or Spirit—reveals itself. The word Kadavul encapsulates this idea beautifully. Who can verify this truth but ourselves, through our own experience? Inspired by this profound word and by Ramana Maharishi’s inquiry, “Who am I?”, I wrote this poem.

#CitizenKK #Kamaraj #WhoamI #Ramanamaharishi