V Ranakrishna
I vaguely remember meeting Ramakrishna—whom we fondly call Ramaji—in the early 70s. I first saw him when he was a trainee (Intern) in our Central Electricity Authority. Later, he qualified through the UPSC to enter as an Assistant Director. At that time, I had returned from Nepal and was posted in Super Grid Directorate, where we got to know each other better and became close.
It was Ramaji who truly taught me the meaning of friendship. Back then, coming from North India, I thought that everyone I met over a cup of tea was a friend. But Ramaji explained to me that these were acquaintances—true friends were few. From that moment onward, we shared many discussions on worldly matters, grew close, and often had lunch together. He was a vegetarian, of course, and I respected that.
One day, he expressed his keen desire to wear a turban. So, I got him a blue turban and tied it for him. That afternoon, when everyone was leaving the office, Ramaji, fully dressed with the turban and perhaps a small recently grown beard at the time, walked down the stairs towards the exit. He passed by many people, but no one recognized him! His tall stature, fairer complexion, and overall look made him resemble a Punjabi gentleman from North India rather than the Ramakrishna they knew. He found it amusing, and that turban remained in his official steel Almirah for a long time. Many times, he offered it back to me, but I never got around to taking it.
Pic by Rama in a children Park across my Jangpura house in 1978
Over the years, we worked in different places, but our bond remained strong. We became “turban friends” and shared many memorable moments. Ramaji would often visit my place. I vividly remember one occasion when he returned from a trip to Canada. He brought small gifts for his friends, but for me, he said, “I’ll come and take a picture of your family.” He rode down on his YAMAH motorcycle and captured golden memories of my family, including Shivi —pictures I still cherish.
He also introduced me to Mr. MGK Pillai, and the three of us would often step out for tea during office hours. Eventually, I left for the USA, while he rose to the rank of Member, Power Systems—an Additional Secretary-level position.
On my usual trips to India, I made it a point to meet him. I remember meeting him once after he had become a Member. This time, I wanted to meet his family. On my way to Coorg , I stopped in Bangalore and called him, only to learn that he was in Mumbai. I told him I’d make a trip there next time.
Rama ji grandson almost finishing reading a book I got from USA
This year, as I was traveling, I booked a Turkish flight with a three-day stay in Istanbul before landing in Mumbai—for the first time ever. Usually, I would land in Delhi, but this time, I had three days in Mumbai. I called Ramaji, and we set a date to meet.
V Ramakrishna, Aparna, her son, Meena, Harvinder and me
He arrived with his wife Meena, daughter Aparna, and grandson. It was wonderful to see his family. I still remember Aparna as a toddler. Back then, I would jokingly tell her that I would take her newly born sister, Nandita, away. She would run to Ramaji, complaining, “Uncle will take my sister!” Those memories are still fresh in my mind, and I continue to tease her about it.
Our meeting was truly special. Ramaji hosted a wonderful dinner at a fantastic upscale Restaurant Taftoon in BKC, Mumbai. We spent a few memorable hours together, reminiscing about old times over excellent food.
Some friendships are not just about time spent together but about the depth of understanding and shared experiences. My friendship with Ramaji is one such bond—one that has stood the test of time, distance, and life’s many changes. I will always cherish it.
