Learning has no end, says centenarian

There was a festive mood in the residence of M.K. Narayanan in Basaveshwaranagar, as the World War II veteran turned 101 last week. His family presented the centenarian with a book packed with anecdotes and tributes to the paterfamilias.

Mr. Narayanan’s son N. Krishnaswamy, a retired assistant general manager, Canara Bank, considers his father a shining example of resilience. “Tragedy struck early when he lost his mother at the age of six,” he said, but it never robbed him of his zeal for life.

Mr. Narayanan — a faithful reader of The Hindu for decades — attributes his good health to a disciplined lifestyle, no addictions and plenty of physical exercise.

He captained the Maharaja’s College Hockey Team, Ernakulam, and was an ace swimmer who had participated in swimming competitions in Kerala’s backwaters. Now at 101, his pursuits are different. Over the past six months, he has successfully translated the Bhagavad Gita into Malayalam and English which he calls his “lifetime work for prosperity.”

Dictionary

He always keeps a dictionary by his side and learns new words. “Learning has no end. Every day comes with ample learning opportunities,” he says. Over the past six months, has read the biographies of Sachin Tendulkar and Rafael Nadal. And, sure enough, right now, he is keenly following the Olympics.

Recalling his childhood memories with his grandfather, Naren said that it was thatha he looked up to, be it in arithmetic or cycling or swimming. Aishwarya, his granddaughter, adds that his strict regimen and love of books was an example to all.