History of Tambe family- Part 4.

 Anna-Vaini Pariwar

Chapter 1

 The story starts with my father, Ranganath (We all called him Anna).

He was born in the year 1900 in the village of  Kalaghatgi, then in the Bombay province, but now in Karnataka.  My grandfather had some farm land in Kalaghatagi. Ranganath was sent to Dharwad for schooling, and I suppose he stayed with his maternal aunt, who was married to Vamanrao Jathar, a lawyer in Dharwad. Their son Raghunath (We called him Bhau) was a year or two younger than Anna, so I suppose they became friends. Anna went to Basil Mission High School in Dharwad. I have seen that school building built of stone so many times, and the school is still very well-known. The Jathar family was well established in Dharwad. They owned some properties in the Dharwad area, including the well-known Laxmi Theatre in the Malmaddi area.

( In a coincidence, not very uncommon in those days, much later in life, my maternal aunt Ambu married Raghunath (Bhau) Jathar. So, she could be called my Mavashi as well as Kaku.)

Anna, I believe, did some years of schooling in Dharwad and then in Sangli, where he passed his Matriculation. He attended college (Willingdon College?) for a couple of years, passing the Intermediate Exam before quitting his education and starting work. I do not have many details about where he worked in his initial days. I do know that he worked in the Satara District Co-operative Bank and other banks in the region.

In the meantime,  my mother, Mainakka, born to Raghunathrao Alawani in 1911, was growing up in the coastal town of Karwar, in the then Bombay Province, but now in Karnataka. She was the third sibling out of six, with two older brothers. Two younger sisters and the youngest brother followed later.

 Raghuanthrao Alawani was an educationalist. A graduate of Fergusson College at the turn of the century, it was a rarity at that time for a middle-class family. He taught for some years and then became a Government administrator of Education in that region. Mainakka had a rare hunger for knowledge and education, and in an era when girls were married off early without any schooling, she insisted on and studied till completing the 7th standard. Her father supported her resolve, and her elder brothers (Ramachandra and Narayan) too encouraged her and helped her in her studies. There were no schools for girls exclusively, so she often had to be the only girl in a class full of boys.

In those days, it was almost mandatory that marriages took place, not only in the same religion, same caste, but even in the same sub-caste. In due course, a groom from a Karhade Brahmin family was located from Sangli and in 1924, at the age of 13, she was married to Ranganath Tambe. 

She now became Kamala Tambe.

Thus began the story of my parents, Anna and Vaini!

Chapter 2

I do not have many details about the places where they lived after marriage. Anna worked in banks in different small towns in the belt between Satara and Karhad. He worked for the Satara District Co-op Bank. The places mentioned, which I remember were Rahimatpur, Shenoli and one or two more small towns. Life must have been tough. Vaini must have been a great organiser, I imagine, even at that young age. They had made some friends. She used to mention the name Velajibhai, a travelling salesman, who used to visit often and had become a long-term friend.

Their life, I believe, definitely took a significant turn when Anna was assigned to the newly opened branch of the bank in the growing industrial town of Kirloskarwadi in the same area. Laxmanrao Kirloskar had started the first factory here, and the township, which still consisted of makeshift houses, was still settling down when Anna-Vaini moved here. What was different was the entire social structure established by the Kirloskars. Laxmanrao himself had modern thoughts and believed in providing an outlet for feminine thoughts. They had a club called Deval Club, where women were encouraged to attend along with men and speak at functions. This was something which I am sure Anna Vaini had not seen anywhere else. For that matter, it was revolutionary in Maharashtra. It is this culture Vaini revelled in, and which I believe contributed a lot to her development of character in the long term. Shankarrao Kirloskar had already started the Kirloskar magazine, and Stree magazine was added to the list. These two publications were the staple for all young people, feeding modern thoughts. Anna Vaini spent 3-4 years in Kirloskarwadi in such an energising atmosphere.

(Incidentally, this early connection of Anna Vaini with the Kirloskars, and their grace to remember it after all those years, much later gave me the vital introduction and entry into the Kirloskar group.)

Anna then shifted to a bank in the nearby princely state of Aundh. Here was another model place for modern thought. The ruler Balashaeb Pant Pratinidhi and his son Appasaheb Pant were the pillars of modern thought and introduced many new systems. Aundh was considered a model state.  Once again, Anna Vaini must have really enjoyed their stay here. They liked the place so much that they bought a piece of land and built a house there. Their first-and the only one. Vaini used to describe how they had designed so many details inside the house. They must have really loved that house. Tai and Bhau were born while they were in Aundh. Aundh was a picturesque town, and Tai used to talk of the temple on the hill. Vaini used to talk about the museum that housed so many rare paintings. Anna Vaini had a very strong emotional connect with Aundh.

After such a wonderful stay in Aundh, I am not very clear about and was never told by them, as to why they left Aundh. But leave they did, in around 1940/41.

The next destination was another princely state of Mudhol, and Anna worked in a bank there. I was born in Mudhol. (There was a sister elder to me, Kunda,  who unfortunately died in her infancy.)

We spent 6-7 years in Mudhol until Independence in 1947. I do not have too many memories of Mudhol. I remember that we stayed in the house belonging to the Bhide family. (Much later, I renewed contact with Gopal Bhide, who was studying Ayurvedic medicine in Nagar, where we were staying in the 1950s.) Tai and Bhau went to school here. The rulers were not Maharashtrians, but from Rajasthan, I think. I heard the story of a wedding in their family, held in Rajasthan, to which Anna was invited. At that wedding, each person was given a silver dinner thali, a large piece that stayed with us for a long time. The only memory I have is that a school bully, ironically, the son of the head of the police in the town, pushed me once from a culvert onto a dry sand bed below, a fall of some 10 feet. Luckily, I broke no bones and only had an assortment of scratches.  Bhau and Tai both were sent to Dharwad as there were no good schools in Mudhol. They stayed with Ambumavashi. They were very young and must have had a very difficult time staying away from their parents at such a young age. 

Belgav

The country became independent in 1947, and so Anna's job changed again. Now he started working for the Cooperative Societies Department of Bombay state. His first posting was Belgav. Bhau and Tai were now back with the family. We stayed in Belgav for 3 years,  and I do not have too many memories of Belgav. Our house was close to that of a Judge, Mr Dalvi, and Tai was friends with their daughters.         I started school in Belgav. Well, 'started' is a misnomer, because I never stayed in school and ran back home almost every day. Vaini got frustrated with me and in desperation, called for the help of a neighbourhood tough guy to discipline me, and left the rest to him. His method was to hold me by my legs and dangle me upside down in a very deep water well in the house and threaten to drop me there, unless I agreed to stay in school all day. I was terrified and just about managed to mutter yes. That made me stay there for a few months, just enough for me to appear for my annual exam of the 2nd standard. My attendance in school must have been less than 50 %, but I apparently knew enough to pass the annual exam.

The year was 1949, and Anna's transfer order came. It was to be Ratnagiri in Konkan, back to the roots for Anna, as it were.

Chapter 3 -Konkan

Ratnagiri

Although I used the words 'Back to the roots' for Anna, ironically, he could not visit our family village of Khedkuli (at the time, we all thought it was Nivsar, a nearby bigger town nearby), during our stay at Ratnagiri. The travel was difficult, involving crossing the river on a footbridge often submerged in water.

My memories of Ratnagiri are quite hazy. I remember our tiled roof house in one of those well-known lanes of Ratnagiri named as 'aaLi', We had a fair-sized yard in front of the house with Coconut trees and jackfruit trees in the corner. Snakes abounded, we were told, though we hardly saw any. Neighbouring children told stories of snakes, how they climb up your legs quickly and bite. Or of ghosts who lived in the trees. We had scorpions, too. In those days, we had wood-fired stoves. Ash had to be cleaned first thing in the morning before the startup. Too late, we realised that the warm ash was a favourite resting place for scorpions. Vaini had a painful bite once. She also suffered a mysterious attack with profuse sweating and breathlessness. Finally, we had to call a herbal medicine man, who gave his opinion that it was her reaction to a large snake, Dhaman, passing on top of the roof.

I also finally found a school that I liked. Nice squat building with an open ground with flower beds.I remember that an imaginative teacher installed a cabinet to run the class for one day. I was chosen  Prime Minister! I remember a chirpy pigtailed girl in a pinafore dress in our cabinet.

Outside the home, I remembered the Bhagawati temple on the hills, the view of the sea from the hill, and the King Theba palace nearby. It was the first time I saw the sea and I remember my astonishment at seeing such a huge water body. I remember watching ships at sea, boats at the jetty, smell of fish.

For Tai, this was a major year as she passed Matriculation and started speculating about colleges. Bhau was just a couple of years younger. I was blissfully ignorant about the stress they carried.

A year passed, and as expected and dreaded, Anna's transfer arrived.

We were to move to Pen, the neighbouring district.

Pen 

I have even fewer memories of Pen than Ratnagiri. Pen was not on the coast and was much less scenic. We lived in a small but nice house owned by a gentleman Bhau Deo. He used to play harmonium and sing a bit. We had a well in the yard from which we drew water. (( Many years later, Tai, Bhau and I visited this house in Pen. A grandson of Bhau Deo showed us around. Tai remembered a great deal of our Pen stay. Bhau visited his old school from where he passed his SSC exam.)

I only remember a night when Shakutai had her Mangala Gour in our house in Pen. Many women in the neighbourhood were invited. There was singing and some traditional dances. I could not sleep upstairs and came out sleepily and sat on the staircase watching that function.

Tai was now studying from home for the Nagpur University external course BA. As for me, I do not remember anything from my school.

Another year passed, and Anna's transfer came out. Our next home was to be in Alibag, another district in Konkan. The year was 1951.

Alibag

I remember many things about Alibag. Our house was owned by the Joshi family. The locality was nice, not far from the seafront. Joshis stayed in half of the ground floor, and we stayed in the other half. At the back was open ground with coconut trees and an open area. I did a bit of gardening here and grew tomatoes. I had a scary memory of this house. The Joshi family had a son who had a mental illness, and sometimes he could turn violent. He was hence restrained in the corner veranda. In normal times, he appeared harmless. When under attack, he screamed and was restrained in a chair. Unfortunately, our path to the back garden led close to the veranda where he sat. I literally prayed and took quick steps to reach the garden.

We went to the sea often. There was a sea fort at Alibag. This could be approached by walking only during the low tide. We had to watch out for the change of tide, as there were cases of people stranded in the fort for the night during high tide, which lasted several hours.

I saw Holi being celebrated for the first time. For the main Holika Dahan, we needed fuel. Wood items were collected, often stolen. All was forgiven on Holi day. They distributed salted boiled beans (Pavate) with pieces of fresh coconut. I still remember how good that tasted.

The young local group met in a nearby temple and sang bhajans. I had gone there with Vaini once, and at that time, one of the Bhajan group asked me to join them in singing. They liked my voice and asked me to come again. I remember singing ''Jhala Mahar Pandarinath.

While in Alibag, we had a major health issue in the family. Vaini was found to have developed a tumour (later found to be benign) in her stomach. At that time, there were no suitable medical facilities in Alibag. We had to go to Mumbai. We went by boat to Mumbai (There were no direct roads to Mumbai, and ferries were involved). We went by bus to Revas and took the ship to Mumbai. My first sea journey. WE stayed with my elder cousin Ambutai in Dadar, in a small dwelling in a chawl. I am not sure how we managed to cram in all. The surgery was successful, and a large tumour was removed. We returned by ship again.

The year was ending, and in came Anna's transfer order. He was to be posted in Ahmednagar. We were leaving Konkan and would be in the heart of Maharashtra.

Our life in Ahemdnagar from 1952 to 1960 (for me), and till 1965 (for Anna Vaini), formed a very significant part for each one of us. So, Ahmednagar will be a separate blog post.

My early years in Bangalore-Part 2.

 

We pick up the narrative around the middle of 1966.

First, a significant change occurred at my workplace. V Subramaniam, our section head, left the Company. Then, I believe it was around early 1967 that Ashok Nagarkatti joined us from BHEL. He had worked in GEC UK. He brought a breath of fresh air to KEC. He was always well-dressed, wearing a tie to work. He started calling us by our first names and insisted we call him Ashok. He came with no baggage, so he had no prejudices about language, etc. He was clear in his mind about the goals for our department and how to plan to achieve them. For the first time, I started liking the work I was doing. Ashok initiated the big project of developing an entirely new series of large motors, which we named the K series. This was to replace the old T series, which used the old designs that we had received from Brush Electrical of the UK in the 1950s. Knowing my aptitude, I was given the task of the mechanical side of the designs, while my colleague looked after the subject of the insulation system of high voltage coils.

As the product started taking shape, there were many exchanges of views, and there were numerous discussions around the drawing board where I was constructing the general arrangement drawing. The Chief Engineer was invited, and I remember even Mr Kirloskar came a couple of times. Finally, we were all satisfied with the shape and functionality of this machine, which was to be the model for the entire series of large motors. The next stage was making component drawings, and I detailed this to the other draftsmen working with me. Work started moving briskly. Then came the ordering of components. Most of these were steel fabrications. I had to visit the vendors to explain and inspect when the components were ready. In parallel, a new facility for making high-voltage coils was being organised. Finally, all components arrived, and it was time to assemble our first motor. Like all large equipment, this motor was made against a customer's specifications. (It so happened that the order was for a frame larger than the smallest, K 450, so we started with that size.) It was a big moment when the motor was taken to the test bed and started for the first time. We had invited the customer too for the testing. Everything went off well, the motor was sent to the customer, and it worked well at the site.

This then was the story of the first machine in our K series motors. I was very happy to be a part of the exercise.

Then the new orders started coming, and more varieties and sizes were manufactured over the next 2 years. I travelled for the commissioning of some of these motors at customers' sites. Some sites were in remote areas like coal mines, steel plants, and I gathered varied experience during these travels.

In the meantime, another opportunity came my way, rather unexpectedly. We used to supply vertical motors to drive deep-well pumps. These motors sat at ground level, and a long shaft connected the motor to the pump located several metres below the ground level, typically, 80-150 metres. The present setup was obviously an expensive system. Hence, submersible motors were considered, which, together with the pump, will be installed at the bottom of the well. This was a totally new concept. Not many people were making such motors. We took up the project with the help of the pump manufacturers Johnson Pumps, in Calcutta.  An imported motor, manufactured by US Motors, was available for study in a workshop in TN, We were not supposed to take it out, though. I was asked to go and study the motor and make sketches, and generally advise if the project is feasible. I spent two days at that workshop, took out as many components as possible, and made sketches. On my return, I made a detailed report about the market possibilities, as well as the feasibility of manufacturing this motor.

My writing skills had obviously improved. My report first went to the Chief Engineer, who sent it to Mr Ravi Kirloskar, who in turn sent it to Mr N.W. Gurjar, our Chairman.

On the report, Mr Kirloskar, in his trademark green ink, had remarked, ''Good report!'' That really made my day. To be noticed by the top echelon at that young age was really morale-boosting. 

The project was approved, and we decided to manufacture the first batch of three motors as prototypes. I was just given one draughtsman as an assistant, and I got down to work. All the components were unconventional, so we needed a great deal of searching to locate vendors. I travelled to their places, explained our needs. Finally, all was in place, and the manufacturing started. I had to spend a lot of time on the shop floor. Finally, the motor with its unusual cylindrical shape was put to the test with water inside. There was a great deal of curiosity, and a crowd had gathered to witness the testing. I muttered a quiet prayer when power was connected. It started purring smoothly! My project was successful!

In due course, I took this motor to Calcutta to the factory of Johnson Pumps for testing with their pump.  All this was new territory for me. The people at Johnson were very nice and friendly, and we completed the test successfully. The GM of the company, I think the name was Ramachandran, invited me to dinner at his house. I had not seen such luxurious houses before, and I was duly impressed, though a bit overwhelmed.

In parallel, I was getting more active in the Maharashtra Mandal as well. I was elected the secretary of the Mandal. This meant not only attending regular meetings but also arranging various programs. Our President in my first year was Mrs Indutai Kirloskar and then Mrs Sulutai Marathe. I also entered stage activities, much to my own surprise. At that time, the Mandal staged one main drama during Ganeshotsava, a full three-act show that was usually performed at Ravindra Kalakshetra. The towering figure of Appasaheb Deshpande was our director. I attended the practices in 1965, which were staged in the Mandal hall, but did not take an active part. In 1966, I was offered a small part but after a few sessions, the director found me not suitable, so I was eased out gently.

However, there was a surprise in store for me. Another smaller group called Anand Mandal in Malleswaram also organised their own Ganeshtsava. Their director, a lady, Mrs Deshpande, asked me to act in a humerous one act play portraying the character Bandu, created by my favourite author Gangadhar Gadgil. So, finally, I appeared on the Seva Sadan stage in Malleswaram playing Bandu in front of a small but appreciative audience. This was a slapstick comedy, and I discovered that I had a fair sense of comedy. 

Another play happened soon. My friend Jawadekar planned a one-act play by Padmakar Davare, ''Badam Rani Choukat Gulam". He wanted me to play the lead role of 'Manohar' or 'Manya'. A good-looking girl in Malleswaram, I forgot her name, but something Navare, was playing my love interest. It was a great cast, with my friend Prakash Ankalikar playing my uncle, and Kaka Akolkar playing the state ruler, the girl's father. The practice sessions took place in the girl's house, which was at the corner of 8th Cross and 11th Main Road. After dinner and till about 10 or so. Very convenient since within walking distance for all. After about a dozen sessions, we were ready, and the play was staged on the Maharashtra Mandal stage in front of a packed house. I was quite nervous in the beginning. but when the audience responded to the first joke, the nerves disappeared, and we were all in full flow. The play was a great success and I got many praises. All credit to Jawadekar.

In 1967, I was finally given a role in the main play. This was playing a public prosecutor in the play based on the famous real-life sensation of the Nanavati murder case. The name of the play, ''Aparadh meech kela''. I enjoyed our practice sessions, which took place close to my house, at Kaka Akolkar's house on the 13th cross. They started after dinner and often continued till late at night.  Again, a formidable cast was assembled. Rajabhau and Sulutai Marathe, already with a big reputation, young Jawadekar, Kaka Akolkar and me. The storyline was strong and had plenty of scope for histrionics. My role was small, but what I enjoyed most were our practice sessions. They were lively, often full of humour, but for me, very educational. I saw Appasaheb Deshpande's directorial skills at close quarters. He was essentially old school, trained under the famous director K Narayan Kale. He gave great weightage to the correct delivery of the dialogues, somewhat less on other aspects of stage craft like movements, or the stage setup, lighting, music arrangement, etc. He was a tough task master, sometimes making actors repeat the dialogue multiple times.  I was asked to adapt smoking a pipe as an accessory for the public prosecutor. This took some doing, as the pipe had the habit of going out so often. I enjoyed holding it in my hand though.

 The 6 weeks or so passed swiftly, and we finally arrived at the famous Ravindra Kalakshetra auditorium on a Sunday morning. For me, it would be my first appearance there. As always, the show was fully booked. We were going under the makeup and other final preparations. Finally, it was on. The play progressed very well, and the responses from the audience were very encouraging. I appeared in the final act of the courtroom trial, clad in the lawyer's black jacket and made my impassioned speech as to why the accused must get the death sentence. The play was very well received by our Bangalore crowd.

While all this was going on, I had turned 25, and there was talk about my getting married. Suggestions started coming in. I visited a house in Pune during one of my official visits to meet a prospective bride. There was nothing special in that visit; it was just one of those experiences, that's all.

There was just one more girl I met after that, and she was Vijaya Dixit

More about that in the next chapter!