Moving gesture

I wish to share this anecdote about former Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary T.V. Venkataraman (Tamil Nadu editions, “Former Chief Secretary T.V. Venkataraman no more”, April 21). I had the honour of knowing him as an IAS officer and a friend. I once requested him to help a patient with cancer; after having spent more than ₹2 lakh on treatment, the man’s wife was wondering what to do. After discussion, the lady and I decided to go to Venkataraman’s residence. Following a patient hearing, he asked us to meet him again in his office at Fort St. George. We were greeted by his staff along with a village officer. Immediately after signing a few papers, he sanctioned ₹50,000 for the patient’s additional treatment. I can never forget Venkataraman’s kind gesture, humility and his desire to help others.

Koshy Philip,

Chennai