A Century of Light: Remembering Sri R. Ethirajan – A Life of Devotion, Discipline, and Legacy
by Dr E. Ramanathan
हिन्दी
Italiano
ಕನ್ನಡ
മലയാളം
தமிழ்
తెలుగు
en As the calendar turns to April 4, 2025, our hearts bow in reverence and gratitude to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of a noble soul — Sri R. Ethirajan, a man whose life exemplified unwavering devotion, discipline, and deep-rooted values that continue to guide generations.
Roots in Banadurai, Kumbakonam
Born on 4th April 1925 in the spiritually vibrant town of Banadurai, Kumbakonam, Sri Ethirajan was the eldest son of Mr. Radhakrishnan, a respected health inspector under the British Indian Government, and Mrs. Nagarathinam. Orphaned of his mother at a young age, he was lovingly raised by his father and his devout aunt, Mrs. Ambujam, a staunch Vaishnavite whose piety left an indelible impression on the young boy.
Soldier, Servant, and Seeker
In his teenage years, Sri Ethirajan joined the British Army, a rare path for young men of his time. After India’s independence, he transitioned to a career in the Indian Railways, serving with dedication at Golden Rock, Trichy. But beyond his professional commitments, his spiritual journey unfolded with far more depth.
A devoted follower of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he became a beacon of service, holding key positions in the Sathya Sai Samithi at Ponmalai, Trichy. He organized weekly bhajans on Thursdays at home, filling the lives of his family members with divine vibrations — a tradition remembered fondly as the “golden period” by all who participated. Saturdays were dedicated to Sai Bhajans, and service camps on Sundays at temples across Trichy became a regular part of family life.
A Disciplined and Enlightened Life
Sri Ethirajan was known for his ironclad discipline — rising at 5:00 AM, performing dhyana, yoga, reciting Suprabhatham, and maintaining absolute self-reliance in daily chores — even washing his own clothes. He lived a disease-free life without sugar or indulgences and enjoyed sound health till the age of 89.
He was not only spiritual but also intellectually vibrant. A voracious reader of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual literature, he would take meticulous notes from every book he read. His devotion reached profound levels — having written “Sairam” over one crore times in Tamil, English, Hindi, and Telugu through Likhitha Japam, a practice of sacred writing meditation.
A Legacy of Love and Learning
Blessed with three sons and a daughter, he instilled in his children the Indian cultural values, ethics, and self-discipline that shaped their futures. His moral compass guided them not just spiritually, but academically too — both his eldest and youngest sons achieved PhDs, a testament to his influence and wisdom.
He spent his later years in Madras (Chennai) with his youngest son’s family, continuing his disciplined and divine routine till his last breath on 5th July 2014.
His deep appreciation for Kamba Ramayanam, especially the open-ground lecture series at Ponneeswari Amman Temple during summer evenings, showcased his reverence for classical Tamil literature and its spiritual essence.
A Century of Grace
Sri R. Ethirajan’s life was a perfect blend of service, spirituality, scholarship, and simplicity. As we step into his centenary year, let us not merely remember him, but live by the ideals he cherished — devotion without distraction, discipline without compromise, and service without seeking reward.
His light continues to shine in our homes, hearts, and habits. We celebrate not just a 100th birthday, but a legacy that lives on ever in our hearts!
