Padhu Athai passed away earlier today (October 18, 2025) at her residence in Indira Nagar. As with Chakku Manni, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time with her during my July-Aug India trip (earlier this year).
Neela Akka remembered her as a "vibrant personality". I was telling Neela Akka that I spotted her in a YouTube video in an event with Kanchi Periya at Ziva. Vidya and I were thinking about her love for social causes, particularly go-samrakshanam, and how Neela Akka took us to the goshala at Ziva on our last visit. I will particularly remember her love for Jeeyapuram, and her efforts to celebrate Manimma's 80th birthday in 2008. Mami (Vidya's mother) forwarded me the message that was communicated in "Ziva news". Meera, Pushpa, Raja Anna and Geetha Manni posted condolence messages and shared their thoughts on a WhatsApp group.
Some photos from over the year are attached below.
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| At Uchi Pillaiyar Koil, Trichy, 1955 |
A few of Athai and Dhona Athimber's wedding photos from my father's album
