As we celebrate Deepavali today, families everywhere come together to honor this special occasion. No festive celebration feels complete without the warmth and closeness of loved ones by our side. Deepavali is a time for reconnecting, sharing laughter, and rekindling bonds that bring strength and joy into our lives.
The preparations are woven with traditions that have been cherished and passed down through generations. From lighting oil lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness to cooking and sharing delicious meals, every activity becomes meaningful when done together. The presence of family reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, the love and support we share give us strength and resilience.
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, gathering every family member under one roof for each festival has become a rare occurrence. Amid busy schedules and dispersed lives, it’s challenging for families to fully come together to celebrate and honor traditions as they once did. Yet, in the spirit of unity and love, one family here stands as an inspiring exception.
Spanning four generations, this remarkable family consistently brings everyone together for every celebration, creating memories that will last a lifetime. From the oldest to the youngest members, they embody the beauty of tradition, respect, and shared heritage that makes every festival, especially Deepavali, a truly meaningful experience. This year, Varnam Malaysia is honoured to feature this joyful family as part of our Deepavali celebration, shining a spotlight on the togetherness they exemplify.
The story of the late Mr. Gengadharan and Madam Rukmani is a tribute to resilience, service, and family devotion. Mr. Gengadharan’s early years were shaped by the hardships of the Japanese occupation, a time when he caught rats to sell their tails for money—an example of his resourcefulness from a young age. Later, he served with the Volunteer Force, contributing to the efforts against the Communist insurgency. He went on to become a dedicated driver for the Public Works Department (JKR), where he retired at 55 after years of reliable service, ensuring food reached JKR workers on time. After retirement, he continued to work as an insurance agent and then became deeply involved with the Red Cross Society. His commitment to service earned him prestigious honors, including the Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) and the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK). A man deeply passionate about serving others, Mr. Gengadharan’s life was a shining example of dedication and community spirit. He bravely faced a battle with cancer and passed away in 2017.
Madam Rukmani, his devoted wife, married him at the young age of 16. She dedicated herself to raising their seven children while he worked outside the home. Her life was filled with sacrifices, often forgoing her own meals to ensure her children were well-fed. Beyond her family, she helped many in her community at the JKR quarters, becoming a trusted figure for neighbors who looked to her in times of need, be it hunger or pain. Known for her generosity, she would often share food with those around her. Now at 86, Madam Rukmani continues to be a strong presence, although she is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer’s.
Together, Mr. Gengadharan and Madam Rukmani have left a lasting legacy through their seven children, 16 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Their story reflects the values of hard work, selflessness, and community care—qualities that continue to inspire their family and all who knew them.
Madam Rukmani’s eldest daughter, Sucilla, was once a textile business owner and is now a dedicated homemaker. She is the mother of five children—Dharmendra, Priya Darshini, Devendra, Ahrivendra, and Prema Naarayini—all of whom are married and have children, making her the proud grandmother of seven.
Her second child, Sugumaran, works as an insurance adjuster and has a son, Visnu, who has a daughter of his own. Next is her daughter Devagi, a former kindergarten teacher who now works as a babysitter. She has three children: Vikram, Vimal, and Vidhya.
Madam Rukmani’s fourth child, a son named Devan, was a police trainee who tragically passed away at the young age of 20 in 1980. Her fifth child, Vasu Thevan, is a training consultant and author of the book ‘Collaborative Intelligence, Unlocking Abundance Energy, 4th Body’. He has three children—Prem, Aishwaria, and Sai Shiv.
Following Vasu Thevan is Saseedharan, an Insurance Manager at Etiqa and the President of Namlifa. He is the father of two children, Pradeeksha and Kirran. The youngest of Madam Rukmani’s children is Sri Krishnan, a training consultant and business development professional. He has two children, Nirosha and Sid.
Through her seven children and their families, Madam Rukmani is blessed with a thriving legacy that spans multiple generations, embodying values of dedication, service, and love.
Notably, among Madam Rukmani’s grandchildren are well-known figures in the Malaysian entertainment industry: Prem and Sid from Music Kitchen. They have composed several popular hits, including the sensational ‘Yennode Macha’. Their latest release, the music video ‘Naange Lit‘, has also captured widespread attention and acclaim.
When asked how she feels about celebrating each festival surrounded by her family—from children to great-grandchildren—Madam Rukmani shared her happiness at seeing everyone come together and fill the home with joy and laughter.
She expressed that unity and togetherness are essential in a family, saying, “It’s the one thing that keeps our family strong through the generations, fostering love and understanding.”
When asked what message she would like to share with today’s generation, Madam Rukmani emphasized the importance of family gathering, especially during festive seasons. She said, “Everyone in the family should make it a priority to come together during these times. This will strengthen the bond and love within the family, and it’s a practice that should be passed down to the next generation.”
To gain insight into the perspective of Madam Rukmani’s children, we spoke with her son, Vasu Thevan, about how he and his siblings feel about celebrating each festival as a family. He shared:
“Being here with my siblings brings back memories of our childhood; it’s a connection that feels as fresh as ever. Often, we take these bonds for granted, only to realize their depth when someone is no longer with us. Recently, I attended my brother’s first-year death anniversary, and it hit me hard—there was an unspoken connection between us that we rarely acknowledged while he was alive. The love we have for each other, formed during childhood, truly shapes who we are.
During festival seasons, it’s a joy to come together, to laugh and share memories we’ve missed. I believe all my siblings feel the same way. These gatherings allow us to reconnect in ways we look forward to every year. Our unity is something we treasure, and any misunderstandings seem minor in comparison. At times, we choose to let go of what’s ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ to maintain peace and unity. Especially as we grow older, we recognize that our time together is limited, so we prioritize harmony and the bonds that keep us close.”
When asked why he believes it’s important for families to return to their hometown and visit their parents during special occasions, he shared, “Hometown is always filled with nostalgia.”
He shared that the hometown holds a special connection to both our past and our parents. In today’s fast-paced world, we’re always occupied, but returning home brings a comforting nostalgia that slows everything down, taking us back to cherished childhood memories with our parents.
Prem, one of Madam Rukmani’s grandchildren, reflected on his childhood, describing it as a blessed and cherished time. Growing up alongside his cousins, who were his first friends, created memories he deeply treasures.
“I’ve often heard people say they aren’t very close with their cousins. For me, my cousins are the friends I turn to. My family is large, but our bond is strong. My passion for music was rooted in those early days; music was everywhere in my family, and I wanted to be part of it. That’s where my love for music deepened, eventually leading Sid and me to make it our career and create Music Kitchen.
Growing up together gave us countless memories. When we look back, we realize how much it meant to have each other—especially in a time without the technology that absorbs so much of today’s childhood. Back then, we didn’t have many sources of entertainment, so we spent our days together, fully connected.”
When asked about his excitement for celebrating Deepavali with his family, Prem expressed a mix of joy and sadness. He shared that, while he is as excited as always, this year feels bittersweet. The beloved family home in Kampar, where they have gathered for every festival, will soon be sold. This Deepavali will be their last in that cherished house, which holds countless memories built up over generations.
“That house in Kampar feels like home to every one of us. There’s a special fulfillment when we’re all there together. Although my immediate family has moved several times, the house in our hometown has always been a constant in my life. For us, Deepavali has always meant gathering in Kampar, and this year will be our last celebrating in that beloved home. It’s a deeply emotional moment for us, but our connection as a family will always remain the same.”
Lastly, Visnu, another grandchild of Madam Rukmani, shared his thoughts on witnessing his daughter, Varenya, grow up with her great-grandmother. He expressed, “It’s truly an amazing experience to see three generations come together in such a special bond. My daughter, being a child, and her great-grandmother, who retains a childlike spirit, express their love in the purest form. It’s a blessing to see the two of them connect. They interact like friends, often communicating in Malayalam, only to have my daughter respond in English, which makes for a humorous sight.”
As Deepavali brings families together in celebration, the story of Madam Rukmani and her family serves as a poignant reminder of the power of unity, love, and tradition. Through their shared experiences and cherished memories, they embody the essence of what it means to be a family, transcending the challenges of a fast-paced world. As they gather to honor their past and create new memories, their legacy of resilience, service, and devotion continues to inspire not only their family but also their community.
In a time when many struggle to maintain connections, this remarkable family exemplifies the importance of gathering, sharing, and celebrating together. Their commitment to upholding family traditions during festive occasions like Deepavali fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the bonds that keep them united across generations. As they prepare for this final Deepavali in their beloved Kampar home, they carry with them the lessons learned from their ancestors, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness will endure in the hearts of future generations.
As they light their oil lamps and share their meals this Deepavali, they not only illuminate their own lives but also set an inspiring example for others to follow—one that emphasizes the timeless values of love, unity, and community.
Varnam Malaysia wishes everyone a joyous and prosperous celebration! May the Festival of Lights fill your hearts with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. Let this special occasion inspire us to embrace unity, kindness, and the beautiful traditions that bind us together.
All the information and images are provided by Madam Rukmani’s family.
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Reproduction requires a credit to Varnam Malaysia.
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