A Eulogy to the Lioness

I could not refrain myself from writing this. This day has indeed been heart-wrenching.

I do not remember the first time I had heard of Ms. J. Jayalalithaa. But I always found her appealing and it was not because of her beauty. Why did I like her? I can render a few probable reasons which led to have first impressions.

Maybe it was watching a parent being an ardent fan of that political party and its leaders; Maybe it was the political party channel playing all through the day in my living room TV; Maybe it was incessant movie marathon of Puratchi thalaivar MGR and Puratchi thalaivi Jayalalithaa; It could have been any of these or more. I never knew.

It took me all my childhood and teenage to realize that I like her. I have admired her eloquence in English and Tamil, watched her gait with the charm of a queen, observed the emotionally detached look in her face. She had this inexplicable charisma and composed manner.

Many a time, I have said this to my relatives and friends, ‘I do not know the ABC’s of politics, neither can I weigh the pros and cons of her administration. But I always respect for the lady she is’. Not many women (me included) could have achieved what she has, despite the humiliations and accusations. They would have hidden behind excuses. She never gave up on herself. There had been many political jokes on ‘falling on her feet’ culture. She might have demanded it or people might have started doing it out of fear and respect. Either way, I do not appreciate it, but it does not happen to all the women in politics. She had everyone spring into action at the flick of her magic wand.  

When I heard about the fake news of her death, it took me sometime for the reality to set in. I shuddered at the realization that she is no more. Why should I? I just like her like any another famous personality. That should not affect me. No, I do not just like her. It is something more.

She was good at what she was doing, a paragon of administration and a leadership. Deep in my heart, I believe that she will be the guiding light to many more individuals.

From what I hear, she entered the movie industry and politics out of compulsion. If she had excelled in fields which she was forced to be in, what could have happened if she had pursued her interests. The world will never know.

Ma’am, your accomplishments are many and there are common people crying at your feet paying their last respects. Though you didn’t have an immediate family, many call you ‘Amma’. And that is your biggest accomplishment.

May you Rest In Peace!!