Interview In Madras - Precaution

A person decides to perform his daughter’s marriage. First securing the bridegroom, horoscope verification, tally, face to face meet, agreement, offerings, visit and seva at kuladeivam temple, choultry fixing, printing of invitation, cook with details of menu, list of invitees, janavasam, wedding, reception, music, handing over charge, sense of achievement will follow. The idea of visiting the U. S started two years ago. Normally, when a person in India undertakes U. S tour, it is presumed as unique, matter of pride and prestige. It is like meeting a brother who is quite well off, contented, civilized, living a posh life. The big buildings, the wide roads, the marvelous cars marching like the army, the grand scientific progress, the use of machines for everything, the hard working habit, white collar jobs and according to that dollar, the smiling ,saluting people with sweet voice, the magnificent memorials, the white house and other government buildings standing majestically, welcoming visitors, the mighty city of New York with mammoth buildings, magnificent transport, historical buildings reminding freedom struggle, injecting patriotism, the grand Niagara, the citadel of the creation of almighty. Hence it is not surprising that the tour is a matter of great achievement, attainment of advancement.

Our plan to visit was sown two years ago. Due to prior commitments, we had to keep the plan in cold storage. After our 2nd daughter’s wedding and son’s enrolment for studies in Mysore, the deck was cleared for the tour. First planning for the tour in April, guidelines by our first daughter, feedback by brother in law, a regular visitor. Mrs. Rajam introduced the agent Sri Balamukund, helping the would-be visitors meticulously on information and formalities. Aug 2 was the day of reckoning for the interview. Our kuladeiva Sri Kukke Subrahamanyeswara helped by sponsoring a sudden visit and seva and our Guruji gave us confidence. As the consulate is located in Madras, the hot seat of politics, culture, cinema, literature, the main staying place of Lord Muruga, the bestower of knowledge, with six faces and twelve hands and Valli and Devayani as his consorts offering what one wants along with what he wants. Exactly five years ago, I had to serve in Madras during the last leg of my service. My brother-in-law in whose house I resided, gave details of probable questions and air routes. Known for historical achievements, accommodation in his residence increased our confidence. A visit to Sri Kapaleeshwarar temple and seva to the Lord and mother Karpagambal, salutations mentally to vadapalanimurugan, devi karumariamman, mangadu parvathi enhanced our confidence. At 2 PM on Aug 2nd, Rickshawala guided us to answer to the point; At 3 PM, we entered the embassy. At the security checkup, all unwanted items were thrown out; but the throne was waiting for us. With 12 available counters, document scrutiny was completed in 10 minutes. We marched to the interview hall, people in batches waiting for the catch, to witness the match. You will go to the counter with fear on the face, anxiety in mind. The prey will go to the lion anticipating the queries. Very simple, matter of fact, the interviewer is American - polite, pointed, poignant, patient questions. No anxiety. Answer to the point without ambiguity – Dear Honey, Pay your money, Visa will come to you in 3 days. We come out of the embassy. After 3 days, visa for 10 years with your passport is in your hands.
Dream has become a reality. God’s grace’s testimony. Deck is cleared for the journey. The daughter is there to offer honey, the kins are there to offer money. Friends are there to offer help, if any. They are not one or two but many. Gods grace is succor in agony. Sometimes his acts are funny. He never let down his progeny. Before him we are all tiny. He does not ask for pound or penny. He expects us to crave for his company. He has offered temporary company. Hence the problems are too many. His name will bring harmony. He will sing the song of symphony. His thinking makes the day sunny. His presence makes a divine colony. Hence he helps us to be a good trainee. Help in the unending life’s journey. Hold on to him, he will carry like a pony. Hence for life’s insurance, he is the nominee. Hurdles we had to face so many. Hail him, holding our hand he is protecting us sitting in the seat of mahogany.