Coimbatore was a small town for centuries. It was surrounded by a network of cotton cultivating villages. The lack of water and sanitation had been major problems. People suffered a lot because of the same . A number of noble Coimbatoreans put in their efforts for making life pleasant for the citizens. Their efforts yielded results and the place came to be known as ' Kuberamangalam ' ( Kubera is the Lord of wealth ) as a consequence of the same . Advocate K.S. Ardhanariswara Iyer was among the illustrious citizens whose earnest approach had made Coimbatore a great place.
Coimbatore was a small town for centuries. It was surrounded by a network of cotton cultivating villages. The lack of water and sanitation had been major problems. People suffered a lot because of the same. A number of noble Coimbatoreans put in their efforts for making life pleasant for the citizens. Their efforts yielded results and the place came to be known as ' Kuberamangalam ' ( Kubera is the Lord of wealth ) as a consequence of the same . Advocate K.S. Ardhanariswara Iyer was among the illustrious citizens whose earnest approach had made Coimbatore a great place.
Ramnagar used to filled up with lovely houses and trees. The streets are named after freedom fighters. It was a model suburb. A veritable Ramarajya had been envisaged by the people of the yonder era. Wooden rafters, Athangudi tiles, courtyards, wells, planned backyards and nice looking pillars were part of the well endowed houses. Since it was a Brahmin Extension a number of pooja rooms and Tulasi Maadams used to add to the atmosphere of the locality. The residents were an educated and cultured lot who were known for their multi lingual skills. They used to visit the Ramar Temple ( Kothandaramaswamy Temple ) regularly and listen to lectures and bhajans. Quite a few of them were good in music. Their unique vegetarian food added to the culinary diversity of Coimbatore. The story of K.S. Ardhanariswara Iyer gives everyone an opportunity to visit the bygone era.
K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer ( KSA ) was an amazing personality. He was a Founder Member of the Suburban Society and responsible for the formation of Ramnagar. His ancestors hailed from Koratti in North Arcot District. KSA was born to Venkatalakshmi and Subbaraya Iyer. He was born in Tiruchegode because his father Subbaraya Iyer moved away from the grandfather Srinivasa Iyer and began staying with his mother's sister. Since Lord Ardhanariswarar happens to be the presiding deity of Tiruchegode, the child was named as Ardhanariswara Iyer. KSA was a B.A., B.L and he was educated at the Presidency College. He began his life as a clerk and served as a Revenue Inspector. The study of law was pursued later.
"Grandfather was a Ramabhakha all his life. He used to be immaculately dressed and extremely punctual. The day began by 5 AM and he used to have coffee with my grandmother Agilandam everyday. Reciting a part of the Sundarakandam ( the section of Ramayana connected with the discovery of Sita by Hanuman ) was embedded in his routine. He used to recite it with a musical intonation as prescribed by the author Valmiki and it used to be music to the ears. Grandfather was 5 feet , 4 inches tall and he blessed with both - good looks and a good personality. He was the first to rise in the morning and open the doors and windows of ' Dwaraka ' - his residence in Ramnagar. His parents lived with him all their life. He began his practice from the age of 35 ( entered the bar in April 1915 ). The legal practice was good and he was a top notch criminal lawyer. He had appeared for Raja Sir M.A.Muthiah Chettiar. The Neeli Vaikal case was an important one and my father Venkatasubbier took it up under the guidance of my grandfather. Another one was the famous Sulur Subba Rao case. He appeared free of cost for all the freedom fighters and C.Subramaniam was quite close to him. Grandfather had also appeared for the freedom fighters accused in the Sulur Aerodrome case. He believed in mutual exclusivity during discussions and never leaked facts. Preparations were done by him after meeting the clients and he had developed the capacity to ignore all the domestic ' voices '. His turban was perfectly tied and he used to wear black slippers. Grandfather used to offer prayers to Lord Rama with his folded hands while going out each time, " stated Senior Advocate N.V.Nagasubramaniam while reminiscing his grandfather.
K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer had served the society by being the Vice Chairman of the Coimbatore Municipality , President of the Coimbatore Bar Association, Sri Kothandaramaswamy Temple and the Coimbatore Brahmana Maha Sabha. The leading advocate was an on the Advisory Board of the Government Arts College for a few years. He was perhaps the earliest to purchase a car in Ramnagar and used to own a number of American cars - Buick, Chevrolet, Ford ( T Model ), Plymouth, Oldsmobile etc.,
The KSA couple were blessed with 6 six sons - K.A. Ganapathy ( Central Excise Collector ), K.A.Kalyanam ( Top doctor - Johnson Gold Medal Awardee ), K.A.Krishnamurthy ( Director of Pediatrics ), K.A.Srinivasan ( Surgeon ), K.A.Ramachandran ( Advocate KAR ) , K.A.Sambamurthy ( Engineer ) and a daughter Lakshmi Venkatasubbier. He had been quite close to Sir C.P.Ramaswami Iyer and Sir C.V.Raman was known to him. KSA belonged to the Bharawaja Gothram ( Rama & Lakshmana had stayed in the hermitage Sage Bharadwaja ).
Advocate N.V. Nagasubramaniam shared some details about the noble traits of his grandfather , " Grandfather loved God's creation as much as God. He could never bear to see a hungry beggar and immediately will part with some money or food. His siesta could be disturbed in order to help a beggar. He helped poor relatives and was known for his visits to the houses of the poor amongst his relatives. Grandfather liked to be in touch, therefore he used to visit people during the course of his travel. He was religious, principled and never got carried away by superstition. Never heard him making a negative remark about anyone and he did not have enemies. He set an example and never imposed upon anyone. Generation gap was absent and he had a good rapport with everyone. He never compelled his first son to become a lawyer. However he wanted one of them to do an ICS for he knew that they were capable. Malice towards none was his dictum. He changed the lives of the people who had worked with him. His clerk Viswantha Iyer was well looked after. He used to discuss cases during long distance travels and at times he used to chat with his near and dear. However his driver Sundaram who had driven over 100,000 miles for his boss never joined the discussions. KSA was a back seat passenger and never bothered to learn driving. Files were browsed in the car during the course of travel. He was a family man and was adored by the members of his family. There have been many rich people who have had sons but seldom did these rich fathers touch the hearts of their sons. Grandfather was one of those rare rich fathers who had created an ever lasting impression. No wonder my uncle K.A.Krishnamurthy complied his biography for the benefit of the members of the family. Grandfather was known for his measured conversation and he never wasted words by indulging in gossip. He was a true Karmayogi and was highly respected in the Court . His juniors were T.S.Pattabiraman ( Member of Parliament - Tiruchengode ), T.S.Raghavendra Rao and E.V.Rangaswamy Iyer ".
K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer was known for observing the Shraadham ( memorial service ) of his parents in a proper manner. He would prepare himself by fasting the earlier night. The rituals used to be performed in a calm and unhurried manner. He would treat the officiating priests with utmost dignity and he was also known for personally supervising the feeding of the priests and the guests. A person of this nature would naturally influence the society in a positive manner.
" I am glad to share these details and it has been possible because of the time spent with my grandfather and also because of my uncle Dr.K.S.Krishnamurthy's chronicling. Grandfather had the name of Lord Rama in his heart at all times. In fact I was next to him when he rendered the mantram 'Sri Ramachandra Srita Parijata ' before settling down in the lotus feet of Lord Rama for eternity. He was a fantastic Ramabhaktha and also a wonderful person. The family remembers him as a very affectionate father and grandfather. He would never admonish us. I must say that I am indeed fortunate to have spent quality time with him during my formative years, " added the nostalgic grandson N.V. Nagasubramaniam. K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer had a lucrative practice and he was popular in the composite Coimbatore District which went up to Kollegal. He had become a legend in his lifetime.
The shoots of the banyan tree have spread far and wide. K.A.Ramachandran ( son of KSA ) continued his father's practice and his son K.R.Sankaran and daughter in law Vidya Sankaran have followed KAR . K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer's daughter's son N.V.Nagasubramaniam ( NVN ) and N.Sridhar ( son of NVN ) are continuing the tradition of their noble ancestor. The seeds sown by K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer have grown into a huge Banyan Tree.
K.S.Ardhanariswara Iyer had added to the lustre of Coimbatore.