Kaiparambil Narayanan Vasudevan was a great man and accomplished teacher, endearingly known as "Shriman ji" to the rest of the world. He was seen through the eyes of his students as a respected father figure, with his strict but loving discipline, in terms of everything from punctuality to obedience. But to us, he was our dearest Apuppan. The man who was a simple, loving grandfather who gave his best for us in everything we do. He was a completely different man around his grandchildren, showering us with nothing but unconditional love. We used to giggle and laugh around when we saw overawed students when our Apuppan crossed paths with them because how could they be frightened of our loving grandpa who wouldn't so much as raise his voice at us? As a child, I couldn't imagine him as being anything other than my grandfather, but now as I have grown older, I realise what a great, accomplished man he was. He became an inspiration for all of us, a role model. Both Apuppan and Amumma were extremely progressive, they always encouraged us to focus on our education, giving it the highest priority, whatever field we wanted to work in. I couldn't have asked for more supportive and encouraging grandparents.
Goodbye Apuppa. You made a profound impact in the lives of every student who was lucky enough to be taught under your guidance but even more in the lives of your children and grandchildren, who received your knowledge and parental affection. We only hope to carry forward your legacy and make you proud. We will always love you.
- Written by Eshita (Smita didi's younger daughter)
