Published Date: February 14, 2018
Love, the thief of young hearts. No one can predict when or how the cupid will strike, but once it does, there is no turning back. Even if you cannot traverse the path from whence it came, the imprint will remain indestructible. Even the stony hearted who detest love melt in her arms… it chases & embraces you even when you are oceans apart.
It is in that vein that Madurai Central’s MLA, DMK’s Palanivel Rajan, hailing from a family with rich heritage married Margaret, a citizen of the United States of America. He recalled some of his love encompassed memories to Dinamalar’s Sunday Special edition…
Age at which you fell in love…
My father (Late P.T.R Palanivel Rajan) is a very strict person. Being the only son, he showered his love on me. He asked me to pursue higher studies in the United States. In addition to the money my father sent for my expense, I started earning on my own at the age of 23, that’s when love bloomed.
First Meeting…
I was pursuing my Ph.D at the State University. She (Margaret) came there to pursue her B.Tech. It was not love at first sight. But, we continued to meet regularly on academic grounds and that’s how love happened.
Who proposed first…
When we fell in love, we both had our doubts about sustaining on our own. But once I had a job, good income, family circumstances, everything fell into place one after the other. Things were to our advantage, so I proposed first.
Any opposition
I was a bit afraid on how my father would react. I also gave some thought about the kind of questions that some of our relatives might have raised, like why someone from a family of heritage should marry a foreigner. But, we managed all of that cleverly.
How…
I first brought Margaret to India and introduced her as a friend. When I brought her on three successive occasions, my father figured it out. Prior to these incidents, my family were on the lookout for a bride. But due to some reasons, it did not materialize. So, my father gave me complete freedom to decide on my marriage.
How did Margaret become Meenakshi…
My marriage was held as a Self-respect marriage in Madurai on the 6th of February 2003. We stayed in America till my father’s demise. Margaret showed great interest to learn about our culture, heritage, social values and habits. So, it was her love for Madurai and its culture, which turned Margaret into Meenakshi…
What was your first Gift to her…
I have travelled to over 65 countries in a professional capacity. Each time I return from a country, I bring her a gift. My first gift to her during our early days of love, was a pair of ear studs.
What do you like about your wife…
We are both equally talented. As a consultant in an American firm, she earned as much as I did. But since she became Madurai’s daughter in law, her penchant to learn the art of our cuisine has been amazing. Keeping with our family’s values, she too is a deeply spiritual person. Regardless of which country we are in, we have made it a habit to visit Madurai Meenakshi Amman every month to take her blessings.
Conflicts & Tiffs…
We have no time for all that. We have made an agreement between us. I travelled to many countries for work, but I ensure that I spend at least 60% of the time in a year with my wife and my two sons at home. My mother regards her as a daughter, so there is simply no place for conflict. If by some chance, a minor tiff happens, I’ll be the first to break the ice. She after all left behind her country to be with me…
Political Life…
It was my father’s wish. My wife has been very understanding & cooperative.
Valentine’s Day wishes…
People who are in love marriages should truly love each other forever. They should continue to understand each other & make compromises when necessary.
