May the whole world enjoy prosperity, happiness, wisdom and peace.
Be blessed by the divine
Prof. K. G. Samy was born as the eldest son to the couple Kanagasabai and Meenambal at Karaikkal, in Kottucherry, on 25 May 1937 (a Monday). His original name was Narayanasamy; it was later changed to Govindasamy on the advice of someone during a visit to a temple near Ariyaloor. His kith and kin called him Periyathambi and Periameesai (meaning ‘big mustache’), the latter name owing to his physical appearance. His mother died when he was ten years old. After her death he was nurtured by his step mother Dheivaanaiammal.
He was blessed with four siblings: Kaliperumal, Mathivaanan, Yogalakshmi and Kalaivani. His younger brother Mathivanan, a staunch communist, was well versed in writing poems.
He completed his schooling at the Kaaraikkal government school, where French and Tamil were his languages. His well-educated mother inspired him in the field of studies.
He stayed in the late Ariyaputhiranaar’s house at Kundu Palayam in Pondicherry and completed his teacher’s training in 1958–59. Soon after graduating he was appointed as a teacher at the government elementary school at Pandacholanallur, near Netappaakam. He submitted his first appointment order to the head master, the late E. Dhanaboopathi, at Netappakam.
A life in outline
A schoolteacher who became a municipal commissioner, and a commissioner who became a teacher again — this time of Vethathiriam, for forty years.
Born the eldest son of Kanagasabai and Meenambal at Karaikkal, in Kottucherry, on 25 May (a Monday).
Stayed at the late Ariyaputhiranaar’s house at Kundu Palayam, Pondicherry, and completed his teacher’s training.
Stepped into family life in alliance with Pakkiriyammal (A) Kannama.
Acted to abolish illicit liquor while serving in the revenue department at Karaikkal.
Joined the spiritual discourse conducted by Vethathiri Maharishi at Seemaan Swamy Mud, Karaikkal.
Moved to Erode after retirement and began sharing Vethathiriam principles with practical examples.
Began his divine journey on 2 May, at Thirunelveli.
In detail
Even though the place was unknown to him, Prof. K. G. Sami won hearts by strict discipline and excellent teaching. He was well treated and guided by the then head master E. Dhanaboopathi. The future Brahmagnani (the one who realised who is the Brahman, or the almighty) K. G. Sami stepped into his family life in alliance with Pakkiriyammal (A) Kannama in the year 1962.
Around 1961 there was a shift in his job as a teacher. Most of the teachers, including him, showed interest in joining as a clerk (LDC). Through this they aimed to achieve high promotions in the government sector. Based on this he was shifted to Karaikkal. He took immediate legal action to abolish illicit liquor during his office tenure at the revenue department in Karaikkal in 1968. He remained impartial throughout his profession.
Prof. K. G. Sami used to say very often, ‘Those who resemble will assemble’. This saying was proved as a fact. He joined the spiritual discourse conducted by his spiritual master Vethathiri Maharishi at Seemaan Swamy Mud in Karaikkal in 1969. He became one of the notable and lovable disciples of Vethathiri Maharishi in later days. His spiritual quest was quenched through the teachings of Vethathiri Maharishi. His interest, involvement and regular practice — last but not least, his guru’s blessings — raised him as a spiritual master.
He took charge as a commissioner in Kottucherry Municipal Corporation in 1970. He remained a strict officer in discharging his duties. By that time Vethathiri Maharishi took all special spiritual discourses of Karaikkal Manavalakalai Mandram at Kottucheri ‘Raja Gopala Pillai rice mill’. These regular meetings strengthened the bond between the master and the disciple.
In 1965, 1972, 1980 and 1982 his four sons Kanaga Thiyumeny, Kanaga Arun, Kanaga Inian and Kanaga Gnana Guru were born successively.
Around 1974–75, K. G. Sami was transferred to the Pondicherry urban area. The reason for his transfer was not a credit but a punishment for discharging his duties efficiently. As a commissioner he arrested and punished even his own relatives who sold illicit liquor. As a result, powerful politicians of that time joined hands in transferring him.
He continued his spiritual services during his stay at Ariyaputhiranar’s house at Kundu Palayam in Pondicherry in 1976. Later he moved to Lawspet L3 government quarters at Pondicherry and continued his official as well as spiritual journey from 1986 to 1995. During this period he travelled to various places on weekends and gave special lectures on introspection. He also initiated a special meditation centre at Lawspet, at his residence in Pondicherry.
After his retirement K. G. Sami went to Erode in 1995 and took charge as an editor of the Anboli and Erode Manavalakalaignan magazines. He also shared his acquaintance with his spiritual guru Vethathiri Maharishi and composed poems on his master, as well as on his self-realisation, under various pen names such as Puthiyabarathi, Meenakumaran, Kannimuthu and so on in the Erode Manavalakalai magazine. He also wrote regularly in Vethaoli, a magazine from the Salem Manavalakalai Mandram, in a column entitled ‘Thavam’ (meaning meditation).
He played a vital role in opening various meditation centres at Bhavani, Chennimalai, Kumarapalayam, Anthiyur and elsewhere in and around Erode. He was an expert in delivering Vethathiriam principles with practical examples. Owing to this, many youngsters took him as a source of inspiration and continued their spiritual services in various World Community Service Centres.
Around 2006 his health started deteriorating. Without considering his illness he travelled to meditation centres across Tamil Nadu and deeply propagated Vethathiriam principles. He preached what he realised and followed. Following the divine journey of his master Vethathiri Maharishi in March 2006, he also started his divine journey on 2 May 2006. He finished the last breath of this precious birth, as was his wish, at Thirunelveli.
Photographs
Collected by his family, each with its caption in Tamil. Press a photograph to see the original, caption and all.