2001
Friends helped me navigate the most difficult stretch of my life. They listened—not just with their ears, but with their hearts. And as they listened, we began to understand the language of our own souls.
Some offered godly counsel that lifted my confidence. Others helped me view life through the lens of faith. A few inspired me to grow, to rise above the pain, and bring out the best in myself. Some stood like pillars—steady and strong—holding me up when I stumbled. There were friends who encouraged me to read great books, expanding my thoughts and nourishing my mind. Others stepped in during financial crises, without hesitation. A few connected at a heart level—it was a rare and continuing blessing. This network of friendship carried me through the storm.
One friend in particular deserves special mention—Valan.
Valan had heard about my suffering and the misfortunes that had befallen me. We studied together at St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, in the same batch of 1988. That’s where our friendship began. Both of us hailed from the southern part of Tamil Nadu, shared similar values, behaved much the same way, and pursued common goals. After graduation, we were both admitted to MIT for engineering. We sat on the last bench together—true birds of a feather. He has always been religious, dependable, and selfless. Even now, God continues to use him as a source of blessing in my life.
Valan had seen the raw reality of chronic kidney disease up close. At the time, he had just gotten married—a time when most would be celebrating new beginnings. Yet he spent those precious early days traveling to my village, seeking an organ donor for me. His wife, newly married, joined him in this life-giving mission.
They met my parents, siblings, and extended family. Valan conducted a detailed session with them, explaining the reality of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). He helped them understand the seriousness of the condition and appealed for a life-saving kidney donation. He explained that ideal donors should be between 18 and 60 years old, preferably close relatives—parents or siblings. He made my condition clear: kidney transplantation was the only hope for survival.
Around that time, my younger sister, Prema Latha, visited our hometown with her husband and children. There, she met Valan—an unexpected encounter. During their brief conversation, she asked about my health. Valan shared the situation in brief and left for Dubai soon after, while my sister returned to Coimbatore.
Two days later, Valan called me. He recounted the events of his visit to my hometown and said something that moved me deeply: Prema Latha had expressed her willingness to donate one of her kidneys to save my life. Though touched, Valan had gently discouraged her, seeing her young children and the responsibilities she bore. My father also came forward to donate—but he was already 70 and had suffered multiple strokes since 1990. None of my other siblings stepped forward—they were afraid of the implications of kidney donation.
Valan reassured me: “Stay confident. Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers.”
Another dear friend, Siva—whom everyone fondly called Tiger—had recently relocated back to India. He visited me often, bringing with him warmth, joy, and unwavering support. He did everything he could to help—selflessly and unconditionally. I shared my thoughts and inner emotions freely with him. With Siva, sorrow was halved, and joy was doubled. I realized how true friendship deepens life’s pleasures and lightens its burdens.
“There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.”
— Proverbs 18:24