Heard that you're not feeling well. So brought flowers of reassurance for you to make you feel Healthier and Happier, Physically and Emotionally.

On the floor of the house the other day, in a touching speech that had an element of poignancy, you made an emotional appeal to all political parties to join you in the "unfinished task of making Tamil society grow and prosper in an atmosphere of unity".Your remarks moved several members to torrential tears.

Unusually for a man of your determination and courage, you chose to repeatedly refer to your 'imaginary' frailty. That was unlike you. We have seen your acts and words of spirited bravery for several decades. Suddenly, how and why did you sound helpless? You had also mentioned to a time in future when you would no longer be around. That was too much to digest. And coming as it did from you, of all persons, it was just unbelievable.

Obviously you are feeling down. The entire Tamils are with you - even your political opponents.

You have several outstanding qualities which even your detractors cannot but admire. Neither defeat nor betrayal - a word that you yourself had used - can discourage you. Having 'unfaithful friends' is nothing new to you. You must have been used to it by now.

We hope you get well soon because you are too special to all of us. We hope to see you up and on your feet and back at Gopalapuram soon. The place just isn't the same without you.

H Ramakrishnan