Selvakesavan Krishnasamy Raja

Selvakesavan Krishnasamy Raja born on May 20, 1931 in Tanjavur, India passed away on October 12, 2023 at the age of 92 in West Friendship, Maryland. He is survived by his son, Murari Selvakesavan; daughter-in-law, Bavani Murari; son-in-law, Farook Thameem; grand children Sarah Farook, Akhil Farook, Ashish Farook, Anish Murari, and Shreyan Murari; and numerous extended family and friends. He was a loving husband of his late wife Sakkubai Selvakesavan and a beloved "naina" to his late daughter Vidya Farook. He is leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and simple joys.
Selvakesavan worked for the Indian Railways for 35 years and moved to the United States in 2009. He lived a simple religious life all along and was loved and respected by everyone in the community. Born in a bygone era, he was a product of an India rarely captured in photographs-a testament to a life that few can imagine. As a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren, he wove a tapestry of stories that bridged generations, connecting the past with the present. He was a talented stenographer, transcribing the spoken word into a coded language called shorthand. This skill allowed him opportunities in places far from home.
As a religious person, he chanted prayers non-stop. He has even professionally recorded multiple volumes of his recitations, leaving a musical legacy that resonates with his devotion. His iPod Nano holding his cherished prayer songs, and weathered prayer books were his prized possessions-a testament to his minimalist philosophy, opting to tape worn pages rather than replace them.
While a quiet and patient demeanor defined him in his later years, his occasional silly side emerged in the presence of his grandchildren, revealing a tender vulnerability. Quick to feel embarrassed, he would playfully tell them to stop provoking him, but silently smiling the entire time. He was known for his love of daily walks, visiting temples, and a surprising affinity for apple pie. He found solace in the company of his family and their pets (who were surprisingly gentle with him in particular). Never one to complain, he embraced gratitude for the love surrounding him.
As he takes his place among the stars, his memory lives on in the stories he shared, the steadfast values he embodied, and the hearts he touched. In celebrating his life, we honor a man who found richness in simplicity, and whose legacy echoes in the hearts of those who loved him. His kindness and affection towards all will forever be remembered.