LIC agent and lifelong resident of Malleswaram

Born Into Malleswaram

Good evening to all of you. Before I begin, I would like to give...[blows kisses]...this is for Malleswaram. I am a resident of Malleswaram. I have been a resident of Malleswaram since 1948, since the time I was born. We used to stay on 17th Cross. In 1978, we shifted to 18th Cross.

My entire life, my entire career—everything has been in Malleswaram.

An Education Rooted in the Neighbourhood

I began my schooling at the Malleswaram Sri Samaja primary school. Not middle school, because as per the rules then, Sri Samaja did not allow co-education beyond 7th Standard, so we were thrown out of the school. It was a precious time for us, but we had no other alternative.

After that, I went to Malleswaram Boys High School, also located on 18th Cross. Later, I studied at MES College. So, from the beginning to the end, my entire education and career have been rooted in Malleswaram.

Learning the Trades

My father was a civil contractor, also involved in plumbing. At the age of 9 or 10, I began assisting him in his work—plumbing, electrical, all that. So, I am not an engineer, but I have some knowledge of civil work, electrical, plumbing, surveying and other connected works. I have done a lot of civil works in Malleswaram also. Added to that was my own contracting licenses, which I had from BWSSB and other organizations. I took on part-time work across many organizations within Malleswaram for 15 years. Over the next seven years, I did plumbing work and other work at ISRO and HAL.

Fifty-One Years with LIC

In 1975, I got my agency with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India. Initially, it was a part-time engagement because I was already involved with my contracting work. But from 1980–85 onwards, I made LIC my full-time career. As of today, I have completed 51 years of service as an LIC agent—something very few people can claim. It's rare to find someone with such longevity even in government service. I'm still continuing in that role. I now have my own office in Malleswaram.

The Malleswaram I Remember

So now, coming to Malleswaram—the area has changed so much, but I remember it all clearly. In front of our house, there used to be a two-way road—not one-way like today. In those days, by 5 or 6 in the morning, people would start moving about on the footpaths. If I needed to catch a bus, I could simply step out and wave—buses used to stop anywhere. No designated stops, no formalities. This was back in 1980, perhaps even 1915 or 1916, according to my elders.

There weren't many buses then—certainly no BMTC like today. Only a few small private buses used to operate.

The Hotels and Eateries

Next to my house, there was a hotel run by a Mr. Chatterjee, a noted story writer. That hotel was very popular in Malleswaram. We could get a good breakfast there for 1 or 2 annas. Even with 1 rupee, you'd be more than satisfied—you could have a full breakfast.

There were about 3 or 4 hotels in Malleswaram back then. Vidyarthi Bhavan, Devi Bhavan, and others—one near 16th Cross, where there is now a Chinese restaurant, Chung Wah. Near 8th Cross, there was another called NTR. Locals will remember this.

There was one hotel near 8th Cross that required climbing about 20 steps to enter. On our way back from school, we'd stop by there—2 teas, 1 coffee, all for a few paisa.

Temples, Dispensaries, and Neighbors

Malleswaram also had many temples back then—still does. Behind Ratna Hotel on 8th Cross, there used to be the LF Dispensary. That's where we'd go with a bottle when we fell ill. The doctor would give a mixture—three doses—and we'd try to cure our ailments. That's how effective it was.

On 17th Cross lived G.P. Rajarathinam, a close family friend. We often visited him, and he told us wonderful stories. Some of them are still etched in my memory—like 'Jambada Koli', a song he composed. It even found its way into school textbooks.

Simple Joys of Childhood

Next to our house was Pradhan Bakery. After the baking was done, leftover pieces were given away. We children would wait outside eagerly for those bits—biscuits, broken rusk, whatever we could get. Today, even the leftovers are sold by weight—but back then, it was all shared.

Just across the road was a provision store. Next to that was a small condiment shop run by one of my uncles. And nearby, Dr Lakshmi, a well-known gynaecologist, had her very first clinic. From there, she grew into a respected professional with a full-fledged practice.

Malleswaram Nagaraj Suresh

There's so much to share about my life. My family is now in its third generation in Malleswaram. I myself have been here 78 years. Oh, and my name is Suresh—M.N. Suresh. But officially, I am Mysore Nagaraj Suresh. But recently, wearing the Malleswaram T-shirt, I wondered why I shouldn't be called Malleswaram Nagaraj Suresh! Everyone here knows me. Malleswaram is home. Thank you so much for listening.