In life you meet some people who inspire you, be there for you even though they hardly know you exist. To me, Chinmayi Akka is one such person.
If you are a crazy fan of someone, you always find a way or two to connect with that person. After being a super fan for years, in 2012, I found my way to connect with Chinmayi Akka. No, I did not write a letter or something but a small tweet. I was told that Akka was super active on Twitter, and I wanted to make use of the opportunity. After a few months of stalking, to my luck, there was a concert at that time, and Akka had put out a tweet announcing the event. I took my chance, sent a tweet to Akka, telling that I cannot wait to hear ‘Oru Deivam Thanda Poove’ song in the concert.
I was kicking myself to send something like that. I wanted to delete it. What if Akka reads that? I had so many questions (Yes, I have anxiety issues). Before I could delete the tweet, Akka was quick enough to reply to me that the song was not a part of the concert.
I was excited, shocked to see the reply. It was overwhelming for me. To get a reply from someone whom you admire is unexplainable. That reply really did make me comfortable. If not for that, I would have deleted my Twitter account which now acts as the tunnel for penbugs. One thing led to another, and I cannot thank Akka enough for this.
We are all humans, and we do take people for granted. So did I. Since Akka was replying me whenever I tweeted, I tweeted more, I did become super crazy. You cannot blame me for the same because I was super young at that time. I had different questions in my mind, I kept tweeting them all which I do feel bad now.
Still, Akka was polite enough to me to keep replying whenever it was worth it. I was one of the first people to look into, and share Akka’s works and I felt happy while doing so.
I have seen Akka performing live many times but I had only one opportunity to meet and talk to her. I still cherish the moment and the picture I took on that day. The picture always will stay close to my heart. Akka was able to recognize me when I introduced me during the meet. The moment was special.
As the years passed, I had an opportunity to meet Akka’s amma as well who was too good to make me talk through my difficulties and to invite me home. I, of course, had a great time at her place and cannot wait to meet her again.
As I already penned, for the past two years, I was fighting depression and anxiety. Chinmayi Akka’s songs did help me a lot. More than that, Akka did stand by me whenever I was going through something. At times, I do feel better.
I’m a better person today because of Akka who in a way helped me to open up about certain issues, and I feel good about it.
I know I’m blabbering something, but it is difficult for me to explain the role Akka has played in my life, to make me a better person and to be there for me whenever I needed even though she doesn’t know me.
Dear Akka,
Happy Birthday. I’ve never met a person in my life who is as strong as you are, someone who stands up for what is right and doesn’t give a damn. You are an inspiration, Akka. Someone we all look up to. Thanks for being there through your voice. You give us all hope, Akka. Hope is certainly a big word. I know the battles you are fighting are not easy and if it helps you in a way, you are not alone. I wish you all happiness ahead. I do wish to meet you soon as well (I need a better picture you see. I’m so tired of using the same again and again.) Loads of love, Akka.