About me
Posted on June 3, 2022 • 15 minutes • 3027 words • Other languages: Tamil
My name is Kumaresan Rangasamy, although most people simply call me Kumar. I work as a software engineer, but I consider myself a lifelong learner with a broad spectrum of interests. My pursuits span several disciplines, including software development, human-computer interaction, healthcare, holistic wellness, and human psychology. I also practice yoga and have a passion for storytelling, which manifests itself in every aspect of my life.
Writing is one of my favorite pastimes. I write on various subjects, both in English and my native language, Tamil. But when it comes to crafting stories, poems, and lyrics, I primarily express myself in Tamil.
My childhood and early education
I was born and raised in a small village in the southern region of India, Tamilnadu, known as Periya"kumar"apalayam . Contrary to what one might guess, the village was not named in my honor. :)
My upbringing was deeply intertwined with education. In 1981, my father founded the first English medium school in our region, Arul Nursery School, named after my brother. The school catered to kindergarten through fifth grade and, for the next 15 years, offered quality education at a nominal cost to hundreds of children from surrounding villages. We also operated a hostel for students and teachers who came from farther afield, making our home a vibrant and bustling hub of activity. Looking back, I realize how profoundly this environment shaped me.
Interesting note: I recently perused the Wikipedia page for my village and found an intriguing fact: the literacy rate of Periyakumarapalayam was 72% according to the 2011 census. For some, this figure might seem like a mere statistic, but for me, it’s a testament to the dream and hard work of my parents. They contributed to the education of a generation, whose descendants, still residing there, might very well be part of that statistic. It’s a beautiful narrative that I am proud to be part of.
Middle and high school
For my middle and high school, the only option for us to continue in English medium was to go to the nearby town, Udumalpet . So, my education journey continued at S.K.P. Higher Secondary School at Udumalpet. We had to take public transportation (bus) and the travel time from my village to the town was around 45 minutes to 1 hour. While every generation has its own positive sides of their time, I think our childhood was blessed with opportunities that taught us the most nuances of the social fabric that we were part of. One of those opportunities was this bus journey. The life skills we learned during these times were invaluable.
My school years were a remarkable chapter of my life, characterized by a vibrant blend of joy, trepidation, and mischief. On one hand, I reveled in the relative leniency of our school and my own playful pranks; on the other, I grappled with the dread of our teachers’ stern discipline. As a co-educational institution, our school was a dynamic landscape of intriguing, exhilarating, and often bewildering experiences. Drawn to the audacious spirit of my peers, I often found myself held back by an innate caution, a fear of disappointing the authoritative figures in my life - my parents and teachers. In retrospect, this trepidation, which then kept me from partaking in acts considered ‘cool’ but ill-disciplined, appears to have been a blessing in disguise.
A significant highlight of my schooldays was the library located in the vicinity of our school. Securing a membership there, I found solace and adventure in its vast collection, primarily indulging in comic books and motivational literature. Although my reading preferences did not extend to more serious literature at that time, the library sparked a love for learning beyond the confines of academic curriculum.
Discovering computers: a click into infinite possibilities
Upon completing my twelfth grade, I discovered computer training courses offered by Aptech in my town, marking my initial foray into the world of computers. At that point, I had no foresight into the revolutionary potential of computers, yet I was utterly captivated by the novel experiences they offered. It was the beginning of a journey that has shaped my professional trajectory in numerous ways.
Engineering: my gateway to shaping tomorrow
Subsequently, I embarked on my Engineering degree at Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore . My cut-off marks, albeit lower than needed for the more sought-after courses, guided me towards Electrical and Electronics Engineering, a field that presented itself as an equally promising alternative. My tenure in college was a vibrant tapestry of diverse experiences. It was during this time that I forged some of my most enduring friendships. These individuals, who have remained supportive throughout my journey, also serve as my most constructively critical advisors, their critique always rooted in goodwill and a desire for my continued growth. Equally instrumental during this time were a number of my professors, whose passion and dedication served as a genuine source of inspiration.
Although my engineering major was not in computer science, I sought to supplement my academic learning by enrolling in an external program at an institute named NIIT. Here, I gained exposure to programming, honed my storytelling abilities through tools like PowerPoint, and familiarized myself with databases using MS Access.
One of my instructors at NIIT, who later secured a job in the United States, was particularly influential. He shed light on the vast opportunities the tech field would offer in the future and piqued my curiosity about the U.S. His insights planted the seeds for my interest in exploring opportunities beyond my native land.
As I concluded my college journey, I found myself in dire need of an income source. Rising to the occasion, I secured a position as a lecturer at an engineering college, stepping onto a path that promised not just a paycheck, but a chance to shape young minds, echoing the inspiration I had received from my own teachers.
In the ordinary magic of a day, love walked into my life
As dawn broke on a seemingly ordinary day, May 25, 1999 is the date etched in my calendar signified an impending career crossroad: On a day like any other, I found myself bound for an unassuming institution, not grand in its exterior, but significant for what it represented: the doorway to my professional journey. With an air of earnest anticipation, I set forth, aware only of the potential job opportunity that lay ahead. Yet, this modest institution was to become the backdrop of an encounter that would profoundly shape my personal life. Beyond the potential professional progression, the interview day marked the inception of a pivotal chapter that intertwined my life with someone else’s in a profound, unexpected way. The understated yet inspiring surroundings of this institution bore witness to our first meeting, a moment that would turn out to be the foundation of a shared life journey.
Unbeknownst to me, that day was to unfold into a significant chapter in my life narrative. I crossed paths with a woman, Vadivu, who was introduced to me by her friend, both of them fellow interviewees. Their camaraderie and shared college memories painted a comforting picture of friendship. In a surprising twist of fate, the two of us were selected post-interview, marking not just the start of our professional journeys, but also an unforeseen personal bond. Following the interview, we joined her friend for lunch at a local campus eatery. Typically, in such settings, it was expected for the man to pick up the tab. However, in a turn of events that still warms my heart, she paid the bill that day. It was her gracious gesture of welcoming me to her native place, a symbolic start to an incredible journey she would eventually welcome me into—her life. To this day, our household often hums with playful banter about how I am eternally repaying that memorable meal.
While our personal worlds were wrestling with their respective storms, our paths were beginning to intertwine at work. What started as casual workplace interactions soon blossomed into a robust friendship. Over time, our bond deepened, evolving into a shared affinity marked by mutual care and an unwavering commitment to support each other through our respective crises. And thus, our story began.
Finding different career paths
Professionally, after spending a meaningful one and a half years fostering young minds at the engineering college, I decided to pivot my career. With an aim to delve deeper into the realm of software, I transitioned into a role at a small firm, ViSolve, based in Coimbatore. In parallel, Vadivu chose to stay rooted in academia, not only continuing her career in teaching but also furthering her educational pursuits. She embarked on a journey to acquire her Masters in Engineering at the prestigious P.S.G. College of Technology, Coimbatore.
Life’s crucible: the saga of resilience amidst chaos
Long before the events that followed, my educational journey began against a backdrop of personal strife that persisted for a decade, a time that presented me with some of the most turbulent episodes I’ve ever faced. My beloved mother, with whom I share a deep bond, fell ill with a serious medical condition while I was still in college. This crisis was intensified by our precarious financial standing, burdening my family with the task of supporting my education while managing my mother’s escalating medical costs – a storm that seemed unendurable. In these circumstances, I felt paralyzed, overwhelmed by my own limitations and the inability to effectively address such a crisis. Witnessing my mother’s ongoing health battle was heart-wrenching, each moment saturated with silent suffering and uncertainty. The mental upheaval, compounded by the unkindness shown by certain relatives and the stagnation of my personal development, brewed a constant whirlwind of despair.
However, in the midst of these trying times, there were also rays of solace. A handful of benevolent souls emerged, standing by us through the thickest and thinnest of times, their unwavering support a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. Their presence was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and reinforced my faith in the enduring power of solidarity. With these support, I held onto a lifeline of optimism - the invisible thread of hope that promised a glimmer of light in the darkest of times.
This was going on until 2013. On August 2013, after a courageous six-year battle against her ailment, my mother bid her final adieu to this world. This loss struck me at my core, hurling me into the depths of profound grief. It felt like I was adrift in a sea of uncertainty, my path, career, and future suddenly blurred by the mist of my personal tragedy. It was a pivotal moment that presented a difficult choice: remain consumed by the enveloping darkness of my loss or harness the strength to forge ahead, turning adversity into action. Inspired by my mother’s unwavering belief in me, I chose the latter. Determined to honor her memory, I resolved to aggressively seek a path that would lead me towards a dignified life - one that would reflect the dreams she had always harbored for me. It was a journey of self-discovery and resilience, driven by a need to rise from the ashes and build a future she would be proud of.
Next hop: Bangalore
In that spirit of exploring uncharted territories beyond Coimbatore and being keen on expanding my horizons, I set out to seize opportunities that lay in the thriving city of Bangalore. My aspirations led me to secure a good job at Wipro, Bangalore. Although my tenure at Wipro was a brief, yet enriching, one-year stint, it served as a stepping stone to my next professional pursuit - Citrix. This was where I would go on to spend a significant and rewarding chapter of my career journey, marking my longest professional commitment to a single company.
Our union: the beautiful dawn of shared dreams.
Five years after our fortuitous first encounter, in 2014, I was blessed to join my life with Vadivu in the sanctity of matrimony. Our union was graced with the blessings of my father, her parents, and our elders, marking the commencement of a beautiful journey together. Since then, Vadivu has been an unwavering pillar of support in my life. She is my confidante, a companion who shares in my dreams and ambitions. She stands by my side in firm solidarity, continually pushing me towards becoming the best version of myself. At times, she morphs into my harshest critic, holding a mirror to my shortcomings with an honesty that is both humbling and enlightening. But Vadivu is more than just a partner; she is the personification of joy within our family. Her warmth lights up our home, her laughter is the melody that fills our space, and her resilience is the strength that binds us together. As a mother, her care and compassion know no bounds. She nurtures with a love that is all-encompassing, guiding our children with wisdom, patience, and tenderness. Each day, she exemplifies the essence of a life partner and mother, etching herself into the heart of our family story.
We were blessed with the arrival of our first child, Akshath, in 2005. This momentous day was marked by an unforgettable flurry of events. On one hand, we were filled with anticipation as we prepared to welcome our son into the world. On the other, Vadivu was gearing up for the final semester examination of her Master’s program. She exhibited remarkable strength and resilience as she juggled the demands of motherhood and academics. That evening, after completing her examination, we found ourselves rushing to the hospital for the much-awaited arrival of our son. It was a day of celebration, a testament to Vadivu’s unwavering dedication to both her family and education. This dedication had always been a part of her, as evidenced by her academic record - she had been the top of her class during both her high school and higher secondary education. It’s no wonder she wore the mantle of a topper - a driven student, a devoted wife, and a loving mother, all rolled into one.
Hello, America.
In November 2017, a significant change awaited me as I accepted a role at the Citrix US office located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California. This transition was not just a shift in geographical location, but it also marked a new phase of my professional journey. The stimulating environment of Silicon Valley, the mecca of technology and innovation, offered me a fresh canvas to expand my skills and insights. However, for the initial six months, I embarked on this journey alone while my family remained back home. It was a challenging time, juggling the demands of a new job while being separated from my loved ones. But as every dawn follows the darkest hour, this period of separation finally came to an end in March 2018 when my family joined me in our new home in Santa Clara, California. These transitions weren’t merely geographical, but they also brought along a rich amalgamation of cultural experiences and diverse interactions, all against the backdrop of the stunning California landscape.
Our Californian chapter unfolded with a beautiful rhythm of its own. Over time, we gradually adapted to our new environment, embraced the unique Californian lifestyle, and made Santa Clara our home. This chapter saw a minor shift in 2010 when we moved from Santa Clara to Fremont, yet another vibrant city in California.
Her birth: the sweetest chapter in our book of life
Amidst these transitions and adjustments, our family was showered with another blessing in 2014, the arrival of our little angel, Yudhiksha. Her birth introduced a new spectrum of joy and warmth in our lives. It was a beautiful reminder of how life can surprise you with its most precious gifts amidst all the transitions and changes. As a father, witnessing her grow and blossom in the sunny, diverse environment of California has been one of my most rewarding experiences.
The intricate weave of our existence
In the tapestry of life, each face I recall is a unique thread, each carrying its own intricate story that contributes to the beautiful mosaic of human experiences. It’s a stark reminder of how we are intertwined in this vast cosmos through a web of relationships and encounters. The stories weaved into these threads, the values they uphold, and the knowledge they share are timeless treasures, far surpassing the ephemeral allure of material wealth and fortunes. Over time, we observe the inevitable depreciation of physical wealth. On the contrary, the power of thoughts, ideas, and wisdom holds an extraordinary capacity to appreciate and multiply. This appreciation transcends conventional bounds, growing not just in value, but also in the potential to inspire, to catalyze change, and to perpetuate a legacy of thought leadership. It is this fascinating potential that I aspire to harness, to cultivate an ability to narrate compelling stories that resonate with hearts and minds.
At this juncture, as you peruse these lines, we may be strangers to each other, untouched by a direct connection or shared experience. Yet, I believe in the remarkable potential of human interaction and the serendipity it can unfold. I believe that we can weave new threads into the tapestry of our lives through conversations, shared interests, and mutual learning. Hence, I am always open to establishing new connections, kindling enriching conversations, and exploring avenues of mutual value. This openness is not just an invitation, but also a humble promise to offer whatever wisdom I can and enrich the great tapestry of collective human experience. I welcome you to join me on this journey, as we continue to shape, and be shaped by, the world around us.
You can reach me at : kumareshind@gmail.com