Learning whistles from Somu

Learning Whistles from Bus Conductor

It happened during Navarathri festivals in their Triplicane home in 1959. Rangan had a good, senior and elderly neighbour Somu, who was employed as a bus conductor in the state run transport services. His daughter Praveena had a consistent nightmare with subtractions, though she was very good as a singer. During the Navarathri celebrations, every house lady decorates the main hall with dolls neatly positioned over a makeshift wooden stairs as displays. The visiting girls were encouraged to sing and they were given some sweets, savouries or something in kind, during the 9 days of festivity. During one such visit, Praveena started avoiding discussions on mathematics. Rangan soon realised the reason and talked to the mother and Praveena. He proposed to teach Praveena subtraction by addition, as she is familiar with additions. Praveena jumped with joy and said “Ranga ! I never knew subtraction can done by addition. I am willing to learn subtraction by addition. Can you teach me?”. Rangan gladly accepted and started guiding Praveena who had developed sufficient skills in mathematics. Soon Praveena’s  friends and parents started talking about her only as a good singer. It was a transformation. One day, Praveena’s father Somu, approached Rangan and volunteered to teach him a few tricks on whistling as he is a good whistler and a conductor. He patiently trained Rangan with the use fingers and thumb in various positions and blowing the air through teeth and lips. On seeing the improvements Somu said  “Ranga ! You will be able to attract crowds by the power and variations of your whistling. Keep watching and listening to the sounds of birds”.