His altruism is picture-perfect

MADURAI: R Asaithambi (64) of Rasi Studio in Madurai is man of history. Way back in 1978, he was the photographer who took pictures of actor-cum-politician Vijayakanth when he was looking out for opportunities in tinsel town. Vijayakanth himself acknowledged in some magazines how Asaithambi's photos earned him a spot in the cine industry.
At present, the owner of one of the oldest photo studios in Madurai, has a mission for himself --- to educate poor bright children from the locality.He has been helping poor children progress over the last five years.
According to him, education is empowerment. He toiled with whatever work he could get in his youth to educate his three sons who are well-settled abroad now. "I am a proud father of three sons who found their calling with the education I have given them. Long back I realised education could give insight and empowerment to people," Asaithambi says. Determined in his will, he is supporting the higher education of five college students from the locality and one among them is pursuing engineering. Among them, a few students actually work part-time in the studio. "Initially, they came here looking out for part-time jobs and when I learnt that they were trying to earn to fund their education," I started supporting them by paying the college fees and other monetary help required. I don't hesitate to give money for education," he said.
Interestingly, Asaithambi is not aware of the details of two girl students he had helped in their studies. "One girl is from Coimbatore and some of my friends asked me to help her. I was not interested in getting to know them or checking their backgrounds. I strongly believe people don't cheat for such genuine needs," he said.
Asaithambi was born in a poor family, and had started working even at the tender age of eight. He completed his SSLC even while working. "We were 11 children at home and parents could not support our studies. I started working from my early days and I am always grateful to then chief minister Kamaraj who started the midday meal scheme. That food, uniforms and books helped me in my schooldays," Asaithambi says. He later grew into a talented photographer in the city who clicked Kamaraj and other leaders when they were in town. He was also closely associated with poet Kannadasan and Kamaraj at later periods.
In his circle, Asaithambi is known for his hard work and principles. "Asaithambi is a dedicated man and has completed 50 years of photography. His determination to help children get educated is remarkable," said K John Moses, state general secretary of Janata Dal (S) here.
"I know the anguish of these bright children who want to study but cannot afford it. When I was struggling financially in 2005, one rickshaw driver from the locality approached me for help in educating his son who secured very good marks in Plus 2. Along with some other philanthropists, we helped the boy and he is now in the United States with a good job. I have learnt a lesson from that incident and am convinced that education will indeed bring up people," he said.
Even on a leisurely Sunday, Asaithambi is busy in his studio at Karimedu, working as usual. "I have finished my duties in life and I am content. But I have the responsibility of supporting five students who look up to me. I have to work for them and I am happy working," he says with a broad smile.