Cho gave me chance to speak: S Vaithianathan

Madurai: As an ardent and avid reader of Thuglak magazine and a die-hard fan of a chivalrous Cho, I was fortunate to be among the elite audience assembled to celebrate the anniversary of the magazine in Madurai on a Pongal day, during the early 70s.

I was privileged to be given the mike, thanks to the personal intervention of Cho following the request made to him personally praying for a chance to air my views about the tenacious Thuglak since my name was not in the speaker list chosen by lots. Amongst many a suggestion that I offered, one was to cut short the advertisement pages occupying a considerable number of  pages in every issue depriving the readers of more informative write-ups.

As was the tradition of responding to the views expressed by the readers, the editor, Mr Cho, in his inimitable style, replied that the lifeblood of any magazine runs on advertisement revenue and, in the same breath, added that he was prepared to refrain from publishing advertisements provided I foot the bill to fill the gap, sending the curious crowd bursting into peals of laughter.

This interesting incident continues to echo in my mind bringing fond memories of this multifaceted personality who carved a niche for himself in the minds of his beloved readers.