Photos and Photographers (2): P.R.S. Mani

[Guest guest]

"P.R. Subramanian was born at the turn of the century as the first son to the

couple Rama Seha Iyer and Sivasankari who hailed from Pattamadai, a village in

South Tamilnadu. After his honour's degree in Arts, Subramanian took to

Professional Photograhy and joined the then famous Modern Theatre of Salem as an

Executive Photographer.

 

Ganapati Sastri of Tiruvannamalai, an ardent disciple of Ramana, proposed his

daughter in marriage to Subramanian. The alliance had Ramana's blessings. It

paved the way for Subramanian's close association with him. Ramana used to call

him Mani and he later spent almost 14 years, till he died, under the loving care

of Ramana. He died at the young age of 33 years. Ramana was both his guru and

God and for his part Ramana clothed him fully with his grace. Consequently one

might say that his camera became blessed. Mani has taken many photographs

particulartly during Skandasramam days. 'Mani's Bust' in which Mani has captured

the glory and power of Ramana's eyes has a perennial appeal.

 

(Radiance of the Self)

 

The 'Mani's Bust' is the one with the bright eyes: No. 28. Mani's photos are

also: No. 14, 16 and 62.