SMT. JAYANTHI VENKATRAYA  AITHAL

Born to Manorama and Katpadi Gopala Rao, Smt. Jayanthi entered this world on 1st January 1943. Her early life was one of interconnectedness, surrounded by her family in Mangaluru, Karnataka. Her life was one to take inspiration from, being one of the first women in her community to pursue higher education. She had a long and successful career as a science teacher in Kulur High School, Karnataka, while raising her five daughters. As the Aithal family migrated to Mumbai, she adjusted to a new lifestyle which heralded a shift in both her personal and professional life, and she did this with ease and confidence. Through hardships and triumphs, she raised her 5 daughters and set the foundations for a successful family life. At the age of 65 she moved to the US, and carried her passion and enthusiasm with her.

She was an essential figure in Shri. Venkatraya Aithal's career as a Jyotish (Astrologer), Pourohit (Pandit), Professor and Yakshagana artist. Being the wife of such a multi-faceted personality and community leader was never easy, and Smt. Jayanthi, who was herself very dynamic and talented, excelled at managing the relationship gracefully with her wit, patience and love & affection for him. Jayanthi supported her husband every step of the way in his decision to move to a new city to pursue a totally new career pathway.

Along with her husband, Shri Panambur Venkatraya Aithal, she was a pillar of support and a constant inspiration for her children. She encouraged them to have a well-rounded personality, focusing on their studies, artistic talents and community leadership. All her daughters remember Jayanthi's disciplinarian behavior in ensuring that they focus on practicing dance and music. They also remember the freedom she gave them to pursue their interests. She sowed the seeds of many a passion in her children, leading them to be deeply involved, to excel and to contribute to the arts, religion, education, work, and community service. Her five multi-talented and accomplished daughters are a testament to her dedication, and commitment to their success and well-being. Jayanthi shared a special mother-son bond with all her son-in-laws and grand son-in-law.

Smt. Jayanthi had the amazing ability to make friends wherever she went and leave an impact on everyone, no matter how long she was with them. She was an active member of her community, contributing through religion, culture and education. In her students' own words, she has inspired and guided many of them to go on and become doctors, engineers, chartered accountants and artistes.

Her unconditional support extended also to her grandchildren. She went above and beyond her role as a doting grandmother and helped raise grandchildren. She actively ensured they studied and practiced art and music, just as she had done for her daughters. No matter whose life she touched, she was able to pass on her love for arts and knowledge.

To her very last day, she was keen in her pursuit of knowledge, always learning and trying new things. She read up on current affairs, kept in touch with family and friends, and provided recipes and gardening instructions to her grandchildren. She was well-loved by her children, grandchildren and all extended family and community members. Her presence will be missed, from the early morning coffee chats to the late-night TV-watching sessions. She was everything her daughters, grandchildren and friends could have asked for, and then some more!

Om Shanti.