Homage to Senior Surveyor Mr N Velayutham

 

Very sad to know the passing away of the doyen of Insurance Surveyors Mr N Velayutham, today at Chennai after brief illness.  He was 88+

 

I have green pleasant memories of interaction with him in Surveyor Forums and on some specific claims.

 

Bagasse is the dry pulpy fibrous material that remains after crushing sugarcane, used as a biofuel for the production of heat, energy, and electricity, and in the manufacture of pulp and building materials. Back in 1988 there was a claim for damage to a Boom stacker caused by storm at Pugalur, insured by Oriental Insurance.  Boom stacker handles bagasse and similar materials – would stack them and would sprinkle water on the stacks preventing spontaneous combustion.   

The  claim was a princely 25 lakhs + (a major loss of those days!) and Mr N Velayutham was appointed as Joint Surveyors.  For some decades, it was a practice for many Insurance Companies to appoint Mr N Velayutham as the principal surveyor for major losses.  There was also the process of appoint a joint-surveyor when after initial inspection the attending surveyor observes it to be a major loss. 

The white shirt clad gentleman Velayudham walked in and for half an hour so explained to the Insurance officials on what the subject matter of claim was, its functions, the occurrence and how the loss had occurred.  It was a great learning listening to him – bear in mind those were the days when it was PPT presentation and Surveyors would depend  on their drawing and more on their knowledge and power of expression. 

The admiration grew further as I had opportunities of interacting with him on major complex claims and later shared the platform on Seminars organized by Institute of Loss Adjusters at various places.  The fountain of knowledge he was, was always friendly and practical in imparting his wisdom gained through vast experience and education.  It was always a pleasure hearing and would wonder how he never got tired and was interested in providing explanations in late evening Sessions too. 

Somewhere in July 2016, Insurance surveyors fraternity at Chennai celebrated his 80^th year and by that time, had rendered yeoman service in the field of loss survey, adjustment and in imparting knowledge to fellow surveyors. 

People of his calibre are few and fewer still are those who are willing to share their knowledge.  Understand that he was briefly ill, and today breathed his last at Chennai hospital. Obsequies will be held at : 26/19/1 & 25/19/2, 5th Main Rd, Govindaswamy Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028 -  by tomorrow Afternoon. 

Very sad to know his passing away, pray Lord for providing mental strength to his family members at this hour of bereavement.

 
Om Shanthi
 
With grief and regards – S Sampathkumar
31.7.2024