A few days back Chatur Vasi sir (who sets for The Hindu as Gridman) had written to me that he had been hospitalized and due to his failing health he was going to step down from setting for The Hindu.

Gridman has been a great motivator and guide for a number of upcoming setters. I will never forget his gesture of blogging one of earliest grids for the Hindu Business Line’s brand supplement (Cat.a.Lyst). It made me feel welcomed and part of the setters’ community. His review was generous and thoughtful.

We have since met on several occasions and he is always filled with child like enthusiasm whenever we converse about crosswords. I am also grateful for all his advice and guidance on various aspects related to setting crosswords.

He has been a founder member of our FB group and actively participated in our souvenir and book projects.

I am hoping that our prayers would bring him back to good health and hopefully he would be in a position to start setting again as well.

Please do share your thoughts and messages for him either here or in the special blogpost going to set up at The Hindu Crossword Corner and we shall convey the same to him.