How love grew before the internet; couples from Madurai in age of letters

A love story that began in the early 1970s and has endured the test of time. H Anarkali, an associate professor and school principal, met her husband, S Balasubramanian, a school administrator, during college through a mutual friend. What started as a friendship soon grew into a relationship that faced many oppositions.

While recollecting her best moments, she remembers how often they met and found comfort in each other’s company. “I don’t know why I liked him back then,” she laughs. “One day, I decided to share my feelings and propose my love to him. Nowadays, people plan different creative proposals with rings and surprises. Back then, we just spoke from the heart.”

Balasubramanian felt the same way. “We never let our religious differences hold us back because our love goes beyond that.” He explains, “We had a long-distance relationship. I often skipped classes and travelled to Madurai just to see her. Those regular meetings helped our relationship grow. Before video calls, letters were the only way to communicate.”

S Balasubramanian firmly holding his wife H Anarkali’s hand and recalling his 54 years of love life.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK

Anarkali shares, “Those days, I loved to write more letters for him… The excitement I felt when receiving a letter from the postman was beyond words. Waiting for replies only made that excitement stronger.”

She also recalls the day he told her father about their relationship, even though he wasn’t ready to accept them. “We faced many difficulties after that. Amidst all the struggles, we registered our marriage in 1978, a time when inter-religious marriages faced challenges. Despite the tough times, we supported each other then and continue to do so now.”

Balasubramanian believes today’s younger generation is more aware and confident when making choices about their future. “They know what they want,” he says, adding that parents should support and guide them in their relationships.

M. Christopher Gnanaraj, with his wife D. Evelin Ponmalar, cherishing his school days’ love memories in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK

In the 1980s, another love story unfolded between neighbours during school days. M Christopher Gnanaraj, the director of Rise Advertising, first met his wife, D Evelin Ponmalar, proprietor of Eveline homefoods and catering, Eveline Boutique who was his neighbour.

Ponmalar remembers a special time in their community when they celebrated with small gatherings where neighbours came together for various activities. “One evening, a young boy walked onto the stage, took the mic, and began singing ‘Raja Raja Chozhan Naan…’. His voice filled the air, and in that moment, he won everyone’s heart — especially mine. I still can’t forget that day; this is what they call love at first sight.”

Looking back on she says, “I was in head over heels and shared my the feelings with him. That single ‘yes’ marked the start of our journey together, leading to a life filled with a lasting happiness.”

Christopher says, “When we first moved into that quarter, I already liked her. When she proposed to me, I didn’t hesitate and immediately said yes.”

M Christopher Gnanaraj, with his wife D Evelin Ponmalar, cherishing his school days’ love memories in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK

He explains that they gradually bonded. “During our school days, we shared letters, gifts, and greeting cards through friends. There were no mobile phones or messaging apps back then. Greeting cards carried our emotions,” he says. “Today, feelings are shared through emojis on social media, but giving someone a card with our true feelings written in it is a different experience. We still keep those cards and small gifts; they hold special memories for us.”

He adds that telephones became common much later and were not present in most homes. “Calls were few and far between those days and it was used only for important matters. But we had telephone booths on every corner, which the current generation may not recognise. In the evenings, when she wanted to reach me but feared someone else might answer, she would give two missed calls as a signal. I would notice and call back at the right time; those little memories are precious to us.”

Christopher believes the bond they share now reflects the same strength they had earlier in their relationship — support and care for each other. “We may have arguments and misunderstandings, but it’s important to be patient and focus on finding solutions.. That’s essential in a relationship, and many people lack it today.”

When love was written, not typed, it needed time and care. In the era of letters, cards, and missed calls, emotions were preserved and not deleted. These couples show how love, once thoughtfully expressed, can last a lifetime.

Published – February 13, 2026 12:09 am IST