In a world where owning a house is often equated with success and peace of mind, Thyrocare founder Dr. A. Velumani has offered a deeply personal and moving counterpoint. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the billionaire entrepreneur shared a nostalgic post that doesn’t just talk finance—it tells a story of human warmth, shared struggles, and the kind of landlord-tenant relationship that’s becoming rare in today’s fast-paced cities. His post is both a life lesson and a tribute to the people who shaped his journey, especially one landlady who became much more than a house owner.
Velumani began his post by revisiting a common debate: to rent or to buy? While many swear by the security of owning a home, he cautioned against piling on EMIs (equated monthly instalments). “Too much EMI,” he wrote, “will not only spoil sleep but can get you into depression.” He acknowledged that many people blame landlords for unpleasant renting experiences, but added a wise note: “A percentage of landlords and an equal percentage of tenants are bad. When both are bad, life is hell.”
Rewinding to the 1980s, Velumani shared how he moved into a modest 2BHK rental in Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, as a paying guest in 1982. Over time, his siblings, wife, and eventually his son joined him. In total, 11 people — from two different families — shared one toilet, one black-and-white TV, and a life built on mutual respect.
The landlords, Mr. Laxman Raut and Mrs. Urmila Raut had four children of their own, yet they gave up a bedroom for Velumani's family out of compassion and understanding. The two families lived together until 1990, celebrating festivals, queuing up for kerosene, and even sharing utensils and a fridge.
Velumani recounted how, when his family finally moved out in 1990, Mrs. Urmila Raut cried “more than my mother when I left Coimbatore.” Despite increasing rent fairly with each new family member, the Rauts never compromised on love and dignity. In return, Velumani and his family were responsible tenants — always paying on time, never inviting relatives or guests to overcrowd the home, and maintaining a clean and respectful environment.
It was in that packed house — sharing space with a Maharashtrian family in Mumbai — that Velumani and his siblings completed their education. He earned his MSc and PhD, while his brothers pursued law and science degrees. “All directors of Thyrocare have learnt true life in that house,” he wrote, emphasising how those humble beginnings shaped not only their academic but also their emotional growth.
While Velumani admits that his views on EMIs may be biased by his positive experience with renting, he leaves readers with a powerful message: financial freedom is important, but emotional security matters just as much, if not more. “Good people are a lot on earth. Getting them is luck,” he concluded, recently reuniting with his former landlady to thank her again.
Velumani began his post by revisiting a common debate: to rent or to buy? While many swear by the security of owning a home, he cautioned against piling on EMIs (equated monthly instalments). “Too much EMI,” he wrote, “will not only spoil sleep but can get you into depression.” He acknowledged that many people blame landlords for unpleasant renting experiences, but added a wise note: “A percentage of landlords and an equal percentage of tenants are bad. When both are bad, life is hell.”
Rewinding to the 1980s, Velumani shared how he moved into a modest 2BHK rental in Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, as a paying guest in 1982. Over time, his siblings, wife, and eventually his son joined him. In total, 11 people — from two different families — shared one toilet, one black-and-white TV, and a life built on mutual respect.
The landlords, Mr. Laxman Raut and Mrs. Urmila Raut had four children of their own, yet they gave up a bedroom for Velumani's family out of compassion and understanding. The two families lived together until 1990, celebrating festivals, queuing up for kerosene, and even sharing utensils and a fridge.
Me and my views on EMI
— Dr. A. Velumani.PhD. (@velumania) July 4, 2025
Many times I say avoid EMI. Too much EMI will not only spoil sleep but can get you into depression.
Many disagree and say own house is only peace. Blame landlords for irritating or harassing often.
Of course a % of landlords and an equal % of tenants… pic.twitter.com/Khwu2JTWpD
Velumani recounted how, when his family finally moved out in 1990, Mrs. Urmila Raut cried “more than my mother when I left Coimbatore.” Despite increasing rent fairly with each new family member, the Rauts never compromised on love and dignity. In return, Velumani and his family were responsible tenants — always paying on time, never inviting relatives or guests to overcrowd the home, and maintaining a clean and respectful environment.
It was in that packed house — sharing space with a Maharashtrian family in Mumbai — that Velumani and his siblings completed their education. He earned his MSc and PhD, while his brothers pursued law and science degrees. “All directors of Thyrocare have learnt true life in that house,” he wrote, emphasising how those humble beginnings shaped not only their academic but also their emotional growth.
While Velumani admits that his views on EMIs may be biased by his positive experience with renting, he leaves readers with a powerful message: financial freedom is important, but emotional security matters just as much, if not more. “Good people are a lot on earth. Getting them is luck,” he concluded, recently reuniting with his former landlady to thank her again.
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