'Dollar' Seshadri (Pala Sehadri) had the last laugh at most times and is popular with the VVIPs who visit the  Tirumala shrine managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams. Imagine the clout of this gentleman who get a green signal from the board for the fourth consecutive time as the Officer on Special Duty after retirement in 2006. Every two years the OSD is nominated by the board and Seshadri becomes a record holder in this  issue. Infact after a long time the veteran opens his mouth to a prominent daily and some excerpts are quoted for reader-benefit only.

What made Seshadri enormously popular:His involvement in the day-to-day functioning at the temple gives him, definitely an edge. Next his long tenure at the temple also reveals the expertise this veteran has got, in the daily chores at the temple. He remarks that he had been serving the temple  from 1977 as an LD, UD, OSD.  Thirdly his simple dressing style does keep him in limelight  and the center of attraction in a gathering. He never wears a shirt and only ties a dhoti around the waste where ever he travels even in adverse climatic conditions. And that surely makes him distinct.

He recalls that the former President Abdul Kalaam had met him as a junior scientist, Sr Scientist, Head of India Space Research and as a President Of India too. As the Scientist was climbing the ladders of success, Seshadri proudly says that whenever the former visited, his position remained the same serving the lord.

Secrets behind the name,'Dollar' Seshadri: The popular name 'Dollar' Seshadri is well known in the elite circles. The veteran replies with a smile over the main secret behind his name. He briefs that the name is due to the chain around his neck that has a huge dollar embezzled with an image of a ram (male sheep). He says this was required to ward off the evil eyes that might harm his stature. And as the dollar is visible due to his bare top the name takes center stage.  

However critics spell otherwise. 'A controversy raged in 2007 that he was responsible for the missing of 310 gold coins called dollars from Srivari Bokksam, the temple vault. The dollars went missing in 2005 when Seshadri was in service and in charge of the Bokkasam.' this has led to the title added to his name. While not giving any importance to the controversies, the sole aim of the veteran to serve the lord till his alst breath has to be admired.  (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)