Why does the author say that Iswaran seemed to more than make up for the absence of a TV in Mahendra’s living quarters?

Explanation

The author says so because Iswaran provided a great company to Mahendra. He would chat with Mahendra at night when he returned from his work. Iswaran would also entertain Mahendra by telling stories. Thus, with Iswaran around Mahendra never felt bored and never felt the necessity of having a TV for entertainment