The admirably handsome former Minister of State Shashi Taroor, who, despite being born and lived outside Kerala, stand for an applause from the proud Malayalees, for holding his head high for Kerala.
The fact that the who is who from Kerala, in spite of holding very powerful ministerial positions in the cabinet could not make a niche worth noticeable for the state and its people, therefore, are the strongest adversaries (jealousy – what else) of the globally acclaimed writer – diplomat who got backing from none other than Kofi Annan for his bold stand. Shashi Tharoor has actually stepped in the shoes of V.K. Krishna Menon, gem of a Malayalee reined in Delhi’s power corridor, notwithstanding the contribution of late Shri K R Narayanan. I have a list of prominent Malayalees in Delhi on top of which is Mr. Prakash Karat, who sails another boat.
Having said this, I do not endorse the controversy, Mr. Tharoor got embroiled in —it was un-matching of his stature — although he made this move for his love for Kerala and the youth of the state in mind. Any how different people think differently. I join (rather intrude) the mass of young Malayalees all over the world in extending an unconditional support to Mr. Shashi Tharoor. In his exit speech as a Minister He quoted Vallathol’s famous lines.
“Bharatham ennu kettal abhimana puritham akanam antharangam, Keralam ennu kettalo thilackanam chora namukku njarampukalil.”
(One should be proud of a mere mention of Bharatam but on hearing the name of Keralam, blood should simmer through the veins)
Let’s join him !
Jai India !
Jai Kerala !
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Different Pilgrimage
Suddenly in January it occurred to me that I must make a trip to Kerala, where I was born sixty years ago. Having said so, I owe a clarification. By virtue of birth I do belong to Kerala, the land Malayalees and others fondly call “God’s own country”. During the last forty years, I have been making sorties to Kottayam and back to Delhi, shuttling between relatives. This time too we visited relatives, but only as a ‘Edathavalam’.(Midway)
It was a cozy Jetlite trip to Nedumbassery, where Lata and Premkumar received us. We were taken to their home ‘Savitri Bhavan’ in Elammkkara. They both and Naryanan Sir(Velliachan) made that evening a warm, memorable one. Nothing to compare the yummy Appam and Fish Stew treat managed by none other than “Satyechi”. Mouth watering Crab curry was a first time delicacy. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. By opening a scotch, Velliachan made us feel VIPs.
Our next destination was Vagamon, a less popular location, but a princes amongst the hills, Vagamon is approximately 40 kms up Erattupetta. Though we had a plan to make it to the Kurisumala where the stations of cross being held. We could not make it as it consists of an hour’s steep climb. We reluctantly skipped. We visited the pine forest (This did not fascinate us as we are just a month down our visit to Mukteswar). The “Mottakunnu” (Egg shaped mountains) reminded the small mud mounts made of coconut shells in our childhood. There were no trees but grass on the mounts . Is n’t it surprising that in perpetually raining Kerala a natural marvel exists without trees or bushes. Perhaps nature has its plans differently. But that is it. Perhaps the most surprising and scenic place in Vagamon. Another interesting place of visit in Vagamon is the Paultry farm managed by the Franciscan Missionaries. The Swiss breed cows milk the entire valley of Pala, Bharananganam, Erattupetta. The Campus, so meticulously planned, resources and wastes used and reused, and managed for decades was established by a foreigner Franciscan missionary. Management students must make a serious visit to this place to learn things in detail. Bravo, Father, you climbed the hilltop when Vagamon was not heard of by outside world and for making that ‘conversion’. Vagamon still need to be visited. Next time. On our descend, we passed through Bharananganam, but could not alight for “the St.Alphonsa’s” tomb.
Our Good Friday at Kudamaloor was an experience. Nothing has changed. The Neenthu Nercha(crowling on knees) from the Cross (Black stone)till the altar (a quarter Km) continues to attract thousands from far off places as it used to be forty years ago and before. We did not go to any other places in Kottyam, though Kumarakam was only a few miles from my place. Here we visited all the family oldies, some of whom may not be there till our next visit.
Easter was at Punalur, all near and dear ones from Bangalore and Delhi gathered and was a very pleasant day. The four hour holy mass in ‘Malankara rite’ was as if I have had my quota for the whole year. I confess I could not control my nap during the service. Sorry Lord. On Monday after Easter we took a visit oldies mission. Take it from me, we visited six elderly people past their eighties, all women. None of them has her life partner in this world.
Our next destination was Thiruvananthapuram. The most beautiful capital city of all the Indian States (I am serious). Next two days we visited Kovalam and Shankhumukham. Having heard a lot about the beaches, no need to mention we were thrilled. We enjoyed the roaring waves in Shankhumukham and the romantic sands in Kovalam. Kingfisher brought us back in style. The illuminated Bombay (I dare to call) from above sky was marvelous, and another sight of splendid Delhi (my city) again from the Sky was Wow!
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Footnote, Sorry to mention, Kerala, the most advanced Indian state lacks basic human facilites. The state of public lavatories is pathetic, especially Bus Stands, and wherever you may be lucky enough to find one, it hardly has a women’s toilet. Hope the KTDC and ITDC takes care. Untill then, please be prepared.
It was a cozy Jetlite trip to Nedumbassery, where Lata and Premkumar received us. We were taken to their home ‘Savitri Bhavan’ in Elammkkara. They both and Naryanan Sir(Velliachan) made that evening a warm, memorable one. Nothing to compare the yummy Appam and Fish Stew treat managed by none other than “Satyechi”. Mouth watering Crab curry was a first time delicacy. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening. By opening a scotch, Velliachan made us feel VIPs.
Our next destination was Vagamon, a less popular location, but a princes amongst the hills, Vagamon is approximately 40 kms up Erattupetta. Though we had a plan to make it to the Kurisumala where the stations of cross being held. We could not make it as it consists of an hour’s steep climb. We reluctantly skipped. We visited the pine forest (This did not fascinate us as we are just a month down our visit to Mukteswar). The “Mottakunnu” (Egg shaped mountains) reminded the small mud mounts made of coconut shells in our childhood. There were no trees but grass on the mounts . Is n’t it surprising that in perpetually raining Kerala a natural marvel exists without trees or bushes. Perhaps nature has its plans differently. But that is it. Perhaps the most surprising and scenic place in Vagamon. Another interesting place of visit in Vagamon is the Paultry farm managed by the Franciscan Missionaries. The Swiss breed cows milk the entire valley of Pala, Bharananganam, Erattupetta. The Campus, so meticulously planned, resources and wastes used and reused, and managed for decades was established by a foreigner Franciscan missionary. Management students must make a serious visit to this place to learn things in detail. Bravo, Father, you climbed the hilltop when Vagamon was not heard of by outside world and for making that ‘conversion’. Vagamon still need to be visited. Next time. On our descend, we passed through Bharananganam, but could not alight for “the St.Alphonsa’s” tomb.
Our Good Friday at Kudamaloor was an experience. Nothing has changed. The Neenthu Nercha(crowling on knees) from the Cross (Black stone)till the altar (a quarter Km) continues to attract thousands from far off places as it used to be forty years ago and before. We did not go to any other places in Kottyam, though Kumarakam was only a few miles from my place. Here we visited all the family oldies, some of whom may not be there till our next visit.
Easter was at Punalur, all near and dear ones from Bangalore and Delhi gathered and was a very pleasant day. The four hour holy mass in ‘Malankara rite’ was as if I have had my quota for the whole year. I confess I could not control my nap during the service. Sorry Lord. On Monday after Easter we took a visit oldies mission. Take it from me, we visited six elderly people past their eighties, all women. None of them has her life partner in this world.
Our next destination was Thiruvananthapuram. The most beautiful capital city of all the Indian States (I am serious). Next two days we visited Kovalam and Shankhumukham. Having heard a lot about the beaches, no need to mention we were thrilled. We enjoyed the roaring waves in Shankhumukham and the romantic sands in Kovalam. Kingfisher brought us back in style. The illuminated Bombay (I dare to call) from above sky was marvelous, and another sight of splendid Delhi (my city) again from the Sky was Wow!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Footnote, Sorry to mention, Kerala, the most advanced Indian state lacks basic human facilites. The state of public lavatories is pathetic, especially Bus Stands, and wherever you may be lucky enough to find one, it hardly has a women’s toilet. Hope the KTDC and ITDC takes care. Untill then, please be prepared.
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