It was a very short night, I'd gone off to sleep around midnight after reviewing the preparations at the site on the Maanaveeyam Road, near the Althara Devi kshetram. Had got up at a half past 4, gone through the chores and was out of the house by 7. We'd gone into the Foundation, the loose ends were tied up and I held back for our computer expert, Shekhar, to fetch up to copy the yatra's signature tune and the associated coverage from the compact disc to a pen drive to suit the system in the souped up vehicle. It was going to be the mainstay for the next 33 days'!
We, Shekhar, Lekha and I reached the venue just 15' ahead of the the chief minister's arrival. Everything was in place and we went through the arrangements one last time to ensure that the events tumbled out with clockwork precision.
The function went off well and the chief minister had also boarded the Science Exploratory, that was a pending task till this date. There was a sizeable crowd as audience and the entire place bore a festive look. After about 40', the guests had dissipated after the yatra was flagged off followed by a round of tea and snack. Had met Indira kunjamma, Suma kunjamma, Gopu and the others of the family during the function.
* * *
We'd returned to the Foundation to spend a quiet afternoon and to have lunch with our staff. There shall be no further activity for the 'yatra' team, for the rest of the day, due to security reasons. Instructions were given to each member of the team to be outside the Foundation, tomorrow morning at a half past 6, to head for Parassala.
* * *
Meanwhile, news from Lekha had confirmed that she had met the ENT specialist, Dr. Harindra Babu - mom's favourite - had a thorough medical check up and collected the medicines. Thankfully, it has been confirmed that there were no complications and her chest was clear. Rest and recuperation over the next few days should help her regain her health. And that puts a great worry - of the past few days - off my mind.
Tailpiece.
1. And today was India's 69th Republic Day, that was celebrated with pomp, show and gaiety all over the country. All the leaders of the ASEAN countries were brought in as guests at the parade at New Delhi.
2. Maman was very keen that I attended the 'At Home' at the Raj Bhavan in the evening. I'd politely turned down the invite because I wasn't dressed to the occasion - I was in the 'yatra' rig of keds and a bush shirt that were too casual for the occasion.....not expected from a Naval Captain, as per my understanding of the customs and traditions!
3. Had gone to offer condolences to MM Hassan, the Congress leader on account of his mother's passing away. Told him that I still remembered his mom's delicacies sent to our house on festivals. He squeezed my hands.!
We, Shekhar, Lekha and I reached the venue just 15' ahead of the the chief minister's arrival. Everything was in place and we went through the arrangements one last time to ensure that the events tumbled out with clockwork precision.
The function went off well and the chief minister had also boarded the Science Exploratory, that was a pending task till this date. There was a sizeable crowd as audience and the entire place bore a festive look. After about 40', the guests had dissipated after the yatra was flagged off followed by a round of tea and snack. Had met Indira kunjamma, Suma kunjamma, Gopu and the others of the family during the function.
* * *
We'd returned to the Foundation to spend a quiet afternoon and to have lunch with our staff. There shall be no further activity for the 'yatra' team, for the rest of the day, due to security reasons. Instructions were given to each member of the team to be outside the Foundation, tomorrow morning at a half past 6, to head for Parassala.
* * *
Meanwhile, news from Lekha had confirmed that she had met the ENT specialist, Dr. Harindra Babu - mom's favourite - had a thorough medical check up and collected the medicines. Thankfully, it has been confirmed that there were no complications and her chest was clear. Rest and recuperation over the next few days should help her regain her health. And that puts a great worry - of the past few days - off my mind.
Tailpiece.
1. And today was India's 69th Republic Day, that was celebrated with pomp, show and gaiety all over the country. All the leaders of the ASEAN countries were brought in as guests at the parade at New Delhi.
2. Maman was very keen that I attended the 'At Home' at the Raj Bhavan in the evening. I'd politely turned down the invite because I wasn't dressed to the occasion - I was in the 'yatra' rig of keds and a bush shirt that were too casual for the occasion.....not expected from a Naval Captain, as per my understanding of the customs and traditions!
3. Had gone to offer condolences to MM Hassan, the Congress leader on account of his mother's passing away. Told him that I still remembered his mom's delicacies sent to our house on festivals. He squeezed my hands.!
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