Saturday, February 3, 2018

The second day in Alappuzha district.

The day had begun at a quarter past 6 and I went about my chores to be on time. We'd initially gone into Alappuzha town but had altered course to Mararikkulam south panchayat, the first in the day's itinerary. Breakfast was, thus, delayed. Earlier , we'd met with the PWD minister, Mr. Sudhakaran and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Prof PJ Kurien, at the guest house before departure.

Maman was in bad shape with viral fever but despite his discomfort, he'd gone about his job remarkably well. The panchayats with which we'd our trysts today were:-

   (a) Mararikkulam south.
   (b) Mararikkulam north.
   (c) Thuravoor.
   (d) Kuthiathodu and
   (e) Aroor.

The receptions, followed by the interactions, in each of the panchayats were well crafted and educative. The ladies have really been our supporters as is evident throughout this yatra. The important fact is that they strongly believe that we would deliver! And we shall!! Attaining cent percent digital literacy is an achievable aim and the panchayats that we've interacted with, thus far, do not seem to have any doubts on that score.

Prathapan, our co-ordinator in Alappuzha, has done a commendable job and he was keen to show us his house and his driving school premises. The hardworking guy that he is, has a modern training facility efficiently run by his wife, Sini. His mother was felicitated by adorning her with a shawl.

I was a bit into logistics in ensuring that four out of the nine vehicles were fuelled and the bills taken for accounting. The proceedings of the day ended by 6, but despite the early secure, I wasn't able to visit a decent hair cutting saloon because Aroor didn't seem to have one. Incidentally, the Aroor meeting ended on a fine rendition of 'Poonthenaruvi Ponmudi puzhayude aniyathee.....' by playback singer, Dileema who's also the Zilla Vice President. Santha of the panchayat rendered a beautiful song after that. There's a lot of talent!

The local MLA, Arif, incidentally, was in attendance.


Tailpiece.

We'd settled at 'The Villas' which was a modest resting place with no frills. Our dinner was at a place, close to the Aroor panchayat.    

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