Under the surgeon's knife!

My sebaceous glands have played havoc, yet again. This time, the cysts have formed on each of my eyelids.(A condition that I hated to see in others during my childhood. I'd recalled that to the ophthalmologist Dr Rani Menon, who did the intervention). And she said that everything in life has a way of returning!

Actually, it was Dr Satish Bhat, who was reviewing my sugar levels, the day before yesterday, who put the fear of god into me for having lived with it for the last three months! Commencing with the unveiling of my grandfather's statue by the Rashtrapati, I was busy doing the groundwork followed by his 113th birthday celebrations from the ides of March. I'd deliberately put off the medical intervention.

Anyways, after Satish Bhat's coaxing, I'd rung up the ophthalmologist on return from Kochi, last evening and she had asked me to meet her this afternoon at 1. 62-year-old-Purushu was my chauffeur and it was he who had signed the consent letter for the medical intervention. By a quarter-past-2, I was in the minor OT of the Rani Menon's Eye Hospital at Thrissur.

The cyst on the right eyelid was threatening but the muck was drained out within no time. The left one that was of an earlier vintage was subdued but had quite a bit of muck that had to be drained out. The whole procedure must have taken not more than 20' and I place on record Dr Rani Menon and her team's professionalism, efficiency and dedication.

For me, she had done a personal favour when I'd told her yesterday, that I've to be at Thiruvananthapuram on 04 Apr, to celebrate my aunt, Indirakkutty's 80th birthday. Damn sweet of her. Sisters Raji and Aathira assisted the doctor during the procedure and I'd insisted on seeing them after the bandage around my eyes had been removed and thanked them for looking after me. Nicy and Swadisha were the other sisters who'd monitored me, post-intervention. 

We, Malayalees, can definitely be proud of Dr Rani Menon's Eye Hospital that has LASIK and state-of-the-art technology!!

Purushu had dropped me back home by 5. He has become yet another fan of mine after today's association.

Tailpiece.

Today happens to be my niece, Ammu's birthday. She's currently doing her management studies at the Babson College, Massachusetts in Boston.     

10 Remarkable stories.

Wonder whether I've told you these stories earlier but never mind, they're worth reading again......and again.

  1. She was very excited today, after all the school was re-opening after a long summer break. Now, once again, she could start selling stationery at the traffic signal to feed her family. 

  2. She, a renowned artist and a strict mother, often scolded her 6-year-old son for he could never draw a line straight. As he breathed slowly into the ventilator, she begged him to make one more crooked line on the ECG.

  3. "Everyone goes with the flow......but the one who goes against it becomes someone remarkable". Before I could explain this to the traffic police, the man issued me a fine.

  4. Their love was different. She was happy every time he kicked her in the stomach. Every time he kicked she loved him more. She waited for the time she would hold her baby for the first time.

  5. All my toys are yours.....! Read her brother's death note.

  6. They took his father and only returned a flag.

  7. At 25, I became a mother of one; at 27 I became a mother of three! My son got married today and brought home his wife!

  8. "Born to rich parents, this boy is so lucky", exclaimed the neighbours! Somewhere in heaven, three unborn sisters cried.

  9. "You ruined my career, I was supposed to be an Executive Director", she thought to herself. The little angel held her finger tightly and she forgot everything; A mother was born.

10. Once a 5-year-old boy was standing barefoot in the shallow water of the ocean. He was repeating the same sentence to the waves - "Even if you touch my feet a thousand times, I won't forgive you for taking my parents away.

Courtesy. What'sApp.

My take

Breath taking! Aren't they?

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by 9. Ramjit had brought down our luggage from the room (Room no.161 on the first floor) and we left soon after. Two disturbing things happened - the car's air conditioner had gone for a toss and I couldn't think of driving all through with the windows rolled down and I misjudged my parking at the Panampilli Nagar and had the port forward part of the Chevy dented.

Caught an auto rickshaw (Pramod) to go to AKP Metals on Broadway to buy a gift for Suresh's daughter - our new neighbour, who's getting the puja done in the new house, along with the house warming. After return, we kicked off to Katari Bagh to buy things from the canteen, Oyster Bay. And by now, the car's air conditioner was back on stream! A tantrum, perhaps!!

Unfortunately, the canteen was closed for stock taking but I could buy spirits! Met Commodore and Mrs Beena Pavithran and we promised ourselves to keep in touch. He was in class X when I'd joined school in class VII in 1967. We left Ernakulam by a quarter past 12 and opted for the route via Kodungalloor but there were surprises, in store for us, at Guruvayur and Sajish, the cabbie, talked me to The Quarterdeck through narrow single lane pocket roads. An auto rickshaw chap scratched my Chevy's starboard quarter in one of the tight turns! The arterial road in front of our house was being resurfaced and therefore, cordoned off from traffic. Our Municipality takes the cake for doing things furtively!

Reached home by 4 and Kittu had dropped by for his food. After a quick wash and change, Lekha and I had gone across to our new neighbours to wish them well.

Lekha's doctor rang up to tell us that her PT-INR was normal and my Ophthalmologist has asked me to report to her tomorrow afternoon at 1.

Washing machinex and clothes were put on the line to dry. Hit the sack at our usual time.

  

Two interesting inputs.

Got these two inputs from two of my friends today and I thought of sharing them with you. So, here I go.

Nikita Iyer on Linkedin

This morning, on my way to work, stranded by an Uber auto driver in the middle of the highway, I must have had a worried expression on my face which made an old man driving a rickshaw stop and ask me where I wanted to go.

Skeptical at first, I told him I needed to get to the other end of town to my office and that I was already late. He said, "Please come in Ma'am, you can pay what you want" in impeccable English. Taken aback with such kind behaviour, I said ok and what followed was a very enriching 45 minutes.

Of course, as a Researcher, I couldn't contain my curiosity and asked him how he spoke such good English to which he said he was an English lecturer and has done his MA and MEd! He predicted my next question and asked me himself, "So you're going to ask me why I am driving an auto right?" I said, absolutely, please tell me.

He said he is 74 years old now and has been driving a rickshaw for 14 years. Previously he was an English lecture at a college in Bombay because he did not get any job in Karnataka. The only question he was asked was, "What is your caste?" and when he said his name was Mr Pattabhi Raman, they said, "We will let you know". Fed up, he moved to Bombay to look for a job and was welcomed and given a job in the reputed Powai College where he worked for 20 years. At 60, he retired and came back to Karnataka. "Teachers do not get paid well. The maximum you can earn is 10-15,000/- and since it was a private institution, I don't have pension. By driving a rickshaw I get at least 700 - 1,500/- a day which is enough for me and my girlfriend", he laughed.

When I laughed too he said, "She is my wife but I call her my girlfriend because you must always treat them as equal. The minute you say wife, husbands think she's a slave who must serve you but she is in no way inferior to me, in fact she is superior to me sometimes. She is 72 and takes care of the house while I work for 9-10 hours a day. We live in a 1 BHK in Kadugodi where my son helps pay the rent of 12,000/- but beyond that, we are not dependent on our children. They live their life and we live ours happily. Now I am the Raja of my road, I can take my auto out any time I want and work when I want".

Not one complaint about life.

Not one regret.

So much to learn from these

hidden heroes.

My morning was made.

A Fond Kiss

"A fond kiss, and then we sever;

A farewell, and then forever!

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll

pledge thee,

Warning sights and groans I'll wage

thee".

"Who shall say that Fortune

grieves him,

While the star of hope she leaves

him?"

"Me, no cheerful twinkle lights me;

Dark despair around benights me.

I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy,

Nothing could resist my Nancy;

But to see her was to love her;

Love but her, and love forever.

Had we never lov'd so kindly,

Had we never lov'd so blindly,

Never met - or never parted -

We had ne'er been broken-

hearted.

Fare thee well, thou first and 

fairest!

Fare thee well, thou best and

dearest!

Thine be like a joy and treasure,

Peace, enjoyment, love and

pleasure!

A fond kiss, and then we sever;

A farewell, alas, forever!

Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll

pledge thee,

Warring sighs and groans I'll wage

thee!"

Robert Burns

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and we were ready by a quarter past 8. Set off for Shenoy Care and Lekha had finished with the registration facilities, while I'd parked the Chevy in the adjacent parking ground. We first met Tinny, the junior doctor, who took in the minute details of the progress made in the last three months and punched them into the computer for Dr Shenoy's perusal and prognosis. 

Was meeting with Lekha's doctor after a long while. Exchanged pleasantries and he seemed to be happy with her medical condition. Tomorrow, the lab-embedded-in-the-clinic will give us Lekha's latest ESR and PT-INR, for further action.

Headed then, for Satish Bhat's clinic. He has put me on track regarding the ophthalmic treatment. Had lunch at the Aarya's at Panampilli Nagar and returned to Sarovaram.

A quiet evening thereafter.

  

 

  

Ruble bound to Gold!

It's official! Russia Central Bank announces Ruble bound to gold! 5,000 Rubles per Gram.

The Central Bank of Russia has officially announced that, as of 28 Mar 2022, the Russian Ruble currency is bound to Gold. The rate is 5,000 Rubles per gram of gold bullion.

(Note. This story has been corrected to report "TROY" ounces as opposed to dry ounces and the values recomputed to reflect there are more grams per TROY ounce than in a dry ounce).

There are 32 grams in each TROY ounce. 32 grams times 5,000 rubles oer Gram is 1,60,000 Rubles. 

The conversion rate of Rubles to US Dollars is 100 Rubles, 90 Kopecs to each US Dollar.

If Rubles are bound to Gold at 5,000 Rubles per gram and there are 32 grams per TROY ounce, meaning one ounce of gold would cost 1,60,000 Rubles then converting that to US Dollars means Gold is $1,600 per ounce when using Rubles instead of $1,928 per ounce using Dollars. 

* Russia just wiped out about 30% of the value of the US Dollar, worldwide when it comes to Gold Bullion.

* Worse, because Russia will only sell its oil and gas in Rubles and Rubles are now fixed at 5,000 Rubles per gram, anyone wishing to buy Oil or Gas will need to either pay in Rubles or pay in Gold and they won't get the US Dollar value for the gold they tender as payment!

* People around the world will be literally THROWING their money at the Ruble and DUMPING Dollars and Euros to do it.

What Russia just did is the financial equivalent of detonating a nuclear bomb.

Backdrop

*The last guy on this planet who tried to back a currency with Gold, was Muammar Quadaffi of Libya.

* NATO went into Libya, bombed the hell out of it, until the people of Libya grabbed Quadaffi on the street, beat him bloody and put a bullet in his head.

* As of this hour, Bankers all over the world are on the phones with each other and with heads of state, instructing them that what Russia has done will totally smash both the US Dollar and Euro and those Bankers will be telling the heads of State that World War 3 must commence immediately.

The reasons :-

* Today, the Russian Central Bank pegged Rubles to Gold.

* Last week, Russia declared they could only sell OIL and GAS in....Rubles.

* This means Russian OIL and GAS are pegged to Gold with Rubles as the proxy for Gold.

* EFFECT. Europe (that needs Russian Gas and Oil) will now have to buy Rubles from Putin using Gold or pay for the Oil and Gas with Gold itself.

* Currently, the FOREX Rate for Rubles to Dollars is about 100:1.

* But.....with 5,000 Rubles now equaling one gram of Gold, we are going to see a MASSIVE price disruption in FOREX markets, in terms of how much Gold a Dollar can still buy.

* Foreign countries holding our Dollar Debt Notes in Reserve, will see an immediate and far less use for them and will want to start dumping them in favour of something more stable, something which holds its value.

* Basically, any currency pegged to Gold will fit the bill which means that - like Japan - will start dumping their Dollar Debt as fast as they can - they are not going to go down with the ship! They will move into more stable currencies, like......the Ruble.

* This will have a deflationary effect on the Ruble, making it more valuable over time.

* This also means Putin can re-peg the Ruble any time he wants, to like 500 or 50 or 10. It just keeps getting more valuable for him.

* The instant result is that all those foreign countries dumping their Dollar Reserves will cause all those excess Dollars to start coming home, triggering worse hyper-inflation than we already have now in the USA.

* Is it any wonder why Biden was on stage last week calling for regime change in Russia? He is about to have masses of angry and literally starving Americans marching through the streets here at home demanding answers.

Putin has made a public statement that people will now dump their holdings of Dollars and Euros to safer investments like land, food and raw materials.

Courtesy. Hal Turner On World...Radio Show.

My take

We are passing through extraordinary times!

Tailpiece.

A quiet day at Hotel Sarovaram while the nonsense of the national bandh was going on outside.

Chellakkili and her sister dropped by in the evening to spend time with us.

 

Trying to outsmart the national bandh.

The trade unions - less the Bharathiya Mazdoor Sangh - of the country have called for a 48 hour bandh wef 28 Mar to protest against what they've termed as 'the anti-worker policies of the government'. It's gonna take its toll in Kerala and in West Bengal, as seen from previous experiences. Movement within the state will be the biggest casualty. 

Lekha's appointment with her doctor - that was fixed after her last meeting with him, three months ago - is on the 29th and coming all the way from Guruvayur, on that day, would be super humanly impossible taking into account the dynamics of the Malayalee's attitude to bandhs! 

So Lekha and I'd decided to reach Kochi a day earlier, stay in the city and make it to the clinic because traffic within city limits - under intense police scrutiny - should not be much of a problem....at least that's what we think and hope.

Got up around a trifle past 6, the chores and shut down The Quarterdeck progressively. The Kittus' latest addition, Kittu jr, was active throughout till we left him. Kittu had his food and vanished from the scene - probably didn't want to see us leave the premises! Kittu jr was howling as well as dipping his mouth into the bowl of milk placed before him.

We had finished a quick packing, an early lunch and kicked off from Guruvayur at a quarter past 2. Like in the previous trip, I'd opted for the Kodungalloor route and being a Sunday, the traffic was sparse till we entered Kochi. We went to Panampilli Nagar, had tea at our favourite haunt and leaving the Chevy there, headed to the Convent Junction to buy Indirakkutty's gift. The gift for Suresh's daughter - who's gonna be our new neighbour from the 30th, albeit for a short while, as she'd be flying back to Dubai with her husband who works there - could not be bought because the famous 'AKP Metals' was closed for the day! That purchase has, therefore, been put off for Wednesday.

We reached Hotel Sarovaram through a massive thundershower and settled down to a quiet evening in our would-be-home-for-the-next-two-days.

Tailpiece.

Life puts one through different and demanding situations! 

What "Rotten Luck"?

I've deliberately not used the adjective used by the westerner, who'd posted this, because our culture doesn't permit that. As simple as that!

All over the world, airlines mostly don't own their aircrafts.

They simply get it on lease.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russia and directed European leasing companies to take back all leased aircrafts from Russia by 28 Mar.

That's a total of 520 planes!

  1. The Russians say - since you 've terminated the lease, take them back yourselves.

Now, how can EUget 520 aircrew into Russia when the airspace in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine is closed? They can't fly them in!

  2. Assuming they somehow do, then as soon as the handover takes place in various Russian airports, the planes will no longer be Russia-leased.

And a non-Russian plane is not allowed to fly in Russian airspace.

They won't be able to fly out!

  3. Now, the European leasing companies are the initiators of the termination of leases. Calculating the cost of fines that Russia will then impose for parking 520 European-owned aircrafts on Russian soil, they will all be bankrupt at once.

  4. Russia, now, has to pay the lease for the month of February.

Russia is willing to pay but cannot because it is excluded from SWIFT.

On the contrary, the leasing companies have to pay fines to Russia because of the termination but due to lack of incoming payments from Russia, they have no money to pay the fines!

  5. Despite all this and assuming they take back their planes, what are they going to do with them?

They don't need them and nobody else wants them!

  6. The Boeings of American leasing companies are not affected because Russia hasn't leased any.

If Europeans take their planes away from the Russians, the Americans will immediately supply Russia with Boeings and become the world's no.1 aircraft leasing company, thus completely bankrupting the European leasing companies anyway

This is called "Rotten Luck".

Check and mate.

Courtesy. What'sApp

My take

Russia seems to be in an advantageous position but let's wait for the passage of this night because American President Joe Biden is supposed to make an important announcement. The twists and turns continue.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 10' past 6, the chores. Prijish and Gopika had arrived by a half past 8 to draw the lab samples. Carried out my exercises, recited my prayers and was ready by 10.

Selvam had come by to press the clothes and gave us the formal invitation for his daughter's marriage at Pondicherry on the 27th of. May.

Drove to the nearby petrol pump to top up the Chevy and check tyre pressure.

Participated in the 561st episode of the Aazhchakkoottam : "The influence of fast food in our daily lives" - Dr Bipin K Gopal, Asst Director, Directorate of Health Services, Kerala. A nice presentation.

India's voice begins to count!

Reproducing below a nice message received from my good friend. 

I do not know as to what is cooking on the international front but for the first time I have seen that a host of top influential countries are trying to connect with India either through calls or visits of top officials.

Just see the sequence of events in the last 21 days and all these events are sudden and were not declared earlier.

  1. Since 24 Feb 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at least four times.

  2. Ukrainian President talking with Narendra Modi at least twice and appealing for help. He, in fact, invoked the Mahabharatha and Gandhi while asking for help.

  3. India is the only country which has been able to evacuate almost 14,000 odd people from war torn Ukraine without corridors established between Russia and Ukraine. In fact, if reports are to be believed then India had also successfully evacuated citizens of other countries.

  4. Russia offered massive 25 - 30% discount on oil to India and also, for the first time,  has borne expenses towards shipment and insurance of oil consignment.

  5. US President Joe Biden tries to bulldoze us by indicating that India importing Russian Oil when the US has imposed sanctions, is not good for India and within two days, back tracks on the threat by saying, that they understand India's economic compulsions and are, therefore not against Indian import of Russian Oil.

  6. MEA hitting back hard at the US on their uncalled for advice of not to import Russian Oil and the US keeping quiet and not saying a word.

  7. A Brahmos missile, without warhead, hits Pakistan and India says that it was a malfunction. Pakistan, at first, tries to make noise about the incident but after the US declares that such a malfunction can be a possibility, the entire world ignores the incident. (Frankly, I do not believe that it was a malfunction because when any missile is fired, it gets tracked closely. In this case, the Indian radar operator not tracking and informing about the malfunction remains a mystery, despite the missile remaining in the air for 14 minutes and the flight path showing a steep 90 degree turn). Also the Chinese radars on Pakistani soil could not detect it!

  8. Japanese PM  Fumio Kishida suddenly visits India on a short two-day trip along with a huge line up of delegates. He and his team lands in New Delhi at 4 PM and by 7 PM, commits and signs deals worth US $ 42 billion.

  9. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Yi and team visit India and is scheduled to meet our EAM, S Jayashankar and the NSA, Ajit Doval.

10.  Israeli PM Naftali Bennet will be on a four-day visit to India from 02 Apr onward. The visit has been announced at short notice.

One common thing in all these visits is that all of them are unscheduled visits and have been decided just a week before the visits. (Normally, such high level visits get planned at least a few months in advance).

So, what has happened suddenly? Has India become so important to all countries including biggies like US, Russia and China or does the world want India to either play an active role in stopping the war or be on their side and agree with their perceptions?

My take

India, under a dynamic Prime Minister like Narendra Modi, has become the cynosure of everyone's eyes. It has begun to get noticed and respected after years of neglect.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Went through the third day's medical routine on my eyes as prescribed by the Ophthalmologist. The eye is improving.

Have planned to reach Kochi by Sunday evening to go through Lekha's and my medical reviews on Monday, the national bandh called by the trade unions notwithstanding.   

 

Through two incidents in Bengal and Kerala.

1. Massacre in Rampurhat 

Violence was unleashed at Rampurhat in the Birbhum district of West Bengal in the night of 21 - 22 Mar. The police claim that 7 people were burnt to death that included children and young women but the actual story says that the deaths have been much more as gleaned from the eye witnesses. It was a case of revenge between two groups of the TMC.

The area has a predominant Muslim population. The sad part of the story is that the police, despite being reported by the victims and the affected, failed to act and provide timely needed succour - a sure case of dereliction to duty. Sad! After all Mamata Banerjee's police!!

Media has been deafening by their silence. Have they lost the stomach to investigate and report to the public about the gross injustice that is being meted out? Or do they feel that it would be advantage-BJP, if they tell the truth, because the TMC are evidently the culprits!

Sad that such gross injustice is taking place right in our backyard and one is helpless and unable to do anything against it!

2. Judge acts truant

Palakkad District Judge Kalam Pasha stoked a massive controversy after forcing renowned Mohiniyattam dancer Dr Neena Prasad to stop performing at an event organised at the Government Moyan LP School, Palakkad last Saturday evening.

Pasha, who resides near the school, claimed that Neena Prasad's show, which was scheduled to be held around 2030 hrs on that day was a nuisance to him and forced the organisers to stop the show. The police stormed the venue based on the orders of the judge and stopped the hour-long performance titled 'Sakhyam' that portrayed the strains in the relations between Krishna and Arjuna midway. The senior artiste and her team were humiliated on the stage and were left in tears.

A distraught Neena Prasad said, "This was the bitterest experience of my dance career. It was a humiliating experience not only for me but also for the fellow artistes who mounted the stage with high hopes after more than two years of hibernation".   

The show was organised by the Sekharipuram Grandhasala, where the book 'Ithihasangale Thedi' by MJ Sreechitran, was also released.

A case of sheer high-handedness on the part of the judge.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle past 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Earlier, had carried out the 'aarathi' of the house.

The LPG delivery boys had come by at 11 AM and changed the truant cylinder which had a broken washer within its neck. The early work in the kitchen, including breakfast, was undertaken on the induction cooker.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants - yes, the municipality water has been flowing regularly.

A few interesting quotes.

* Every morning you have two options, continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them. The choice is yours.

* Mathematics may not teach us how to add happiness or how to minus sadness. But it teaches us one important thing. Every problem has a solution.

* If someone points out your mistake then, always be happy that at least someone is interested in your perfection and success.

* One can make one lakh matchsticks but one matchstick can burn one lakh trees.

Moral. One negative thought can burn all positive thoughts.

* Some flowers grow best in the sun and some grow well in the shade. Remember, God puts up where we can grow best, so always be happy in every situation of life.

* "What is life" never mind the kicks of people because without kicks, we may never reach the goal.

* Chance depends on circumstances and choice depends on your attitude.

* What is education?

At the end of World War II, this letter was found in a Nazi concentration camp.

Dear Teachers,

I am a survivor of a concentration camp. My eyes saw what no man should witness. Gas chambers built by learned engineers, children poisoned by educated physicians, infants killed by trained nurses. Women and babies shot and burnt by High School and College Graduates. So, I am suspicious of education. My request is : Help your students become human. Your efforts must never produce learned monsters, skilled psychopaths, educated illiterates. Reading, writing, arithmetic are important only if they serve towards making our children more humane.

* One thing to learn from life is that getting upset will never sort out any issue but getting up to set the things right will help a lot in life.

* The same boiling water that hardens the egg will soften the potato. It depends upon individual's reaction to stressful circumstances.

* When we are wrong and we surrender, it means we are honest. When we are in doubt and we surrender, it means we are wise. But when we are right and we surrender, it means we value relations.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by 10. The path lab team had come by to take Lekha's blood samples for tests.

Connecting up the LPG cylinder gave us problems; shall wait for the IOC rep to come and rectify it.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

   

The truth about the repealed farm laws.

The Supreme Court-appointed experts committee, tasked with studying the controversial farm laws and submitting its recommendations after talking with various groups, has revealed that the majority - 85.7% - stakeholders are in favour of the laws while only 13.3% are against them.

The committee appointed in Jan 2020 comprised policy experts such as Pramod Joshi, Shetkari Sangathan leader Anil Ghanwat and agriculture economist, Ashok Gulati. The committee studied the farm laws and had one-on-one discussions with various stakeholders. It submitted a 92-page report to the Supreme Court. However, the court did not make the report public but farmer leader Anil Ghanwat decided to make it public for the "larger interest of the farmers". Prime Minister Narendra Modi repealed these laws in November last year after a year long protest by farmers in Delhi.

The expert committee held 11 meetings with various stakeholders, including farmer unions, industry bodies, private markets, state agriculture marketing boards, state governments, professionals and academics.

"The feedback received on an online portal establishes that two-thirds of the farmers support the farm laws while one-third did not support the laws. The feedback through emails indicates that a majority supports the farm laws", reads the report adding the "repeal or long suspensions of these farm laws would be unfair to the silent majority who support the farm laws".

The report says the farm laws can serve as overreaching architecture for agriculture marketing. Therefore, the states should allow some flexibility in implementing the laws with prior approval of the central government. The report also suggests that the district revenue authority is full of workload, so they will not address the farmer's grievances effectively/

And the perpetual "aandolan jeevi", Yogendra Yadav has confessed to the fact that the farmers' agitation was kept alive to upset the BJP's election prospects in UP. "Dakait Tikait', the multi-crore, humble (?) farmer has become quiet as western UP taught him a hard lesson during the Assembly elections in UP. 

Tailpiece.

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. After a quick breakfast, went by Hameed's auto-rickshaw for the following :-

     * Fetch our fruit basket

     * Buy grocery from the Harisree Supermarket and

     * Fish for Kittu.

Went across to the ophthalmologist, Rani Menon to report the irritation in my eyes. She has put me on antibiotics for five days, hot water fomentation of the eyes and eye drops!

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

One line humour.

* Regular naps prevent old age, especially if you take them while driving.

* Having one child makes you parent; having two you are a referee.

* Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband.

* I believe we should all pay our tax with a smile. I tried - but they wanted cash.

* A child's greatest period of growth is the month after you've purchased new school uniforms.

* Don't feel bad. A lot of people have no talent.

* Don't marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you cannot live without but whatever you do, you'll regret it later.

* You can't buy love but you pay heavily for it.

* Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

* Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.

* Marriage is give and take. You'd better give it to her or she'll take it anyway.

* My wife and I always compromise. I admit I'm wrong and she agrees with me.

* A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

* You're getting old when you enjoy remembering things more than doing them.

* It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still ends up with the same boss.

* Real friends are the ones who survive transitions between address books.

* Saving is the best thing. Especially when your parents have done it for you.

* Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because they have to say something.

* They call our language the mother tongue because the father seldom gets to speak.

* Man : Is there any way for long life?

   Dr : Get married.

   Man : Will it help?

   Dr : No, but then the thought of long life will never come!

* Why do couples hold hands during their wedding?

   It's a formality just like two boxers shaking hands before the fight begins.

* Wife : Darling, today is our anniversary, what should we do?

   Husband : Let us stand in silence for 2 minutes.

* It's funny when people discuss Love Marriage vs Arranged. It's like asking someone, if suicide is better or being murdered.

* There is only one perfect child in the world and every mother has it.

* There is only one perfect wife in the world and every neighbour has it. 

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Earlier, wished Rema many happy returns as it's her birthday.

Washing machinex of clothes used for the journey.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.

Kittu, with his delightful capers, kept us engaged all through the day.

 

Back at The Quarterdeck.

Got up at 4, the chores and was ready by a half past 6. Meanwhile, the packing and putting back the things in place were systematically carried out. The caretaker had come by to see us off and helped me to load the luggage into the boot. Earlier, I'd wiped the Chevy off the morning mist and she looked cute! 

Paid 2 grand to the caretaker towards 'annadaanam' during the Kusappilli Temple's (our family temple once upon a time before we handed it over to the Devaswom Board) annual festival during the first week of April.

We kicked off by a quarter to 7 and headed towards the reciprocal - of our course - to Randalummoodu, to place our offerings at the Nagaraja temple out there, a habit picked up from Mom and then, altered course to Pidavoor. Said my prayers to Pidavoor Amma, whose ashes are preserved at a sacred spot in front of the house. She used to stand with folded hands and wish us a happy journey, always. I miss her 'alvida' every time I leave the house!

After picking up Padmakumar and Rema, we began our journey northward. At Adoor, we had breakfast at the Padma Cafe - puri masala washed down with filter coffee. We resumed our journey; the traffic was sparse being a Sunday and I could clip with a gay abandon. We reached Kundannoor by a half past 11, where Achu and Karthika had come by, to take them to their flat at Thrippunithura. 

Today, I'd opted for the Kodungalloor route and was able to run at a reasonable speed. We reached Guruvayur by a quarter to 1 and headed for the Hotel Gokulam Sabari, where we'd a lovely lunch. Lekha had picked up grocery and vegetables from the National Supermarket, subsequent to it. We, finally, arrived at The Quarterdeck by a quarter to 4. Unpacking and the opening up of the house was carried out soon after.

We caught up with our siesta and then, fed Kittu, who by then, had fetched up. He suddenly seems to have lost weight - caused, because of fretting about our being away over the last two days, I wonder?

Watched television and had dinner at our usual time.

Aniyan, Indirakkutty and Rema had called up to confirm our safe arrival at Guruvayur.

It was a quiet dinner at our usual time.

Earlier, had spoken to Asha regarding the Rajagiri Hospital and updated myself about her husband's medical condition, post knee replacement surgery. His Sodium levels are low, currently.

Tailpiece.

A normal evening!

On parking the Chevy in our porch, had a glance at the speedometer and observed that we'd clocked 669.5 km and spent almost a day on the road, through the weekend! 

To Thiruvananthapuram and back.

Was up with the lark in the morning. Went about our chores, the morning cuppa, watching the well maintained compound of the house. Had to point out a few things to the caretaker that needed to be redone.

We were ready by 9, made a beeline for Padmakumar’s house to have a lovely breakfast of idlis and chutney, made by Rema. Rema and us left by a half past 9 for Thiruvananthapuram. The traffic was okay though I was bullied by a huge vehicle and I’d to tell him to behave. Probably, he was unsettled by my belligerence because he knew that I was right all the way .

We entered the city through the airport route and reached the Foundation by a trifle after 12. Most of the family were there. It was great to meet everybody after what seemed to be a long time. 

Chandrika ammayi cut her 70th birthday cake much to everyone’s merriment and singing. We chatted for a while and then, went upstairs for a fine ceremonial lunch. After a bit more of interaction, the three of us began our return trip. A little beyond Ayur, a two-wheeler guy cut across idiotically and I’d to apply sudden brake to avoid an accident. 

Met the dish tv guy but to no avail as his rep had gone for an exam. We reached Pidavoor by 4, had a hot cup of tea before turning off for my 40 winks! Participated in the 560th episode of Aazhchakkoottam : Metro Rail : Problems and Possibilities. The need to have it in other districts” by Loknath Behra, IPS, MD, KMRL. A nice lecture and a satisfying interaction.

Left for Raj Nivas by a quarter to 6. Rema had given us our dinner, packed. Damn sweet of her. On return, we began our packing for our early morning departure tomorrow, back to The Quarterdeck and Padmakumar-Rema will be with us till Thrippunithura.

After bath, Lekha and I’d settled down for fruits. Dinner was an hour later after which it was reading time and a few telephonic conversations.

It was a comparatively early evening!

Tailpiece.

Spoke to mom and dad. Was sad to be leaving them so soon.

At Raj Nivas.

Lekha had woken me up at 4, we went through the chores and was ready by a half past 6. Kittu was waiting for his food around that time. Lekha had prepared it and we saw him devour it eagerly. As we kicked off from The Quarterdeck at a quarter to 7, he was watching us leave very intently. Did he have a touch of regret or was it all my imagination, I wonder?

This time I'd decided to go via Chavakkad as that route required minimum traversing through cut up roads. We had reached the Aaryaas at Edappalli by a quarter to 9, to have our breakfast. After the food and freshening up, we resumed our journey and stopped around a half past 11 at the Kalpakavadi Inn. Suja, the receptionist-cum-manager, looked after us as we'd a piping hot filter coffee and banana fritters. She, incidentally, was from Ambalapuzha and a cheerful young lady. She gave us lunch neatly packed as we decided to have it on reaching home.

Our route was through Kayamkulam - after what has been a long time -  into the KP Road and when we were short of Kottarakkara, I got the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC) from Jos. From there, we'd hit the Star Dish shop to get our Airtel Digital TV recharged but alas, couldn't watch the television as they were not able to connect up. 

Spoke to my parents and have briefed them about our programme. The work on the false ceiling and the washing of well with the metallic cover refabricated have been done well. The people had come to meet us just to ascertain as to how we appreciated their work, damn sweet of them.

To Rema and Padmakumar for the evening where we were given dinner too. It was a nice get together with Ramachandrettan, Hemant and Aji chipping in.

We'd returned by 10, it was yakkittiyak between us. 

Tailpiece.

A hectic day but a rather good one as all things planned were accomplished. The house was neat and tidy thanks to the caretaker and his wife. 

It took 239.3 km and 8 hours for me to reach Raj Nivas from The Quarterdeck. Phew!

On #TheKashmirFiles (2).

........contd.

From being forced to eat rice soaked in the blood of her husband to the prescient passing image of the "saw mill" when she drops her son Shiva at school, you know all through the movie what she is going to be put through and you brace yourself for it. And even that doesn't prepare you.

The literal and metaphorical vivisection of a society that worships Ma Sharda couldn't have been depicted better and it stays as it must. Take a bow @Bhasha Sumbli.

Mithun Chakraborty's understated performance as a helpless bureaucrat who tries, in vain, to warn the apathetic dispensation at the centre and the genocidal dispensation in the state showcases his depth as a performer. Truly this actor is giving his best in his second innings.

Apart from "mainstream" commercial cinema, I have watched Mithun's performance as Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and as the Goenka-esque editor in Guru. But his role as Brahma Dutt in this movie is truly a stand out performance.

Pallavi Joshi's performance as Prof. Radhika Menon is an amalgamation of multiple usual suspects from the Marxist establishment. The performance was so effective that most people found it difficult to unsee the vile Radhika Menon after the special screening. What more can one say!

Darshan Kumar's speech at the Delhi-based Marxist college campus captures his transformation from denial to acceptance of the truth and his decision to become its vocal ambassador. That speech is his stand out moment. May his role inspire real-life transformations on campuses!

Chinmay Mandlekar delivers a chilling performance as Bitta. From being a ruthless terrorist to the Kashmiri Gandhi who wants peace and justice, Mandlekar does complete justice to the reptilian nature of this character.

As for the rest of the cast, Puneet Issar, Prakash Balawadi and others provide the perfect supporting foil through their representation of the role of the state establishment and media during the genocide, not exodus, of Kashmiri Pandits.

What's poignant throughout the movie is that the characters keep chanting Om Namah Shivay, even when their end is near and inevitable. The punarsthapana of the Shiva Linga by the third generation of Pandits after the amendment to Article 370 represents civilisational hope and resurgence.

Going by the reactions to the movie from movie goers across the country, the movie has stupendously done what it presumably intended to - Inform Bharat of the Kashmiri Pandit experience and awaken it to its implications for the rest of the Bharatiya Civilisation.

The makers of the movie have done their job putting their reputations, careers and lives on the line. It is now for us to do ours and vocally support this movie and similar efforts. Resist efforts to blockade this movie. We have a right to know the truth and this is inalienable.

This generation finally has the good fortune of seeing this civilisation's history being captured on the big screen by gutsy and brilliant film makers such as Vivek Agnihotri. It's time to push the Overton Window further in favour of Dharma and Desha.

If you believe that you don't have the guts to watch this movie, effectively you have lost the right to opine on this civilisation. If you can't even watch, you can't be expected to stand up for the civilisation when the time comes. So grow a spine, watch, internalise and channel.

Kashmiri Pandits deserve to have our attention, finally. This was long due. We owe it to them and the land of Rishi Kashyapa, Adi Sankara and all our spiritual giants and heroes to watch this movie and spread the word. Let this move start discussions, conversations and debates.

I have just one criticism or suggestion for Vivek Agnihotri to consider. This movie shouldn't have had an intermission. No pop corn breaks for this one. I genuinely didn't want people having pop corn at this movie but that's just my opinion.

To quote my friend Nupur Sharma, if at all there was any flagging of focus and commitment to the cause of this civilisation, this movie has served as the perfect "top-up" at the right time. Thank you Team Vivek Agnihotri. Om Namah Shivaya! Vande Mataram! 

Over and out. 

........concluded.

Courtesy. A Facebook post by J Saideepak.

My take

A tragedy of gargantuan proportions which was then hushed up by the state and central governments, media and other responsible persons/non governmental organisations - clearly points out to a conspiracy at every level - and when it comes out in the open, the blame game begins and certain self righteous people/groups are ducking for cover. Though late, the culprits should be brought to book and fast track justice dispensed upon them, forthwith. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5 - suddenly found that my sleep had snapped - but continued to remain in bed till I heard the alarm at 6. The chores, washing machinex and was ready by 10.

Mom and dad have taken affirmative action. Last night, there were heavy rains and consequently, the sluice gates had been opened on the nearby irrigation project, bringing in a steady trickle of potable water into our recently washed well. The caretaker had reported this morning that there was sufficient water and the motor could be operated! Lekha and I had decided to work on plan B, last night, wherein we were to stay in a nearby hotel and just visit Raj Nivas to oversee the recent work carried out.

After breakfast and going through the mail for the day on my laptop, took the Chevy to the nearby petrol pump to top up with fuel and check tyre pressure for the impending journey.

Shut down The Quarterdeck before teatime and told Kittu about our programme for the next two days - wonder whether he got it?

On "#TheKashmirFiles" (1).

Adapted from a Facebook post.

Before and after the amendments to Article 370, I did a fair bit of reading on Kashmir including documents on the portal Kashmir and books by Shri Jagmohan, AG Noorani and Rahul Pandita. So in that sense I "knew".

But nothing, I repeat nothing, could have prepared me for the visceral impact of #TheKashmirFiles. As a hardcore movie buff, if there is a movie in my memory that captures the sheer power of the cinematic medium to give expression to facts, it has to be #TheKashmirFiles.

The confidence of the makers of the movie is evident right from the word go. As opposed to the usual escapist and evasive disclaimers, this movie's disclaimer does not distance the makers from the movie. Instead, they own up to it. That shows their faith in their research.

The use of Kashmir's cold to convey a constant sense of foreboding showcases the maker's brilliance. The movie's impact would have been incomplete and not as effective without the background and not as effective without the background score of Rohit Sharma. Clearly, everyone associated with the project understood their responsibility.

Coming to the structure of the movie, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's decision to opt for a non-linear style of narration where the story moves constantly between the past and the present couldn't have been more effective to showcase the "continuing' nature of the genocide through its denial.

The way the movie brings together Kashmir, student politics, education, Marxist negation of documented facts and its extra-warm relations with Islamists is a testament to the work Vivek Agnihotri has put in over the years. In that sense, this movie is the culmination of his previous efforts.

Now to the characters. Every character represents a certain generation of Kashmir and their respective vantage points. Effectively three generations have been captured in the movie, telling us that three generations of Kashmiri Pandits have suffered in independent Bharat.

The absolute need for memorialisation of history is brilliantly captured in the scenes between Anupam Kher and his grandson played by Darshan Kumar. Failureto memorialise leads to movement away from the roots and denial of the lived experience, reinforcing the importance of history education.

The naming of the characters from Pushkar Nath Pandit to Sharda Pandit to Bitta and Radhika Menon anduse of these fused characters to represent multiple real personalities is a testament to Team Vivek Agnihotri's deep emotional and intellectual investment in the movie.

The movie is not a mere collage of known events. Even that would have been an achievement given of the current state of Bollywood. But the movie goes much beyond that and invests in multiple layers in every scene, from faith to loss of home to hope to realisation of apathy and finally the denial.

The only way Vivek Agnihotri could have given effect to his vision was through a cast that lived the characters of the movie with the knowledge that this was history being depicted. I think everyone who was part of this movie consciously embraced the trauma and chose to channel it.

If watching the movie has such a deep impact, I can't imagine what making it and playing the characters would have done to those involved. Either they have allowed the experience to do its job whatever the consequence or they would have had to practice detached attachment. And I certainly can't imagine what the victims of the genocide went through.

There were portions of the movie to which my entire being reacted despite all the training I have put myself through over the years to restrain and hold back my emotions as a person and as a lawyer. Some dear friends have often called me a robot, but this movie shattered the robotic barrier.

This movie is as real and as authentic as it gets and I think deep gratitude and congratulations are in order for the super talented cast of the movie. On this front, one has to start with Anupam Kher for being, not playing, Pushkar Nath Pandit.

This has to count as Anupam Kher's finest work ever. Even if he manages to do a betterjob in any other movie, which I doubt is possible, nothing is ever going to come close to this role. It seems as if his life journey prepared him for this job.

For once, I don't have the words to capture the layers and nuances of Anupam Kher's performance except to say that his character spoke to me like an elder from my own family. He has channeled his heritage and the pain of his people, our people, through his performance. To me, his Karmic account has been settled.

Next is the performance by Bhasha Sumbli. Aptly named Sharda in the movie, she represents not just the trauma suffered by the women of the Kashmiri Pandit community but the genocide of all that Sharda stands for - spirituality, knowledge, family, language, script - civilisation.

.........to be continued.

Tailpiece.

The 19th Remembrance Day of our pet Dobermann, Bruno. He had passed into the mist of time around a quarter past 6 in the morning on this day, 19 years back while we were staying at 9/97, Arjan Vihar, Delhi Cantt. Our maid confirms that his grave has a natural canopy with abundant flowers behind block 9. Kittu's capers do remind us about him. 

Got up a trifle late at a half past 6. Went through the chores and the both of us were ready for the Rajah team that had come to collect Lekha's blood samples. The chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Latha had substituted for Suma, who'd to spend time with her sister-in-law at the hospital as her bystander.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants and washed down the Chevy. 

The Arrogance.

After travelling long through a forest, Kalidasa reached a village. He felt very thirsty and looked around for water.

He saw an old woman drawing water from a well.

He went up to her and asked her for water. She agreed to give him water but asked him to first introduce himself.

Who are you?

"Introduce yourself".

Now Kalidasa, who was a renowned and revered scholar of his time thought that an ordinary and old village woman was not worthy of knowing who great Kalidasa was.

So he said, "I am a traveller".

But the old lady replied, "No, you cannot be traveller. In this world there are only 2 travellers - the Sun and the Moon. Both rise and set every day and keep travelling perpetually.

Who are you?

Thirsty Kalidasa said, "Alright then, treat me as a guest".

The old lady promptly replied, "No you cannot be a guest, son. In this world there are only 2 guests - Youth and Wealth - both are temporary and do not stay even if you plead with them a million times and hence can only they be called as guests".

Who are you?

Thirsty but now quite intrigued with the profoundness of this old lady, Kalidasa said, "I am a tolerant person, mother".

Now the old lady replied, "You don't quite look tolerant, young man. In this world only 2 truly know the meaning of tolerance. Bhoomi (Earth)and Tree. How much ever you stamp the earth or throw stones at the tree (for the fruits) both continue to nurture us".

So, who are you?

With unquenched thirst, Kalidasa was increasingly becoming irritable. He said, "Fine then, consider me a stubborn person".

The lady smiled and said, "No my child, you are not that stubborn. There are only 2 truly stubborn personalities our nails and our hair. We keep cutting them non-stop but they continue to grow".

So, who are you?

Kalidasa had been patient so far but now in anger he said, "Alright, I am a fool".

Now the lady gave a wide smile and said, "There are only 2 kinds of fools in this world. A king who rules without having any capability or knowledge and a minister who is a sycophant to such a king and lavishes praises on such a useless king".

Who are you?

Kalidasa realised that he had been outsmarted by an old illiterate village woman. In complete awe and humility, he fell at the feet of the lady saying, "O mother! How ignorant I was to think that I knew myself. I am ashamed of myself. Pardon my ignorance. Show mercy and grant me water, I beg of you". 

When he touched her feet and then got up, whom did he see?....

Mata Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Wisdom.

She said, "Kalidasa, you are wise but only if you know yourself do you become a true Manushya (Human being)? Your EGO has overshadowed your achievements.

You are educated but you are also given to arrogance. Hence, I had to come to guide you.

The mark of a true human being is not his knowledge but his humility.

Your intellect, your education is of no use if it.....only feeds your ego.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm, the chores and we were ready by a half past 5. Sajish and his car had reached on the dot but we, finally, kicked off at a quarter to 6. Many roads were dug up for repair work and Sajish had taken us through feeder roads to head for the NH 66. Lekha and I had eased ourselves at an IOC petrol pump and we reached Ananda Bhavan for our breakfast. 

Jags had called to ascertain as to what had prevented us from attending our course mates' get together at Pench. He, himself, was admitted in a hospital for the insertion of a defibrillator. It was great to hear him. He was cheerful, indeed.

Today's Lekha's dad's 6th Remembrance Day and Lekha's post on FB attracted comments from many of the family. We reached Mallan's Dental Clinic by a half past 9 and had met with a very patchy traffic, especially towards the end, enroute. After an X-Ray, the course of action over the next five months was laid out by the doctor and we had discussions. Accordingly, Lekha wilI have six implants on her upper gum and we gave it our approval. 

We left for Chellakkili's house soon after and was with her for about an hour. She'd undergone a surgery for a burst varicose vein, coupled with an ulcer, just last week.

Lunch was at Hotel Periyar and the seafood, there, was really nice!

We were back at The Quarterdeck by a quarter past 4 and went about our usual evening chores. Kittu was at hand to receive us and was given his food. Helped Lekha in watering the plants and yes, our Labernum has begun to sprout flowers. Phew!   

 

A slice of history.

Researchers have discovered the remarkably well-preserved wreck of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance. A century after it was swallowed by Antarctic ice during what proved to be one of the most heroic expeditions in history. A team of marine archeologists, engineers and other scientists located the wreck near the Antarctica peninsula.

Undamaged State

The three-mast wooden ship was found in pristine condition, with gold-leaf letters reading "Endurance" still affixed to the stern and the ship's lacquered wooden helm still standing upright, as if the captain may return to steer it at any time.   

How was it still intact?

The combination of deep, dark waters - no sunlight penetrates to 10,000 ft - frigid temperatures and sea ice have frustrated past efforts to find Endurance but also explain why the wreck is in such good condition today.

No bacteria

The bottom of the Weddel Sea is a "very inhospitable environment for just about everything - especially the kind of bacteria, mites and wood-eating worms that would otherwise enjoy munching on a wooden shipwreck".

Defeated by heavy sea ice

"Despite being designed to resist collision with ice floes and to break through pack ice, Endurance could not withstand being crushed by heavy sea ice.

Vital statistics

1915   The year Endurance sank.

1922   Shackleton died.

3,000 metres  Below icy surface was where the ship was found.

1,287 km  The distance Shackleton and his captain, Frank Worsley, sailed across treacherous icy waters in a 7-metre ship to the island of South Georgia, a remote whaling community, to get help.

Over 100 Researchers and crew members deployed underwater drones that combed the seafloor for two weeks in the area where the ship was recorded to have sunk. 

Model of leadership

This successful trip is considered a heroic feat of fortitude and Shackleton's decisive response to imminent tragedy is still held up today as a model of how to lead in difficult circumstances.

5 PM

Shackleton himself noted the difficulty of the endeavour in his diary. "The end came at last about 5 PM", he wrote. "She was doomed, no ship built by human hands could have withstood the strain".

Abundance of sea life

Like stalked sea squirts, anemones, sponges of various forms, brittlestars and crinoids have colonised the shipwreck but not of the type that would consume it.

Remained a dream

The British explorer Shackleton never achieved his ambition to become the first person to cross Antarctica via the South Pole. In fact, he never set foot on the continent during the failed Endurance expedition, though he did visit Antarctica during earlier voyages.

The crew's escape

Before the ship disappeared in icy waters, Shackleton's crew loaded food and other provisions into three lifeboats to escape and set up camp on ice floes, says the diary.

Historic monument

The ship is protected as a historic monument under the 6-decade-old Antarctic Treaty that is intended to protect the region's environment.

Courtesy. The NIE.

My take

A historic monument, indeed, that bears testimony to the grit of the old seafarers!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Siena had dropped by for Lekha's help. Meanwhile, had begun two work packages viz. the doing up of the false ceiling in my parents' bedroom and the metallic, lattice cover over the well. Baby and Sahadevan were entrusted the jobs with the caretaker supervising it.

Had gone to town for bank work, converting our Syndicate Bank documents into that of the Canara bank. A young lady, Navya at the counter, was very helpful. God bless her!

Bought our fruit basket.

The Russia-Ukraine war rages on.

* Ukranian authorities have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Mariupol, which has been encircled by Russian forces and cut off from deliveries of food and medicine.

* Repeated attempts to bring in food and evacuate civilians from Mariupol have been cancelled due to relentless Russian fire, while Moscow accuses the Ukrainians of violating cease-fires. Mariupol's mayor says the 12 day assault has killed over 1,500 people.

* The Ukrainian Embassy in Turkey says a group of 86 Turkish nationals, including 34 children, are among those sheltering in a mosque in Mariupol.

* Elsewhere, Zelensky said the mayor of the city of Melitopol, west of Mariupol and near Crimea, was kidnapped, equating it to the action of ISIS terrorists. "They have transitioned into a new stage of terror, in which they try to physically liquidate representatives of Ukraine's lawful local authorities", Zelensky said in an overnight video address.

* Ukraine's emergency services reported that bodies of 5 people were pulled from an apartment building that was struck by shelling in Kharkiv.

* The strikes in western Ukraine, on Ivano-Franklivsk and Lutsk, were confirmed by Russia , which said it used long-range weapons to put military airfields in the two cities out of action.

* Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, demanding an immediate ceasefire.

* Ukraine has reported to the IAEA that its technicians have begun repairing damaged power lines at the decommissioned Chernobyl power plant in an effort to restore power supplies.

* And concern grows over traffickers targeting Ukrainian refugees.

My take.

* The UN has been unable to pass even a single resolution because of the Russian veto. The US and and other western nations have heaped a lot of sanctions on Russia. The western media has been going berserk with fake news galore. 

* And the Russians seem to be bashing on regardless to take over Kyev!

Tailpiece.

Got up half an hour later than usual, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Sunday as the outside temperature soared to 39 degrees!

Helped Lekha in watering the plants. Our Labernum has shown signs of blooming with two sprouts of the golden yellow flower. Phew!      

News round up.

It's the news round up of the day, the ones that need to be keenly observed.

1. A Global Meet on Disarmament

The surprise of Kerala's budget presented in the Assembly yesterday, has been the setting aside of Rs.2 crores for organising a global meet on nuclear disarmament and world peace. Prominent peace workers and thinkers across the world will be brought together for seminars and discussions. 

It's a sure case where the state is stepping into the domain of foreign policy, which is strictly a central subject. Is there a hidden objective? The CPM's actions, in due course, will bring out its intentions clear. Or is it to finance its plenary session come up in Kannur shortly?

2. The Lancet Study Seems to Know it All

The Lancet - an international journal - study (On Covid-19 mortalities) has claimed that the mortality in India is higher than the official count. It has taken a relatively small sample and extrapolated the result to the entire population.

The study estimates that 4.1 million more deaths were reported , accounting for 22% of the total global Covid casualties from 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021. India's official count at the end of 2021 is over 4,81,000. 

It's clear that the study is biased and has an anti-India mindset. Why doesn't it do a realistic estimate of the fatalities, for the same reason, in China? Or for that matter, the real count of the fatalities in the US? 

3. The Russian Forces Are 20 Km away from Kyev

The Russia-Ukraine war is raging since 24 Feb. There has been very heavy casualties in all the major cities of Ukraine and the Russian forces have bolstered its strength, further, at the Belarus border and is about 20 kms from Kyev.

After having encountered stiff resistance, the Russian forces seem to be poised to take over the Ukrainian capital over the next few days after which a ceasefire will be brought to bear.

Incidentally, Russia has warned Sweden and Finland, today, against joining the NATO.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a 10' past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

Fixed up Lekha's dental appointment for 0930 hrs on Tuesday.

Earlier, the well in Raj Nivas was cleaned by a team, overseen by the caretaker.

Participated in the 559th episode of Aazhchakkoottam. Since the scheduled speaker wasn't able to connect up, we'd an in-house discussion on "Literature's inherent human values" from 1600 - 1715 hrs. Was interesting.

Ominous signs in Punjab?

Arvind Kejriwal-led-Aam Aadmi Party has swept the state of Punjab with 92 seats. AAP has won 92 seats out of 117 seats in Punjab. While the landslide victory of AAP vindicates that the voters have supported the party beyond religious and caste-based lines, it has some implications too. AAP's victory in Punjab will not only affect national security but will also lead to numerous tussles and infights.

Half CM Kejriwal vs Full CM Bhagwant Mann

Arvind Kejriwal, the founder of the Aam Aadmi Party, is currently the Chief Minister of Delhi. Delhi, as you know, is a half state. He neither has the powers like other CMs of full state nor does he have the police force under his control. Thus the "chief minister" of Delhi is not satiated.

Kejriwal was looking forward to Punjab to fulfil his desires. But, entered Bhagwant Mann and demanded the CM chair for himself. Despite the thumping victory of AAP in Punjab, Kejriwal might lose out on his dream job. Bhagwant Mann is going to be made Punjab's chief minister. There is no doubt about the fact that Kejriwal and Mann will be in identical offices but at the end of the day, Punjab is much more politically significant, when compared to Delhi.

Mann, for the man he is, will take consistent steps to undercut Arvind Kejriwal within the party. Punjab's soon to be chief minister, will enjoy more powers and freedom as compared to Kejriwal in Delhi. He has emerged within AAP as the most powerful person who most likely, will refuse to take orders from Kejriwal.

This is exactly why power equations would probably change within the AAP.

Kejriwal's incapability to see other leaders rising to power

If the past record of Kejriwal is anything to go by, it is quite evident that he is incapable of dealing with competition within the party. In the past, he has shown the door to co-founders like Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan or Kumar Vishwas.

AAP coming to Punjab is a nightmare

Mind you, these leaders were prominent faces of the party and had helped AAP gain power in the union territory. Given the current status of Bhagwant Mann and the upcoming powers he will enjoy, it is quite obvious that he will become a taller leader within the party. Thus, he might witness a similar treatment which will further lead to a civil war in the party.

In the war between two political powers within the party, Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia supposedly will provide active support to Mann. Manish Sisodia is seen as the party's go-to man. And over time, he has come to be known as the man who got all the work done in Delhi.

Sisodia's central role during the last Assembly polls campaign is suggestive of how he might be nursing ambitions to overthrow his political boss. He has been eyeing for the CM's chair and thus the tussle between Kejriwal and Mann will provide him with an opportunity for the same.

The attempts to undercut each other's position in the party will lead it to witness a civil war and it would be an interesting show to watch.

Courtesy. Tanya Trivedi in TFIPOST

PS.

* Now, whom will AAP of Delhi blame when smoke and fog from Punjab (due to burning of post harvest stalk) blow during Nov/Dec?

* Why did the people of Punjab put all their eggs in AAP's basket? They were so disgusted with the selfish deeds of the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, all these years.

My take.

With all the undercutting going on between the leaders, governance will be the casualty. Punjab, at present, requires good governance to tackle Pakistan-propelled instigation to terrorism and the renewed bid for Khalistan. The drug menace needs to be tackled socially, without delay.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 6. 

Rema chechi, Sreekutty, Rema and chettan came by from Neelamperoor for temple darshan and dropped by. It was nice to interact with them.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants.    

The Indian students from Ukraine.

From Ruchi Shukla, who lived in Ukraine for 30 years.....about Indian students studying in Ukraine.

In my 30 years of working relations with Ukraine, I know Ukraine both inside and outside.....have hired.....hired hundreds of Ukrainian seafarers......Ukrainians after leaving Russia went mad.....they got the nation but nationalism was left in Russia itself......

A normal Ukrainian can beat up a fellow Ukrainian for 10 dollars......If the Russians are hardworking, the Ukrainians are more cynical......

Ukraine and Turkey have a big dream that they will probably be included in the European Union.....and they will also be called white because of their fair skin.....Blows away in alcohol......Always remains in a hand to mouth existence......But in the forefront of false pride.....

If you are a foreigner then the robbery will start from the airport itself......every man needs a dollar as tip.....give the currency of Ukraine, then you'll be abused on the face.....

No big cars run there....but 2nd hand small cars in Europe run because petrol is very expensive.....

You hardly see any person smiling......Cheating and theft are common in Ukraine.....The girl whom you take as a friend to drink beer and have a 'brain honeymoon' with her, later will share you with her friends or someone else. Will leave you on the street only in trunks and take away your clothes too......

It is considered lucky if you get a job of $500 in Ukraine.....

These Indian students who go there to do academics in the name of medical studies have shocking grades......who do not get admission anywhere in India......Agents, by pretending to have a medical degree from Ukraine for 30-40 lakhs take the students there. Most of the children are either from the homes of landlords or the corrupt government officials whose parents have to show off that their children are studying abroad to 'up their status' in the society. Studying in the university is a common refrain.......what they don't know is that their children do everything except studies there......

I had a chance to be with a few such medical kids......everyone cried, saying that they were ill treated in college......their section is called the garbage section.....and they got to talk to the Ukrainian students. And are taught separately! 

These children do not pass the exams there, otherwise the professor has to be bribed....for that, they ask for money by lying to their families back home.....girls are sexually abused....

An ordinary Ukrainian is in debt.....because the government is useless.....and a comedian is the ruler there......who doesn't look out of his limousine....

Freedom does not mean chaos......Freedom means stable and the right choices....

Mostly, this is the condition of all of the countries of Eastern Europe......When people make a mockery of independence, their fate becomes like the ones in Afghanistan, Venezuela and Ukraine......

My take

Never knew that the plight was so pathetic. When I recall about my interactions with such students earlier, I used to find that they were low on self confidence and tended to remain quiet and had always wondered about the reason. Now I've got it and it's sad!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

Spent time, watching the election results on television. Goa, Manipur, UP and Uttarakhand go to BJP while Punjab goes to the AAP.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants. Seeing a very strange phenomenon here, this time the Labernum on our courtyard has not bloomed while the others in the courtyard have.....wonder why?

The caretaker has been tasked to wash the well and the overhead tank, back at my parents' house and the money for it was transferred into his account today. 

Thank you, US......our profound gratitude to you.....

* We thank the US, for blocking the sale of Cray XMP-24 supercomputers to India. It spurred CDAC to design our own Param.

* We thank the US, for blocking cryogenic rocket engines sales to India. It spurred our ISRO, to develop our own cryogenic rocket engines.

* We thank the US for sending the 7th Fleet to attack India, in the liberation war of Bangladesh. It allowed us to test Indo-Russian friendship in the crucible of conflict.

* We are grateful to the US, for the CNN racist coverage of the Bombay terror attacks, where we found their only interest was in counting white fatalities. It taught us to take their version of news as one side of the story only.

* We thank the US, for denying us GPS data, when India was facing the Kargil invasion from Pakistan. It spurred us to develop our own NaVIC, which will serve us in every future conflict.

* We thank the US, for calling the Chinese invasion of Galwan, as a bilateral matter. It set us free to call any US/NATO conflict in the same language : a bilateral matter.

* We thank the US, for never defending a democracy, from PM Mohammed Mosaddegh in Iran, to PM Sheikh Mujibhur Rehman of Bangladesh. It helped us recognise and develop our might, that being a democracy has nothing to do with US support and spurred and spurred us to depend on ourselves and be self reliant, to develop our own small nuclear triad and to be clear, that there will be no help coming when attacked.

* We thank the US, for funding Pakistan, when US soldiers were being killed with that finance. It taught us that only juntas and dictators are beloved for Langley and Pentagon.

* We thank the US, for its bluster, at the Iraq invasion and again at the Ukraine invasion, to try and dictate to us, which gives us the habit of making our own decisions, in the midst of squawking noises and arm-twisting the US.

Thank you.....US!

Courtesy. What'sApp

Fully in consonance with this post. Thank you, US!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Earlier carried out the usual Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house.

Saw the matinee show of Mammootty's 'Bhishma parvam' at the Appa's Cinema. Enjoyed it.

PS.

At the beginning of the Assembly elections for Goa, Manipur, UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab, the opposition ganged up to start the 'hijab controversy' in Shivamogga, Karnataka and the silly stunt died away by end Feb when the elections almost got over. Then they criticised the Indian government's inaction (?) in evacuating Indian students from war-ravaged Ukraine (The script was more or less clearly visible when a few of those wretched students on reaching their motherland bad-mouthed PM Modi and the central government. Varun Gandhi - yet-another-good-for-nothing-Gandhi-scion - making nasty statements on the issue without verifying the facts on ground). And today, comes the latest when Akhilesh Yadav and gang smell certain defeat and talk about a 'massive-EVM-fraud'. 

Can't these guys, at least, be good losers?  

A jolt, albeit, for a short while!

At the Kottayam bus stand last night, I took an enormously long time to go to the rest room because I wasn't aware of the duration of the stop and neither had I asked the conductor/driver about it! Sometimes mistakes take place uninvited! A relieved me thanked both the driver and the conductor who, instead, said that it was their duty to look after the passengers' requirements. The KSRTC staff has become more courteous.

We'd resumed our journey with the bus doing great speeds. An hour and a half later, Aniyan had rung me up to say that he'd got the connecting superfast after an hour and reached his home by 1. I reached Thrissur by about a half past 3, where I'd disembarked and boarded the fast passenger bus to Guruvayur, that was already standing by. 

The run to Guruvayur took about a half an hour, thanks to very sparse traffic at that time of the hour. Guruvayur has become unsuitable for driving because the roads have been dug up for laying the water pipe line as well as for resurfacing. There were four young ladies - a teacher and her students from Bangalore - who'd to be navigated, after getting off the bus at the stand, to a good hotel for settling down for the night. 

I'd then got on to an auto rickshaw for home and after passing through quite a few deviations, reached home by a half past 4. Lekha had got up and opened the door and it was then that I realised that my lap top was in the vehicle where I'd placed it while paying the driver the fare.

It really jolted me and I'd decided go across to the same auto stand and retrieve it a little later!

Half an hour later, the lad - his name is Sunil - had returned to give me back the lap top. He wouldn't take anything from me.....must felicitate him at one of the public functions later, because he's sincere, hardworking and a likeable fella.

Undertook a few activities, for the day, in the social medium and had a nice, short nap in the afternoon which reduced my fatigue to a considerable extent.

Latha, had come by instead of our maid and did the jobs.

Tailpiece.

A quiet day, otherwise.