Kerala students continue to fly out....

.....for better prospects. My nephew, 17 year-old Kripa-shankar, is poised to leave for New York on 16 Aug for higher education.

Even as the state government makes efforts to address the issue of mass migration of students in the higher education sector, the trend continues unabated and on a large scale.

An event held in Kochi, last Saturday by Santa Monica, an overseas education  facilitator, witnessed the largest number of students migrating from a single country to a single destination in a single intake. A staggering total of 7,236 students are all set to fly to Canada. This poses serious challenges to the higher education institutions in the state.

Canada is a major study abroad destination due to the ease of getting permanent residence status and the huge number of jobs available thanks to the big manufacturing units based along the border producing products for the US market.

The students going abroad comprises of both who have completed Plus-2 courses and degrees. All of them opt for diploma courses. Another attraction that Canada presents is that the courses offered are job oriented. These courses are tailor-made to feed the workforce requirement in each state of the country.

- extracted from Anu Kuruvilla's article in the NIE.

Tailpiece.

Today is Ammachi's 32nd remembrance day. 

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 8.

Offered the 'bali tharpanam' and as soon as I withdrew, a crow had swooped down to have its share.

The maid comes for work.

Lekha orders for the fruit basket and grocery from the National Supermarket.

  

 

"Leave everything in the Hands of our Creator".

Pope Francis's thoughts after his stay in hospital.

"The walls of the hospitals have heard more honest prayers than any church....They have seen more sincere kisses than in any airport.....

It's in hospitals where you see a homophobic being saved by a gay doctor. A high society doctor saving the life of a beggar....in Intensive Care you see a Jew taking care of a racist....both a police officer and a prisoner patients in the same ward receiving the same attention....

A wealthy patient in line for a liver transplant ready to receive the organ from a poor donor. It's at these times when hospitals touch personal wounds, when universes intertwine for a divine purpose and in this coming together of destinies, we begin to realise that alone we are nobody, nothing!

The absolute truth of a person, most times, only appears when severe pain is felt or the real threat is of definite loss.

The hospital, a place where the human being removes his mask and shows just how he is in his true essence.

This life passes quickly. Don't fight anyone, don't criticise your own body as much, don't complain as much, don't lose sleep worrying about unpaid bills.

Be sure to kiss your loved ones. Don't be so anxious about leaving the house immaculate. Goods and properties should be earned by each person, don't devote your time to accumulating inheritances. 

Keep the dogs nearer. 

Don't keep old mugs.

Use the new cutlery. Don't be mean with your favourite perfume, use it to go out even on your own. Use your favourite slippers, repeat your favourite clothes, who cares?

If it's all in order, why not now? 

Why not take a rest?

Why not call now?

Why not forgive now? We wait for Christmas, or Friday or next year or when we have more money or when we fall in love or when everything is perfect....

Look, perfection does not exist. 

The human being cannot reach it, simply because he was not made to become complete in this life.

This life is an opportunity for learning. So, enjoy this rehearsal of life and do it now....

Respect yourself, respect others.

Walk your own path and leave others to walk their own.

Respect all, don't criticise, judge or meddle. Love more, forgive more, give more hugs, live more intensely and leave everything else in the Hands of our Creator.

- Pope Francis

My take

Profound!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores.

Washing machinex of bed linen was ready by 10.

A quiet Sunday. 

Lok Sabha clears bill regarding mining of Lithium.

Lok Sabha has cleared the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulatory) Amendment Bill 2023.

The legislation removes Lithium - a key raw material used for manufacturing batteries in electric vehicles and five other atomic minerals from the protected category. It also allows the private sector to mine deep seated minerals like gold and silver. Under the existing Act, all 12 atomic materials are reserved for mining and exploitation by state-owned entities.

The amendment will open up six atomic minerals - Lithium, Beryllium, Niobium, Titanium, Tantalum and Zirconium - to private players.

These minerals have various applications in the space industry, electronics, communications, energy sector and electric batteries and are critical in the net-zero emission commitment of India.

It was also clarified that mining of Ilmenite, Rutile, Leucoxene, Garnet, Monazite, Zircon, Sillimanite will be reserved for public sector undertakings.

The bill is, definitely, a game changer for India.

- extracted from the article by Preetha Nair in the NIE

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

The maid had come for work.

It was a bright and sunny day.   

China does it again and India gives it back!

India has put on hold the departure of three Indian players who were scheduled to fly to Chengdu to take part in the World University Games.

India lashed out at China for issuing 'stapled visas' to three Indian Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh and said there should be no discrimination for people based on their ethnicity. China does this to show that Arunachal Pradesh is their territory.

"Our stated position on this count - long standing and consistent - is that there should be no differential statements based on domicile or ethnicity  for Indian citizens with valid passports". 

"It has come to our notice that stapled visas were issued to some of our citizens of the sporting community travelling to China. This is unacceptable".

My take

I like the way India has retaliated. I'm sure China will correct itself and allow the sportspersons to participate. It had better, it loses either ways - see how that wretched country has landed itself in, on its own making! Any which way it takes action, it loses!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

The sun is back after so many days! The wet clothes were dry by the end of the day.

The evening chores and it was a quiet Friday!

A blast from the past!

Year     1959

Place    Amritsar

Some Indian Army officers and their wives went to railway station to see off one of their colleagues. Some goons made lewd remarks against the women and tried to molest them. The Army officers chased the goons who took shelter in a nearby cinema theatre.

The matter was reported to Commanding Officer Col Jyothi Mohan Sen. On learning about the incident, the Colonel ordered the cinema hall to be surrounded by troops. All the goons were dragged out, the leader of the was so heady and drunk with power, who was none other than the son of the chief minister of Punjab, Pratap Singh Kairon, a close associate of the then PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

All the goons were stripped to their underwear, paraded on the streets of Amritsar and later interned in the Cantonment. Next day, the chief minister became furious and tried to release his son from Indian Army's incarceration.

You know what happened?

His vehicle was not allowed to go to the Cantonment as VIP vehicle, he was compelled to walk all the way to meet the Colonel. The infuriated chief minister complained about the whole affair to the PM.

The perplexed PM, instead of questioning his confidante Pratap Singh Kairon, sought explanation from the Army Chief, General Thimmayya for the conduct of his officers.

You know what the reply was?

"If we cannot defend the honour of our women, how can you expect us to defend the honour of our country?

Nehru was dumbfounded. That was the story of a brave soldier who defied the Prime Minister.

My take

Hats off to Col Sen and his Chief, General Thimmayya who took a stand supporting a just cause! Even the PM was persona non grata if he wasn't just!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10. The maid had come for work.

The rain was less and we saw the sun after quite a few days.

The evening chores.

   

 

Tribals to replace Gorkhas.

With the induction from Nepal on hold for the past two years, the Indian Army is planning to recruit tribes from India with similar traits.

This is to address the fast-depleting strength  of the famed khukri-wielding Gorkha Rifles' soldiers. Officials have said that the plan will kick off if the impasse over recruitment  from Nepal does not get resolved.

Explaining the idea of recruiting "tribes with similar traits", the official said those with the physical attributes residing in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Darjeeling may be considered.

Soldiers of the Gorkha Rifles are known for their devotion to duty, bravery, loyalty and discipline. The Gorkhas have a reputation built over two centuries with their exemplary war-time successes. Their motto is "It is better to die than be a coward".

The term Gorkhas is popularly used for Nepalese soldiers serving in the Indian Army, British Gorkha Brigade and Singapore Police. In the Indian Army, Gorkhas serve in the Gorkha Rifles, Naga Regiment. Assam Regiment and the Unit of Guards Regiment. They also join the Assam Rifles which provides support to the Army but is under the administrative charge of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

A similar experiment step to expand the recruitment pool was taken in 2021 by allowing a higher number of youth from the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand to join select regiments of Gorkha Rifles.

My take

It's my fond hope that the impasse between us and Nepal regarding the issue is sorted out fast.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10. The maid had to look after her grandchild in that he'd to be taken to the hospital and hence, asked for a day's leave which Lekha had permitted.

The Wednesday 'aarthi' was performed.

Saw two good episodes of Crime Patrol and therefore, our siesta had gone for a six.

It was an altogether wet day.

Aphorisms

An Aphorism is a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner. Let's see a few of them.

* I read that 4,153,237 people got married last year. Not to cause any trouble......but shouldn't that be an even number?

* I find it ironic that the colours red, white and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you.

* Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y?

* You know that tingly little feeling you get when you love someone? That's common sense leaving your body.

* My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We'll see about that!

* I think my neighbour is stalking me as she's been Googling my name on her computer. I saw it through my telescope last night.

* Money talks....but all mine ever says is good-bye.

* You're not fat, you're just easier to see.

* If you think nobody cares whether you're alive, try missing a couple of payments.

* Money can't buy happiness but it keeps the kids in touch.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready before 10.

It was yet another wet and rainy day.

Lekha had ordered for our fruit basket.

The makings of a military wife.

The good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"

The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? She has to be completely independent, possess the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or 40 with an hour's notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she is pregnant and has the flu and she must be willing to move to a new location 10 times in 17 years. And, oh yes, she must have six pairs of hands".

The angel shook her head. "Six pairs of hands? No way"

The Lord continued, "Don't worry, we will make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband's achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it is overworked and tired and be large enough to say 'I understand' when she doesn't and say 'I love you' regardless.

"Lord", said the angel, touching his arm gently, "Go to bed and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow".

"I can't stop now", said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something unique. Already this model heals herself when she is sick, can put up six unexpected guests for the weekend, wave good bye to her husband from a pier, a runway or a depot and understand as to why it's important for him to leave".

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, "It looks fine but it's too soft".

"She might look soft", replied the Lord "but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure".

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord's creation. "There's a leak", she announced. "Something is wrong with the construction. I am not surprised that it has cracked. You are trying to put too much into this model".

The Lord appeared offended at the angel's lack of confidence. "What you see is not a leak", he said. "It's a tear".

"A tear! What is it there for?" asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear".

"You are a genius!" exclaimed the angel.

The Lord looked puzzled and replied, "I didn't put it there".

- Ann Landers

My take

Dedicated to my wife, Lekha and all the service wives!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

It was a thoroughly wet day as it was raining all through last night and continued through most of the day. The maid had come by for work.

The usual evening chores.    

How the violence perpetrated in France was quelled.

The long drawn out violence in France was sorted out quietly with an iron hand. Changes were made in the country's Constitution in one day!

  1. For almost 3 days.

  2. 414 raids.

  3. 3 militants dead.

  4. 30,000 police in operation.

  5. 160 weapons recovered.

  6. No police dies.

  7. All the masterminds of the Paris violence were caught and killed without any order or approval

      from the Court of Law.

  8. The exceptional part :-

      26 number of Constitutional Rules and Codes have been changed overnight by "special Presidential

      Power", so that such incidents never happen, in future, in France. Country's peace will not be

      compromised with Democracy. Any future violence of this type will be treated henceforth as War

      against France, which the new 26 laws state. Accordingly, military operations of any level will be 

      made without any prior signal or warning.

  9. Not a single member of the opposition parties opposed the overnight change of 26 Constitutional            laws.

10. No criticism in media or newspapers. Only praise and praise, even by the opposition parties.

My take

The best part was that even the foreign media kept their mouths shut!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready before 10.

A wet and rainy day.

A quiet Sunday! 

Manipur - another story.

A generally anti-India BBC acknowledges the facts regarding Manipur violence. No, it's not about Christians vs Hindus or Hill vs Valley - they have lived peacefully together for ages. It's about THE WAR ON DRUGS. 

The underlying tensions in Manipur stem from a complex interplay of various factors, one of which is a crackdown on drugs in recent years. The BJP-led state government, under Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who is a Meitei, launched a controversial campaign targeting poppy farming.

Since 2017, his government claims to have destroyed more than 18,000 acres of poppy farms, thr majority of them in Kuki-inhabited areas.

Manipur has long battled a drug-addiction crisis and is among the four north-eastern Indian states bordering Myanmar, the world's second largest opium producer.

A paper pasted on a corrugated tin wall declared local support for a "war on drugs" urged people to stop poppy plantation and "save our generation".

The scale of poppy farming in these parts is unclear. According to official figures, more than 730 acres of poppy farms in Imphal east district - home to 16% of Manipur's estimated 3.3 million people and including Naga, Meitei and Nepali inhabited villages - have been destroyed since 2017.

Then there's the brewing fault line over undocumented illegal immigrants from Myanmar, a country with which Manipur shares a near-400 km (243 mile) border. Stickers bearing the message "go back, Burmese refugees" have begun appearing on storefronts and residences across Meitei villages.

A state government panel identified 2,187 immigrants from Myanmar in four districts of Manipur until end-April. An official note spoke of a "large number of illegal migrants" and said the "recent violence was fueled by influential illegal poppy cultivators and drug lords from Myanmar settling in Manipur".

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle earlier than 6, the chores and was ready by 10. The maid had also come down for work.

A very wet and rainy day! 

A quiet evening. 

Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) for submarines.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working to conduct the first underwater trial of its fuel cell-based Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system in Bombay. The niche technology is being developed that will enhance the submerged endurance of a submarine several fold.

An AIP system gives a submarine the ability to remain underwater, away from enemy sensors, for a long time without surfacing. It has a 'force multiplier effect on the lethality of a diesel-electric submarine.

The underwater testing of the AIP will be conducted next year. The shore-based prototype testing was done in 2021.

The plan is to fit the AIP into the three Scorpene submarines that India is buying from France.

With its integration into the submarines, India will join an elite club of nations that have indigenously developed fuel cell-based submarine AIP technology. This technology is a green one since the by-product of the reaction is non-polluted water that can be released into the oceans.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, the chores and was ready by 6. Sajeesh was on the dot and we set off for Kochi. Breakfast, of idlis, was at the Saravana Bhavan at Edappalli at about a quarter past 8. Reached Mallan's clinic by a quarter to 10.

Lekha's dental problem was sorted out and hopefully, sometime next month, her new set of dental furniture for the upper palate would be in place.

Reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 3.

The evening chores.      

All about Godrej.

For people of my generation, the northern end of the Chowpatty Beach used to have a hoarding of a beautiful looking secretary clicking away on a Godrej typewriter, during the late '70s, with the caption, "The type you would like to click with". 

Given below are Godrej's milestones.

1897       Ardeshir Godrej sets up a locks company.

1918       Godrej launches the first soap in the world not made from animal fat.

1943       Government of Bombay gives the Vikhroli village to Pirojsha Godrej, Ardeshir's brother.

1952       Godrej launches Cinthol soap.

1974       Godrej enters hair colour segment.

1990       Starts Godrej Properties.

1991       Starts Godrej Agrovet.

1994       Enters household insecticides with the acquisition of Translektra.

2001       Makes the first acquisition overseas buying Keyline Brands of the UK.

2008       Enters Africa.

2010       Enters Indonesia through acquisition of PT Megasari.

               Enters Latin America acquiring hair care brands Issue and Argencos.

2011       Godrej acquires Africa's Darling Group; enters 14 other countries.

2014       Partners with ISRO in India's first Mars mission.

2015       Forays into the dairy business acquiring Creamline Dairy.

2016       Godrej acquires US-based hair care brand Strength of Nature.

2020       Enters Financial services industry setting up Godrej Capital.

And can any of the generations of the 1950s to the '70s forget the iconic and smiling Karen Lunell who bathed under a waterfall, clad in a two-piece bikini in green, which was the colour of the Cinthol soap in its advertisement?

And not to forget, all Indians are familiar with the fridges and steel almirahs of Godrej.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Lekha had work outdoors viz :-

* collect the monthly dues from the ration stand.

* buy grocery from Harisree Supermarket.

* buy fish for Kittu and Chakki.

* buy bananas.

A quiet evening. Sukesan, the auto rickshaw driver, bought in the fish which could not be bought in the morning.

The late Oommen Chandy sir was laid to rest at the Puthuppally church. What a send off was given by the people of Kerala making me wonder as to why they didn't re-elect him in 2016?

Puns for brightening up the day!

* Venison for dinner again?

   Oh deer!

* How does Moses make tea?

   Hebrews it.

* England has no kidney bank.

   But it does have a Liverpool.

* I tried to catch some fog.

   But I mist.

* They told me I had type A blood.

   But it was a typo.

* I changed my iPod's name to Titanic.

   It's syncing now.

* Jokes about German sausage

   are the wurst.

* I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid

   but he says he can stop any time.

* I stayed up all night to see where the sun went

   and then it dawned me.

* This girl said she recognised me from the vegetarian club

   But I'd never met herbivore.

* When chemicals die,

   they barium.

* I'm reading a book about anti-gravity.

   I just can't put it down.

* I did a theatrical performance about puns.

   It was a play on words.  

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and I was ready by10. Washing machinex of bed linen and laying them on the clothing line to dry before the maid could put the clothes she washed to dry.

Spoke to Sangeeta after a long time. She was chirpy.

A rainy day. Meanwhile, Oommen Chandy's final journey is passing through MC Road towards Puthuppally, his final resting place. There has been unprecedented crowds to have a last glimpse of the popular leader. 

Hasn't the Congress party erred on keeping him away consequent to the 'Solar' case - a concocted case hatched by the present CM and his party when they were rattled by his rising popularity as a dynamic chief minister and his mass contact program!

Am very keen to know as to how the 'solar case' falls flat, revealing the role of the perpetrators! 

Adieu sir!

Shri Oommen Chandy, our former chief minister passed into the mist of time this morning around a 23' past 4, in a hospital at Bangalore. It was very sad news. He was very respectful and extremely fond of my Muthachchan as he'd encouraged and invited the young politician - during his stint in the KSU - to a few of his meetings. The thought behind Muthachchan's action was that when the youngster spoke to the people, they would accept his ideas and suggestions! 

Must tell you about this incident. Sometime in the late '70s or early '80s, he'd just been made the Home Minister. He was to arrive at the Government Guest House in Kottayam sometime after midnight.

Meanwhile, my grandfather had fetched up there and had requested for a room. He was running fever too. The manager knew him well and had offered the VVIP room with a caution that he'd be woken up when the Home Minister came. However, when the HM did come, my grandfather was fast asleep and a very sorry manager told the entire story to Oommen Chandy.

To which he'd replied, this room is meant for people like PN Panicker and saying that, he used a side room to spruce up and then, continued on his journey!

   *      *       *

When Muthachchan's body was lying in state at the VJT Hall, Oommen Chandy sat beside the body and remained in that position for a long time.

When asked, his reply was he was sharing the grief with the family!

   *       *       *

And what did we, depraved and wretched Malayalees, give him back? The entire state waited with bated breath for the CD, which supposedly had the lurid contents of the ex-CM with solar-Saritha, to arrive from Coimbatore.

It was a fraud perpetuated by the the present CM and his party. They were rattled by the tremendous popularity and coverage, even in the international media, about his mass contact meetings with the common man!

Adieu sir! My tears, salute and prayers. We shall miss you always.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle earlier than usual because I didn't want Aniyan to get delayed because of me. Gave him his morning cuppa tea. The chores and we were ready well in time.

Had breakfast at the Animation Centre - Sister Merlin, Jessy and Sofia had done the needful.

Left for Guruvayur after 12 on a low-floor a/c bus and reached The Quarterdeck by a quarter to10. 

 

Permanent address.

I was 9.

There was pensive silence at home when days after the happy news of my dad's promotion in a nationalised bank he received orders of transfer as a branch manager to a small village in Rajasthan. We were then in Ahmedabad and this also happened to be the time he was building a house next to our ancestral home.

I had seen him struggle with numbers, adding, subtracting, circling staff loans and FDs he would break and putting a question mark against a few empty spaces in the total.

A house is usually once in one's life's effort, so everyone goes all out and makes that one room more than what can be afforded and still finds one room less than what was needed.

The joint family home housed 14 of us from age 5 to 95 years.

Today I watch both the houses abandoned and nature taking over the garden my mother used to tend for hours every day. The Jamun, the Drumstick, a few Ashokas, Neem and Peepul have survived but all beauty is both transient and fragile and the law of entropy powerful. The lovely flowers of myriad colours are all gone. I wonder what happened to the peacock family that came everyday and ate from my mom's hand. The Bulbul, the sparrows, the parrots, spotted flycatchers, cuckoos, a huge troop of monkeys that once in a month would upset the order of the place.

Once people leave, a home becomes a house. Initially, I didn't feel like selling and now I don't feel like going. Time has taken away ten of its fourteen occupants.

I walk around our neighbourhood and see similar fate of so many homes once full of life now replaced or lying still.

Why do we stretch and stress to build houses? In most cases our kids won't need it or worse fight over it. What is this human folly of attempting permanent ownership in a leased life with an uncertain tenure given by a landlord whose terms are non-negotiable and there is no court of appeal.

One day all we have built with love and EMIs will either be demolished, fought over, sold or lie in ruins.

Every time I fill a form that asks for 'Permanent Address' I smile at human folly.

There is a Zen story that an old monk walked into a King's palace demanding he wanted to spend the right in this Inn and the guards told him, "What Inn, can't you see it's a palace?" The monk said , "I came here a few decades back someone, a few years later someone else took the throne from him, then someone else. Any place where the occupant keeps changing is an Inn".

George Carlin says, "house is just a place where you keep your stuff as you go out and get more stuff".

As houses get bigger families get smaller. When the house has occupants, we desire privacy and when the nest empties we crave for company.

Birds and animals must be laughing at us humans that give up living in order to build their dream home and in the end depart the Inn they mistook as a PERMANENT RESIDENCE.

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle earlier than 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Earlier, had gone across to Aishwarya in Vazhuthacaud, to have my breakfast. 

Went with Maman and Chambu for lunch, to celebrate the latter's birthday.

The evening program at Muthachchan's statue was nice. It was nostalgic and sentimental as it was the last day at Poojappura as part of Vaayana Maasam 2023. 

  

How West Bengal was destroyed (2)

 .......Contd (2).

Those educated ones, who could not cope with with the destruction of West Bengal migrated out to other parts of India, to other countries.

One finds so many teachers, researchers, doctors, economists, artists from West Bengal in the US, UK, France, Germany, Benelux, Scandinavia but none worth the name here in Bengal. It was a 'mass exodus' of brains.

The people of West Bengal have been strangely watching this downhill journey of the state for five decades and will do so unfortunately for another five decades.

One may see the state to turn into Islamic State in the near future. Just keep your fingers crossed.

Number of beggars for hundred thousand population is highest (89) in West Bengal at present. This is the bottom line.

The present generation is unaware of the reasons for the fall of Golden Bengal.

This piece of history is kept away from them, by the perpetrators, to achieve their mean goal.

Concluded. 

My take

Sad! 

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Had breakfast at Aishwarya at Vazhuthacaud.

Chambu takes me for lunch.

Maman and Chambu had come earlier than usual to take me to Poojappura. The evening's discussions at Muthachchan's statue was by Dr Ushakumari, retd Professor, CET on 'Falling values and ethics".

How West Bengal was destroyed (1)

West Bengal has been on a decline ever since 1963, when the chief minister of the state Bidhan Chandra Roy passed away. He reinforced the foundations of the state after partition of 1947, got the Durgapur & Alloy Steel Plant, Chittaranjan Locomotives, India's 1st satellite town in Kalyani, Digha Beach Resort, expanded the engineering industries, set up engineering, technology, medical, management and other institutes.

It was the HQ of Birla, JK, Bangur and Thapar and Tata. The grand Tata Centre was built for that purpose. This was the vision of TATA's. Most of their investment was in Jamshedpur. Most foreign companies had their India HQs in Calcutta. This was the reason Calcutta has best of the Clubs in the country. Ithad the highest number of international flights, Bombay used to serve mainly Aden, Muscat and East Africa.

And then 'Ashok Kumar Nite' happened in Feb 1968. Women were dragged out and their naked dead raped bodies were found in and around the lake for the next two days. The CPM leaders (Jyoti Basu and co) called it "the rise of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie" and justified it.

Calcutta started emptying. Soon after, Aditya Birla was out of his car between GPO and RBI, opposite Writers Building, thrashed, clothes torn, stripped down to his undergarments and  made to walk like that to office at 15 India Exchange Place. With a crowd roaring in laughter and jeering, he went home and took a flight to Bombay, never to return. He took all his money and offices out of Bengal. Today they are one of the top industrial houses in the country.

So did JK, so did Thapar, within a month. So did most entrepreneurs, so did most MNCs. Latest example was the ousting of Tato Nano. Those were 'Mass Exodus' of money and employment from the state. Today no industrial house plans to start any project in the state. That, this being the dream that the communists wanted and there is no change by the present government too.

Communists in West Bengal started their political power capturing from 'Ashok Kumar Nite' in 1968 and went through 'Sain Bari killings' in 1970, 'Marichjhapi massacre in 1979, 'Bijon Setu massacre' of 1982 to 'Bantala gang rape' of 1990, 'Nanoor massacre' of 2000 and 'Nandigram massacre' of 2007.

They destroyed the work culture and closed down thousands of factories in West Bengal in the name of violent Trade Union and Co-ordination Committee. Presently, the state has been infected with the culture of 'cut money', 'Syndicate', 'Para-teachers, Civic Volunteers and migration of lakhs of labourers to other states.

.......to be contd. 

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10, after Girija had arrived at the office and given me hot water for bath.

Breakfast was biscuits and tea. Went out to confirm the booking of rooms for the participants of the state quiz competition AM 18. Bought books to be given away as prizes.

The 'sarga saayaahnam' saw Surya kathakrithu Jayadevan in action.

Second evening at the Foundation.  

Best audit reply.

We all know how meticulous are auditors in raising objections and how meticulously such objections need to be dealt with.

Army personnel are entitled to an additional quantity of rum if posted at a certain height in the Himalayan range. One formation of Jat regiment was posted at a hilly location and drew the additional quota of rum. The Audit Department, after verification came to the conclusion that the height of the location falls short by 5 ft from the height prescribed for additional rum entitlement. Hence as the unit has already consumed additional rum without entitlement, the members of the unit must pay back the cost of rum consumed.

Official memo to this effect was received by the CO of the unit. CO replied that and quote, " Ours is a formation of Jat regiment where the height of each jawan is more than 6 ft. We further undertake that all rum has been consumed in standing position only, thereby at a height more than the prescribed limit for free entitlement.

"The audit objection was dropped".

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 6. Rajesh had picked me up on time and dropped me at the station. The train was parked on platform no.2.

The Jan Shatabdi was on time. Had breakfast after boarding but lunch was had at the Foundation. Lekha had really made lovely stuff.

The evening's program at Muthachchan's feet was 'Kathayarangu'; about 20 short story writers had read out their stories and the program was wound up by a half past 7.

Spent the night at the Foundation after persuading Maman to accede to my request. 

An exotic tomato dish.

Stumbled upon this piece by Behram Contractor aka Busybee, written 32 years ago. With the current price of tomatoes, this is a throwback written in a manner only Busybee could!

Yesterday was the birthday of our younger son, Derek. So, for dinner, we had one tomato. I had gone to the market and selected the tomato. It was not the best, but nearly the best. The best costs Rs.40 per kilo, this cost Rs.38. I had packed it from a pile of tomatoes, carefully studying the texture of its skin and testing its ripeness. The vegetable vendor has said, "You have selected a very good tomato, sir. And it is a bargain. Soon this also will not be available, what with the fresh burden on the corporate sector in the new industrial policy".

The wife had wondered whether should boil it or scramble it in eggs. "Naturelle will be best. The children who have forgotten what a tomato tastes like, will experience its original taste".

So there we were, sitting at the birthday dinner, with the tomato. There were, of course, other dishes but the tomato was the main item.

The wife asked. "Shall we have the tomato first or as the dessert?"

"Let's have it as an entree", I said. My elder son, Daryl, said, "I am not going to have anything else, I will only have the tomato".

I said, "Now there is not that much tomato that you can only have it and fill yourself. It is only a medium-sized tomato and everybody has to share it, not just yourself. After all, it is not even your birthday".

Derek said, "It is my birthday, so I should get the largest slice of the tomato".

The wife said, "Everybody will get equal shares. And those who do not eat the rest of their food will not get their share".

My dog, Bolshoi, the Boxer, who was also participating in the birthday dinner, asked, "Do I also get a chance to partake of this wonderful fruit that you are talking about?"

"It is not a fruit, it is a vegetable", I corrected him. "And it is the most expensive vegetable in the world, more expensive than Brussels sprouts. As a rule, dogs are not given expensive vegetables but you may have a little of it. And I hope you appreciate that".

"Will you carve the tomato, please", the wife said, passing the dish with the tomato in the centre and a large carving knife and fork on the side, to me.

"I think Derek should cut it, since it is his birthday", I said. "And we will all sing Happy Birthday while he does so".

It was a nice tomato, we enjoyed it very much. Afterwards, Derek asked me, "When will we eat a tomato again?"

"I do not wish to raise any false hopes in you", I said, "so I will only say I do not know. May be one day when Mr Chandra Shekhar or Mr VP Singh become prime minister once again.

- 26 Jul, 1991

  Busybee   

Tailpiece

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

The maid had come for work.

It was a quiet Thursday.

How dare they?

European Parliament to debate Manipur violence, the Modi government deploys a law firm in counter.

The move by six parliamentary groups ranging from left to right comes on the eve of PM Narendra Modi's visit to France, as guest of honour at its Bastille Day celebrations on 14 Jul. The European Parliament is deliberating on a resolution on the ethnic violence in Manipur today, 12 Jul, during its ongoing plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Manipur matter has been scheduled for discussion  for the latter half of the day, under the "Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the Rule of Law". It's a running theme that seems to hound Modi, of late, during his visits abroad - much to the glee of our opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sitaram Yechury etc. 

The European Parliament will hold an "urgent debate" on the Manipur situation, where the discussions on the motion will be held today, with a vote on a resolution, tomorrow, 13 Jul.

Meanwhile, the Modi government has not taken all this lying down but has already hired one of Europe's leading lobbying firms, Alber & Geiger, to quell any diplomatic embarrassment that is sure to arise with the European Parliament debating and perhaps passing a resolution against it.

My take

How dare they? How do they discuss internal matters of another country without ascertaining its political correctness? And of all the institutions, the European parliament that is racked with a lot of internal problems like political, economic and the refugee issues that plague them because of bad decisions. And could we have the names of all the opposition political leaders who are chuckling with glee at Modi's discomfiture as they aren't bothered about the enormous embarrassment to the country but, then, are they really bothered about such niceties?

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. A very wet day, to begin with and a quiet day.

By the latter part of the forenoon, it was warm and sunny.

     

Why 18 holes?

Why couldn't golf courses have 10 or13 or21 holes?

Well, it seems that in year of 1858, the board of St Andrews in Scotland sat all day settling this very question. There were then 7-hole courses, 13-holecourses, 15-hole courses. At one time St Andrews itself was made up of 22 holes and Montrose had 25.

Finally, after a full day's discussion, it is said that one of the Scottish members of the board and a member  in good standing spoke as follows : "Well, you good gentlemen have been considering this situation for many hours and I have been hoping you would decide along lines agreeable to me without any insistence on my part. I see, however, that I must speak for myself.

"As you know, it has long been my custom to start out for a game of golf with a full bottle of Martin's Scotch whisky in my bag - not, you understand, for any reason except that the inclemency of our local climate makes it expedient for me to have a medicinal nip on each tee''.

"Now gentlemen, I have here a small glass, which contains about an ounce and a half when not filled so full that a drop may escape. Naturally I find it pleasant to play golf so long as there is a drink left in the bottle. On the other hand, it would be unhealthy for me to continue with the game when the bottle is exhausted".

"I have found that one bottle will fill this little glass just 18 times, so it has been my custom to play 18 holes each afternoon, no more, no less. I see no possible way of deviating from this custom, unless the bottles are made larger, which I fear would be too marked a change in our manufacturing life".

So, that's why golf courses have 18 holes.

If you don't believe it, just take an ounce and a half jigger, fill it full, but not too full and you'll get 18 drinks out of a "fifth" of scotch.

 

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The maid was at work today. Wished my classmate and course mate, G Ajith Kumar, many happy returns and wasn't he thrilled".

Jishnu from the bank, had sent all connected documents to the CA to file my IT return, yesterday. By this, afternoon, Mr Denny had filed my IT Return 2023.

A quiet evening with the usual chores. 

Truly comical!

Am really amused with the headline in TNIE that stared at me, this morning. It screamed "Sreedharan to be the 'SilverLining'.

The LDF government thinks that it's a master stroke by roping in Metro Man, E Sreedharan to provide suggestions for the Silver Line Project. Now, mind you, the Metro Man is an ardent supporter of PM Narendra Modi and is considered a BJP man. And a few things about the K-Rail - the Silver Line project - which cannot be lost sight of :-

    (a) A DPR is yet to be formulated.

    (b) The central government has already given it a thumbs down, questioning its viability and with a

          strong dissent from the Indian Railways.

    (c) The project was stalled midway through the land survey following public protests.

    (d) The Metro man had already criticised this project as unviable!

Now, we come to Mr Sreedharan's suggestions which is not in consonance with the Kerala Government's thinking:-

    (a) The entire Silver Line stretch should be elevated or underground.

    (b) To begin with, it should be from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur.

    (c) Kerala government should bear entire land acquisition cost.

    (d) 60% of construction cost should be equally shared between the state and the centre.

    (e) 40% should be raised via borrowings.

    (f) KSDCL shouldn't execute the project. It should be done by either the Railways or the DMRC.

    (g) New DPR to take one-and-a-half years.

    (h) Project can be completed in six years from the date of approval.

My take

It's pretty clear that there's no meeting point between the LDF government's stand and the Metro Man, on the issue.   

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, the chores and were ready by a quarter to 6 though I'd planned to take off at a half past 5. Despite the delayed start, we reached the toothy at a half past 9; we'd breakfast at the Aryaa's at Edappalli.

The toothy took on Lekha's case at the start itself and we were on our return trip within an hour of our arrival at the clinic. Reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 2; lunch was at Mathilakam.

The evening chores.

  

       

Manipur revisited.

Stop giving the Manipur crisis a religious-politico colour, please lest you get the Chinese to rule you.

General Shankar Roychaudhri, ex COAS is of the view that the clashes between the Meteis and the Kukishas Chinese foot prints. "Indian Leftists, supported by short sighted political parties to include TMC, Congress and the others are unwittingly playing into Chinese hands. 

In 2009, a Chinese daily had published an article which had suggested breaking up of India into 20-30 states. It was later withdrawn but Chinese efforts towards it continues. More so, India's tilt towards the US, has led to intensification of Chinese efforts to balkanise India. Manipur unrest and tribal  clash is an extension of this policy of China.

ULFA's supremo, Paresh Baruah has been sheltered  in China and he guides the activists from there. China is known have supported Maoists and Naga insurgents. Their eyes are  fixed on Bay of Bengal. You may find the whole of the north east going up in flames.

China is keen to slice away the whole of the NE because of its desire to push through the CMEC (Chinese Myanmar Economic Corridor) on the lines of CPEC. China has already taken on lease the Coco Island from Myanmar where it is building military facilities. The Coco island lies 15 kms north east of India's Andaman and Nicobar island group.

From Coco Island run two pipelines - oil and gas to China. They pass through Rakhine province of Myanmar and hence, the Rohingya Muslim problem. That was a problem and hence, Myanmar in collusion with China has uprooted them.

India must understand that China gives more importance to the NE because it allows it a direct land route to the Bay of Bengal. It wants to dominate it. The Dhoklam crisis of Jul 2017 was designed to cut the Siliguri Corridor (25 kms). China has roads coming right up to Chumbi valley. It is wooing Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

What happens to India if China dominates Bay of Bengal by slicing away the NE?

The entire eastern coastline is in danger - which includes Missile testing range at Wheeler Island, Vizag ship/submarine building facility, ISRO at Sriharikota and A&N island group, which controls entry to the Malacca strait. Never forget the Maoists problem in Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and also Tamizhnadu. They all become vulnerable to Chinese manipulations.

China could be working on its 2009 plan and the Manipur unrest might be its first glimpse.

Do not dismiss it as a tribal clash.

India has to give a fillip to its Kaladan project to link with the northeast through a sea route from Calcutta to Mizoram/Manipur which will serve as an alternative route to the Siliguri Corridor.

Tailpiece.

Reached home by 2 and by the time I'd tucked into bed, the time was a half past 2. Got up a trfle past 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Sunday.

The evening chores.

   

Adieu Ravi muthalaali.

I remember him as a person who’d enormous love and respect for my muthachhan, PN Panicker. In 1977, when he'd a painful departure from the Kerala Grandhasala Sangham, thanks to the machinations of the CPI(M), he had embarked on his venture of the literacy movement, through an organisation that he’d set up for the purpose called KANFED.

The organisation was provided with a brand new Ambassador car with the registration number KRT 8755 that was Ravi muthalaali personal gift to Muthachhan!

Adieu Ravi muthalaali! Shall always remember the humane businessman. Om Shanti! Sadgati. You shall always be remembered for the classy movies that were churned out from your stables.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 3, the chores and was out of the house by a half past 4. Picked up Indira kunjamma and reached Thiruvallam and took the tickets for "kadavubali'. Had an elaborate bali. Had breakfast of idlis-sambar on our return. Were back at the Foundation and redid my packing, got ready.

Went to the Model School Primary School and firstly set up things on the ground. then, went ahead and conducted the Quiz Competition - no glitches and went off well. 

Saw the commencement of the 'sarga saayaahnam' and then left for the bus stand and got a low floor bus to Kannur. The journey was nice and by the time I'd reached home and tucked myself into bed, it was a half past 2. Got the autorickshaw from there instantaneously.

The story of "Frooti".

Meet the woman who took "Frooti" from a Rs.300 cr brand to an 8,000 cr brand.

Nada Chauhan joined her father's group "Pure Agro" in 2003 when she was just 17 years old.

She reduced the company's dependency on Frooti which contributed 95% of revenue. As a result, she launched the iconic packaged water brand "Baileys", a 1,000 cr+ business now. The business had everything right about it - distribution and key tie-ups with Dhabas and long-distance bus operators. As a result, the Parle Agro Group doubled its turnover to 5,000 cr. 

However, the killer move came in 2005when Nadia launched her brainchild "Appy Fizz", one of the firsts in the apple juice category when India was unfamiliar with Apple juice. The idea became a runaway hit contributing a CAGR of 36% and taking a staggering 99% market share. Its innovation in style and taste spurred many imitations across two decades.

But, the thing to learn is she did not forget her champion product "Frooti". Coming back again, she launched Frooti in different flavours under the brand "Nutrizz" and redid the packaging into PET bottles which defines the iconic Frooti of today.

To further promote the brand, she hired the right actors at the peak of their careers to promote the brand. Ali Bhat and Ram Charan started promoting the new flavours in advertisements with funky clothes and the quirky Frooti bottles called "Frooti Fizz". That, too, became a masterstroke with an ad spend of Rs.300 cr, a revenue of 2,000 cr+ generated.

Frooti contributes a meagre 48% of revenue contribution today. But the way Nadia scaled the business across multiple categories is commendable.

Amazing achievement by Ms Nadia and her team! May this story inspire many more women.

Tailpiece.

To the airport after 12. Waited outside till Maman had called when we drove in and picked him up from the arrival lounge of the international airport. Let Chambu drive up and down. Returned and recited my prayers and then turned in to bed.

Got up at 7, the chores and was ready by 9. At the Foundation, watching things happen for which Maman and team had done sound groundwork towards the runup.

Lunch at the PWD Rest House canteen.

At Muthachchan's feet by 5; today's lecture was by Prof Babu Zacharia, an English Professor, ex-Principal, St Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla and a sports commentator on AIR and television.

  

A few nice sayings.

Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she began to fly.

     *      *      *

Heart is a good fertilizer; anything we plant love, hate, fear, hope, revenge, jealousy.....surely grows and bears fruit. We have to decide what to harvest.....

      *       *       *

Wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it becomes too proud to weep, too grave to laugh and too selfish to seek other than itself.

       *       *       *

In life, you will realize there is a role for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 3, washed up and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep to get up before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 9.

A quiet day at the Foundation with things happening as planned before.

'Kaviyarangu' at the 'Sarga Saayaahnam' at Muthachchan's feet at Poojappura. A nice evening!

Nothing lasts forever!

Whatsapp killed BBM (BlackBerry)

Youtube killed DVD

Bluetooth killed Infrared

Xender killed Bluetooth

Zapya killed Xender

CDs killed Cassettes

Android killed Window phones

Uber killed Yellow Cab

Phone killed Post Office

SMS killed Letter Writing

Email killed Fax

Civilisation killed Culture

Computer killed Typewriter

E-card killed Hallmark Card

Maggi killed Dawa Dawa (seasonings)

Money killed True Love

Who else killed what?

Internet killed Library

Google killed Dictionary

Wikipedia killed Encyclopedia

No condition is permanent in this world. Be humble.

And finally MoMo ie."MobileMoney) is killing ATM Machine and Bank Queues in the bank.

So, whatever position you are in today, use it positively. Tomorrow may not be yours but someone

else's.

Solar Power will soon kill Generator

At the end, Death will kill Life

Be careful. This world is not for one person. We are not for one person. We are just passing through it.

 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 5. Sukesh comes by on time and dropped me at the station. Jaishree gives me my ticket with a smile. The Punalur passenger leaves the station by a 10' to 6.

Spent an hour at the reservation lounge. The Rishikesh-Kochuveli was bang on time. A quiet and uneventful journey. Reached Kochuveli well before time. Chambu and Abu had come picked me up.

Had Lekha's lunch at the Foundation.

The Sarga Sayaahnam had Venpakal Ganeshan speaking on the 'Evolution of Kerala's drama'. It was nice.

 

News from France.

Riots continue for the fourth night.

* Historic buildings in France that survived bombardment in World War II, could not survive the 'cultural enrichment' of open borders.

* French police were fired on with American rifles, which may have come from Ukraine. Two modified large-caliber rifles by Accuracy International were seized from the rioters. The same rifles were supplied to Ukraine last summer.

A drive through a street in France. This is their condition.

* French nationalists are out with baseball bats to confront the Islamist mob, who possesses AK-47 and bombs and have taken positions on rooftops with rifles looted from police forces.

* A zoo has been forced open by the rioters.....even lions have been let out on the streets.

All these are by the asylum seekers from Africa and Asia whom the French welcomed happily and provided with all facilities and livelihood like many other European countries.

Europe, have you yet realised what you let in?

Now, coming to the Indian context....

5 crore illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas have been allowed to cross over surreptitiously and given refugee status by the previous governments to boost vote bank.

These rogues are now the Congress-backed rioters to pull down any regime other than the Congress. Their hand was seen in the anti-CAA riots and the ongoing Manipur clashes.

Hope the NIA is ruthless with them; never mind the fake cry of the Human Rightists!

Courtesy. What'sApp

My take

The dimension of the fifth columnists of our country is now becoming crystal clear!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Off to Jishnu to give directions regarding a few payments to be made during the first fortnight of the month. Bought sundries from the National Supermarket.

A quiet evening amid the usual chores. 

India's digital transformation.

  1. In 1991, India faced a Balance of Payments Crisis. In 2021, we have a healthy surplus.

  2. In 2008, we were the world's most unbanked.

  3. The price of data fell exponentially and the use of smartphones grew proportionately.

  4. In 2018, India used mostly cash.

  5. India delivered 2.15 billion vaccine doses in just 2 years.

  6. India is making irreversible, non-linear changes.

    * Each change acts as input to the next

    * Leading to combinatorial innovation

  7. Each change is enabled by a new approach to solving societal problems using Digital Public Infrastructure.

  8. A digital nation needs digital infrastructure.

  9. We built up Digital Public Infrastructure layer by layer to make the India Stock.

     * Starting with a Digital Identity

     * Then spread the ability to digitally transact

     * Digital Payments are everywhere

10. FasTag + GST +eWaybill cut waiting times at borders from days to minutes.

     * These little gains can add up to a lot

     * Digilocker makes transactions paperless

11. India's DPI for financial data sharing, Account Aggregator empowers users with their own data.

12. DPIs combine the best of Public and Private provision.

      * Privacy as a default, not an add-on

      * DPIs make the government efficient

13. Domestic Investors and their autopay SIPs have kept markets afloat.

14. Only country in the world

       * Building population scale APIs and open networks to digitally transform society

       * India's IT Services laid the foundation

       * India's Startup ecosystem built on top

       * We are now a young, connected country that consumes content digitally

       * You can see the difference already

15. Startups have captured the imagination of bright minds.

       * Startup Alumni are the leading source of Startup founders

       * Causing even incumbents to rethink strategy and approach to technology

16. India is upgrading

       * From an offline, cash, informal, low productivity economy

       * To an online, cashless, formal, high productivity economy

17. The next three areas where DPGs will disrupt

       * Credit

       * Commerce

       * Logistics

18. DPGs + Startups are solving three key challenges in lending, leading to an explosion in small ticket loans.

19. DPGs (GST + eWayBill + FasTag) are creating a Single Physical Market.

20. Open Networks for Digital Commerce (ONDC) will bring millions of small retailers to the era of eCommerce.

21. Cheaper Credit, Wider Discovery and Better Logistics will commoditise the supply chain

22. AI initiatives like Bhashini will help overcome the final mile challenges.

23. India is innovating a different model for growth.

My take

Whoopee! What a run, India! Thanks PM Narendra Modi for making this possible!!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. The maid had come for work.

Pravin comes to fix my broadband on the landline.

A rainy day. The usual evening chores. 

A fine lesson.

This story may inspire you to practise something tough during your day to day life.

There is this teacher who took a fish out of its bowl and left a classroom of children as it flipped around. They had been told that if anyone left their seat, they would be expelled.

All the children sat and watched as the fish flopped, gasping for air! Getting up meant getting themselves into trouble!

Finally, a girl sprang up from her seat and ran to the fish placing it back in the bowl! Ultimately she was the only one who refused to watch the fish die.

When the teacher returned, he told the class that this was a lesson. That the fear of getting in trouble should never stop you from doing what's right. That sometimes you may have to oppose authority and group think, simply because it's the right thing to do.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 2, washed up and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep soon after. Got up at 5 and hurried through my chores and we, finally, cast off from home at 0700 hrs. Picked up the sculptor, Sidhan his understudy, Lalu from the Foundation.

Reached Puthuvayil House by a quarter past 11. After the initial pow wows, where I'd reminded Kunjomana chechi of her curse and what her son had done in the darkness of the night, when he pulled out the markers, she came around to our way of thinking. We've got everyone with us, no pathway between Puthuvayil House and Unni's house.

Aniyan and me returned from Changanasserry in an rtc bus to Kottayam, where he fetched me a cup of tea as I took off on a 'Swift' bus. Reached The Quarterdeck by 2100 hrs. And to a quiet evening!   

A couple of interesting information.

The 4th Biggest Bank

HDFC will be the 4th biggest bank in the world.

* JP Morgan Chase                             $416.58

* ICBC                                                $228.38

* Bank of America                              $227.78

* HDFC Combined                             $171.88

* Agri Bank of China                          $168.98

* China Construction Bank                 $162.88

* HSBC                                                $156.68

* Wells Fargo                                       $156.28

* Bank of China                                   $147.38

* Morgan Stanley                                 $144.28

Source. Bloomberg

*     *     *

Back in 1940s, the philosopher Karl Popper came up with something called "The Paradox of tolerance". It goes like this:

If everyone is tolerant of every idea, then intolerant ideas will emerge. Tolerant people will tolerate this intolerance and the intolerant people will not tolerate the tolerant people. Eventually, the intolerant people will take over and create a society of intolerance.

Therefore, Popper said, to maintain a society of tolerance, the tolerant must be intolerant of intolerance......hence the paradox.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 2,  washed up and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep again.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 9. Off to the Foundation and did my personal work. Had lunch with Chambu at the Rest House canteen.

The evening's program at Muthachchan's feet was the reading of Chitra Mohan's 'Ormakal' and it was read out by Usha Rani teacher. Dr MG Shashi Bhushan - son of Muthachchan'sfriend, Prof S Guptan Nair - moderated the program.

When my turn came to speak, I gave a smart naval salute, saying that it was the only thing I'd to offer  her. For a while, the spotlight was on me, consequently.