A superpower needs to behave like one!

A superpower needs to behave like a superpower. Period!

The US is the current superpower in the world followed by China. A superpower has heavy responsibilities. While displaying its overall superiority, it's incumbent on it to carry the entire world along with it, providing security where it's required, compassion where it's essential and clear alignment with the truth where falsehood and injustice thrive.

However, the US under their current President Donald Trump is careening from one disaster to the other. Initially, there was a sympathy wave toward him because the Americans thought that perhaps, the 2020 presidential elections were stolen from him by Biden and his Democrats. Moreover, his opponent, Kamala Harris was a lacklustre candidate.

He came out with flying colours in the presidential elections. One thought that he'd be magnanimous in victory though keeping the interests of his country as his prime aim! 

And, then, see what he has done and I shall list only a few of them here :-

     * he wants to buy Greenland

     * he wants Canada to become the US's 51st state

     * misbehaved with world leaders, at his Oval office

     * dictating terms with other countries to follow his thought process

     * burnt his fingers when he asked Russia and Ukraine to stop the war

     * on the domestic front, he has taken very stringent action against illegal immigrants

     * he wants to take over the Panama Canal

     * his public spat with Elon Musk is not becoming of a President

     * imposing unreasonable tariffs on the goods of other countries without discussions

Now tell me, is he sane or has he lost it or is he drunken with power? 

He will be dealt with appropriately as he loses the goodwill of his own people. The world, without exception, is disgusted with him.

It's only a matter of time when his own people will turn against him.

Tailpiece.

Whither the US under Trump's leadership?

Some Euphemisms and Dysphemisms (2).

.......contd (2). 

     26. Croaked                        -                    instead of died.

     27. Kicked the bucket        -                    instead of passed away.

     28. Fired his butt                -                    instead of let go.

     29. Junkie                           -                    instead of person with substance use disorder.

     30. Pig                                -                    instead of police officer.

     31. Slaughterhouse             -                    instead of meat processing plant.

     32. Rat                                -                    instead of informant.

     33. Bum                              -                    instead of homeless person.

     34. Baby factory                 -                    instead of surrogate.

     35. Meathead                      -                    instead of athlete or strong person.

     36. Old hag                         -                    instead of elderly woman.

     37. Geek/Nerd                    -                    instead of intelligent person.

     38. Freak show                   -                    instead of unusual performance or talent.

     39. Sack of bones               -                    instead of very thin person.

     40. Deadbeat                      -                     instead of unemployed or absent parent.

     41. Quack                           -                    instead of unlicensed doctor.

     42. Dumpster diver            -                    instead of freegan or scavenger.

     43. Welfare leech                -                   instead of benefits recipient.

     44. Toilet                             -                   instead of restroom or bathroom.

     45. Yard ape                        -                   an outdated and offensive term for child (racist context).

     46. Witch hunt                     -                  instead of investigation.

     47. Cattle class                    -                  instead of economy class.

     48. Brain fart                       -                  instead of momentary lapse in memory.

     49. Hellhole                         -                  instead of poor living condition or place.

     50. Snail mail                      -                  instead of postal mail.

.........concluded.

Tailpiece.

Saw the parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor which, as far I'm concerned, should never have happened. Can't understand as to why the government agreed to it. What right or expertise do the parliamentarians have to discuss/analyse military operations?

In the process, heard many of the opposition members speak/use derogatory remarks on the armed forces. Secondly, these guys seem to believe anything and everything that Trump/foreign media put out.

And the greatest idiot of them all, RaGa asking PM Modi as to whether he can call out President Trump, a liar. Doesn't he know about diplomatic niceties? Is he worthy of being the Leader of the Opposition? He must be kicked on-you-know-where! Can't help but laugh that he's the opposition's prime ministerial candidate! 

Some Euphemisms and Dysphemisms (1)

Euphemisms are used to make something unpleasant sound nicer while Dysphemisms do the opposite - making neutral or even positive things sound worse.

  1. Passed away         -              instead of died.

  2. Let go                   -              instead of fired.

  3. Senior citizen       -              instead of old person.

  4. Correctional facility   -        instead of prison.

  5. Pre-owned            -              instead of used (as in cars).

  6. Economical with the truth - instead of lying.

  7. Between jobs        -              instead of unemployed.

  8. Ethnic cleansing   -              instead of genocide.

  9. Expecting             -              instead of pregnant.

10. Special needs       -              instead of disabled.

11. Negative patient outcome - instead of death.

12. Vertically challenged     -    instead of short.

13. Chronologically gifted   -   instead of old.

14. Adult entertainment       -    instead of pornography.

15. Enhanced interrogation -     instead of torture.

16. Relocation center           -    instead of internment camp.

17. Sleep with            -              instead of have sex with.

18. Passed gas            -              instead of farted.

19. Correctional officer       -    instead of prison guard.

20. Domestic engineer        -     instead of housekeeper/homemaker.

21. Sanitation worker         -     instead of garbage collector.

22. Custodial staff               -    instead of janitors.

23. Downsizing          -             instead of layoffs.

24. Differently abled  -             instead of disabled.

25. Low income area  -             instead of poor neighbourhood.

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

Tailpiece.

Got up around 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 8. 

Walked for a duration of 50' on the road in front of The Quarterdeck. Recited my prayers.

Sunil, comes from Ottappaalam, to service our solar headlight.

Lekha goes to town for bank work and for buying our fruit basket. 

AI is taking its toll!

The AI storm is here and as feared, it is taking away jobs. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services firm, plans to lay off 2% of its global workforce in line with the company's broader strategy to become 'future-ready'.

In absolute terms, 12,260 employees in the middle and the senior grades will lose jobs this year : TCS's workforce, as on 30 Jun, stood at 6,13, 069.

                 TCS workforce as on 30 Jun                   6,13,069

                 2% or 12,260 will be laid off this year

                 Middle and senior level employees to face axe

It includes strategic initiatives including investing in new technology areas, entering new markets, deploying AI at scale for clients and for the company, creating next-gen infra and realigning workforce model.

TCS promises to make all efforts to provide benefits, outplacement, counselling and support as they transition to new opportunities to the affected employees.

My take

A trend that increasingly gets visible as AI gets entrenched!

Tailpiece.

A quiet day. Lekha had gone to a new beauty parlour that has come up in Guruvayur. Sukesan, the autorickshaw driver, has turned over a new leaf after his treatment.  

Right speech in a noisy world.

In today's fast-paced world, practicing Right Speech is more important than ever. Social media, gossip and digital outrage have made idle and harmful speech commonplace. The Buddhist principle of Right Speech urges us to speak only when necessary, truthfully, kindly and in a way that benefits others.

As part of the Noble Eightfold Path, Right Speech (Samma Vaca) is not merely about refraining from lies, slander or harsh words, it is a form of mental discipline. According to the Sutta Pitaka, the Buddha instructed his disciples to avoid "false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech and idle chatter". He encouraged communication that is timely, factual and spoken with goodwill.

In a time when words can go viral within seconds, mindfulness in speech becomes a daily spiritual practice. Choosing silence over reaction, or empathy over sarcasm, is not weakness but wisdom. Thich Nhat Hanh, a modern Buddhist teacher, said, "Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you. Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you".

Right Speech is ultimately not just about what we say; it is about creating peace, one word at a time.

Tailpiece.

Tomorrow begins the second week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. As usual, "sounds" have emanated from none other than the loudmouth, Donald Trump about the number of aircraft destroyed during Operation Sindoor sometime before the beginning of this session, setting a scene for the opposition to create ruckus and disrupt Parliament, all over again! 

A serious factor that can no longer be overlooked!

India's boundary with our immediate neighbours was always porous. Governments came and went, both at the centre and in the states. Migrants from neighbouring countries came in, wave after wave and no one seemed to care. The demography of the populations within changed drastically. The Rohingyas, the Bangladeshis, the Pakistanis, the Sri Lankan Tamilians came in on their free will and established themselves; almost all of them as Indian citizens!

They've been nurtured by various political parties as their 'vote banks'! This needed to be brought to a halt.

The Modi government brought in the the CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and the revision of the NRC (National Registry of Citizenship). The vested interests got into the act to prevent their effective enforcement - Shaheen Bagh type agitation and the Delhi riots played out their bit. In the end, Indian Democracy won.

The first comprehensive action by the central government was through the formulation of the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) in Assembly-poll-bound state of Bihar. The ECI (Election Commission of India) through the SIR - the opposition tried their hand at roping in the Supreme Court to thwart the efforts of the SIR which fell flat - made a mockery of the summary revision  of the poll rolls of Bihar published in January, this year.

The disclosure is alarming :-

    * Over 65.2 lakh names are out of Bihar poll roll. The breakdown is as follows :-

        Total number of registered voters              7.9 cr

        Dead                                                           22 lakhs

        Permanently migrated                                35 lakhs

        Registered at more than one place               7 lakhs

        Untraceable                                                  1.2 lakhs

The opposition, caught on the wrong foot, is now threatening to boycott the Assembly elections! The next target of the ECI is the u/t of Jammu and Kashmir followed by West Bengal. In the latter, left as it is, the goons of Mamata Banerjee will not allow it to happen for obvious reasons. The central government will have to deploy central security forces or clamp President's Rule in the state.

My take

What a monumental lie was being propagated thus far?! And mind you, all these illegal migrants, have managed to acquire Aadhaar Cards, Voter's ID Card through the connivance of their patrons.

Corrective action must be applied forthwith. If the collective opposition decides to boycott elections then let Nitish Kumar come back to power!

And what's the backdrop of the ADR (Association for Democratic Reforms)? Well, it's the usual naysayers within this country, funded and aided by the virulently anti-Modi/pro RaGa, Sorros!!

Tailpiece.

It's the 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas!

A thoroughly wet day, in fact, Thrissur is on Red Alert! 

India-UK Free Trade Deal.

0% duty on the following :-

     * Marine products

     * Arms and ammunition

     * Base metals

     * Chemicals and Minerals

     * Electrical machinery

     * Plastic/Rubber

     * Furniture/Sports goods

     * Gems and Jewellery

     * Headgear/Glass/Ceramic

     * Instruments/Clocks

     * Leather/Footwear

     * Wood/paper

     * Mechanical machinery

     * Textile/Clothing

     * Transport/Auto

     * Veggies, fruits, spices, cereals and oils

The takeaways

     * Indian farmers to get preferential access to UK's $37.5 billion agriculture market

     * Sensitive Indian sectors like dairy, vegetables, apples, cooking oils, oats fully protected

        under the deal

     * Big catch for Indian fishermen as the $5.4 billion British market opens for marine

        exports with zero duty as against up to 20% now

     * Big boost for UK job creation as labour intensive sectors get competitive edge

     * Zero duty on major sectors

     * Massive gain for rural India and exporters with zero duty on processed foods as against

        70% earlier

     * 75,000 Indian workers in UK will benefit from Double Contribution Convention, as it

        exempts workers from social security contribution for three years

     * Professionals to get better mobility access to the UK. Up to 1,800 Indian chefs, yoga

        instructors and classical musicians can move temporarily to Britain to provide services

My take

It's a win-win situation for both sides!

Tailpiece.

A quiet but wet day!

    

UN court's legal opinion but non-binding!

The International Court of Justice has said that affected countries can claim reparations but what they are owed could be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

In its first ever opinion on climate change, the ICJ said the consequences of climate change are far-reaching as they affect both natural ecosystems and human populations. "These consequences underscore the urgent and existential threat posed by climate change", said Judge Yuji Iwasawa while reading out the opinion, which is advisory in nature and non-binding.

Failure to protect planet a wrongful act

* Failure of a state to take appropriate action to protect the the climate system.....may constitute an 

   internationally wrongful act.

* After years of efforts by vulnerable island nations who fear they could disappear under rising sea

   waters, the UN General Assembly asked the top UN court in 2023 for an advisory opinion on

   climate change.

130 countries backed the case brought by the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu.

Tailpiece.

A quiet but wet Thursday. It was also "Karkkidaka karutha vaavu bali".

 

My tryst with Kottayam.

Had got up at a 20' past 5, sent all the morning messages, switched on the morning hymns, lit up the puja room lamp, opened up the house. Went about my chores and was ready by a half past 9 and Kannan came by just then. We kicked off for Ettumanoor soon after.

It was rains all the way. had tea and snack short of Potta. Lunch was at Muvattupuzha at 2. Before that, could get the PUC certification done at Kalady!

Reached Ettumanoor at a half past 3, it was tricky to find the Nandavanam auditorium. Met Aravi maman, Radha mami, Rajan maman, Jagada mami, Renjith and his family. Renjith's son, Jagan is joining IIT, Dharwar on the 29th, the first to do so from our family.

Our programme started a half an hour late. Aniyan, too, was called on to the stage by both PGM and Rajeev, to impress me perhaps! Kept my inaugural speech to the minimum. Distribution of the prizes was an added responsibility! After the program and after bidding adieu to everyone, Aniyan took me to Ettumanoorappan and I'd a nice darshan of the good Lord.

So, the curtains were drawn on the Kottayam district 'Vaayana Maasaacharanam activities 2025' by 6. 

We'd our evening snack and tea at the corner shop. Saw Aniyan off and I returned for Guruvayur. Dinner was at Chalakkudi around a quarter past 9.

Reached home by a half past 11. A nice, short trip that I enjoyed.

The life and times of VS Achuthanandan!

Adieu comrade!

20 Oct 1923         Born in Paravur to Venthalathara Sankaran and Akkamma

            1927         Lost his mother to smallpox

            1934         Lost his father; discontinued studies in the 7th grade

            1939         Joined the state congress

   Mar  1940        Joined the communist party at the age of 17

             1946        Took part in Punnapra-Vayalar protest preparations; arrested by Poonjar police while

                             underground

             1948        Released from prison; went into hiding as the communist party was banned

             1952        Became Alappuzha division secretary of the communist party

             1954        Inducted into the party state committee

             1956        Appointed Alappuzha district secretary

             1959        Became a member of the communist party national council

             1962        Arrested during the India-China war on charges of being a 'Chinese spy': imprisoned

                             for a year

             1964        Walked out of the national council, co-founded the CPM

             1965        Contested Assembly elections from Ambalappuzha (lost)

1965 & 1970        Won from Ambalappuzha in Assembly elections

 18 Jun 1967        Married K Vasumathi

  1980 - 1991        Elected three terms as CPI (M) state secretary

             1986        Inducted into the CPM politburo

             1991        Elected from Mararikulam; became Leader of the Opposition in 1992

             1996        Lost Mararikulam seat

  1998 - 2001       Served as LDF convener

  2000 - 2016       Elected from Malampuzha constituency for four consecutive terms

  2006 - 2011       Served as chief minister of Kerala

03 Aug 2016       Served as Chairman, State Administrative Reforms Commission

             2019       Incapacitated following a stroke

  21 Jul 2025       Passed away at the age of 101 yrs

Om Shanti! Sadgati.

Tailpiece.

Fifty six years back, man landed on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin walked on the Moon after the landing of the Lunar Module from the mothership, Apollo 11 at the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon!

             

Getting back to our usual work!

Got up at 6, switched on the hymns, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house. Lekha had an early bath to settle down for reciting the Ramayanam.

Sajish came at his usual time to give me a haircut and a massage.

Recited my prayers. Was ready by a half past 9 and tucked in steaming idlis and sambar!

Washing machinex of my clothes that had piled up over the last week. Worked on my laptop and spoke to Prathapan, Mohan of Boss workshop  and Vijayan, the caretaker.

Indira kunjamma and Aniyan had also called up.

Lunch at a half past 1. Watched television for a while.

Siesta.

The evening chores. A quiet evening at that.

Lekha had continued with her Ramayanam recital!

Tailpiece.

Former chief minister VS Achuthanandan, all of 102 yrs, passed into the mist of time this afternoo. His cremation will take place at Mararikulam, the day after tomorrow. 

Back at The Quarterdeck!

Got up at a half past 3, went round the corner, sleep wasn't forthcoming and therefore had washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again and got up at a 20' past 5 thanks to the alarm. The chores and was ready by much before 8.

Monish came well past 9, helped in loading the luggage and because of Lekha's pressure, took in Govind's luggage though I wanted him to come and collect it from Raj Nivas, simply because he was audacious to want it at Anandan chittappan's house!

The caretaker was there, spoke to my parents and cast of around a half past 9, through slight rain. 'Matha thekoed' at the Nagarajaavu temple at Randaalummoodu as is my wont. Topped up the Chevy with fuel and checked tyre pressure. We were finally on our way to Guruvayur much after 10; encountered rain in the initial stages. 

Lunch was at Kaladi but Monish didn't have it and just had tea and snack both in the morning and in the evening. Reached Guruvayur by 4; Lekha had bought grocery, fruits and we reached The Quarterdeck after 33 days!

Opened up the house, keyed up the grandfather clock, got the puja room ready. We lit the lamp at sunset and Lekha recited the Ramayanam.

A quiet evening thereafter!

Nice to be back home!!

At Raj Nivas!

Got up at a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned back to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. Sent all my morning messages. Got up around a half past 6, carried out the packing and was ready by a quarter past 9. Off to the Foundation soon after.

Dropped Maman and set off for Kottarakkara. Encountered rain along a great stretch, earlier had topped up the car at the Bakery Junction petrol pump. Bought chocolates from a bakery at Valakom for the three kids! Reached Archa's house around 1, had lunch and buzzed off to Raj Nivas soon after. Devootty has become very friendly with me.

Reached there, Anish and the caretaker emptied the car of all luggage. Sent Anish back.

Settled down at home, tried to catch up on siesta when Padmakumar and Rema fetched up. Had tea and the three of them went to the Thrikkonnamarkodu Devi kshetram for the darshan of the goddess. They'd returned after about half an hour.

Massive rain, causing frequent power interruptions was the order of the day.

A quiet evening thereafter.

Closing ceremony of the Vaayana Maasam 2025!

Got up around a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. Sent all the morning messages. Got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 8. A "vedi vazhipaadu" at the devi temple close to the Mangattukadavu bridge. We, then, went to the Hanuman temple and had a nice darshan of the good Lord.

Off to Minister GR Anil's house and we met him first. Maman could get his work done in that the minister would be participating in the ''Vaayana sadassu'' with the 'thozhil sthreekal' of his constituency. We'd actually spoken to the MLA of his neighbouring constituency, who was very enthusiastic in the beginning and then, he refused to return our calls. So, this morning's session has checkmated the idiot! Probably, he was being fed wrong inputs by someone inimical toward the Foundation! 

But if he's a progressive and a positive MLA, he should have risen above pettiness!!

We'd breakfast from the Padma Cafe and then picked up Vijayakumar sir, the quiz master to head straight back to the Foundation. Ironed out certain things and helped the quiz to get going. And it went off beautifully, without any hiccups, any controversy. 

Lunch was from outside which was nice!

Siesta.

Off to the Bharat Bhavan by a half past 3, set the stage for the Closing Ceremony of the 25th Vaayana Maasam. Minister Dr R Bindu was the chief guest, with Pannian Ravindran, Murukan Kattakkada, Pramod Payyannur. Maman gave the Opening Address and I, the Vote of Thanks.

A quiet evening thereafter!

Vaayana Dinam (29).

Today is the 1st of the Malayalam month of Karkkidakom - the Ramayana maasam! 

Got up at a quarter past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a quarter past 5. Sent all my morning messages, slept again and got up at a half past 6. The chores.

We were off to the Foundation @ a half past 9, enroute we 'mathaa thekoed" at the Hanuman Mandir at the Pangode Army base. What a traffic snarl it was?!

We set off for Paravoor @ 12 for paying homage to one of the Foundation's founding fathers, Congressman CV Padmarajan sir. On reaching there, we came to know that his body was still lying in state at the DCC Office, Kollam. Anish took us there.

So, we made a dash of the remaining 12 km, offered our condolences and returned. Since we were trying to make it back to Poojappura for the last event of the Sargasaayaahnam viz. "Ramayana : its relevance to the present day life" by our Chairman, Sri Pannian Ravindran - we skipped lunch and reached by 5 PM before the chief guest had arrived.

He'd articulated his thoughts well. There were plenty of questions, his reply was great with Usha Rani teacher giving the vote of thanks. We wound up by a 10' past 7. The eats were served but not the tea because Rajannan had to run another errand!

A quiet evening thereafter!

Arranged the tables and chairs in the auditorium on the first floor of the Foundation, along with Bijumon sir and Anish.

Vaayana Dinam (28).

Got up at a quarter past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. Sent all the morning messages, went off to sleep again and got up at a half past 6. The chores and was ready by a 20' past 9. Off to the Foundation.

Earlier, Anish cleared the wash basin which was showing a tendency to block up.

A quiet forenoon with me working on the laptop.

Lunch at 2. Girija served the food.

A bit of rest.

Off to Poojappura by a quarter past 4 for Advocate S Udayakumar's lecture on "Gandhimargam". It was a nice lecture, with lot of participation from the crowd. We secured finally at 10' past 7. Poor Rajannan went late!

Earlier, it was autorickshaw driver Sukesan who made the first call of the day saying that he was well and back in action! Great to hear him after his three months' layoff for being treated for alcoholism at the hospital at Perumpilavu.

A comparatively early evening.  

Vaayana Dinam (27).

Got up at a quarter to 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at around a 10' past 5. Sent off all the morning messages. Slept again and got up at a half past 6. The chores and was ready by a half past 8.

Off to the Foundation and on the arrival of Sukumaran sir, the joint secretary of the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, the three of us went to St Agustine Higher Secondary School at Murukkumpuzha, which was tied up by Rajendran.

The school has a strength of 152, has a good set of teachers children from a very poor section of society. They were glad to see the son and grandson of PN Panicker to spend the forenoon with them!

Maman gave a speech and exhorted them to start a vegetable garden at the earliest and they have decided to have a go at the idea before the 29th when the education minister is slated to visit the school. Later, we went across to the library begun by Murukkumpuzha Rajendran, a close worker with Muthachchan during the literacy movement!

We gifted Muthachchan's framed photograph to the library. They gave us a glass of lemon juice!

Had lunch at 3! No chance of a siesta.

Went across to Poojappura for the 27th day of Sargasaayaahnam 2025 which saw Thirumala Sivankutty who spoke on "Reading : in the modern context". It was a nice interaction. Also met Achuthan Nair from Palakkad, who had worked with Muthachchan.

Dropped the guest speaker at the Krishna Pillai Foundation, Palayam, pulled out money from the atm enroute, dropped Gracias, Sudha ma'am.

A quiet evening at home thereafter.   

Vaayana Dinam (26).

Got up at a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 5' to 5. Sent off all the morning messages. The chores and was ready by a half past 8.

Maman and ammayi had to go to KIMS Hospital for tests. Was dropped at Vellayambalam from where I caught an autorickshaw for the Foundation. Opened up the office and went about working on the laptop, a bit of reading.

Lunch at 2. Maman and ammayi returned around that time. Had lunch at the office.

Went for the "sargasaayaahnam"; today was "kaviyarangu" where 22 poets delivered their poems for us. One of our members had asked the 'Ezhuthukoottam' to refine upon their poetry writing to which their secretary had given a pungent reply. I'd to intervene and asked my guy to pipe down and asked for forgiveness on behalf of the Foundation.

They were quite sad about and apologised to me for the sequence of events and I put them at ease!

Returned home by 8. A quick dinner and hit the sack early. 

Vaayana Dinam (25).

Got up at a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a half past 6. The chores and had my breakfast at a half past 9.

Slept through the forenoon and what a waste of a Sunday!?

Lunch at 2.

Siesta.

Off to Poojappura. Meanwhile, Anish had taken Maman to Balachandran's house to offer condolences on his mom's passing away. So, at the traffic circle there wasn't gonna be any mic. Quickly, prioritized my actions for the evening which were :-

    * requested Sudha ma'am to come by an autorickshaw at my expense

    * with the key that she had with her, we'd the chairs retrieved

    * gave order for tea and snacks for 25 people

    * after Anil Kumar had finished his lecture on "kim karaneeyam", the subject was opened up for 

       the audience to discuss

    * before the vote of thanks, I'd spoken about the unfortunate incidents of the previous days and

       brought the crowd - especially the concerned parties - viz. Professor Sankaran Nair sir and Dr 

       Asokan Nadalayil to shaking hands and making up

    * Appukkuttan sir delivered the Vote of Thanks.

    * Meanwhile, Anish had come with our vehicle but the mic and the accompaniments weren't

       deployed!

After picking up sundries enroute, returned home by a half past 7. 

Vaayana Dinam (24).

Got up at a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 5' to 5. Sent messages on the What'sApp. Got up around a half past 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 9.

Off to the Foundation and then to the Music Academy. The auditorium was the venue of the PN Panicker Vaayana Maasam Quiz for the Thiruvananthapuram district. Manoj, a member of the office staff, helped me through the difficulties and he was given 500/- at the end of it.

The three supporting teachers, Usha Rani, Manju and Dhanya rehashed the format and I went along with their suggestions. It went off very well though the 1st (Devika Manoj) got 27/50 while the 2nd (Madhav Krishna) got 25/50 and the both of them form Team Thiruvananthapuram for the state-level quiz competition scheduled at the Bharat Bhavan on 18 Jul at 1000 hrs. Distributed the certificates to all participants.

Many of the parents came and congratulated my performance as the Quiz Master!

Lunch was served by Girija at the Foundation. Tried a bit of siesta but to no success.

On the 24th day of the 'Sargasaayaahnam', it was a cultural offering by the Thikkurissi Saamskaarika Vedi which went on till 7 in the evening! Told the audience about my tryst with Thikkurissi Sukumaran Nair, when I was around 4 yrs!

He was our neighbour behind the TC/804. The bathroom and the toilet were away from the house during those days. We'd a huge copper vessel (Kuttakam) to boil water for bath for the elders. One day, this vessel went missing and the matter was reported to the Thycaud Police Station. After two days, the culprit was nabbed and the vessel was found in a sack near Thikkurissi's compond. I remember Thikkurissi telling Muthachchan and Ammachi that he'd nothing to do with it and they'd a hearty laugh over the matter! 

Maman went back early; returned on Chambu's scooter

A quiet evening thereafter!

Vaayana Dinam (23).

Got up at a half past 2, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 6. The chores and was ready by a half past 9!

Set off for the Foundation but had to return as I'd forgotten my cellphone at home.

Had gone to the Music Academy, met the Principal, Mrs Veena and told her about our requirements regarding the use of the auditorium for our district-level quiz competition tomorrow.

Worked on the laptop, pumped out two mail online.

Lunch.

Siesta wasn't forthcoming!

To Poojappura by a 5' past 4. Asokan Nadalayil was the guest speaker. Spoke against what he'd done thus far in a thoroughly gentlemanly fashion and he was given an hour to deliver his lecture which he'd requested for.

The proceedings went off fine.

Returned home by a half past 8, dinner by 9. A comparatively early evening.

 

Back at my post!

Vaayana Dinam (22)

Got up at a 10' to 5, washed up, sent my early morning messages to my select friends. Lit up the puja room lamp, switched on the morning hymns on television and opened up the house, in a restricted manner.

Morning cuppa with Lekha in our dining hall overlooking the compound. Recited my prayers, had breakfast and then, had a leisurely bath. We were ready by a quarter to 10. Kunjumon came with his autorickshaw soon after and we set off from Raj Nivas @ 10.

Lekha bought grocery from More, enroute, I pulled out 5 grand from the ATM and got dropped at the road transport corporation bus stand, Kottarakkara. Boarded a Fast Passenger bound for Thiruvananthapuram on its take off and the driver drove it real fast. Reached the Foundation by a quarter past 1.

Had lunch with Maman and Ammayi with Girija, in attendance!

Tried to catch up on siesta.

To the Poojappura traffic circle for the 22nd episode of "Sarga saayaahnam" . The guest this evening was Associate Professor (Malayalam) Dr C Udayakala and her topic was, "Bhaasha : Saahithyam, samskaaram", which was very interesting!

Secured by 7, back to the Foundation and we returned home.

Pep talk to Chambu over dinner1 

The Bharat bandh!

The combined trade unions, minus the BMS, had called for the Bharat bandh from midnight to midnight. It seems to have been a success (?) from the claims of the trade unions - I'd like to make it clear, it made the lives of the ordinary public miserable and put many into very difficult situations!

Got up at a trifle before 5, pumped out the usual morning messages, switched on the morning hymns, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house. These days, opening up of the house anytime of the day can cause havoc as wild boar and monkeys keep crisscrossing around us. The panchayat seems to be too stunned to take any remedial action!

Morning cuppa followed by the usual chores. Recited my prayers.

Breakfast of puri-bhaaji followed by a leisurely bath!

A lovely lunch - the caretaker's wife had sent us her 'jack fruit preparation'. Lekha has been quite active!

Siesta.

A quiet evening. 

Tailpiece.

This evening's "Sargasaayaahnam" was a washout because of the bandh. Bijumon sir has rushed to his hometown, Pala to tend his elder brother who is plugged on to a ventilator, post-stroke - the second within a short span of time. My prayers!

Vaayana Dinam (20).

Got up at a 10' to 5, switched on the music, opened up the house partially since I wasn't gonna be here during the forenoon. It was nice listening to quality hymns from the Kaumudi television channel, as before. Morning cuppa with Lekha in our dining hall and it felt that it was after a long, long time! The chores, reciting the prayers and other things went side by side.

Had breakfast before bath. My shirts were pressed by Shilpa, the caretaker's daughter-in-law.

The autorickshaw had come about in time and I reached the Thalavoor UPS at the appointed hour of 10 AM. Met Shaji member, Sarma sir, the Bahuleyan, the PTA President and of course Saraswati teacher, the current Headmistress. A cup of tea and a hot vada were devoured with relish.

Was pleasantly surprised with the facilities that the school has received from the government. Am listing them just to highlight the thoughtful actions by the government and Sivankutty, the education minister, in particular :-

   * A Sanskrit teacher for a duration of one year. So, the languages being taught are Malayalam, English,

      Hindi and Sanskrit.

   * An English teacher to raise proficiency in spoken English.

   * A smart classroom.

   * A creative classroom where electric bulb making, stitching, food making and agriculture are 

     with appropriate implements and tools.

However, the school's main blocks have been certified unfit for use and no action has been

forthcoming from the government's side, thus far, to build new blocks!

A quiet afternoon; siesta.

Our television set had gone blank in the morning, timely report to Harikrishnan, the local electronics guy had the set made all right by evening so that we could watch our favourite serials unhindered! 

  

Vaayana Dinam (19).

Got up at a half past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. The chores.

Was ready by a quarter to 9, with my overnighter packed, the laptop, clothes for wash and my normal bag for sundries. 

At the Foundation and did my work.

Lunch.

No snooze. Off to Poojappura by a quarter past 4 for the 19th edition of Sargasaayaahnam. It was K Sudarshan talking on "A Kerala without Azhikode". He spoke well but I'd to leave soon after initiating the speech as I was to catch a bus for Kottarakkara.

Got a superfast bound for Mananthawadi and reached home before 9. Could see the serial on Flowers, "Sukhamo Devi?". This was the evening when Tanuja gets to know the identity of her actual parents from Chandramathy.

Lekha had reached Raj Nivas earlier by 5 and had got the house ready!

There was a brief spell of rain before my arrival.

Vaayana Dinam (18).

Got up at a half past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. The chores.

Wished Ramachandran chettan many happy returns as today was his 80th birthday. 

Had breakfast at a half past 9. 

Then, drove to the Kunnil Supermarket where Maman and ammayi purchased grocery.

Took them out to lunch at the Green Park, on the way to Mudavanmukal.

Siesta.

Was at Poojappura at a half past 6 for today's 'ezhuthukkottam'. It was a nice program.

Secured a bit late.

An early evening at home.

Vaayana Dinam (17).

Got up around a half past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again only to get up at a half past 5. The chores and was ready by 9.

Off to Ananda Niketanam for a public meeting. It was nice and short.

Dropped Maman at the Foundation and went to Mamaan's house to see the installation of the new television set. Went back to the Foundation just in time for lunch.

A bit of snooze.

Picked up Mr Rajasekharan, ex-Pro Vice Chancellor of the Sankaracharya University at Kalady from 2008 - 2012. The strength of the audience was 29.

Returned home comparatively early. Gave 100/- to Anish's son, Dhruv to buy chocolates as I was seeing him and Akhila, his wife for the first time!

Another quiet evening.

Vaayana Dinam (16)

Got up at a quarter past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. The chores. Was ready by a quarter past 9.

Off to the Foundation and since Maman wasn't in his elements, had to sit in his room minus air conditioning and minus adequate fan.

Lunch.

A bit of siesta.

Off to Poojappura for the "Sargasaayahnam" for Parvathi ma'am's talk on, "Sthreekal - ezhuthum vaayanayum". She's the education minister's wife and the late P Govinda Pillai sir's daughter. She also happens to be my school type, from the Holy Angels' Convent from the class of 1980! 

Eight years my junior!

The talk was nice.

Bid her good bye like a chivalrous navy man!

Maman bought a new TV. An early evening! 

Vaayana Dinam (15).

Got up at a 25' past 12, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to get up at a 20' past 5. The chores and was ready by 9. Off to the Foundation.

Wore a khadi shirt that Maman gifted me. Worked on the laptop.

A quiet forenoon.

Lunch followed by siesta, though in snatches!

A block of the Kottayam Medical College Hospital crumbled. Ministers, Veena George and Vasavan reached there but wasted time, without carrying out search beneath the rubble, for survivors. This lapse proved costly.

A lady, Bindu, who'd come as an attendant for her sick daughter was retrieved very late and she'd passed into the mist of time. A serious lapse on the part of the stupid ministers!

Today was the "Narayaneeyam recital by Indirakkutty and her six friends from the Vanamaali group.

It went off nice and finished by a quarter past 6. Got unniyappams and a dinner pack of idiyappams and accompaniments.

A quiet evening.

Vaayana Dinam (14).

Got up at a 4' past midnight, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again and got up at a quarter past 5. The chores and was ready by a quarter past 9.

Off to the Foundation. Wished RK Singh and Usha many happy returns on their wedding anniversary. Worked on my laptop.

Chairman, PN Panicker Foundation, Raviyettan had come by to discuss the remaining programs and was with us for about an hour and a half, from 1100 hrs.

Lunch at 2.

Siesta.

Off to Poojappura for the "Sarga saayaahnam"; actually, three things give me great happiness which are :-

    * Rajan's drive to the venue in our 'Benz'.   

    * Sudha ma'am's enthusiasm in the conduct of the function, every evening and

    * The enthusiasm of the crowd/audience!

Today, it was "Ezhuthukkoottam", where young story writers narrated their experiences while formulating their literary work. Satija ma'am and Usha Rani teacher were among the total strength of 48 that attended this evening. Dr Shabir presented me with his book, "Swapnaadanam".

A sudden downpour soon after its completion.

And settled down to a quiet evening.

Vaayana Dinam (13).

Got up at a half past 1, washed up, recited my prayers, turned off to sleep yet again to wake up at a 20' past 5. Sent the 'good morning' messages to everyone.

Got ready by a half past 8, a quick breakfast and we set off for the Foundation with Maman behind the wheel. Took over from him, short of Jagathy, as he was unable to use the clutch because of the pain on his leg. Anish's aunt had passed away and he'd taken a day off today.

Bijumon sir bought me my Betnovate ointment and Pantop.

Lunch along with Maman as is the custom these days. Light and vegetarian!

Tried to catch up on my snooze.

Went by an autorickshaw to the Poojappura traffic circle. Today's subject was "English bhaashaa pathanam : the strengths and the weaknesses" by Mr Jayachandran, the secretary of the English Literature Club.

Returned to the Foundation after dropping Sudha ma'am and Gracias sir.

Drove back home, making sundry shopping en route.

A quiet evening thereafter.