My weekend musings.

1. A pleasant meeting. The General body meeting of our residential enclave was held at the beginning of the weekend that had just gone by. Many good points had come up, discussed threadbare and solutions found during the ongoing discussions which were spirited but marred by low attendance. And I was amused at one of the points that had come by, that spoke of discouraging the domestic helps and attendant workers from wearing 'nighties' or lungies. In malluland, this can be a tall order because one must not forget that it was us malayalees who'd converted the 'lungi' and the 'nightie' to national dresses. I'd to remind the audience of this historic(?) truth!

2. At the Santhi Mandiram. I'd a pleasant Saturday afternoon at the Santhi Mandiram, an orphanage at Aluva that provides shelter for about 150 children and old ladies. The establishment was set up in 1966 in memory of one of the noted social reformers of his times, Sahodaran Ayyappan and Parvathi Ayyappan, his wife. Much has been written about this noble institution and anything that I might say will end up as a case of carrying coal to Newcastle and hence I desist. I had gone as a member of the adopted family of Pratibha who was getting married on Sunday to partake in the pre - wedding celebrations. Interaction with the inmates and a tour of their inhouse efforts in baking and curry powder manufacturing - which, incidentally, they market through an organised network - impressed me. The four hours spent were rejuvenating and well spent. My good wishes shall always be with the 'Santhi Mandiram' in their noble deed. May there be many more such institutions!

3. It's pouring cricket! Our cricket team winning the ICC World cup was a memorable experience and one really felt proud of being an Indian. But its aftermath has been an overdose of celebrations and felicitations. The team members are being showered with gifts, in various forms, by all and sundry. For heaven's sake, let's not spoil them - they've not done anything extraordinary but have only done what they're expected to do for which they're being paid handsomely!