19 Jun '11.

I6 years back on this sad day, my grandfather had passed away into eternity. Ever since that day, the state government celebrates this day as the 'Reading Day' and today's function kicked off by the Chief Minister is going to encompass a lot many activities over the coming week which, as in the past, is being celebrated as the 'Reading Week'.

To me, on a very personal note, this is an occasion to know more about my grandfather through the experiences of the others. For instance, just came to know of Mr. Oomen Chandy's feelings for him. Years ago, my grandfather had reached the government guest house at Kottayam one evening and as he was a trifle unwell, asked for a room to spend the night as spending money in hotels was a strict no for him. The Manager expressed his inability to allot him any accommodation as the only room, meant for VVIPs, that was vacant was awaiting the Home Minister! But seeing PN Panicker's discomfiture and since he was all too familiar with his work, the Manager offered that room on the condition that it would have to be vacated on the arrival of the minister, at short notice!

Somewhere, around midnight, the minister - none other than Oomen Chandy - had arrived and on hearing that PNP was fast asleep in the room meant for him, he calmed the trembling manager by saying that he'd manage with the available resources but wouldn't want the sleeping PNP to be disturbed!

And I remember his genuine sadness at the death of my grandfather, when he spent a lot of time beside PNP's mortal remains.

My grandfather's soul would be very, very happy today in the fact that Oomen Chandy had kicked off the activities of the Reading Week.