It's educative to see the small, little things taking place immediately around. The fact is that none of these happenings have a permanence but for the moment, they seem set to be going strong.
(a) The Vishu Market.
Vishu, the Malayalam new year, will be celebrated this Sunday. Can't ever forget the Vishukkani
preparation in the run up to our first Vishu, here, at 'The Quarterdeck' in '14. Mom had joined us
in the effort and the final 'kani' had her immaculate touch!
As a run up to the festival, the market is flooded with items that go to form the 'Vishukkani'.
This year the crafty Chinese have dumped plastic Labernum bunches and quite a few of the
Malayalees seem to be lapping it up as they don't have to worry about the fresh clutches of the
yellow flowers! Am reminded of the abundance of the 'thulasi maala' - again a Chinese product -
during the last Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The sad part is that we refuse to manufacture and market them despite having the raw materials
in plenty.
(b) The Doctors' Strike.
The strike by the doctors, working in government hospitals, has paralysed the working of the
hospitals which directly affect the poor. It was a day of confusion, long waits without the desired
results and the resultant anger directed at the staff who were on duty.
It all began with the latest government orders to extend outpatient facilities during the evenings
too which directly impinges upon a doctor's private practice that fetches him/her the moolah.
Though the government insists that the present strength of the doctors are adequate to carry out
the diktat, the fact is that many of the primary health centres are woefully short of staff. While
my school mate, Rajeev Sadanandan, the additional health secretary, has issued the order, it
remains to be seen as to whether it will be sustainable. Is it a case of a hasty decision without
doing the necessary homework?
(c) The Dissent in the Supreme Court.
Have been following the dissent among the judges in the Supreme Court with dismay and a
great amount of sadness. It reminded me of the points-counterpoints for/against the two officers
superseded when the present incumbent was anointed the COAS. As time goes on, such feuds
are gonna get louder as there is an increasing tendency to glorify self while batting it out for
higher stakes. Decency and maintenance of decorum for the overall organisational good are
slowly receding to the background and to get whatever one covets - come what may - seems
to be the new motto.
What is forgotten, in the bargain, is the lowering of their dignity among the people that they
lead and the awkwardness that they would face when they're confronted with a dissent among
their juniors/subordinates!
Tailpiece.
We've started having early morning walkers on the road that has recently been tarred. It, definitely, has changed the overall outlook and also appreciated the value of our plots/houses.
(a) The Vishu Market.
Vishu, the Malayalam new year, will be celebrated this Sunday. Can't ever forget the Vishukkani
preparation in the run up to our first Vishu, here, at 'The Quarterdeck' in '14. Mom had joined us
in the effort and the final 'kani' had her immaculate touch!
As a run up to the festival, the market is flooded with items that go to form the 'Vishukkani'.
This year the crafty Chinese have dumped plastic Labernum bunches and quite a few of the
Malayalees seem to be lapping it up as they don't have to worry about the fresh clutches of the
yellow flowers! Am reminded of the abundance of the 'thulasi maala' - again a Chinese product -
during the last Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
The sad part is that we refuse to manufacture and market them despite having the raw materials
in plenty.
(b) The Doctors' Strike.
The strike by the doctors, working in government hospitals, has paralysed the working of the
hospitals which directly affect the poor. It was a day of confusion, long waits without the desired
results and the resultant anger directed at the staff who were on duty.
It all began with the latest government orders to extend outpatient facilities during the evenings
too which directly impinges upon a doctor's private practice that fetches him/her the moolah.
Though the government insists that the present strength of the doctors are adequate to carry out
the diktat, the fact is that many of the primary health centres are woefully short of staff. While
my school mate, Rajeev Sadanandan, the additional health secretary, has issued the order, it
remains to be seen as to whether it will be sustainable. Is it a case of a hasty decision without
doing the necessary homework?
(c) The Dissent in the Supreme Court.
Have been following the dissent among the judges in the Supreme Court with dismay and a
great amount of sadness. It reminded me of the points-counterpoints for/against the two officers
superseded when the present incumbent was anointed the COAS. As time goes on, such feuds
are gonna get louder as there is an increasing tendency to glorify self while batting it out for
higher stakes. Decency and maintenance of decorum for the overall organisational good are
slowly receding to the background and to get whatever one covets - come what may - seems
to be the new motto.
What is forgotten, in the bargain, is the lowering of their dignity among the people that they
lead and the awkwardness that they would face when they're confronted with a dissent among
their juniors/subordinates!
Tailpiece.
We've started having early morning walkers on the road that has recently been tarred. It, definitely, has changed the overall outlook and also appreciated the value of our plots/houses.
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