D minus 1.

It's just another 24 hours from now. Muthachhan's statue that has been covered and kept standing in the middle of the Poojappura traffic cycle is finally gonna get liberated, once for all, tomorrow when the Rashtrapathi unveils the bronze life-size statue of PN Panicker!

Remembering dad

Today's dad's 9th Remembrance Day, as per the Malayalam calendar. Had got up at a half past 4, washed up and recited my prayers. Had turned of to sleep on completion. Got up at a half past 5, went through the chores and was ready by a half past 6. Maman had given me one of his single dhothis and angavastram for the ceremony at the Parasurama temple at Thiruvallam, his car and Chambu, to accompany me.

We left soon after, but the road was blocked enroute as work was going on and therefore, had to take a detour. Staved off disaster by a whisker when we'd entered a narrow alley as Chambu had misinterpreted the directions given by a gentleman at the roadside! And finally, laboured into the Parasurama Temple at Thiruvallam by 0800 hrs.

After taking the tickets for the 'balitharpanam' and the 'thilahomam', went into the temple's premises and participated in the ceremony with about a crowd of about 100 people and 'karmi' gave us directions with the help of a megaphone. On completion, we headed straight back to the Foundation.

While going through the ceremony, remembered each and everyone of our family who have passed into the mist of time - and it was an emotional moment! Remembered those wonderful days with each of them......and their unconditional love towards me. Went through the temple's innards after completion of the 'balitharpanam'.

The return trip was okay and we had tea and snacks at a coffee bar next to the Amman kovil at Thycaud. Reached the Foundation, washed and changed into the rig of the day and got along with the work slated for the day. Went to the DC Books and Modern Books and picked up books to be presented to the dignitaries, at the dais, tomorrow - a job that I enjoyed thoroughly, albeit for a very short while!

We'd secured after 10 and by the time we reached home, I was totally pooped.

Tailpiece.

A long day, phew! Tomorrow, it's gonna be a long day!!