Muthachhan's 113th birthday celebrations.

By the time Shekhar had sent the design of the flex boards to the printer, it was much past midnight. Earlier, there were instances of the key of the Foundation's gate missing from the bunch of keys, we'd picked up from Lekha. The situation was overcome, with the gate opening in a trifle manner to enable each one of us entering, one by one (Was reminded of the old NDA joke, "Lock locked, bike unlocked"). Secondly, the main door was closed with an additional lock which I'd ordered to be broken open. 

The work did take time but I could head for home by about a quarter to 1, after dropping Shekhar at his house. I'd turned in for the night by a quarter past 1.

Got up around a quarter past 4, washed myself and recited my prayers. Turned back to sleep and was woken up at 6 by Ammayi, with a hot cup of tea. I, then, had switched on the morning news on the All India Radio to hear the news coverage of the day's programme of Muthachhan's 113th birthday celebrations which, I must say, was extensive.

I'd left home by 8 o' clock, picked up Aniyan enroute and reached the Foundation by a quarter to 8. Things were slowly set up - with the sun blazingly hot - chairs, the two latest flex boards and the flowers. The crowds slowly started to build up and we'd about 60 odd people, including the family members. The showering of flower petals on to Muthachhan's statue, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp went off beautifully, on the dot, at 1030 hrs!

Earlier, the transport minister, Antony Raju, had arrived on the dot and was received by the Chairman, Pannian Ravindran. The proceedings went off smoothly and the short meeting was kick started by me, giving the welcome address, Pannian sir, the keynote address, Antony Raju, the inaugural address along with the talks by MR Thampan, Prof VK Damodaran and the vote of thanks by Anju Gopal. The minister recalled his association with PN Panicker, in connection with the Literacy Movement.

The weeklong celebrations has got off on the right note!

Tailpiece.

After overseeing the preparation of the nearby auditorium, Aniyan and I had headed straight for Maman's house for a lovely lunch, prepared by Ammayi with her son, Chambu in attendance. Then it was yakkittiyak, all the way.

Picked up Maman from the airport, along with the first set of our guests for the weeklong celebrations.