Muthachhan's 113th birthday celebrations (3).

Got up around a quarter past 2, washed myself and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep soon after. Finally, had got up at a quarter past 6, the chores and was ready well in time. Maman and I had headed straight for the auditorium and refigured the seating arrangements before the guests arrived.

The chief guest for today's function was Mr P Prasad, the minister of agriculture. The other guests were Dr. P Kamalasanan Pillai, global agri expert and P Sasi, former joint director of the state agricultural department along with the chairman and the vice chairman of the Foundation. The minister had told us quite a few anecdotes about his interactions with Muthachhan - especially when he'd thrown a challenge to the then youngster as to whether he could work towards setting up an agro-backed culture in Kerala's villages. He took up the challenge and is thankful for having arrived at that decision; giving the credit to PN Panicker!

Dr Kamalasanan Pillai was his usual exuberant self and got along well with the audience. He has announced a slew of projects and asked for volunteers from the audience - there were quite a few - and have asked them to make themselves available on Sunday's session where he would roll out the details of his projects. For starters, he distributed five Moringa seeds to each participant. He gave a detailed plan as to how they were to be planted and nurtured.

He introduced four young engineers to me who were raring to contribute to society, do something unique in agriculture and be part of the Foundation. It's my fond hope that they strengthen our team.

Mr MS Sasi imparted his agriculture message in local language (Malayalam) in a singsong manner and the audience was rapturously attendant.

I'd wrapped up the session, with my vote of thanks. Interacted with three of my aunts, Indirakutty, Sumangala Devi and Pappi, my cousin's wife, Sathi and nephews, Madhavan and Kripa-shankar. 

I'd spoken to the audience that as of date we, Keralites get vegetables and fruits that are highly contaminated - due to random use of pesticides - and we need to get rid of this trend. For that to happen, we needed to grow our own vegetables and fruits, at the earliest and attain self sufficiency. 

The lunch, that was provided soon after, was on time and scrumptious. Sajeela Nissar's training session began with 50 girls at 2 o'clock and wound up by a half past 3. I was particularly pleased with the infectious enthusiasm among the young trainees. It's my fond hope that we are able to have a fine bunch of trained personnel by the end of the programme.

The heat was stifling and tiring but I enjoyed my interaction with each one of them.

Headed back for the Foundation by 4. It was preparation time for tomorrow's session.  

Tailpiece. 

Kuttu had come by to spend time with us after teatime. We returned home by a half past 6.