India - Israel ties soar.

I've interacted with many foreign personnel, during my naval life, in the pursuit of strengthening defence relationships between India and each of those countries. In the course of those interactions, what I'd observed, was the keenness on the part of Israel to have long lasting, friendly relations with India. They identify with us and our problems and we must not forget the fact that our country had a very sizeable Jewish population till recently - of course, most of them have since migrated to Israel. 

Can people of my generation ever forget the imposing Koder's at Thiruvananthapuram? On a personal level I'm proud to have quite a number of friends from the community but the first person who'd cast a lasting impression on me, during my younger days, was the elegant and beautiful, Helegua ma'am, who was the Principal of the College for Women at Vazhuthacaud , Thiruvananthapuram where my sisters were studying. She and her family were known to my grandparents. 

Against this backdrop, I'm happy that the ties between the two countries are on an apogee!

Aiming to bolster the mutual defence relationships, the defence ministers of the two countries exchanged the 'Letter of Intent' and adopted a 'Vision Statement' ensuring co-operation in all areas, especially in security and defence. It encompasses enhancement of joint efforts in the field of Futuristic Defence Technologies. A co-operation agreement between the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel's Directorate for Defence R&D that was signed was also discussed.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic ties between India and Israel. 

The Defence Ministers of the two countries held talks over a wide range of subjects.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Wished Ashok Meelu and Chellakkili, many happy returns. Mohan and Asha were conveyed wedding anniversary wishes.

Came to know of the sad passing away of Captain BS Bhinder - a friendly and cheerful junior, who was with me at Chilka - due to cancer of the abdomen. It was diagnosed rather late, last November. Om Shanti! Sadgati. Can never forget your smiling face and cheerful countenance. Here's us praying that your near and dear ones have the strength to tide over these troubled times. 

Lekha and her sister had gone across to the ration stand to collect the monthly dues. Suma Thomas, wife of the late PT Thomas, MLA won with a thumping majority of more than 25,000 votes over her nearest rival from the LDF in the Assembly by-election from Thrikkaakkara, Ernakulam district.  

It rained in the evening, causing a few power interruptions!