The arrogance.

After travelling long through a forest, Kalidasa reached a village. He felt very thirsty and looked around for water. He saw an old woman drawing water from a well. He went up to her and asked her for water. She agreed to give him water but asked him to first introduce himself.

             WHO ARE YOU?

             Introduce yourself. 

Now Kalidasa, who was a renowned and revered scholar of his time, thought that an ordinary and old village woman was not worthy of knowing who great Kalidasa was.

So he said, I am a traveler. 

But the old lady replied, "No, you cannot be a traveler. In this world there are only two travelers - the Sun and the Moon. Both Rise and Set every day and keep traveling perpetually.

WHO ARE YOU?

Thirsty Kalidasa said, "Alright then, treat me as a guest".

Old lady promptly replied, "No you cannot be a guest, son. In this world there are only two guests - Youth and Wealth - both are temporary and do not stay even if you plead with them a million times and hence can only they be called as guests".

WHO ARE YOU?

Thirsty but now quite intrigued with the profoundness of this old lady, Kalidasa said, "I am a tolerant person, mother".

Now the old lady replied, "You don't quite look tolerant, old man.

In this world only 2 truly know the meaning of tolerance.

Bhoomi (Earth) and Tree. How much ever you stamp the earth or throw stones at the tree (for the fruits), both continue to nurture us".

So,

WHO ARE YOU?

With unquenched thirst, Kalidasa was increasingly becoming irritable. He said, "Fine then consider me a Stubborn Person".

The lady smiled and said, "No my child, you are not that stubborn.

There are only 2 truly stubborn personalities our nails and our hair. We keep cutting them non-stop but they continue to grow".

So,

WHO ARE YOU?

Kalidasa had been patient so far, but now in anger he said, "Alright, I am a fool".

Now the lady gave a wide smile and said, "There are only 2 kinds of fools in this world.

A King who rules without having any capability or knowledge and a Minister who is a sycophant to such a King and lavishes praises on such a useless king".

WHO ARE YOU?

Kalidasa realised that he had been outsmarted by an old illiterate village woman. In complete awe and humility, he fell at the feet of the lady, saying,

"O mother! How ignorant I was to think that I know myself. I am ashamed of myself. Pardon my ignorance.

Show mercy and grant me water, I beg of you. When he touched her feet and then got up, whom did he see?....

Mata Saraswati the Goddess of Learning and Wisdom.

She said, "Kalidasa, you are wise. But only if you know yourself do you become a true Manushya (human being).

Your EGO has overshadowed your achievements.

You are educated but you are also given to arrogance. Hence, I had come to guide you.

The mark of a true human being is not his knowledge but his humility".

Your Intellect 

Your Education is of....

NO USE IF IT....

ONLY FEEDS YOUR EGO.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready as usual.

A quiet day at home.

Cut Anil's birthday cake. 

Why India is globally respected?

In the last few years, you must have observed that on global platforms, India has been getting not just extraordinary attention but also unprecedented importance and respect. Before 2014, we used to see our leaders standing in a corner with drooping shoulders and begging bowl. In geo-politics, India was just another over-populated, developing country in conflict with Pakistan.

What has changed? A lot of critics might say it's the optics management. They are utterly wrong.

Geo-politics is ruthless. Diplomacy works on economy, military power, mutual help and cooperation. There was no "India Story" before 2014. Prime Minister @narendramodi changed that. He told a promising 'India Story' to the world. Not just in promise but also in execution.

No country cares about you if your economy isn't really strong and promising. A ruthlessly capitalistic country like USA doesn't care about you if they have nothing to benefit. Be it Trump or Biden, we have seen that USA's love for India has been growing manifold.

The message is clear - India is an emerging superpower. And a true friend in need.

The real shift took place during COVID crisis. Most of the agencies and even some of our own people had written off India, it was believed that maximum deaths would take place in India. The world saw how wrong they were.

Foreign vaccine and Pharma lobbies waged a war against India and tried to arm twist and Blackmail India. Like they used to do in the past. Many powerful groups in India helped them in this war against India. Like they used to do in the past.

China blackmailed us for masks and PPE kits.

The US tried to cancel the supply of vaccine resources.

International media lobbies, in collaboration with some of our own people, tried to cancel our indigenous vaccines.

We became victims of VACCINE RACISM.

WHO didn't give approval to COVAXIN for the longest time (How some of our own sabotaged our Vaccine Project is another story).

Despite a mighty, covert Vaccine War, India did not kneel down instead not just made world's fastest, INDIGENOUS vaccine, it made available FREE to its needy citizens. This happened while countries like USA refused to help anyone else. The world saw that.

India, handled the crisis proactively and won the war. The world saw that.

India didn't panic, believed strongly in science and its scientists and proactively turned around the crisis into an opportunity, became self reliant and emerged as the undisputed VACCINE superpower.

India vaccinated 130 crore people, in the fastest time without any major Vaccine Hesitancy. India not just vaccinated its own people free but also sent free vaccines to needy nations who had given up any hope #VaccineMaitri. "India was god-sent". The world saw that.

Above all, for the first time the world also saw what are true Indian values and what India truly stands for. They saw the power of great Indian values like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarve Bhavanthu Sukhinaha.

The world's biggest crisis is Trust Deficit. Today India and Indians are seen as the most trusted people. India, for the world, is not just a powerful economy but a promising and reliable nation. India is a true friend in need. India is the hope of a new world.

For the first time since independence, India is being recognised for its civilisational values. And that is why you are seeing world leaders either touching feet or they are eager to hug the Indian Prime Minister.

A hug to Prime Minister is a hug to India. To us. To our future.

- What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and got ready leisurely.

Another of those quiet days! 

 

The Apache Attack Helicopter.

Pilot averts a major Apache catastrophe in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. There was no casualty. The crew and the aircraft are safe, said the IAF's tweet, adding that the rectification party had reached the site.

An IAF Apache attack helicopter made a precautionary landing in Bhind district. The pilot reportedly noticed a technical  fault which led him to land the chopper in a smart maneuver. Due to the presence of mind of the pilot, a major accident was averted.

There was no casualty. The crew and aircraft are safe and the rectification party has begun work at the site. 

The AH-64 Apache is considered to be the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.

The IAF has a fleet off 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. In 2020, an agreement was signed with Boeing to add six more Apache helicopters into the existing fleet of aircrafts of the Indian Army.

Tailpiece.

Got up around a trifle before 6, the chores and by a half past 7, accompanied Ammu and Sanil to drop Mithun at the Ayoor bus stand. He was to go to Changanasserry in connection with his work.

A quiet day, otherwise.

The new Parliament building.

We are witness to yet another national event, the inauguration of the new Parliament. It's a historic moment. The respect to 'Kala' is considered supreme in Indian philosophy from ancient times.

Sunday or Ravivara is ruled by Sun or aptly said Suryadeva, the epitome of Dharma and its preserver. It watches all karma of all jeeva atmas or jada atmas. It legislates and governs the cosmic and provides for each being ever created in the universe. The day on 15 Aug 1947 was Friday as per the English calendar but the vara as per Hindu vedic system was Thursday. Sunday is the correct and rightful choice.

This will ensure the supremacy of Legislature which is the core fundamental of a democracy.

The vedic system uses the energy of Sun and thus sunrise is the starting point of any day. Each new day is considered a new beginning or a new srishti with the midnight as the end of the same. While noon or midheaven is considered the peak of the day. So no wonder the timeline for events, chosen are 7.15 AM in the morning to begin with and 12 noon, the National Anthem. 

The building is Vastu compliant. This is a great way to optimise blessings of cosmic energies for the welfare of the nation.

The boycott by the opposition parties is a great cosmic blessing in disguise. The cosmic forces probably didn't want negative energies to be there in the Parliament at least today. When kala is respected well it will ensure dharma prevails.

And yes, that's the change we shall witness. Welcome to the Amritkaal of India. The new beginning.

God bless India and welcome to a new beginning.

My take

A very auspicious occasion, indeed!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

A leisurely Sunday.

Another hectic day.

Got up at 4, thanks to my cellphone alarm and went about my chores but still delayed our departure from home by about 40 minutes. We headed straight for the Foundation, tied up a few things and picked a few items for the meeting.

Had a visit to our land holding at Chathannoor, where it seemed clear that the Industry ministry guys have given a part of our land to the guy they prefer.....smells of corruption but proving it will be difficult. Mahesh was asked to click a few photographs to provide as evidence.

Had breakfast of idiappams and stew at a small time teashop. Continued with our onward journey and reached the auditorium of the PK Memorial Grandhasala, the first library that Muthachhan had set up as the frontrunner to the Kerala Library movement.

A truce has been worked out with Prathapan.

Had a darshan of Ambalapuzha Sreekrishnan. Met Kripa and Sivasankaran there! It was great meeting them after what has been a long while.

Lunch was okay. We continued with our journey and I was dropped at Chathannoor from where I could board the bus to Pooyappally. Lekha, Mithun and Ammu picked me up from there.

A quiet evening at home. We cut the cake on account of :-

    * Lekha's birthday by the Malayalam calendar.

    * Mini-Sanil's wedding anniversary

    * First anniversary of the commissioning of Mini's house.

Anil and Sheela were also invited.  

At Thiruvananthapuram.

Got up a trifle after 6, lit the lamp, put on the music and opened up the house. Went about our chores, Lekha was ready by a quarter past 8 and was on to the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapathy Kshetram, soon after. She'd breakfast with her sister, Letha, made a few purchases and had returned by a half past 10. Distributed the 'unniyappams' to everyone.

Cleared the last bill that was Hari's for the repairs of our television set. Driver John could not make it and hence Kunjumon performed the duty. Reached Mini's house by a quarter to 2, quickly sat down to lunch and left the house by a quarter past 2. Ammu saw me off and had helped me with the baggage.

Got a private bus soon after and reached Ayoor. Waiting for a low floor a/c bus, deliberately missed out about six normal buses. It was on Lekha's prodding that I'd clambered on to the next Fast Passenger. Reached the Foundation by 5.

Followed Maman on controls.

Reached his house by a half past 8, interacted with Ammayi and Chambu.

A quiet evening.  

A hectic day.

Got up at 6, lit the lamp, opened up the house and backed it up with the hymns got in bits and pieces on our cellphones as the television would get ready by this afternoon. Went through our chores, was ready by 11 and kicked off for the day's program soon after.

Reached Pulamon junction and turned off to the petrol bunk that I usually go to. Topped up the tank and then the trouble started. The Chevy just refused to start but after a bit of coaxing, it had started up and I drove into the thick of traffic back, towards Pulamon junction, to head for Ayoor.

Disaster struck and it went quiet with no further reaction. Traffic headed for the south were forming up while I'd moved Lekha to the nearby Airtel showroom, so that she could be within the comforts of air conditioned  atmosphere while I grappled with the problem to reach a reasonably quick solution. The following actions were resorted to :-

   * Went to the nearby battery-charging shop and had its proprietor, Yohannaan, to identify the problem He confirms that the battery was bingo. Advises me to go to the mechanic on the lane that passed in front of Lekha's ancestral home.

    * Hopped on to Vipinan's auto rickshaw and headed straight for Bose's automobile workshop and told its proprietor, Monish, about the car's problem. Told him about the requirement of a towing assistance.

    * Along with Monish and the accompanying towing vehicle, our Chevy was taken to Bose's workshop.

     

    *The policeman on the spot, Nandakumar, was impressed and he commended me for accomplishing it so quickly. Jude, the towing vehicle driver charged me Rs.2,500/- for the exercise. 

     * Meanwhile, driver John had come all the way from Thalavoor to take us to Ayoor and onward to Thiruvananthapuram.

By a half past 12, John was our sa'arthi and we headed for Mini's where we had our lunch with Ammu and Sanil attending us. Repair work was on in full swing in the house. 

We reached Thangamani's house at Peyad and met the whole lot of people who were into the final lap of Neethu's (my niece and Appukkuttan kochachhan's granddaughter) by about 4 o'clock. It was nice to interact with each one of them and I told them about my inability to attend the function because of the Foundation's activity at Alappuzha, that day.

We reached Raj Nivas at 9, after dropping Mini at her house in Ayoor, picking up dinner for us and also pulling out some money to sort out the emergency expenses. 

At Raj Nivas.

Got up at 4, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. Went through the chores but still overshot our target time of a half past 6. We, finally, kicked off from The Quarterdeck around 7 o' clock. The drive was smooth. Though Chakki, Chhottu and the 'yellow sleek' were there for food, Kittu was nowhere to be seen. He has been showing an abnormality in his behaviour: has he found someone who cares for him more, I wonder?

Shared the breakfast of a combo with Lekha at the Ananda Bhavan and washed it down with a cup of steaming coffee.

Reached Bhima around 11. Lekha could pick up what she wanted. Went to Goodwill Collections to pick up things that Lekha had noted on her slop chit. Back at Panampilli Nagar, drove off in our Chevy towards my parents' place. The autorickshaw driver, Jude, asked for Rs.100/- as fare for our transit from Goodwill  Collctions to Panampilli Nagar and made the mistake of asking me as to whether the fare is reasonable and I replied, "If anyone collects fares which is in excess of the actuals, that money will never remain with him". He returned Rs.10/- immediately!

Had lunch at Ripple Land in Alappuzha and tea and a snack from Geethamma's tea shop by the way side, on the Adoor bypass.

Reached Raj Nivas by a quarter to 5. Spent time with my parents, for a while and spoke to them regarding the purpose of my visit. Spoke about a lot many things that were bottled up in me.

Couldn't resurrect the television and so, we chatted through the evening. Dinner consisted of dosas, chutney and sambar.

It was a quiet evening.    

Love for the motherland!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi elaborates on the 'Idea of India' in the Indian Parliament.

Love for the motherland is not an empty rhetoric. It is the respect for your national symbols, culture, traditions, art, literature and the way of life. It is the ultimate truth as perceived by the nation and not a subject of debate or reason.

The two versions of a sloka are given below, in this connection :-

   * Friends, riches and grains are highly honoured in this world. But mother and motherland are superior even to heaven.

In another version, it is spoken by Rama to Lakshmana.

   

    *  Lakshmana, even this golden Lanka does not appeal to me. Mother and motherland are superior even to heaven.

What is 'janma bhumi'?

This idea has been beautifully articulated by the Prime Minister through his, "IDEA OF INDIA".

"Idea of India....Satyameva Jayate, 

 Idea of India.....Ahimsa Parmo Dharma,

 Idea of India.....Ekam Sad Viprah Bahudha Vadanti,

 Idea of India.....Paudhe mein bhi parmatma,

 Idea of India.....Vasudeiva Kutumbakam,

 Idea of India.....Sarva Panth Sambhav

 Idea of India.....Appo deepo bhava,

 Idea of India.....Ten Takhtein Bhunjitha,

 Idea of India......"

My take

No wonder, the world leaders have a deep respect for him.

Tailpiece.

The septic tank cleaning team fetched up at a quarter past 1 and commenced their work. Highly professional, I must reiterate. Finished up their job at about a quarter to 4.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 10.

Lekha had gone across to the ration stand to collect our dues of grains during the month. I, then, went across for bank work and to buy milk.

The Eureka Forbes service guy, Vaishnav, arrived by a quarter past 3 and commenced the AMC, that I'd inked in the forenoon.

Asif and his team came by to pack the septic tank top. 

Sandeep Unnikrishnan.

Indian Railways remembers major Sandeep Unnikrishnan (51 SAG, NSG 7, Bihar Regiment), an unforgettable Indian Army soldier.

He is most remembered for fighting the toughest of the battles, the Operation Black Tornado - the 28/11 Bombay attacks. His bravery in commanding the special action force, fighting at Taj Hotel, floor by floor to rescue hostages as a team and at one stage, after losing his team to the extremely hostile firing, he fought the terrorists alone, until his last breath.

As a dedication, Indian Railways salutes Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, honouring his leadership of the highest order and bowing to his supreme sacrifice for the nation, by posthumously presenting TKD WDP4B 40049 to him, naming it "Sandeep Unnikrishnan".

      *     *     *

                                    An Appeal to everyone

In 70 years, Hindus did not

understand that a family wants

to make the country a Muslim 

nation.

In 5 years, Muslims understood

that Modi wants to create a

Hindu nation.

The country was cut into two

pieces,

but no sound ame from

anywhere.

Half Kashmir gone,

no noise?

Tibet went,

there was no rebellion?

Wounds like Reservation,

Emergency,

Tashkent,

Shimla,

Sindhu were given,

but no one cared.

Scams

2G Spectrum,

coal,

CWG,

Augusta Westland, Bofors like

blur

but 

nobody made any noise.

Veto power was given to China,

no trains were stopped.

Braveheart like Lal Bahadur 

Shastri was lost,

no candle was lit and nobody

demanded a CBI inquiry.

Leaders like Madhavrao, Rajesh 

Pilot were killed,

made no difference

But as soon as the beef was

stopped,

all hell broke loose

As soon as the national anthem

was made compulsory, mourning

followed

and unrest followed

When asked to chant Vande

Mataram/Bharat Mata ki Jai,

their tongues got a stroke/paralysis

Demonetisation and GST

made them dance in anger.

Best efforts were made to make Aadhaar into niraadhaar

No one felt the pain of Pandits of 

Kashmir who became and still

are refugees in their own 

country

Rohingyas

make Muslims cry in pain for

them.

Kejriwal builds well serviced 

colony in Delhi for these rioting

infiltrators

Think.....what Congress has 

turned Hindus into?

Impotent?!

A total of 50,000 temples were

closed or demolished in 

Kashmir due to terrorism; will be

re-opened or rebuilt

- Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Very good news

but fifty thousand?

My mind went numb when I heard this

A stone on a window of a

mosque,

the media will cry hoarse foul for

weeks

But not one or two, fifty

thousand temples were closed.

Didn't any Hindu know about it?

First, forcibly drive Hindus

from the valley,

then wipe out every sign of

Sanatan,

Think how big a conspiracy it

is....

To destroy the entire religion

from the roots of the whole

valley?

If the Modi government had not 

come, hardly anyone would

have known this!

Why did leftist journalists,

Muslim intellectuals and 

Congress and its spies never

put this issue before the

country?

This is the achievement of the

Congress

and

the cleverness of leftist 

journalists and Muslim 

intellectuals that

the common Hindu remained

ignorant of this history.

It seems that the whole work

was going intriguingly quietly and

so peacefully(?) that we did not know......

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

After breakfast of idlis and sambar, to town to get bank work done, Lekha's birthday gift picked up

and a bunch of bananas.

The maid was at work.

Cleaning of the septic tanks was carried out closer to midnight. Asif, Nafrid and Ejaz....    

Health tips.

Ancient Indian health tips....

  1. If previously taken lunch is not digested....taking dinner will be equivalent to taking poison. Hunger is one signal that shows the previous food is digested.

  2. Proper sleep cures half of the diseases.

  3. Of all the pulses, green grams are the best. It boosts immunity. All other pulses have one or more side effects.

  4. Garlic even joins broken bones.

  5. Anything consumed in excess, just because it tastes good, is not good for health. Be moderate.

  6. There is no vegetable that has no medicinal benefit to the body.

  7. No doctor is capable of giving longevity (Doctors have limitations).

  8. Worry aggravates ill-health.

  9. Do any exercise slowly (Speedy exercise or Cardio is not good).

10. Chew your food like a goat (Never swallow food in a hurry, saliva aids in digestion).

11. Bath removes depression. It drives away bad dreams.

12. Never have a bath immediately after taking food (Digestion is affected).

13. No water matches rainwater in purity.

14. When there is indigestion, taking plain water serves like medicine.

15. Always prefer things that are fresh. Whereas rice and servant are good only when they are old!

16. Take food that has all the six tastes - salt, sweet, bitterness, sourness, astringent and pungent.

17. Fill half your stomach with solids, a quarter with water and leave the rest empty.

18. Never sit idle after taking food. In other words, eat only when hungry.

19. Never sit idle after taking food. Walk for at least half an hour.

20. Worrying speeds up ageing.

21. When it is time for food, keep even 100 jobs aside.

22. Choose always the middle path. Avoid going for extremes in anything.

Golden nuggets of wisdom by the sages!

Tailpiece.

Got up about 20' past 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 10.

Today was the wedding anniversaries of Padmakumar-Rema and Mithun-Ammu. Wished both the couples many happy returns in the morning.

A quiet Sunday.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening.

Back at The Quarterdeck.

The day started at 5, as we got up and went through our chores. Was ready much before 8 but the sailors manning the office were late and I got the receipt for my payment comparatively late. The main gate was allowing only incoming vehicles and I was diverted to come out through the underpass - was travelling through that route for the first time!

We were off to Mallan's clinic by a quarter past 8 and reached there by a half past 9. The stitches on Lekha's upper palate were removed and we could set our course for home, by 1030 hrs after a snack and coffee.

Reached The Quarterdeck by a quarter past 3. Lekha was forced to rest as she was feeling tired.

Opened up the house and we were on time to get the house ready.

It was a quiet day, otherwise!   

The sad fact.

Got this bit from a good friend and my Academy course mate, who dwells in Calcutta.

Government guys, be it state or centre are corrupt be it the BSF, Customs etc and the party in power may make things difficult but can't stop such corruption. Even the army - a few of the rotten eggs - profit in the CI Operations, don't they?

That's not the only issue in West Bengal. Its borders are porous because of the terrain and the density of population along the international border. Once a cross over is effected, 10 km from the IB, the BSF has no jurisdiction. The ecosystem in the West Bengal thereafter aides them - the CPM, earlier and now the TMC - for wholesale Muslim votes. 

The centre, recently, passed a law that the BSF will have jurisdiction to nab infiltrators up to 50 km of the IB but West Bengal vehemently and the CPM politburo mildly didn't agree. Our census and NPR seem to be faulty because there is no fool proof link between the voter ID card issued by a state and the NPR.

In India, we have no central ID proof of population. 

The Aadhaar could have helped but Chidambaram as the Home Minister scuttled Nilekani's efforts in doing so because of turf war as NPR is the exclusive domain of the home minister. Now, Aadhaar has nothing to do with citizenship as the OCIs have it too. In Calcutta and the surroundings, the proliferation  of the Muslims are disproportionate to their demographic percentage.

This is as clear as daylight and no study or intelligence input is needed.

My take

I've no reasons to disbelieve my friend's inputs because he has a clarity of thought that can seldom go wrong!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4 but could take off only by a 10' to 7. Breakfast was at Ananda Bhavan at Chalakudi.

After a busy forenoon, had lunch in Aryaas at Panampilli Nagar. To the naval canteen to replenish our depleting stocks of grocery and spirits.

Settled at the Munnar Suite at the Command Mess by teatime.

  

Made-in-India Tesla cars.

After sitting on the fence for years, billionaire Elon Musk-promoted Tesla has agreed to set up a manufacturing unit in India to make electric cars for domestic sale as well as export. The offer was made when senior executives of the US electric car company met Indian government officials yesterday.

Tesla's changed stance on its India plan comes after the Indian government refused to accept the company's request  last year to reduce duty on imported cars, including the battery-powered ones. The government had categorically made it clear that Tesla must manufacture in India and not just import from China if it wants to sell its products in the Indian market.

"Tesla did mention about setting up a unit here as many manufacturing companies are looking to diversify beyond China. Their executives did not stress on reducing taxes this time", said a senior government official. The investment details and the whereabouts of the proposed facility are to be announced.

My take

Great news. Let more and more foreign companies invest in India.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle earlier than 6, the chores.

Sajish, the khalifa, arrived by a quarter past 7 to give me haircut and massage. Was ready by a quarter to 10. Selvam comes in for pressing the clothes.

Drove to the petrol bunk to check the Chevy's tyre pressure.

Shut down The Quarterdeck in stages.

Lekha had helped me in washing down the Chevy, in the evening. 

The Panama Canal maintenance work.

The maintenance work aims to extend its life by a century.

* From their vantage point in cranes overlooking the Panama Canal, operators scrutinise the century-old walls of its locks.

* In the middle  of a gigantic ditch drained of water, workers scramble to complete maintenance work in one of the chambers, or lanes of the Pedro Miguel lock, not far from the Pacific Ocean.

How do the locks work?

The canal uses rainwater to move ships through the locks which work like elevators to raise vessels by up to 26 metres above sea level as they transit stress as they transit across the isthmus's continental mountain range.

The Petro Miguel locks have two chambers - each a part of lane through which some 30 ships pass daily.

Last round of maintenance

The last round of maintenance for the chamber - which is 1,000 feet long and 110 feet wide - came in 2015. The canal has five sets of locks , with 18 chambers.

Accessing electrical components

The intention is to dry the chamber and have access to all electrical components and equipment in order to recondition them and extend their operational life.

Monitoring the situation

During this time, more than 400 people constantly monitor valves, the 20-metre walls and the huge pipes through which water is  is pumped to raise and lower ships.

Canal traffic continues

Despite the ongoing maintenance, canal traffic continues. With passage through the west chamber halted, the Uog Phoenix oil tanker passes through the east chamber, sounding its siren as it heads towards the Caribbean.

Work in the west chamber finished on 16 May and was budgeted for $2.5 million.

The importance of Panama Canal

About 6%of all global maritime commerce passes through the Panama Canal, with the US, China and Japan being the leading users. 

* The 80 Km canal was inaugurated by the US in 1914. Since then more than a million vessels have transited through; headed from the Pacific to the Atlantic and vice versa.

My take

The maintenance work is a gargantuan work.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle after 6, in the morning, the chores and was ready by a half past 10.

The well in the courtyard of The Quarterdeck was washed down today by Ramesh and his team.

A quiet lunch.

This day, 32 years ago........

 A milestone of my life!

32 years back, on 16 May 1991, Lekha and I had got married at the Brahmana Samooham Hall, in the vicinity of the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapathi kshetram. Some snippets from that eventful day.

 (a) Soon after the wedding, I was sitting among the guests between my Ammachi (Mrs PN Panicker) and her sister when she said, "Ini enikku marichaalum prayaasamilla". Never did I realise, then, that it would turn out to be prophetic because she'd passed into the mist of time 69 days later, on 25 Jul.

 (b) Rema, my sister immediately younger to me, was the prime mover in getting this marriage to its logical conclusion. She was the one who had predicted that I would like her!

 (c) Till then, I'd told my parents and sisters that I'd see only one girl because I hated seeing too many girls and in the process, keep drinking tea/eat sweets for no rhyme or reason.

 (d) I must confess that I'd liked Lekha because she was slim. However, paradoxically, I've never seen her slim after the first two years of our marriage.

 (e) It was during her medically traumatic times, during late '93, that she showed a solid quality of hers - she's a fighter!

 (f)  I was to undergo the 47th Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College, at Wellington, Ooty from Jun '91. My course mates and many of my friends had concluded that I'd meticulously planned my way to the hill station soon after my marriage! 

 (g) Whereas I was 36 years of age then, Lekha is 14 years younger to me. (A sort of cradle snatching, I did, huh!).

 (h)  At the College, we'd become instantly famous, as I used to drive a two-door jalopy - the Standard Herald 'Cleopatra' - those days and it was the oldest vehicle plying around there! 

Today, as we cut our anniversary cake baked by Lekha, herself, the 32 years that we'd traversed thus far, whizzed past in 'fast forward' mode. It has been a mix of happy times and sad times. Must emphatically say that we've enjoyed every minute of it!

We'd Aswathy - our maid - as guest and she undertook to provide photographic cover of the cake cutting event! 

Return to Guruvayur.

Dateline 15 May

Had got up at 3, freshened up and recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep on completion and got up at 5 to go through the usual chores. Was ready well in time and continued with the corrections on the Foundation's masthead even at the office too.

Finished my work by lunchtime. Chambu and I went for lunch and he didn't let me foot the bill. Soon after, I'd fetched up at the rtc bus stand and got the first low floor a/c bus to Kozhikode. My co-traveller was Athira, who was headed for her home at Kozhikode - a cheerful young lady who looks after her mother. She will be headed for Mysore to get back to work at Kaynes.

The bus dropped me at Kunnamkulam by about a half past 11. Salim, the auto rickshaw driver brought me home and he was a reasonable fellow and communicative. By the time we settled down for the night, it was a half past 12. 

And we did it, wishing each other a very happy 32nd wedding anniversary!    

At Thiruvananthapuram, quite unexpectedly!

Was up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 7. Aji drove us to the railway station and Maman fetched up soon after. After having a sumptuous breakfast, we set off for Neelamperoor without much ado.

Was at the Puthuvayil House half an hour later. Paused a moment at Santha kunjamma's 'asthi thara' and the spot where she was cremated. The surveyor and the engineer from the Habitat were present and the measurement of the land around the would-be-museum was done. It did give heartburns to Kunjomana chechi but she had to be told to behave and we told her that we were just ensuring that the court's judgement was just being implemented!

Then, went to Divakaran chittappan's house and with chittamma's help, visited our relatives houses in the vicinity. It was a pleasure to all on Mini after what has been a long time and wasn't she thrilled to see us?

Took off from Neelamperoor and as I was preparing to go to Guruvayur from the RTC bus stand, Maman insisted that I must go along with him to Thiruvananthapuram and seeing his earnest request, didn't have the heart to say no.

Reached the Foundation by a quarter past 4. Began my work on our masthead publication which went on through the night.

Tailpiece.

A quiet day otherwise. 

The results.

The results of the elections to the Karnataka Assembly were out earlier in the day. The Congress won with a clear majority of 136 seats as against the BJP's lowly 67.

The reason for this result :-

   

   * Anti-incumbency for the BJP

   * Yediyurappa should have been dumped long back

   * Basavaraj Bommai, the CM wasn't effective

May Congress rule the state better and win the hearts of the people.

    * There seems to be a twist for the role of chief ministership between Sidharamaiah and DK Shivakumar.

Anyways, the people of Karnataka has made their preferences clear.

The Prime Minister's efforts seem to have gone in vain. Half his efforts by the local leaders would have gone a long way.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and we left The Quarterdeck for Ernakulam. The meeting at the Chavara Cultural Centre was passe....our technical team briefed the potential teachers. Started at 11 and we left the place by a quarter past 12.

The Kottayam meeting consisted of the young trainers of our literacy program. 

Attended Joseph-Mariamma's engagement at the St Antony's church at Aanakkallu on the KK Road. it was a cute function. The kallappam, beef ularthiyathu and pork mappaas were out of this world. Ate myself silly.

Settled down for the night at Ryan's Lodge near Changanasserry private bus stand.   

  

Med.beds

Trump recently said, ?Within a year's time or so almost all hospital procedures will be obsolete". He has been predictive of a lot of things!

The world is about to take a giant quantum leap into the revolutionary 'New Age' of healing technology systems that will become an integral part of transforming the way our traditional medical communities heal......with lasers and Quantum Therapy Med Beds integrating plasmatic use energies and healing frequencies for absolute care and cures.!?

When this earth-changing reatomisation process known as "Regenerative Technology" isreleased to the public, it will reduce health care costs to nearly nothing at about 20%.

This technology is said to have been in existence for at least 80 years. Once classified, the covert technology will be released to the public via the military. It is said to have been utilised within the "Secret Space program".

PS. 

Hollywood movies have shown this technology. Let's hope it comes true.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6 and had tea in a shop nearby the Sikshak Sadan. Carried out my chores and was ready by 10. The meeting with the Palakad group was nice.

Lunch and onward to Thrissur for the meeting at a half past 3. Seetharaman was a letdown. He's being ejected from the PN Panicker Foundation, Thrissur district.

Returned to The Quarterdeck, took them for a darshan at Guruvayur and Mammiyur. A memorable evening, they said.

 

Humour from across the border.

Chaos gripped Pakistan soon after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan as his supporters and party workers held massive protests and carried out riot and arson in the country. Amid this chaos, the Delhi Police's reply to a Pakistani actress seeking complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making netizens laugh out loud.

Pakistani actress Sehar Shinwari took to Twitter seeking to file a complaint against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the intelligence agency RAW.

In a tweet, Shinwari wrote, "Anyone knows the online link of Delhi Police? I have to file a complaint against Indian PM and Indian Intelligence Agency RAW who are spreading chaos and terrorism in my country, Pakistan. If the Indian courts are free (As they claim) then I am sure Indian Supreme ourt will provide me justice".

Delhi Police came back with a hilarious reply which set the internet ablaze.

Delhi Police responded to the tweet, "We are afraid we still do not have jurisdiction in Pakistan. But, would like to know how come you are tweeting when the internet has been shut down in your country!" 

My take

Pakistan has, since its birth, tried to copy India, played one-upmanship with us and compared with us in everything that we did little realising that there was nothing to compare. Perhaps, it's the right time that they realised it now!

Tailpiece.

Maman, Bijumon sir and Aji fetched up at a quarter past 1. Chatted with Maman till a quarter to 3. 

Got up at 5, the chores and was off to Malappuram to take stock of our digital literacy program. The public meeting commenced at a trifle past a half past 10 at the conference hall of the Civil Service Station. We left at a half past 12.

Maman was seen off on a train bound for Tvpm, at 2 from Shoranur junction, as he's important work to complete at the Foundation. Will rejoin us at Kottayam this Saturday.

Reached Sikshak Sadan at Palakkad by a quarter past 6 and settled down for the evening.

An early evening compared with what it was yesterday.   

Manipur - the true story (2).

....contd (2). 

In the mountains and the land beside each party is trying to keep the other away, by firing sporadically all night. Both sides have adequate weapons to wage a war. Men of both sides sit out the whole night congregated centrally to protect their villages from burning. The blame game is unending. No one trusts anyone. Even when called to rescue they want only the army to rescue them. The confidence we, men in uniform, enjoy is superlative.

I have learnt a great lesson. I was hit by a boulder on my head when I was fighting a mad crowd to save a young civilian boy from being killed. I was hit by a rock thrown by one boy who was later found to be under substance abuse, this was when I was pulling the youth from being the cause of the murder. They were not against us, just angry that a youth from the other tribe had entered their village. When the guys saw that my head was bleeding, they actually stopped their frenzy and hugged me, shouted at that boy, caught him and beat him and took me aside wanting to take care of me. The entire village today wanted to say sorry to me and make amends by bringing that boy to me. All I said was I forgive you because all I wanted was peace for you.

The humanitarian crisis is huge, will take time to get back to normalcy. But we will get there. For those people here in the military camp, ensuring health and hygiene, respect for their diversity and above all, ensuring happiness and that the kids have things to do, is something we are learning on the job.

The officers and men have been working tirelessly, all wanting to make a difference. The HQ above resilient to bring normalcy in the best way possible and fast, the boss here, genuine and fast. It has been an exposure that is going to stick to my soul for the years to come. The same peaceful people idolised, I saw them demonised before my eyes. But still under the toughest exteriors known to me, there was an angel wanting peace. After this I can actually say, god sent me and all posted to Manipur for a reason. To help the needy and ensure that the calamity is soft on the ones that are also blessed.

Praying that this beautiful state with the most beautiful people realise that what they had was beautiful, they had freedom from fear and peace, therefore they were happy. Let happiness be back.

But looking at our boys, in action, is something that is unmatched. After all we are the final responders.

The buck stops at the man in uniform and that's why the armed forces is the last bastion of the State. In solidarity with all those in uniform who are serving people and property in this terrible cycle of violence.

Jai Hind!  

.....Concluded.

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

Meanwhile, Lekha had gone for 'darshan' of Guruvayurappan. And on return, bought grocery from the Harisree supermarket.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening. 

Manipur - the true story (1).

From a man in uniform who is part of the group sent in to control the situation. No names because names, in any case, are irrelevant.

It has been four days of action so far. It's sad for the people that have lost their lives and their families. The military leadership is tirelessly working, ensuring  that we are effective and are able to prevent major catastrophes. Right from the COAS, the Army Commander, Eastern Command to the HQs everywhere, military leaders have taken ownership and are of firm resolve to ensure that peace is back. Along with the government, they are putting measures into place that are effective and result oriented.

We see burnt vehicles, hear about people badly mauled. The army is deployed to the brim, trying very hard to put the system into place by not getting into rivalries. Trying to bring in peace and talk to both sides without biases and make them understand the futility of this ruthlessness. But no one can make sense to the people who are angry and most instigated by pettiness and false rumours.

We have so far been in the centre of the clash. Dispersed large crowds. Ensured no damages to a lot of property. We have rescued at least 10,000 people from both communities. Receiving more than a 1,000 calls on each number over three days. Helped people with food, medical aid and water. Ferried stranded students and people needing help, without biases, to the airports. We have borne the brunt of trying to make peace at times, when the crowd turned against us despite our efforts and non show of force. We have the might and the weapons but these are our people and we are showing utter restraint. I fear that we don't get pushed to use force because then that will have major consequences. The aim is very clear, to bring peace back to Manipur.

When I see these approximately 3,000 odd people - men, women and children - in my station, it saddens me, they don't even know what's happening outside. The humanitarian crisis is huge, will take time to get back to normalcy. But we will get there. For those people here in the military camp, ensuring health and hygiene, respect for their diversity and above all ensuring happiness and that the kids have things to do, is something we are learning on the job.

Today, I met a family that was totally broken. Tried my best to help them out with things that I could do for them, under my power. They broke down, all they needed was a lot of love. It's really emotional. The orders from the top are very clear, help everyone, give refuge to everyone, ensure everyone is safe and security is not compromised at any cost.

The war of the people has reached dimensions that are too hard to comprehend anymore. The rumours are ghastly, most not true but built up to incite. The main reason being unemployment, absolute helplessness and substance abuse. Young men who are exploiting the situation to feel proud  getting their high from breaking property and beating up people. In destruction, they are seeking pride.   

......to be continued.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a half past 10. 

Devika, the maid was at work. A quiet day, otherwise.

The evening chores, helped Lekha in watering the plants.   

Syria returns to the Arab League after 12 years.

Arab government representatives in Cairo voted yesterday to return Syria into the Arab League. The vote came days after the region's top diplomats met in Jordan to discuss a roadmap for Syria's return, as the conflict de-escalates and Saudi Arabia gets to host the upcoming Arab League Summit on the 19th.

Syria's membership was suspended 12 years ago during the uprising-turned-conflict, which has killed nearly half a million people since Mar 2011 and displaced half of the country's pre-war population of 23 million. 13 members of the 22 member states that attended the session had endorsed the decision.

The Arab League generally tries to reach agreements by consensus but sometimes opts for simple majorities. There is still no consensus on normalisation of relations with Damascus.

Among the notable absentees was Qatar, which continues to back opposition groups against Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and continues to resist normalisation of relationship with Damascus.

The decision for Syria to return also includes a commitment to ongoing dialogue with Arab governments to gradually reach a political solution to the conflict, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

The Arab League also set up a communications committee consisting of Saudi Arabia and Syria's neighbours Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq to follow up on the developments.

My take

Wonder how effective this decision is gonna be? May good thinking prevail and genuine help to the suffering millions in Syria find its away amid an honourable agreement!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a 20' past 10. 

Meanwhile Lekha had gone for a darshan of Lord Shiva at Mammiyur and on return, bought fish. Bought our fruit basket.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening.

The unexpected.

Scorpion stings passenger in Air India flight

A rare incident happened on board a domestic flight from Nagpur to Bombay, last month, the airline said in a statement.

The female passenger was treated by a doctor upon landing at Bombay airport and was subsequently rushed to a hospital. She has since recovered and is out of danger. The arachnid was found by the airline's engineers during a post-landing inspection after which the aircraft's cabin and cargo hold were fumigated.

A preliminary probe concluded that the creature must have made its way into the aircraft through the supplies and the airline has directed its catering team  and dry cleaners to check their facilities for bugs. In December last, a snake was found in the cargo hold of an Air India Express plane from Calicut after it landed at the Dubai airport.

My take

A very sad thing to happen!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

It was a quiet Sunday.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening. 

Adieu Yedu's Amma!

My classmate, Yedukumar's mother all of 96 yrs, passed into the mist of time this morning. See the paradox, Yedu and his wife, Raji had landed at Seattle in the US to be with their son for three months, earlier in the day!

I remember our trip to Kozhikode and our brief stay with Yedu and Raji, in late 2018, before resuming our onward trip to Wayanad for our class get together. Both Yedu's and Raji's mothers were there and I really enjoyed my interactions with the both of them.

I'd kissed both of them as I took leave and Yedu's mom had from then on labelled me as "that friend of yours who kissed me!"

I remember her unrestricted show of affection - despite her failing eyesight - and I humbly bow down to that great lady's memory. My tears and prayers. Om Shanti! Sadgati. May god give Yedu and his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

(As per the obit in the Malayala Manorama, Mrs Yashoda K Menon - all of 93 years - was the wife of the late Chittoor Cherupaala Pathaayappura Kunjikkutta Menon. Yedukumar, Madhavan, Janaki, the late Vijayakumar are their children). 

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle earlier than 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Devika, the maid - standing in for Aswathy - came earlier than usual and went about her work.

Helped Lekha in watering the plants in the evening. 

Jolt to indigenous efforts.

Dhruv crash 3rd incident in two months.

In the latest accident, the Army said the pilots had reported a technical fault to the ATC and proceeded for a precautionary landing.

  * Due to uneven ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing.

  * A technician on board the chopper died and the two pilots were injured.

Other ALH accidents

08 Mar

During a routine sortie off Bombay, Navy's ALH crashed close to the coast. Three personnel had to make an emergency landing and they were rescued by a naval patrol aircraft.

Reason.

As per the Indian Navy, the ALH experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height.

26 Mar

ALH Dhruv Mk 3 belonging to the Indian Coast Guard made a forced landing at Kochi in Kerala during a training sortie. Three personnel were on board in which one suffered minor injuries. The reason for the accident is yet to be established.

Last Thursday's incident is the 3rd in 2 months and comes as a jolt to the Indian chopper manufacturing industry.

My take

The cause needs to be identified and corrective action taken as early as possible.

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Went to the Devaswom Office and had come to know that the PRO was on leave.

To the temple in the evening, by a half past 5, and sent Mahesh and his family for the special darshan after a word with the Manager. Met Susheelakutty and her husband; they were on a weeklong bhajana at the temple.

The entire lot of ALH Dhruv with the armed forces was grounded after the 08 Mar Naval chopper accident off the coast of Bombay.

 

God's own country.

Do you know why Kerala is called 'God's own country'?

I did not know. The younger generation may not know and the older generation may have forgotten the history behind this. 

Believe it or not, here's a story.

When India got independence on 15 Aug 1947, the kingdom of Travancore did not join the Indian Union. The Diwan of Travancore announced in Jun '47 itself that the Travancore kingdom will be a separate country by itself. During that period, Travancore was well developed with Public Transport, Telephone Network and Heavy Engineering Industries. The King undertook all the expenses of the University. Also, all Hindus were allowed to enter into all the temples, without any caste bias, which was prevalent throughout India at that time.

When talks were on between the Indian representatives and King Chithira Thiranal Balarama Varma, to make Travancore as part of the Indian Union, the King said, "This land does not belong to me. It belongs to Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy and I am only the custodian. If Lord Ananthan asks me to do, I will oblige". The Indian authorities did not believe this and considered the King's statement was just to dodge the issue.

But the Travancore authorities showed them a Palm Leaf dated 20 Jan 1750, signed by the then King Anizhom Thirunal Marthanda Varma in favour of Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy, indicating that the entire Travancore kingdom extending from today's Kanyakumari to Paravoor, belongs to the Lord.

Now, can you guess as to why Kerala is called "God's own country".

My take

So, this is the reason for the noble nomenclature!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10.

The maid was at work and finished it by 3 o'clock.

Helped Lekha with the watering of the plants in the evening.

 

It is starting to make sense (2).

....contd...

Sangeeta Phogat who is the wife of Bajrang Punia has put out an instagram post threatening that they will crush Modi and ranting about Jatt supremacy.

If you see closely, the protest is spearheaded by the husband-wife duo of Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat and her sister Vinesh Phogat, accompanied by Sakshi Malik.

Even Geeta and Babita Phogat have kept themselves aloof from this protest.

Babita Phogat has, in fact, openly opposed the politicisation of the protest through her tweets and also asked some tough questions of Priyanka Vadra.

The real issue seems to be that the protesting wrestlers don't want to compete in the national events but want direct access to Olympics and international events.

Vinesh Phogat has openly said on camera that they want to go directly to Olympics, without competing in national events. Towards this end, they want Brij Bhushan to be replaced with a Jatt president.

Now, I'm seeing the situation is having a potential Shaheen Bagh or farmer protest style toolkit.

.......concluded.

Courtesy. Taken from the FB wall of Matthew Dcosta.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by 10' past 10. Carried out the usual 'aarathi'.

A quiet Wednesday.

The evening chores.

It is starting to make sense (1).

In the beginning, I was 100% sympathetic to the wrestlers' protest but my sympathies turned to doubt when they claimed that 1,000 girls had been sexually harassed by Brij Bhushan Singh, yet they were unable to provide a single name.

First Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik claimed before the committee that a female physio was harassed - the physio denied having been harassed. Then Vinesh Phogat alleged that she and Sakshi Malik were harassed during the Turkey visit in 2015 - but Brij Bhushan Singh didn't go to Turkey with the team.

Then Vinesh Phogat claimed that she forgot the exact date, it was actually in 2016 during the Mongolia tour - again the committee investigated and found that Brij Bhushan Singh didn't accompany the team during the Mongolia tour as well.

After that they claimed that thousands of girls including minors were harassed.

The committee asked them to name a few.

We don't know their names but it happened, said the protesting wrestlers.

And then they came on the street claiming that the government is not taking action because the accused is a BJP MP.

Interestingly, none of them filed any FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh and none of those 1,000 victims came out substantiate their claims.

Seeing that they were losing the game, the athletes called out to the opposition parties to join the protest.

Immediately, characters like Pappu Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi, Satyapal Malik, Swara Bhaskar, Rakesh Tikait, Prakash Raj, Kejriwal etc rushed in.

Slogans of "Modi teri kabar khudegi" were used.

Supreme Court interfered and told Delhi Police to file a FIR against Brij Bhushan Singh.

After the FIR was lodged, the wrestlers started saying that they don't trust Delhi Police, even though the CJI has said that he will be monitoring it personally. 

* They don't want to file a FIR themselves giving details and proof of their allegations.

* They don't want Delhi Police to investigate the matter.

* They don't want court hearings.

* They rejected the committee report (which was headed by the legendary Mary Kom).

* They couldn't present any single girl who was harassed.

All they want is that Brij Bhushan Singh should be sacked from his post and punished without any trial; just on Vinesh-Sakshi's "verbal statement" that, too, in the media not in the court.

.....to be continued.

Tailpiece.

Wished Mini many happy returns and Achu-Karthika, a happy anniversary. Mini's PET scan results removed all apprehensions. Phew!

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready at 10. Devika had come by in place of Aswathy to work.

Went to town for bank work and for buying fruits.

The evening chores.  

'The Kerala Story - yet another viewpoint.

@maryashakil

The Kerala Story is disturbing as it is thought provoking.

Love Jihad and Islamisation of Kerala is a running theme across the movie. Against popular belief, the term Love Jihad originated in 2009, when at the Catholic Bishops Council, the Christian clergy asserted that their women were being lured away into conversion. Later in 2010, VS Achuthanandan, CPM leader and the then Kerala CM, had spoken about the threat of Islamisation in Kerala, after the radical organisation, PFI had chopped off the hands of a college lecturer in Taliban style operation.

He also alleged that Muslim groups were converting non Muslims to Islam by luring them using money and using religious diktat to convert.

Later, in 2012, Congress CM Oommen Chandy, on the floor of the House, admitted to more than 7,000 conversions between 2006 - '12 to Islam. As recently 2020, the Syro Malabar Church issued a strong statement against Love Jihad. In 2021, the Catechesis department of the Thamarasserry Diocese released a handbook warning of Love Jihad.

The Kerala High Court, on several occasions, has intervened on matters of Love Jihad...

But all these have so far remained confined to Kerala and were spoken in hush tones. The Kerala Story threatens to blow the lid off it.

What made Vipul Shah make and actress @adah_sharma act in a film on a topic as controversial as Love Jihad and global Islamic terror's most dreaded network, the ISIS? 

The movie has expectedly come under a lot of criticism and Muslim bodies are up in arms. The Kerala government filed an FIR when the first trailer was released sometime last year. Now that the film is scheduled for a 05 May release, do the producers think it could potentially put the release in a quandary?

Tailpiece.

The day had begun with heavy early morning showers. 

Got up around 6, the chores and was ready by a 10' past 10.

A quiet May Day.