Globe trotting Malayalees with a difference.

Till very recently, working Malayalees used to collect their TA/DA entitlements and put them in the bank to lavish on their children's requirements. However, these days, with the children striving on educational loans from banks seem to not require their parents' financial help to study in countries abroad, of their choice. The consequences had to be reflected in some way or the other!

A large number of Keralites in their 60s, 70s and a few, even over 80s have taken to an itinerant lifestyle, constantly travelling the globe and the country, as if to make up for lost time.

Make no mistake, this new tribe of globe trotting Malayalees are veering away from the well-worn pilgrim paths, associated with senior citizens, say travel operators.

Asha Saraswathy, who retired in 2009 as head of the department of English at Thiruvananthapuram University College has so far covered 60 countries and most Indian states. "You have just one life and you have been placed by some unknown power on the only inhabited place in the solar system, so it becomes your duty to explore each and every place on the planet. You should meet people and learn about different cultures and traditions" says the 70-year-old, whose husband passed away in 2014 and her two daughters have done well with their lives.

It's a post-2021, post-Covid situation!

Courtesy. Adapted from Anu Kuruvilla in the NIE

My take

Let more and more people embark on such journeys, thereby living life to the hilt! Their attitudes will change.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Lekha had gone to the Mammiyoor Siva kshetram.

It was a quiet Mahanavami.

The evening chores.