Retrieving astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore.

SpaceX rocket lifted off late Saturday that will bring back the two American astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS).

Dragon capsule to return in Feb '25

The Falcon 9 rocket carrying Dragon spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral with NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov on board, leaving two seats empty for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The spacecraft will return with all four in Feb 2025. By then, Williams and Wilmore would have logged over eight months in space.

Spacecraft docked with ISS early morning today

* Williams and Wilmore arrived in the ISS in June on the newly developed Boeing Starliner, which           was making its first crewed flight.

* However, the shuttle developed a cascade of thruster troubles and helium leaks and NASA decided it 

   was too risky for the duo to return on it.

* Dragon spacecraft docked with ISS this morning.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 5, the chores and was ready by a 20' past 10.

Washing machinex of bed linen.

Sent my September mail by lunchtime, though a trifle late.

A bountiful South West monsoon.

India has recorded an overall above-normal (107%) south west monsoon rainfall between June and September. The season has kept the Gangetic plain dry and the arid region wet.

Between 01 Jun and 27 Sep, India got 918 mm rainfall compared to the normal seasonal rainfall of 868.8 mm. The IMD counts the south west monsoon period from 01 Jun and 30 Sep.

This year, this period marked record depression and low pressure area events.

However, scientists are confused over the factors that drive bountiful monsoon. "This year the south west monsoon is bountiful despite the absence of the La Nina factor", said a scientist. "We are clueless about the factors that drive above normal rainfall".

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 10.

The maid was at work.

A wet evening with a promise of more rain tomorrow.

BrahMos earmarks Agniveers quota.

In a major initiative, the BrahMos Aerospace has emerged as the first entity across private companies, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to reserve employment for Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme.

The corporation management has planned to integrate the Agniveers with Extended Employment Opportunities. Besides regular employment they will also be integrated into outsourcing contracts, providing a wider scope for their reintegration into civilian careers.

BrahMos Aerospace Private Ltd (BAPL) will fill up 15% of vacancies in technical roles and 50% in administrative and security positions with Agniveers.

BrahMos is encouraging its more than 200 industry partners to reserve 15% of their workforce for Agniveers in roles tied to BAPL's requirements.

My take

A step in the right direction!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter past 5, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Saturday.

Pushpaakaran plucked the coconuts in the evening and served us tender coconuts.

Israel, now after Hezbollah.

After successfully smashing the deadly Hamas terror network, Israel is now after the terror outfit, Hezbollah.

US, France and other allies jointly called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to give room for negotiations to de-escalate tensions as the situation in Lebanon is becoming intolerable. But a truce may not materialise anytime soon. Israel has rejected it and vowed to continue fighting till it crushes Hezbollah's ability to harm Israelis. 

PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to "continue the fighting with full force".

Indians told to avoid visiting Lebanon

* The Israeli military said it struck 75 targets in Lebanon yesterday. It said an attack on Beirut killed  

   the head of Hezbollah's drone unit.

* Amid escalating violence, the Indian Embassy in Beirut urged Indians to avoid travelling to Lebanon 

  and advised those present to exercise caution and leave the country as soon as possible.

My take

I like Israel's clinical removal of terror networks. After relentless assaults, it has wiped off the Hamas terror network to zilch. It has now concentrated on the second terror network of Hezbollah and I am sure it won't be long when that terror network will also be sent to oblivion!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 5, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Friday.

The CPM workers of Nilambur have been let loose on PV Anwar, MLA for hurling corruption charges on Pinarayi Vijayan.

56.05% turnout in polling.

Phase II polls in J&K is over. The second phase of polling for 26 Assembly seats is over and the Election Commission says that this percentage is gonna go up higher.

While brisk polling took place in five districts, there were no long queues in Srinagar where the poll percentage for eight seats stood at 29.24%. A team of foreign diplomats visited a few polling stations and found it "heartening" to see Kashmiris casting their votes after 10 years.

The US Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan K Andrews, who was among them had this to say, "It has been excellent and fascinating to see how India organises its elections and how thorough the preparations are. It has been very inspiring".

The turnout was good in three violence-hit districts of the Jammu region :-

   * Reasi (74.14%)

   * Poonch (73.78%)

   * Rajouri (69.84%)

Even Ganderbal (62.63%) and budgam (61.31%) in the Kashmir region did well.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat in Reasi district recorded the highest voter turnout of 79.95%.

In Srinagar, which has remained a hot bed of separatist politics, people came out to vote for the first Assembly polls without any poll boycott or militant threat.

"It is the first time that I am casting a vote. There are no jobs, power bills are very high and youth are falling to drugs. We hope that the elected government will provide some relief to the population", said Javed Ahmed, a resident of Nowhatta area of Srinagar.

Nowhatta was once a stronghold of militants and separatists where stone pelting used to take place every Friday.

My take

What would be the outcome of the elections in J&K? I hope the Congress-NC alliance doesn't come to power because it has promised to bring back Art 370 and has a pro-Pakistan line. 

PM Modi's efforts in bringing back normalcy in J&K should not suffer a setback. The Abdullahs, the Muftis and what have you, must lose, for the good of the union territory.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Lekha had gone across to the Thampuranpady junction to buy fish for us and the cats.

The maid was at work.

Ramesh had fetched up with his assistant, Abhinand, to set up the garden.

At Kochi (3).

Dateline 25 Sep

Had got up at 5, the chores and we were ready to go to Dr Mallan's dental clinic. Sudhakaran and the car had fetched up in time and we set off at a half past 7. Reached the clinic by a half past 8, had our breakfast and were in time by 9.

The pain that Lekha had on her gums, was because of bacterial action and a procedure by laser was carried out. It took about 45' and we headed back for the Holiday Home.

After releasing the hired car, we'd driven off in our Chevy to the tow. After parking it at Panampilli Nagar, we'd gone across to my cousin, Prabha's office and after spending a while there, we'd lunch and began our return to Guruvayur via Moonnupeedika.

Reached The Quarterdeck, opened up the house and carried out the unpacking, Sorting out soiled clothes for washing/dry washing. 

A quiet evening thereafter! 

Tailpiece.

We were dog tired by the end of it all! Had done all the work that we'd planned to do except for the visit to the INCS as it was closed for the monthly stock taking.

At Kochi (2).

Dateline 24 Sep

Our quarterly medicals

Had got up leisurely, went about our chores and were ready by a half past 8 to be served a colonial breakfast and we'd kicked off by a half past 10 to Shenoy Care and after dropping Lekha there, I'd gone across to my doctor at Panampilli Nagar.

My medical condition is good and we'd a long chat about various things. He looks forward to my monthly mail and is an admirer of my narrations!

After I'd finished my medicals, Had returned to Shenoy Care and we both met Dr Shenoy. Her medicals had also gone fine and the doctor was keen to know about my activities at the Foundation.

We, then, did some personal work. Lekha had to change her bangle at Bhima's, pick up some cosmetics at Goodwill and we also met Tomie to select a grandfather clock replace our grandmother clock.

Captain Muralidhar Nair had hosted dinner for us at the 'High Tide' restaurant at the NOI. It was a great evening though his wife, Radhika couldn't join us because her 94-year-old mom was discharged from hospital earlier in the day!

Hit the sack at our usual time!   

Tailpiece.

Handed over my ceremonial medals for redoing, to Murali. 

 

At Kochi.

Our day started at 4 AM this morning, thanks to Lekha's cellphone alarm. We went through the chores and were ready well in time. Kannan came in by a quarter past 6 and we kicked off by a 35' past 6. We took the Moonnupeedika-Pota road and reached the Ananda Bhavan at Chalakkudi by a half past 8.

Shared a combo, as usual, with Lekha and washed it down with a filter coffee.

Reached Giridhar Eye Hospital by a half past 10. Through Sunitha, at the counter, our movement toward Dr Sai was arranged. Meanwhile, Lekha went through the OCT, Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and visual field analysis (HFA)..

Brought lunch for Lekha from the canteen, two floors above. Never knew that people were noticing me running errands for my wife. After Lekha had finished her food - she ate less, though - I was taking the tray with the used plate, when Remya, the good looking sister at the reception, put her foot down and told me to leave it in a corner there itself, saying that the canteen's staff would come and pick it up1

Damn sweet of her: she valued my persona! God takes care of you!!

We left the hospital by a half past 5 and we could say our byes to Dr Sai. Thus, we renewed our friendship all over again.

Meanwhile, my bookings at the Holiday Home was confirmed and I'd called up my sister and brother-in-law, to cancel our stay at their place. Didn't want to bother them as they had toiled to look after my cousin, Bindu post-liver donation for the last three weeks!

Settled down in Suite 2 (Tulip) for a quiet evening.

Found the reason for Lekha's erratic reading during the field trials of her eyes! She found the sustained concentration that she needed to put in during the procedure, rather cumbersome - causing her eyes to water thereby causing erratic reactions! Toxicity from the sustained use of HCQS hasn't had any effect on Lekha, as yet but we'll have to wait till the next quarter till another review is carried out at the Giridhar's!

A quiet evening, thereafter! Settled down at suite no.2 (Tulip) of the Holiday Home.

The Victory Tower.

600 years ago, there were no excavators or JCB 

machines, but still, this 9-storey masterpiece is a 

wonder of the world, an evidence to the bravery

and grandeur of India's history.

The Victory Tower, also known as the Vijay Sthambha

is located in Chottorgarh, Rajasthan.

India, the land of many wonders!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by 10.

A quiet Sunday.

Shut down The Quarterdeck in stages. 

Amazing English.

  1. When you say "a, e, i, o, u" your mouth gets smaller with each vowel you say!

  2. You don't really wash your hands; they wash each other while you stand thee and watch....

  3. Things are not on fire.....fire is on things.

  4. When you say 'Forward' or 'Backward'....your lips move in those directions! (yes, just like that!)

  5. The word 'Australia' has three As.....and all of which look the same but are pronounced differently!

      (Surprised??).

  6. If you rip a hole in a net, there are actually fewer holes in it than before!

  7. The sentence "All the faith he had had had had no effect on the outcome of his life".... is actually

      right!!

  8. Sometimes you have to sing the whole alphabet in your head.....just to find the next letter!!

  9. "Dammit I'm mad" backwards is still "Dammit I'm mad". (and that's the condition you have almost

      reached!!).

10. Nothing is behind your back. It is always in front of your back!

11. Most of the time the people who tell you to calm down are the same people that made you angry in 

      the first place!

12. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is not fun to say, but ironically, this is the medical term for

      the fear of long words!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by 10.

Lekha had gone to the Mammiyoor Siva kshetram and to purchase snacks for the guests coming in this evening.

Vijayan, Syamala, Sridevi, Muthu, her husband and li'l Bhadra had dropped in at teatime. 

Adieu Kaviyoor Ponnamma chechi!

Kaviyoor Ponnamma, who'd made the mother's role in many of the Malayalam films over the decades iconic, passed into the mist of time today. She was 79.

What I shall always remember, however, is her role in the famous "Oadayilninnu" with Malayalam's legendary actor, Sathyan, that had the cash registers ringing in the late '60s. The story was Kesavadev's and it talked of an energetic rickshaw puller, Pappu, who supported a mother-daughter duo as he was fond of the little one. Their friendship had developed when Pappu's hand-drawn rickshaw had hit the girl on the road and injured her. Nursing her, he goes on to become a regular visitor in the house!

It was only a matter of time when the mother - enacted by a young Kaviyoor Ponnamma - begins to dream of Pappu as her man! The little girl grows up to be an extraordinary singer, played by KR Vijaya. Prem Nazir is her fiance.

Pappu dies of tuberculosis toward the end of the movie and scorches her dream forever.

Adieu chechi! My tears and prayers!! The Malayalam film world will be poorer without your 'motherly' presence.

My take

We'd wanted her to be the guest-of-honour in one of our programs during the National Reading Month 2024, but it didn't attain fruition because of her health-related-issues. She'd promised the Foundation of her participation in Panicker chettan's functions once her health was okay! 

That shall remain an unfulfilled promise.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 10.

Rajish and his assistant had come by to collect my blood samples for fasting and post prandial stages.

The maid was at work.

     

59% turn out in J&K Phase 1 polls.

Voters made a beeline outside polling stations in seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir that voted in the first phase of Assembly elections, the first in 10 years, yesterday. Close to 59% of the electorate cast its vote by evening, which is decidedly the highest among the past seven elections.

"I stood in a long queue and voted patiently to cast my vote. It was my first since the 1987 polls", said 72--year-old Ghulam Nabi Mir at a polling station in Tral in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

There were long queues at all polling stations in the Tral Payeen area, a remarkable development given that Tral was known as "Kashmir's Kandahar" during the era of militancy as it was a known stronghold of militants and separatists.

"People have realised the importance of electoral politics. After the abrogation of Article 370, which disempowered us, we want to safeguard whatever is left there through our vote", Mir said.

Zubair Ahmed, a first-time voter, said he hopes, the elected government will create jobs and usher in an era of development in J&K, especially in the valley.

Brisk polling was reported in Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts of south Kashmir, which voted in this phase. The first phase of poll covered 24 seats across 7 districts.

An election official in a polling station in Tral said it is the first time that such a large number of people are voting. "In the past, only a handful of people used to cast their votes", she claimed.

Courtesy. The NIE

My take

A welcome sign! Hope the voters elect the right government!! PM Modi needs to be given a 'high five' for having brought about the turnaround!!! 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by 10. 

Went to town to get my bank work done and buy fish.

A quiet Thursday!  

Responses to an unusual invite!

In response to the invitation for a rather unusual REUNION of all time Greats :-

* Newton said he'd drop in.

* Socrates said he'd think about it.

* Ohm resisted the idea.

* Boyle said he was under too much pressure.

* Darwin said he'd wait to see what evolved.

* Pierre and Marie Curie radiated enthusiasm.

* Volta was electrified at the prospect.

* Pavlov positively drooled at the thought.

* Ampere was worried he wasn't current enough though alternately none were.

* Audubon said he'd have to wing it.

* Edison thought it would be illuminating.

* Einstein said it would be relatively easy to attend.

* Archimedes was buoyant at the thought.

* Dr Jekyll declined - he said he hadn't been feeling himself lately.

* Morse said, "I'll be there on the dot. Can't stop now, must dash."

* Gauss was asked to attend because of his magnetism.

* Hertz said he planned to attend with greater frequency in the future.

* Watt thought it would be a good way to let off steam.

* Wilbur Wright accepted, provided he and Orville could get a flight.

* And Dr Sigmund Freud couldn't help but give it the slip!

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Today's the 1st of the Malayalam month of Kanni and also the star of Uthrattaathi or the 28th onam! It was also the day of the Aranmula 'vallom kali'!

Got up at a quarter past 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. Also carried out washing machinex of bed linen.

Earlier carried out the 'aarathis' of Lekha and then, the house. 

The maid was at work.

A quiet day. Had gone to town to buy sundries.

Maalu, Paroo go to Abu Dhabi and Anand to Lagos, Nigeria.

Chathayam - the fourth onam!

Got up at 4, the chores and we were ready by a quarter past 6. The caretaker, as usual, had come to help me with the luggage and its loading in the boot. Sadly, in the heat of the moment, had missed saying bye to mom and dad. Felt really sad!

We kicked off for Guruvayur by a quarter to 7. The first break was at the Randalummooddu Nagaraja kshetram. After my prayers, had interacted with the pujari, who was only too happy to interact with me. Shaped course through Kottarakkara.

The Chevy behaved well throughout after the recent repairs.

Had breakfast of puri-bhaaji around a half past 8 at Changanasserry. Lunch was at Valapad as I'd cut towards Moonnupeedika from Pota. The road was nice and this exercise is being followed thanks to the pathetic condition of the Thrissur-Guruvayur road!

Reached Guruvayur by a quarter to 3. Lekha purchased grocery, sundries and the fruit basket from the shops that we usually visit out here.

Reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 3. Unpacking and opening up of the house were carried out.

A quiet evening, thereafter!

Since we were early, we weren't swamped by the Chathayam ghoshayatra! Phew!!  

Avittam - the third onam!

Got up at a trifle before 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 8. Walked towards the 'shaappumukku' bus stop. The bus was half an hour late!

Meanwhile, there were a horde of monkeys atop our roof. Sent the caretaker to close all the windows of the house so that Lekha didn't have any problems with the animals. Thankfully, they were already on their return leg after plucking a few of our coconuts!! Incidentally, had heard their thump on our truss work early in the morning, but didn't give it a second thought!

Got a heavily loaded fast passenger to Thiruvananthapuram and the driver was the saving grace. He got me at my destination within 21/2 hours, caught an autorickshaw to Indira kunjamma's place and reached by a trifle after a half past 11. Had a quick wash, took in a glass of warm water and changed my shirt.

Maman, Kuttu, Chambu and self travelled to Vizhinjam in Kuttu's car. Sabu, Ramachandran and Rajan, the neighbour came in the second car. 

Reached Aromal's house by a quarter to 12. Interacted with quite a few of them within the limited time. A nice 'sadya' for the occasion. Aromal's dad, Padmakumar and mom, Manju have become friendly. 

After ensuring that everyone had lunch, we took leave of them. I was dropped at the KSRTC bus stand at Thampanoor, from where I took the Bangalore super deluxe @ Rs.316/- Met a young lady, Neeraja, an ICICI bank employee at the Ramayya Medical College and Hospital branch, at Bangalore. A smart young lady who has her head on her shoulders.

Didn't know how time passed but she got sick and puked. She was okay as I saw her off at Kottarakkara!

Reached home by 5 and went about securing things for an early morning get away to Guruvayur, tomorrow.

Tailpiece.

What's wrong with the yanks?

Have been following the political madness that's currently in vogue in the US. There has been a second assassination attempt on the Republican Party's Presidential candidate, Donald Trump. He was playing on the 5th hole of his golf course at Mar-e-lago when a guy in the vicinity had fired five rounds from an AK-47 look alike rifle. 

Trump was whisked away by the secret service guys and the would-be-assassin was overpowered.

I've a few questions which are :-

   * Why do the yanks have so much hatred towards Trump?

   * Isn't it confirmation that he's expected to win with a huge margin?

   * He's fighting a tough battle in that almost every agency of the government seems to be against

      him. Not fair, huh!  

I'm rooting for him, this November! It's my fond hope that he becomes the 47th President of the United States!!

Thiruvonam - the second onam!

Got up a trifle late, the chores, switched on the music, lit the lamp and opened up the house. A quiet morning to begin with, as the vehicles on the road were comparatively less.

Had an early morning grooming to be decked up on the occasion of Thiruvonam. Our caretaker had brought breakfast which was a lovely combination of avil and bananas.

Watched television and the programs for the occasion.

Vijayan and Syamala (the caretaker and his wife) came in with lunch and insisted on serving the first round! Damn sweet of them. The lunch was superb!

After a short siesta, we had lit up the puja room lamp for the evening and driven off to Rema's house at Pidavoor, with Padmakumar and Aji.

It was a lovely dinner! 

And we returned to Raj Nivas by a 20' past 9. A quiet evening thereafter!

Tailpiece.

Thiruvonam 2024 shall ever remain a sweet memory!

 

Uthraadam - the first onam.

Got up at a quarter to 5, the chores. Sending mail to close-knit team. Lit the lamp, put on the music and opened up the house.

Murali, the electrician was the first visitor, who had dropped by to clear the house's power line. The problem was licked soon.

We left for Anand's house by about a quarter to 11 and reached the house at Kottaathala by about a quarter to 12. The last set of our 'onakkodi' gifts was handed over to them. Anand's shirt needs a change!

A scrumptious lunch! The conversation flowed before and after the food. The mother-in-law (Letha) and daughter-in-law (Archa) had outdone themselves and produced an excellent spread on the table! Little Devootti was as talkative as ever though she, still, seemed to be scared of yours truly.

A short siesta and left the house (Karthika) by about a quarter past 4. Stopped enroute at the supermarket, More and Central Bazar, adjacent to it for sundry purchases. Got my Gillette Mach3 blade cartridge, at last! Phew!! But what a downpour?!

The 'Uthraadappachil'' of the general public in Kottarakkara town wasn't that overwhelming to throw the traffic out of gear and I could navigate our Chevy without any problem though I had to take the most busy thoroughfare, through Chandamukku!

Reached Raj Nivas by about 5 PM.

Settled down in the house and went about our evening chores.  

A quiet day!

It was a quiet day to begin with. There were two things that needed to be sorted out :-

    * the power line was faulty. Cellphones and the laptop could be operated only from one point.

    * the Chevy needed some fine tuning.

Monish, the mechanic, had come by after lunch time and set the things right. Now, the vehicle is ready for our trip back to Guruvayur.

Murali was busy elsewhere and has promised to come by at 8 AM tomorrow.

Finished up the backlog of work.

Tailpiece.

Had got up at a quarter past 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 10.

Caught up with quite a few people.

Onam celebrations at the Foundation.

Had got up at 5, the chores and we were ready by a quarter past 8. We set off soon after for Tvpm. The traffic was heavy and we got caught at Kottarakkara, Vamanapuram, Kazhakkoottam and at Pattoor traffic snarls and reached the Foundation to be in time for the Aazhchakkoottam that began at 1200 hrs.

Shashi Bhushan, son of Prof Guptan Nair, a student and researcher on the onam festival was the speaker who delivered an immaculate lecture!

This was followed by lunch - an excellent one at that!

It was followed by a group photograph of the entire family.

A day, well spent. Was back at Raj Nivas by a 35' past 8.

Tailpiece.

Was caught with the Chevy's diesel tank ending up fully dry! Local guys, headed by Satish Vembayam and friends, helped me out from the emergency. Damn sweet of them!

 

In thought.....

The American Deep State is on an overdrive. After tasting success in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Brazil, Ukraine-Russia and now, in Bangladesh, it feels that time is ripe for effecting a regime change in India. Kamala Harris toes the line to the T.

RaGa, DK Shivakumar, MK Stalin and Kamalahaasan are in the US at the same time; the last one ostensibly for studying Artificial Intelligence! They have become hyper because they only have a very brief window of about two months.

Haryana election results are in the first week of October. Haryana is crucial to ensure that Khalistani farmers get a hindrance free entry to Delhi and create havoc.

J&K elections are crucial.

The left liberal Chief Justice Chandrachud is retiring soon. Through his second marriage, he has moved closer to Mamata Banerjee and the INDI alliance.

three super mega infra projects are nearing completion - the Bullet Train, the Bombay-Delhi Expressway and the Dedicated Western Freight Corridor. The latter two, on completion, could by themselves, add a percentage or two to the GDP growth.

In another two years, India's GDP will become 3rd in dollar terms leaving behind Japan and Germany and pitch it next to the US and China.

Huge investments have been committed in chip manufacturing. which will result in India becoming a major player in that area by 2029 - the last year of Modi 3.

These events cannot be allowed to happen. If allowed, Modi will become unstoppable. Therefore, Uncle Sam and the Pitrodas have become hyper and want Modi fixed for good. The presence of MK Stalin and the other joker indicates that the division of India may also be on the table. RaGa will happily concede.

If only we had not fallen for freebies and caste propaganda.....

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 20' past 5, the chores, lit the lamp in the puja room, opened up the house and put on devotional music as usual.

Lekha goes to the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapati kshethram, exchanges three pressure cookers, collects grocery from More and returns by lunchtime.

Meanwhile the Thalavoor unit of the ESM visited me and I, formally, joined it.

Thulasi, our neighbour, drops by after a long time probably because we were invitees at their local leader's daughter's engagement ceremony!

Kishore's daughter, Saayujya doesn't make the grade at the Naval Selection Board at Vizag. Sad!

Our Chevy returns after repairs; Monish brings it. 

Preposterous!

Today, Rahul Gandhi, while interacting with the Indian diaspora in Virginia, US has spoken falsehoods. He has said that :-

 * In India, Sikhs are scared to wear a turban

 * They are scared to wear a 'kada' - the steel bangle.

Why is he peddling lies? Isn't he trying to foment trouble in this country? 

As the leader of the opposition and the leader of a political party, how does he have the gumption to spread lies, outright?

My take

He should be taken into custody and tried for treason! He seems to have realised that he can never win an election and is therefore, trying to usurp power by inciting people. The US deep-state is aiding and abetting him in this narrative. 

But what he and his ilk doesn't realise is that the same guys who are engaging him must be ridiculing him because the point is that no one respects a guy who lets down his country!

Tailpiece.

Got up at a 20' past 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 9.

Mini had fetched up by 8 and Padmakumar, by 9. Mini helped Lekha with her saree.

We went across to the Soju Auditorium for the engagement ceremony of Anuraj (Archa's brother) and Mini. A nice ceremony but I felt bad that I couldn't wipe my banana leaf clean and had wasted food. Felt guilty.

Mini and Padmakumar left soon after. 

A noble act by Ratan Tata.

                            Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir got 2,500 bulletproof Scorpio

                            Jeeps free. Donation received from the country's biggest industrialist,

                            the respected, Mr Ratan Tata.

                            Many congratulations to the country's army.

                            Who thought so much about these beloved sons of Mother India.

                            Many thanks to the true son of the country and great man, Ratan

                            Tata.

                            There cannot be a bigger example of true service to the country and

                            patriotism than this.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 10. Had breakfast before bath.

It was rainy day with the sun hardly coming up once in a way.

Got a few more things done in and around the house.

Back again at Raj Nivas!

Lekha's cellphone alarm had gone off at 4, I told her that it was a bit early and finally altered the alarm to a half past 4. We'd got up then, gone through the chores and were ready by 7 when Vincent had come by with the car. Loading took a bit of time and we'd finally kicked off by a quarter past 7. 

Today happened to be the day of 380 weddings at the Guruvayurappan's 'sannidhi'! Incidentally, we were to see roads clogged on account of weddings enroute at Changanasserry, Thiruvalla, Chengannur!

We'd, therefore, taken off through Chavakkad, Edamuttam and reached the NH 554 at Potta. Had breakfast at the Ananda Bhavan at Chalakkudy when Lekha and I'd shared a combo, as is our won't. The time was a half past 8.

The traffic at Kalady was sparse comparatively, crossed Perumbavur by a 35' past 9 and the journey was smooth. Had a cup of tea at Ettumanoor and lunch at the Aryaas Garden at Chengannur around a half past 1. Hari, the bearer, Pooja, at the reception and the traffic regulator, Sreekumar were very helpful and full of smiles!

Reached Raj Nivas by a 20' past 3. The caretaker was present to receive us, as usual.

After a quick cup of tea, Lekha had gone to her brother and uncle to meet up with them and hand over the onakkodi we'd picked up for them. On her return, we handed over the onakkodi to the caretaker and his family.

I, always, observe the facial expressions and the emotions expressed by the recipients of gifts. In fact, I too am fond of receiving gifts.

Spoke to Mom and Dad and briefed them about our stay, this time.

Nice to be back, just to be with them!

  

For blue-sky thinking.

Come 07 Sep - the UN's 'International day of clean air for blue skies' - and we should perhaps start worrying about Delhi's grey and murky winter air. Diwali, the most polluted day of the year in the national capital, is going to be worse this year as it coincides with parali or stubble burning season. So, the Centre must seriously consider the Delhi government's request to allow cloud-seeding on the most hazardous days. The state has been working with IIT Kanpur on the idea's technological feasibility since 2023. We should learn from the experience of Beijing and Dubai to ensure that the artificially-triggered rainfall is safe on skin and soil.

         *       *       *

2. As though we never knew it!

After 25 years, Pakistan has confirmed that it was their Army regulars who took part in the Kargil war. What a joke?!  

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Lekha had gone to the Guruvayur temple on the occasion of the Vinayak Chathurthi.

The Adani Gas guys had come by, said that our house wasn't registered in their scheme. I'd to show them my records and told them in no uncertain terms that they should do their homework before coming for work!

Shut down The Quarterdeck in stages.

A good thing at last.

Dateline 06 Sep

The National Medical Commission (NMC) bowed down to nationwide condemnation from disability rights experts and LGBTQ activists and withdrew and cancelled the revised MBBS curriculum.

The MBBS students would have been taught that sodomy and lesbianism are unnatural sexual offences and transvestism is a sexual perversion along with fetishism, voyeurism, sadism, masochism, exhibitionism and necrophilia. 

My take

Who are the people who get appointed to formulate the curriculum. How can they afford making mistakes like this?

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Lekha had gone to the Guruvayur temple. I'd gone to the bank to drop the credit card cheque and sort out the issues regarding my credit card. Saw a helpful Nikita this time.

Left for the Merchant Navy Club by 4 and reached there by 8. A great get together!

Left by a half past 10 and reached home by 1. 

 

Teacher's Day.

                              Happy Teacher's day.

                    Mom for teaching me how to love;

                    Dad for teaching me how to live;

              Siblings for teaching me how life can be seen;

              Friends for teaching me to smile against struggles;

              Teachers for teaching me the value of these bonds.

My take

Remembering all my teachers who've made me what I am today.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, the chores and was ready by 6. Went across to the Perunthatta Siva kshetram.

Offered 'bali tharpanam' for Mom on the occasion of her 8th Remembrance Day as per the Malayalam Calendar.

'Athapoovidal' begins from today.

A quiet Thursday. 

India's first indigenous combat drone!

The Bangalore-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace announced the successful maiden flight of indigenous unmanned bomber aircraft, the FWD 200B.

Armed with missile-like weapons

Classified as a Medium Altitude (15,000 ft) Long Endurance Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, FWD 200B is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing, the firm's founder-CEO Suhas Tejaskanda said. It has a wingspan of 5 mts, length of 3.5 mts, maximum take-off weight of 102 kg and payload capacity of 30 kg.

Can fly non-stop for 7 hrs; up to 800 km

* The drone can fly at a cruise speed of 152 km per hour, with a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. Its 

   runway requirement is just 300 mts allowing it to operate from shorter airstrips, the company said.

* With an endurance of 7 hours and a range of 800 km, FWD 200B doesn't need frequent refuelling or landing, Tejaskanda said.

12,000 sq ft

Area of the firm's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bangalore.

My take

A facility that has a long way to go in the changing patterns of current warfare. May it grow to a great asset for the nation.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

The maid was at work. Subin didn't fetch up even today for work after his promise last evening!

Lekha went to the ration stand to fetch the additional allowances available for the white card, during Onam.

The IC-814 Series on Netflix.

The Netflix series on the 1999hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight triggered an uproar over Hindu 

names of two of the hijackers. The Indian government summons Netflix content head amid row.

Explanation to be sought on alleged distortion

Several social media users claimed the makers of IC-814 : The Kandahar Hijack changed the names of the hijackers to 'Shankar' and 'Bhola' to play down their Muslim identity. Many also criticised the series for its "humane projection" of the terrorists. Sources said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will seek an explanation on these aspects from the content head of Netflix India.

Can't play with sentiments of people

* Reacting sharply, a senior I&B ministry official said, "Nobody has the right to play with the sentiments 

   of the people of this nation". The official added that the OTT platform might be asked to make changes.

* Makers of the series said the terrorists who hijacked the Indian Airlines flight had used code names,

   with Bhola and Shankar being two of them.

My take

Shouldn't let these idiots get away with malicious mischief. What were the idiots Pankaj Kapoor and Nasiruddin Shah doing when they saw this distortion? The latter has very twisted ideas about our country!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Lekha had gone to town to pick up grocery and onakkodi.

A quiet evening.

Finally, the entire spectrum of people have joined the crusade!

Aparna Sen in lead role as Tollywood and schools protest against Mamata Banerjee government's inaction on the PG medico's cruel rape and murder.

Prominent members of the Bengali film industry joined thousands of people in a massive rally demanding justice for the trainee who'd died a violent death of rape, torture and murder at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital at Calcutta on the 9th of last month. The 'Mahamichhil' began from College Square, marched along central Avenue; a junior doctors' forum which has been protesting also joined the rally.

A demonstration was also organised by the alumni and  of Ramakrishna Mission-run educational institutions, the other involved students and past pupils from a well-known convent school demanding justice for the victim. Their march was in South Calcutta from Golpark to Rabindra Sadan Exide crossing carrying banners with the message, "Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya" demanding a fair investigation and arrest of those involved.

Mamata Banerjee's argument that the public demonstrations were BJP and RSS-organised have fallen flat!

Tailpece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 10.

A quiet day.

Subin comes to clean the overhead water tank and filter, collects advance money to replace the valves of the filter tomorrow.

The warning was given by Ayn Rand!

Yes, in 1957!

"When you see that in order

  to produce, you need to 

  obtain permission from men

  who produce nothing - When

  you see that money is flowing

  to those who deal, not in

  goods but in favours - When 

  you see that men get richer

  by graft and by pull than by

  work and your laws don't 

  protect you against them but

  them against you -

  When you see corruption being rewarded and

  honesty becoming a self-sacrifice - You

  may know that your society is doomed."

                       - Ayn Rand

                         Atlas Shrugged, 1957.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Didn't feel that it was a Sunday because the maid had come down for work.

A Sunday, full of power interruptions and rain.