The Budget Session of Parliament begins!

The Parliament session commenced, on the dot. The session discussed the Economic Situation in India after the Presidential address! Consequently, Sonia Gandhi had attacked the President saying that she was sick and wasn't familiar with the depth of the matter that she'd read out. 

I think the Congress wants to disrupt this session of Parliament. Hope it does not succeed.

And these Bills would be taken up :-

   *  The immigration and Foreigner's Bill, 2025 : to regulate the entry of immigrants into India.

   * The banking Laws (Amendment Bill), 2024 : to bring reforms in banking regulations. 

   * The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 : Aimed at modernising railway operations and governance.

   * Waqf (Amendment ) Bill : To seek modifications to the governance of Waqf properties.

   * Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 : For disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

   * The Finance Bill, 2025 : Crucial for implementing fiscal policies outlined by in the Budget.

Tailpiece.

Got up at my usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

Babu Sahadev and party left after a while.

Sajish gives me a haircut, followed my massage.   

Adieu Muthanna sir.

Dateline 30 Jan 

Krishna Kumar Muthanna sir was my House Master in Prasad House, when I joined Sainik School in class VII in Jan 1968. Short in stature, he was a handsome man and was always immaculately dressed. 

A couple of years later, he became an NCC officer in the Air Force wing. Initially, he'd problems on the parade ground during drill instructions. Where he used to fumble was while coming to a halt during marching! He didn't seem to get the right step to order a halt.

In the House, he used to look after us and he and his wife, the very beautiful Gauri took it upon them to look after us, especially the newcomers. The couple did not have any children, unfortunately!

In my class, there were many who came from Malayalam medium schools and making conversations in English was a tall order but this requirement was emphasised by the Matrons.

To help such cadets, Muthanna sir agreed to speak in Malayalam to those cadets. A few mornings after that, my friend Josekutty Thomas wanted to report sick and had approached the House Master. Their conversation went off something like this.

  Josekutty :          "Sir, enikku MI Roomil pokanam".

  Muthanna sir :     "Enthaanu problem?"

  Josekutty:           "Chumayaanu sir."

  Muthanna sir :    "Evideya Chuma".

Gauri Muthanna had passed a few years before. They'd settled down in Mysore and he had taken on the role of an Educationist.

Tailpiece.

Got up at our usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

A quiet Wednesday. The maid was at work.

 

 

National Waterways - Akkulam to Chettuva.

5 tourism potential locations identified on the 235-km stretch

* 590-km West Coast Canal (WCC) connects Kovalam in the south to Neeleswaram in the north. It traverses 

   through 11 districts.

* The waterway from Kovalam to Bekal in Kasaragod is proposed to be developed to a width of 40 m ansd

   a draft of 2.20 m for canals to enable large-scale movement of cargo, in phases.

* 235 km of the WCC - part of National Waterways - from Akkulam to Chettuva likely to be commissioned

   within two months. Around Rs.300 crores spent by the state to make the stretch navigable.

* The phase II of the project which focuses on eviction and rehabilitation of people living on the banks of the

   canals is under way.

* KIIFB has sanctioned an additional Rs.247.3 crores to rehabilitate 1,275 families residing on the banks of

   the Kovalam-Varkala stretch.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 9.

Lekha goes to town for :-

 

      * buying fish

      * buying grocery

      * buying bananas

A quiet day. The maid wasn't keeping well and therefore, took leave.

Washing machinex.

Reactions from all over, regarding my medical status!

 

My surgery has been fixed!

Our day had started at 4, the chores and we were off to Kochi in our Chevy with Sajish as the chauffeur. Our breakfast was at Elayathu. Reached the hospital at a half past 9.

At first the junior doctors had a check and finally, forwarded my file to Dr Pravin Varma and we did meet him.

He briefed me about the surgery.

Doing the Echo and the ECG, the doubts about a leaking valve was ruled out. Phew!

Met the surgeon, finally, after lunch. He briefed me elaborately on the complete procedure.

Will be admitted on 04 Feb and the surgery will take place the next day. Would be discharged after 7 days and the review will be after a month. 

On my way to Amrita.

Got up at our usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 8. Sajish, the chauffeur of my car, reached at a half past 8. And we left for Amala Hospital soon after.

Called up Binuja, of the PRO Amala and alerted her so that there was the least amount of time wasted on waiting. She had come down and handed over the CDs of my coronary angiogram and the lab reports.

And we left for the ECHS, Kunnamkulam immediately after. and reached there by a quarter 11. Met Dr Nisalal and got my OPD and IPD referrals for Amrita Hospital for the CABG.

Decided to go tomorrow, fixed up an appointment with the cardiologist, Pravin Varma, there. Sajish will be driving my car tomorrow.

Returned by lunchtime. 

Pradeep, the computer guy fetched up at a half at a quarter past 3 and got my laptop going! It's bloody slow but.

Narayanan and Rema had dropped by after hearing about my ailment. Sweet of them!

Shut down The Quarterdeck systematically.

                      

The 76th Republic Day.

New Delhi seemed to have a bright sunny morning which must have reduced the intensity of the wintry cold, albeit by just a notch or two. Consequently, the activities on the Kartavya Path today had a beautiful backdrop all through the forenoon.

For many of us, watching the Republic Day parade at New Delhi, every 26 Jan, is a compulsory must!

Today’s was no less in pageantry, precision of movements by the participating groups and the pride on the faces of the participants as well as the spectators, from the previous ones.

I feel the 21/2 hours that I spent in front of my television set was worthwhile!

The defence forces and the paramilitary forces were smart in their movements in shiny, smart outfits. The cultural fair on display was spectacular, pleasing to the eyes and colourful. It showed the wide variety of our culture which no other country in the world can boast of!

A great show!

‘Emergency’ faces problems.

India, yesterday, called upon the British government to take action against the disrupters of the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency’. The argument was that ‘freedom of expression’ could not be selective.

The MEA also stated that it will continue to raise security concerns with the US following reports of Khalistani separatist guy, Gurpatwant Singh. being seen at Trump’s inauguration.

The film, ‘Emergency’ explores the period of emergency declared by the then PM Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977 and its aftermath. Kangana Ranaut stars in the lead role with Anupam Kher and Shreyas Talpade playing prominent roles.

Tailpiece.

Got up at my usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10. 

Dr (Mrs) Sodhi had fixed up my appointment with the cardiologist at Rajah hospital. Accordingly, we reached there by a half past 11. Met the doctor, who recommended an early open heart surgery and had tweaked the medicines

The top management of Amala hospital is helping me in retrieving my angiogram CDs and lab results.

Anuja gets nod

Indian representation confirmed at Oscars 2025 as Anuja gets nod.

Anuja tells the story of a gifted nine-year-old, who must make a choice between education and factory work. Other nominees for the Live Action Short category are : A Lien, I’m not a robot, The Last Ranger and The Man who could not remain silent.

02 Mar The Academy Awards Ceremony!

Tailpiece.

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

The maid was ot work. Washing machinex.

Back at home.

Cardiologist Jayakumar met me during his rounds and briefed me about his future plan of action. He was followed by Gopakumar, the surgeon who briefed me about his plan of action.

My discharge proceedings were initiated soon after and I monitored the sequence so as to call the cab at the appropriate time.

And by a half past 3, we were off to The Quarterdeck.

It was a quiet evening thereafter.

CAG

It was the day of my coronary angiogram.

As usual, my day began at 5, the chores and was ready for the procedure much before 8. There were very many unusual emergencies and so, I was wheeled into the cath lab by a quarter past 11.

Earlier, around a half past 6, an x-ray of my chest was taken.

The procedure, finally, took place around 1. The catheter was introduced by cutting the artery on my right wrist. The results are currently being uploaded and I should get it by tomorrow.

Though the cardiologist has recommended a surgery at the earliest. 

I’ll, however, wait for a second opinion.

At Amala Hospital

Dateline 21 Jan

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

Left for Amala by Sherif’s cab and my admission formalities were over by 4. Our suite is on the 8th floor and we settled down for the evening.

The pre-CAG formalities were completed and I was got readied.

India-US ties at peak.

What was seen as unthinkable a generation ago will seem as indispensable a generation from now is a reflection of the ties between the two countries.

It has been a period of record visas, record trade, record defence collaboration, record space cooperation, record students, record investments....

The recent inauguration of the US Consulate office in Bangalore marks an expansion of the US presence in India. India will soon open its consulate in Los Angeles.

Tailpiece.

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

The maid was at work.

Anitha George, our friend, had dropped by for an hour at a half past 5 and made the evening simply wonderful. 

Israel-Hamas truce kicked in today.

* Ceasefire began at 1200 h IST today

* Among the 33 Israeli captives being freed first in exchange of 110 Palestinian prisoners with life 

   sentences

* Hamas freed three female hostages today, 4 will be freed on day 7 and the remaining 25 over the

   following 5 weeks

* After the last hostage release in Stage 1, on day 42, Israeli forces will begin their withdrawal and

  complete it in no later than day 50

What happens during Stage 1

Philadelphi corridor

 * The Israeli side will gradually reduce the forces in the corridor area during day-42 first stage

 * On day 42, after the last hostage release of the first stage, the Israeli forces will begin their withdrawal and

    complete it by no later than day 50

Troop withdrawal

 * Withdrawal of Israeli forces eastwards from densely populated areas along the borders of the Gaza Strip

 * The Israeli forces will be deployed in a perimeter (700) metres with an exception at 5 localised points to be 

    increased by no more than 400 additional metres, the text of the deal says.

 

 Rafah border crossing

 * The Rafah border crossing will be ready for the transfer of civilians and for the wounded after the release

    of all women

 * All ill and wounded Palestinian civilians will be allowed to cross via Rafah border crossing

 * 50 wounded military individuals will be allowed to cross daily, accompanied by three individuals

Tailpiece.

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

The maid had taken leave because of a sudden death in her family.

A quiet Sunday.

 

An Indian space station by 2035?

An Indian space station would be established by 2035 with the success of Spadex, which has been a major breakthrough.

The Bhartiya Antriksh Bhavan is essential for docking of satellites in future. India Meteorological Department was established in 1875 and has completed 150 years today. Our weather forecast and disaster preparedness capabilities are comparable or better than any other country as we are sharing information with other countries also.

After a severe storm in the north east, the British set up the IMD. The Shimla station was one of the initial stations and remained the HQs of IMD during the British rule. It was later shifted to Pune and finally, to Delhi after Independence.

The Shimla IMD station still occupies an important place due to its topographical and geographical situation. This station has been a critical pillar of weather forecasting, especially for the Himalayan region, where precise predictions are vital for saving lives and livelihoods.

Tailpiece.

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

Lekha's lunch of prawn fried rice and salad was superb.

Our neighbours had dropped by to take stock of the situation arising out my forthcoming coronary angiogram. Damn sweet of them!   

The Isreali-Hamas ceasefire.

Fresh strikes kill 70 in Gaza after ceasefire deal announced

Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy Israeli strikes that killed more than 70 people since a ceasefire agreement was announced in the night of 15 Jan.

No cabinet approval till Hamas backs down

Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza come as Netanyahu signalled there were issues with the deal just hours after US President Joe Biden and key mediator Qatar announced it was complete. Netanyahu's office said his cabinet won't meet to approve the deal until Hamas backs down, accusing it of reneging on parts of the agreement to gain concessions.

Tightrope walk for Bibi amid pressure

 * It is not clear if Netanyahu's statements merely reflected jockeying to keep his fractious coalition together or

    if the deal was at risk.

 * While Netanyahu is under pressure from families of hostages to strike a deal, his far-right coalition partners

    have threatened to bring down his government if he makes too many concessions.

94 Israelis are reportedly held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Tailpiece.

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

The maid was at work

A quiet Friday.

Meta India apologises for Zuckerberg's remark...

......that the NDA government lost the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

Inadvertent error, says the Tech Firm

Meta India's VP took to X yesterday to tender an apology on behalf of the company for the "inadvertent error". "Mark's observation that many incumbent parties were not re-elected in 2024 holds for true for several countries,

BUT not India", in response Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's criticism of the remark.

Company avoids parliamentary summons

* BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads Parliament's panel on Communications and Information Technology, said 

   the matter is now closed. He had earlier said that the panel will summon Meta India.

* Zuckerberg triggered a row by claiming in a podcast that the NDA lost the 2024 election due to its weak     

   Covid response.

I billion users for Meta Apps - What'sApp, Facebook and Instagram - in India.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, the chores and were ready by 6. Sajish was drivng the car when a crazy guys passed narrowly 

RaGa needs to be tried for treason.

Today, at the inauguration of the new Congress Headquarters in New Delhi, RaGa has made a desperate call He and his party need to fight the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State.

Doesn't he realise the duties and responsibilities of the Leader of the Opposition?

He's desperate to grab power at any cost because he is yet to realise the fact that he cannot win elections for his party on his own!  The INDI alliance has begun to wonder as to what his use is all about when he's unwinnable!

Tailpiece.

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

Washing machinex of the bed linen. Went to town for three assignments :-

      * Send my google form, filled, to the NDA.

      * Top up the Chevy and check tyre pressure.

      * Give my trouser to the tailor.

A quiet day, otherwise!  

Frosty relations with Bangladesh.

India summons Bangladesh envoy amid border fencing row

India, yesterday, summoned Bangladesh's acting High Commissioner Nurul Islam amid row over India's construction of fencing on the border.

No violation of protocol, agreement : India

With regard to security measures at the border, the Bangladesh envoy was told India observed all protocols and agreement between the two governments. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices are meant to secure the border, adding that the focus is on tackling cross-border criminal activities.

5 arrested by BSF for smuggling attempt

* The Bangladesh diplomat was summoned a day after Dhaka conveyed to Indian High Commissioner to

   Bangladesh its deep concerns over India's border security measures.

* Security forces on Monday arrested five people, including two from Bangladesh, for trying to smuggle goods

   across the border.

535 bottles of Phensedyl, a narcotic drug, were siezed from the smugglers.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 4, though Lekha had woken up at 4. The chores and was ready by 8. Sajish arrived at a quarter past 8 and we headed for Amala Hospital.

The the ECHS protocol and the registration formalities didn't take much time but could meet the doctor only by a quarter past 12. 

Had stand easy snacks and coffee/Horlicks at the small cafe at the foyer.

The evening chores.

Mahakumbh decoded.

Where grandeur bumps into spirituality

* Total area                                          10,000 acres

* Budget                                               Rs. 75,000 cr

* State's budget                                    Rs.54,000 cr

* Centre's budget                                  Rs.21,000 cr

* Total snans                                         6 (13 Jan, 14 Jan, 29 Jan, 03 Feb, 12 Feb, 26 Feb)

* Each snan takes off with bathing of

saints and seers of different akharas     13

* !3 Akharas divided into 3 categories    Sanyasi, Bairagi and Udaseen 

* Total ghats                                           41

* Expected footfall on snan days             2 cr

* Snan on 29 Jan                                    8-10 cr

Tailpiece.

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

A quiet beginning to the week.

No sign of Kittu today, too. Hope he's safe!

Actions being taken before 20 Jan.

Now Meta, Amazon join Ford, Mc Donald's, John Deere and Walmart to nix diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs ahead of Trump inauguration.

Meta outlines sweeping changes, including elimination of its diverse state hiring approach and the disbanding of its DEI team in an internal memo, which was leaked online. The move by the US companies comes after recent Supreme Court decisions on how courts will approach DEI going ahead. Amazon said it is winding down outdated programs.

DEI invites ire in the Los Angeles wildfire

* Besides the SC decision, the move by companies comes as Trump, who has long riled against tech giants for being biased towards him, is set to become the president.

* Elon Musk targeted DEI during the Los Angeles wildfire. He said, "They prioritised DEI over saving lives and homes.

Tailpiece.

Got up at my usual time, the chores and was ready by a quarter to 10.

A quiet Sunday.

The Mahakumbh.

Laurene Powell Jobs - the widow of Steve Jobs - to observe 'Kalpavas' at Kumbh. Kalpavas is an ancient spiritual practice of austerity.

Understanding the spiritual practice

Kalpavas is a month-long period of austerity, meditation and self-purification, deeply rooted in the Sanatan tradition. Practitioners, known as Kalpavasis, renounce comforts, live in temporary tents and engage in daily worship, including holy dips, spiritual discourses and devotional music. The practice is meant to for inner purification and spiritual growth.

Maha Kumbh : A spiritual gathering

* The Maha Kumbh, organised every 12 years, is a religious gathering of Sanatan devotees attracting

   millions from around the world.

* Laurene is likely to stay at the camp of Kailashananda, the Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara.

   She will be there till the third Amrit Snan (royal bath) on Mauni Amavasya on 29 Jan.

13 Jan when the Maha Kumbh Mela kickstarts in Prayagraj, in UP.

Tailpiece.

Got up at a half past 4, was ready by a half past 5 and Prabin, took me to the railway station. Boarded the train and was comfortably fast asleep on my bunk. Reached Thodupuzha by a quarter past 12.

The meeting was conducted and we - Anian and I - left soon after lunch. The first was a normal FP till Muvattupuzha and the conductor scrounged away Rs.60/- of mine. There were blocks short of Angamali (2 hrs), on the NH stretch at Chalakkudi for about 45' and another half-an-hour, short of Choondal. Reached home by 8.

A quiet evening.

Genome India.

PM Narendra Modi unveiled the genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indian nationals, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in the field of biotechnology research.

The Genome India data, which reflects the vast genetic diversity of the country, will be accessible to researchers through managed access at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC). This was at the Genomics Data Conclave, organised by the Department of Biotechnology.

India has taken a historic step in the world of research. Five years ago, the Genome India project was approved. More than 20 research organisations have played a very important role in the research.

The genetic diversity of India plays a pivotal role in the manifestation and treatment of diseases. With over a billion people and a multitude of ethnic groups, the genetic profile of each community is distinct., which in turn affects how diseases manifest and how they can be effectively treated.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Earlier, Sajish, the barber gave me a good haircut and massage.

By a half past 9, Sajish, was available at the gate, with his car. At 10, we went across to the ECHS Polyclinic 

and got a couple of my problems - related to Lekha. Our cards were found registered already.

Siesta. 

 

Adieu P Jayachandran sir.

Paliyath Jayachandran, 81 passed into the mist of time this evening. 

He has a staggering 16,000 songs to his credit.

My all-time favourite is "Manjalayil mungi thorthi, 

                                     Dhanumaasa chandrika vannu,

                                     Ninne maathram kandillallo

                                     Nee maathram keyttillallo,

                                     Prema chakori, chakori, chakori.

Adieu sir. Om Shanti! Sadgati!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 4, the chores and was ready well in time. We left for Padmakumar's place by a 20' to 6. Had breakfast at the Padma Cafe by about a half past 7. 

 

 

On social calls.

Our day had started at 5, this morning. Were ready by a half past 7 and we kicked off our move to Padmakumar's house. In the meanwhile, he'd gone off to Parakode, to look up his ailing aunt, aged 97 years. 

After a super breakfast with Rema, we'd set off for the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapati kshetram and after the 'darshan' we had fetched up at Dr Hareendrababu's Pranav Hospital for a review. Wasn't he thrilled meeting us?!

We picked up Padmakumar at the MC Road and resumed our journey to Mini's house. It was a nice get together and Mini had made a scrumptious lunch for the occasion. After the session, we'd returned home via Kottarakkara to top up the Chevy and check tyre pressure!

Dropped Padmakumar and Rema at their place and returned to Raj Nivas. It was packing time and winding up the house.

Tailpiece.

Tomorrow's gonna be a long day as we make our return to Guruvayur. Padmakumar and Rema will be coming with us and will get off at Thrippunithura. 

At Thiruvalla.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 10. Monish, my sa'arthi for the day, came at about a half past 11. We went through the interior roads, shortcuts and reached Thiruvalla by 1. After ascertaining the venue's location, went across to a restaurant to have a vegetarian lunch.

The meeting was held at the Father's house - the chairman of the PN Panicker Foundation, Pathanamthitta district - from a quarter past 2.

It was wound up by 4 PM and a few photographs were taken.

Returned to Raj Nivas by a quarter to 7. 

A lot of work has been done/achieved during this small interlude at my parents' place. 

Five high value transactions that can attract an IT notice.

There are many people who prefer to transact in cash even in the age of Digital India. Small transactions are but the problem arises when big cash transactions start happening. Let us know as to which of these transactions can get you an IT notice.

Depositing cash in the bank account

If someone deposits Rs.10 lakhs or more in a financial year. This money may have been deposited in one or more accounts. Since you are depositing more money than the prescribed limit, the IT Department can ask you about the source of this money.

Depositing cash in fixed deposit

Just as questions arise when you deposit more than Rs.10 lakh in a financial year in a bank account, the same happens with FDs. The IT Department can ask you about the source of the money.

Big property transactions

If you have made a cash transaction of Rs.30 lakhs or more while buying a property, then the IT Department will be informed by the property registrar. In this instance, too, the IT Department can inquire about the source.

Payment of credit card bill

If your credit card bill is Rs.1 lakh or more and you pay it in cash, you can still be asked what is the source of the money. On the other hand, if you pay Rs.10 lakhs or more in any financial year by any means, then the IT Department can question you about the source of the money.

Buying shares, mutual funds, debentures or bonds

If a large amount of cash is used to buy shares, mutual funds, debentures, then this also alerts the IT Department. If a person makes a transaction of Rs.10 lakhs or more, then the information about it reaches the Income Tax Department who can inquire about its source.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready on time. Shifted our Chevy to the market place to facilitate the pick up truck to bring in granite stones.

A quiet day.

The evening chores. 

 

At Mundolil Devi Kshetram.

It was an early morning for both of us. Had got up at 5, the chores and we were ready by a half past 7. Letha had come with Archa's chauffeur-driven-car, along with Archa and Devootty and we took off soon after.

After having breakfast at Adoor, we resumed our journey and reached the Mundolil devi kshetram - Lekha's family temple at Haripad - by a half past 10. The temple has transformed into a well organised holy place with quite a few deities around.

We could meet up with many of Lekha's relatives through, her mom.

We'd also visited the Subrahmanyam kshetram and the Mannarassala Nagaraja temple, nearby.

And returned to the Mundolil kshetram for a scrumptious lunch.  

Returned to Raj Nivas by 4, in the evening.

A day well spent!

To Alappuzha and back.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 8. Kannan, my sa'arathi, had come well in time and we kicked off soon after. Had to make a quick return to pick up my cellphone.

By the time, I reached the meeting venue, it was a half past 11. Started off with Prof Sasikumar's condolences for Dr Manmohan Singh ji and MT Vasudevan Nair sir. However, there were gaps in the narration and I'd to do the necessary amendments. But left the thing about demonetisation because he was making public his party's view and I didn't want to cross my sword with his!

When my turn came, I'd explained the purport of my visit and the meeting. Gave my answer regarding PK Memorial Library's secretary, Gopalakrishnan's point based on Pirappancode Murali's negative references to PN Panicker. Told him that we'd already thumbed down Murali's spiteful references in all the major newspapers, especially, Malayala Manorama at the time of its publishing.

Returned from there soon after, had lunch at a wayside restaurant on the AC Road and dropped Aniyan at the Changanasserry road transport corporation bus stand. Reached Raj Nivas by 4, after collecting a medicine and buying a mini-fruit basket.

A quiet evening thereafter.   

An evergreen.

 

                                 The woods are lovely, dark and deep

                                 But I've promises to keep

                                 And miles to go before I sleep

                                 And miles to go before I sleep.

                                                                - Robert Frost.

Excerpted from Frost's ode.

Tailpiece.

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

The work on the ramp was sighted.

A quiet day!                           

Mohanachandran’s sanchayanam.

Got up at 5, the chores and kicked off for Kazhakkoottam at a half past 7. Took part in Mohanachandran’s sanchayanam and felt nice. Offered our condolences to Manju, Vinu and Vishnu.

Lekha had come in from Kottarakkara and met up with Manju. She, then, looked up her Appachi and her chittappan. Dropped in at Mini’s

Back to the Foundation and have initiated two actions regarding our activities this year.

Gopu and I had lunch at the PWD Rest house.

Returned to Raj Nivas. A quiet evening thereafter.

At Thalavoor (2).

Dateline 31 Dec 2024.

Got up at my usual time, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. No music as the dish television wasn’t on stream!

Reji and his understudy reached by a half past 11. Sreekumar, the television technician came soon after and between the three of them they’d removed the thick  foliage so that the dish could receive signals from the satellite. Our TV was on stream by lunchtime.

Meanwhile, we’d driven to Rema’s for lunch. It was superb, as usual.

Returned and paid off the people thereafter.

A quiet evening. Watched the new year’s program on the television and hit the sack at a quarter past 12 after wishing each other “a happy 2025”.

To Thiruvananthapuram.

Got up at 5, the chores and was ready by a half past 9. Our packing was done and Kunjumon was dot on time with his vehicle. After handing over the keys of the Raj Nivas to the caretaker, we’d set off.

I was dropped at the RTC stand while Lekha had proceeded to Venu’s, Ananthan chittappan’s to finally, settle down at Letha’s.

Caught the first super fast bus to Thiruvananthapuram. The journey was uneventful and I’d reached the Foundation by a quarter past 12. Anish, along with Chambu, had received me.

After browsing my mail, I and Chambu had gone across to the PWD Rest House, nearby for lunch. Did the jobs given to me by Maman without delay.

A power interruption kept the electricity away and it had not resumed even after a half past 6.

Returned home and we were back by 7. Interacted with Ammayi.

A comparatively early evening!