Monday, June 8, 2026

@ Bilaspur (2).

Felt uncomfortable for a few hours because of a late dinner. Was okay by a half past 2 and slept well. Got up at 5 thanks to the alarm. Turned back to sleep again and got up at a half past 7.

Morning cuppa with Lekha. Washed up and had gone down for breakfast. Came back to our room and then, were part of the reception for the bride’s party.

Lunch at 2 followed by siesta.

Went for the “mehndi” by 7. A three-hour lovely evening of music and meeting up with people. Had dinner - a light one at that!

Rema, Padmakumar, Achu and Karthika had come in late.

At Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

Dateline 07 Jun 

Our day had begun at 4. After freshening up, recited my prayers while walking within the house. Lit up the puja room lamp and we were ready by 7.

Sajish came in then and we kicked off at a quarter past 7. Got through the first step of entering the cab as it was bright and sunny at Guruvayur which changed gradually as we drove southward when it began to pour.

Got off at the Saravana Bhavan near the airport and Lekha and I’d a plain dosa with coffer for breakfast.

Entered the airport three hours before our boarding time, got wheelchair assistance for Lekha and reached the boarding point at gate 9 and waited for our call. Departed Kochi at a quarter past 12 and reached Goa - on transit - by a quarter past 1.

Befriended Jacob Zachariah and Raji who shared their small eats with us and I gave them our coke. Lunch of poha (for Lekha) and dal chawal (for me). Reached Raipur by 4. Dinesh Yadav was our sa’arthi for the long 135 km drive to Bilaspur.

Reached Hotel Grande Emerald by a half past 7. Met Bharathi chechi and Santhosh on arrival. Rest and bath; later dinner with Manoj and family.

A comparatively early night!

Saturday, June 6, 2026

A thoroughly wet day.

Got up at a quarter to 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

It was a thoroughly wet day. Walked within the house, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of upma, bananas.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched television for a while followed by siesta.

A quiet evening. Rejith, of Black Swan, comes with a batch of dry washed clothes.

Shut down The Quarterdeck by evening.

Gifted the maid with 100/- for a good job done!

An afternoon Google meet of the Foundation for :-
  
   * details of setting up a 'community radio station' passed on to our folks 
   * the details of celebrating the Vaayana Maasam 2026.


 

Friday, June 5, 2026

12 years that redefined India.

The story of New India is not built on a single achievement. It is the result of bold reforms, visionary 
initiatives and transformative milestones that have reshaped the nation over the last 12 years. 

* JAM trinity
* GST
* 4 crore + pucca houses
* Vaccine Maitri
* Semiconductor revolution

Together, these milestones reflect a commitment to reform, innovation and inclusive growth.

Guided by the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, the Modi government has shown how decisive leadership and effective execution can turn aspirations into achievements.


Tailpiece.

A quiet but wet Friday.

 

Thursday, June 4, 2026

The changing Northeast India.

Once seen as a distant frontier, the Northeast is today emerging as a hub of connectivity, investment and opportunity under PM Narendra Modi's leadership.

* National highways expanded from 10,905 km in 2014 to over 16,200 km.
* Landmark projects like the Sela Tunnel and Bhairabi-Sairang railway line are enhancing all weather
   connectivity.
* Operational airports doubled from 9 to 17 under UDAN.
* Natural farming is gaining momentum across Assam, Nagaland and Manipur.
* The Rs.27,000 crore Tata semiconductor plant is positioning Assam as a manufacturing powerhouse.
* Violent incidents fell by nearly 70% between 2014 and 2024.
* 12 historic peace accords have strengthened stability across the region.

Tailpiece.

From better roads and railways to peace and prosperity, the Northeast is scripting a remarkable new chapter in India's growth story.


Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Touching a baby bird will cause its mother to abandon it.

The fact

Most birds do not abandon their chicks simply because a human has touched them.

What's really happening

A common belief is that parent birds can smell human scent on their chicks and reject them. However, most bird species rely far more on sight and sound than smell when caring for their young.

If a nesting falls from its nest, wildlife experts generally agree that it can be returned safely. In most cases, the parents will continue feeding and caring for it as normal.

However, excessive disturbance near a nest can stress parent birds and may cause them to avoid the area. The real risk is repeated interference, not human scent.

Why it matters

This myth can discourage people from helping young birds that have accidentally fallen from their nests.

Understanding how birds actually care for their young can improve wildlife rescue efforts and give vulnerable chicks a better chance of survival.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath, breakfast of appams and stew.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

A quiet evening.

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Ammu does it!

My niece, Ammu, had begun her American sojourn  for about five years. Initially, she was at the Boston University doing her course which she'd passed out with flying colours. She took up a part-time job with the banking giant, JP Morgan Chase and has been at it all the while.

From Boston she'd shifted to San Francisco and was doing her job there. In between, she'd gone through quite a few job interviews within the bank which always had a bit of ill luck toward the end.

She never lost heart, persisted with her perseverance and here's the result. 

It was nice to hear her happy voice breaking the exciting news to us! Here's us wishing her the very best in her onward endeavours!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked partly on the road in front of the house and within the courtyard; recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Breakfast of appams and egg masala.

Worked on my laptop.

Bath, lunch, watched television for a while followed by siesta.

The sky was overcast throughout the day with rains spread most of the time.

A quiet evening!


Monday, June 1, 2026

Israel seizes Beaufort Castle in Lebanon

Israel has vowed to push deeper into Lebanon after its military took over the medieval castle of Beaufort, calling it a "dramatic shift" in the campaign against Hezbollah. The Iran-backed militant group said it targeted Israeli army positions and infrastructure in Shlomi and Nahariya in northern Israel, while air raid sirens blared in the Acre area.

Meanwhile, the US continues to be in a stalemate on the Iranian front.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of the house, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen. 

Work of giving protection to the rubber trees that are being tapped, within the compound of Raj Nivas, was completed today.

A quiet Monday.

Sunday, May 31, 2026

A case for virtual autopsy.

"Doctor, is it possible to avoid performing a post-mortem on my child?" It was a heart-wrenching question that a forensic surgeon in Kerala had encountered recently when an eight-year-old, who had drowned in a swimming pool during a family outing, was brought for post-mortem examination. For grieving families, the anguish is often compounded by the thought of a surgical blade  cutting into the body of a loved one, the distress of seeing it stitched up after examination or religious beliefs surrounding death and dignity.

To address such concerns, forensic experts in Kerala have proposed a modern method - "virtual autopsy" (VA) or 'virtopsy'. A detailed project report for establishing a VA centre in the public sector is pending with the state government.

The technique makes it possible to determine the cause of death without cutting open the body. While VA may not be applicable in all cases, it could significantly reduce the need for conventional open-body autopsies.

Core equipment proposed

* 16/32-slice CT scanner for whole-body scans, particularly bone injuries and internal trauma
* 1.5T/3T MRI scanner for detailed soft tissue, brain and cardiac evaluation
* 3D image reconstruction workstations for forensic visualisation and virtual dissection
* Forensic radiology software with medico-legal modules such as Amira, Mimics and OsiriX MD
* Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) with secure cloud back up

My take

A step in the right direction; it would be using technology to our advantage.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

It's Lekha's birthday by the English calendar. Wished her first thing in the morning!

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

A quiet Sunday! 

Saturday, May 30, 2026

At Thrissur.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switchrd on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked halfway down the road in front of The Quarterdeck as there was shade above from the harsh sun, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, a spot of siesta.

Off to Thrissur to attend the Foundation's meeting to discuss the district-level co-ordination of the Vaayana Maasam activities. Badaruddin accompanied me.

A quiet evening thereafter.


Friday, May 29, 2026

A hectic Friday!

Got up at a 10' to 5 to see off Rema and Sathyabhama, who had their reservations in the Guruvayur-Madurai Fast Passenger. Opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Selvam had come for pressing the clothes and Ramesan and his understudy came for the monthly clean up. Lekha gave them puri-bhaaji for breakfast and the sight of them having food was too good.

Bath and breakfast.

Worked on the laptop.

Lunch; watched Crime Patrol followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Kuttu, Vani, Naina and Sidharth along with Suma Kunjamma dropped by around 8 and left by a half past 10.

A late evening!

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Eid Mubarak ho!

Wished Afroze Ahmed, Aboosala, Badaruddin and their families a happy Eid. Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath and breakfast of upma, banana.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch.

Siesta but woken up at a half past 3, by Venu's Electronic shop at Chavakkad to say that our induction cooker was ready after guarantee repairs. Called up Sukesan, dashed across and got the item back as I know that Lekha was finding it difficult to manage things in the kitchen without it for the past fortnight.

A quiet evening, thereafter, after Rema and Sathyabhama had returned from the "Mahaabhaagavatham Samarpanam". 

Hit the sack at our usual time.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

A fast - happening day!

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre. Rema and Sathyabhama went for their 'Mahaabhaagavatham samarpanam" as of the last three days. Sukesan had come and picked them up in his autorickshaw at a quarter to 6. 

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Rema, had returned around 11, after she'd finished her recital for the day. She and Lekha had gone across to the market for urgent purchases and she'd returned after lunch.

Unni, of the Sarathy Autocars, Kottarakkara had connected me to a local Maruthi servicing guy at Choondal. Vineesh had come in by 12 and we proceeded to the place, forthwith.

Got the car washed and Joby drove back the gleaming Victoris by 5, in the evening. Phew, that was an achievement!

Must pick up the RC of the car from Jimmy, tomorrow. Had recharged the FASTag last night.

All actions regarding the car have, thus, been completed.


Tailpiece.

There was a whole lot of tamasha in respect of Pinarayi Vijayan. The Enforcement Directorate had raided 12 places all across the state, connected with him and the CPM had gone on a rampage, damaging two cars of the ED Officials. The DYFI/SFI ruffians, then, took shelter in the party's area committee office.

The party, then, posed a challenge to the police by asking them to prove the identities of the guilty so that they could hand them over later, at the police station.

Here's what I liked of the stance of the DCP. Increasing the forces' strength around the area committee office of the CPM, he insisted having the culprits handed over to the police forthwith which, evetually, the local party leaders did. He'd handed over the identities of 12 ruffians and managed to get 7!

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The Kopra reservoir.

Kopra reservoir, Chhattisgarh's first designated Ramsar site in Bilaspur district, has emerged as an inspiring model for embodying the core spirit of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 - "Logical Action, Global Impact".

Active public involvement key to transformation

Regular cleanliness drives, massive tree plantation initiatives and the implementation of bio-fencing are being carried out consistently through community mobilisation. This active public involvement has also fostered a deep sense of shared responsibility.

The reservoir has established itself as a critical sanctuary for thousands of migratory birds that traverse international borders. The rich aquatic ecosystem offers an abundant supply of food and a peaceful resting ground for these avian visitors.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha and Padmakumar.

Sajish gives me my monthly haircut and massage.

A quiet day.

Monday, May 25, 2026

The agony put aside. Phew!

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre. In between, saw Rema and Sathyabhama go in Sukesan's auto rickshaw to the temple.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Breakfast of idlis and sambar.

Worked on the laptop.

Snoozed for a while and we were off to Saroja Hospital to meet up with Dr Sreekumar Pillai. Despite the traffic blocks, we could reach there by 2.  The doctor confirms that there's no malignancy and he has given her medicines for a fortnight. If the white plaque remains, it will be removed under anaesthesia. A great worry removed after a long while.

Returned home and checked at Jimmy's studio and Shabir's bakery.

Squared up my study for Padmakumar, coming this evening. He fetched up at a half past 6.

A quiet evening.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

Back at The Quarterdeck.

Hit the sack by a half past 1 and was up at a half past 4. Went about my chores and we were ready by 6. Monish was outside the house at about a quarter to 6 and we kicked off by a quarter past 6.

There were rains all through our route and we reached Lekha @ her sister's place by a quarter past 8. It was a lovely breakfast and we'd a taste of Lekha's birthday cake. We left by about a quarter to 9 and I'd decided to drop Aniyan at his house.

We reached Kidangoor by a quarter past 11 and received the happy news that Paru has has become a woman! Gave her a small gift on the occasion. And we left soon after.

Reached The Quarterdeck by a quarter past 4. Sent Lekha to catch her 40 winks while I unpacked.

Rema and Sathyabhama came by around a half past 6. And we talked about a lot of things.

A quiet evening thereafter!  

Saturday, May 23, 2026

@ New Delhi (6).

Dateline 23 May

Our tryst with the chief minister.

Met Mr VD Satheesan, the chief minister, at the Kerala House this afternoon. He has assured us that he’d attend the Vaayana Dinam program on 19 Jun at the Tagore Theatre. 

We presented him with Muthachhan’s English biography and draped a shawl around his shoulders.

Returned to Thiruvananthapuram from New Delhi by the Indigo flight at 2030 hrs. Landed up short of midnight!

Friday, May 22, 2026

@ New Delhi (5).

Got up at 5, sent all the messages and was ready by a half past 9. Walked within the room and recited my prayers. Maman and Aniyan went for breakfast and brought me my breakfast.

Off to the Kerala House for briefing Prof PJ Kurien, then to the Kerala Emporium at Connaught Place to buy mementoes for the VVIPs. Returned via Logani’s at Khan Market after placing orders for the 30 new invitation cards.

A quick change to formals and were off to the Vice President’s Enclave by a half past 2. There was no question of lunch! Had picked up the new cards in between.

The Book Release of Sathyan’s “The Library Man of India - The Story of PN Panicker” went off like clockwork. Great speeches made by the Vice President, MoS Suresh Gopi and Prof PJ Kurien. Maman was good in his introduction.

Went to the Kerala House to fix up our appointment with the CM of Kerala tomorrow through PJ Kurien. 

Returned to our guest house. A quiet evening!

Thursday, May 21, 2026

@ New Delhi (4).

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, tea and rusks came a trifle late at about a half past 7. Went about my chores, washed my undergarments and finished bath by about a half past 8. 

Walked within the premises and recited my prayers.

Went and had our toasts and omelette from the vendor who has become friendly now.

Got our tasks done and ticked each serial away with glee.

Lunch at a wayside eatery in Sector 5, RK Puram. Achari took us there!

Returned and worked on the speeches of Maman and Suresh Gopi. Fought with Maman over the script.

Went for an evening cuppa. Returned and completed the remaining work. Sent Shabd back home.

A comparatively early dinner; didn’t have any appetite so just had curd.

An early hitting of the sack!

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

@ New Delhi! (3).

Got up late at a half past 7, went through the chores and was ready by 9. Walked within the premises and had recited my prayers.

Had breakfast of toasts and omelette at the wayside dhabha and washed it down with a piping-hot cup of tea. Returned to catch up on our work on the laptop with Shabd.

Went to Logani Printers at Khan market to get the invitation cards printed. Had lunch of “sambar rice” at the Mysore Cafe which was nice. Returned to base and continued with our work. Emergencies and queries came and went with each and everyone sorted out with appropriate decisions.

Ran an errand to Loganis’ to collect our cards. Rajasree had come by to help us like she did yesterday. Off to the media offices to invite them over for the Book Release function.

Had gone across to Mathrubhoomi, Malayala Manorama, Asianet and the Vishwa Yuva Kendra. Invited them for the function. Returned by a half past 7.

Dinner was at Vandana ji’s house at a half past 9. A quiet evening thereafter.


Tuesday, May 19, 2026

@ New Delhi (2).

Got up around a quarter past 3, sleep refused to come by subsequently and I recited the first half of my prayers. Maman, citing lack of sleep, came and switched on the light in our room and disturbed our sleep. Recited the second half of my prayers then.

Got up at 7, had tea, went through my chores - washed my undergarments - and was ready by a half past 9. Went for breakfast of masala dosa followed by a piping hot cup of tea! Returned to our pad and went about doing the day’s work.

Went to the Vice Presidential enclave to express our misgivings on their approved Minute-to-minute programme and dais plan. We were sad that Shaddy and Geeta Malhotra haven’t been approved to sit on the dais! 

Lunch of Curd Rice at the Mysore Cafe, returned to our pad to continue with our work of compiling the details of the attendees with the accompaniment of Rajasree, Anil and Sasi. Yakkittiyak all the way.

Went out at about a half past 8 for dinner. Had a rumaali roti and chicken curry!

Returned to our pad and hit the sack at my usual time.


Monday, May 18, 2026

@ New Delhi!

Got up at 12, went through the chores and we (Maman, Aniyan and self) set off for the airport. Our flight took off at a 10’ past 3. Were served a meal around 3 AM. Reached New Delhi by a half past 6, half an hour before ETA!

Kishori drove us to Jor Bath, where we had a wash and change and had breakfast of toasts and omelette, washed it down with a cuppa tea.

Maman and I sent quite a few messages regarding the Book Release function on What’sApp. Lunch of idlis, chutney and sambar fetched by Kishori.

Off to the Vice President’s office to discuss the nuts and bolts of the forthcoming Book Release program.

Returned to have a meeting with our co-ordinaries at the guest house. An outline plan has been drawn out.

Sunday, May 17, 2026

At Thiruvananthapuram.

Our day began at 4 AM, we went about our chores and were ready well in time. Monish, our chauffeur, came at a quarter to 5 and I sent him to sleep in the car.  We were ready by a half past 6 and we kicked off at. quarter to 7.

Breakfast was at Korattur by about a half past 8.

Reached Lekha’s sister’s place, by 2, for lunch. Met Iñdu’s parents and dropped her mom at the private bus stand.

Resumed our journey and reached Maman’s place by a half past 5. Ran an errand of going to the Foundation as Maman had to collect a few papers. Aniyan and Chambu accompanied us.

We’ve to leave for the airport at 0100 hrs tomorrow!

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Lekha and I complete 35 years together!

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Handed over the gift to Lekha while she, too, handed over another.

Washing machinex of the soiled clothes.

We were ready by 9 when Nimyl reached us. After an early breakfast, we were off to the Saroja Multi Speciality Hospital to collect Lekha's tongue's biopsy report. O boy, it was a solid block enroute!

Lekha's report shows that there's nothing to worry but it recommends another 'wedge surgery' to rule out the foggiest of doubts.

Reached Dr Kripal, the gastro enterologist, who'd carried out my review. The next is after three months!

Collected medicines.

Returned home. Shebir brought us the anniversary cake and a few sweets on Lekha's directives.

Lunch (ordered from Pazhayidathu and it was nice!) watched television followed by siesta.

Shut down 'The Quarterdeck' in stages.

A great day when we received messages and calls, wishing us a great day! Damn sweet of them!! 

Friday, May 15, 2026

A breakthrough for Alzheimer's treatment in India.

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has launched donanemab in the Indian market under the brand name Lormalzi. The once-a-month 350 mg infusion has been shown to slow the progression of the disease  by dissolving the amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain, proven to be a classical sign of the neurodegenerative disease.

The innovative drug - third to be approved for the disease by the US  Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and the first one to be launched in India - will be prohibitively expensive. A single dose of the drug might cost Rs.91,688. However, Eli Lilly will soon begin an access programme to ensure that patients can get the drug at lower prices.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Blood drawal for finding out my Blood Sugars - Fasting and Post Prandial, Hb and LFT. Got the results at 12. My readings are under control, phew!

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen. The AM dropped by to see our new car.

Lekha's aarathi by the silver coin, today being the 1st of the Malayalam month of Edavam.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, Lekha had made a lovely fish curry. Saw the last and final episode of "Snehakkoottu" but didn't see the end as I'd gone out to meet Shebir, the bakery owner followed by siesta.

Aniyan also is coming to New Delhi for the book release.

Went to town to buy a gift for us for our 35th wedding anniversary.

A quiet evening thereafter.

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Back at The Quarterdeck.

Dateline 14 May

Our day had started at 4 today. Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Sent all the messages, opened up the house in a limited fashion, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Monish had fetched up late, went to the Thrikkonnamarkotu temple to do puja on the new car. After that the usual halt at the Randalummoodu Nagaraja kshetram, exchanged pleasantries with the priest.

At Pidavoor to pick up Rema and Padmakumar. Hello to Aji.

Breakfast at the Padma Cafe, Adoor.

Lunch at Thrippoonithura and had our dinner packed.

Reached Guruvayur by a trifle past 5. To the car spa for the vehicle's wash before offering her for puja. It was pouring. The priest, Gireesh did the puja well; befriended him!

Reached The Quarterdeck by a quarter past 8. Sent Monish back immediately.

The house was opened up partially.

A power interruption at 2200 hrs. So, we slept at a half past 10 as we were dog tired!

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Tackling the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Prime Minister Modi's advisory on the present Hormuz crisis has taken centre stage with the opposition - RaGa calls it inefficiency - crying "no way".

Currently, this is happening all over the world.

  * Several states in the US have encouraged citizens to work from home.
  * South Korea asked citizens to use washing machines and vacuum cleaners on weekends to reduce 
     demand.
  * Pakistan Super League matches were played without crowds to reduce energy consumption.
  * Sri Lanka declared Wednesdays as a national holiday to conserve fuel.
  * Bangladesh ordered shopping malls to close by 7 PM and banned decorative lighting to save
     electricity.
  * China encouraged citizens to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
  * Thailand advised citizens to set air conditioners at 27 degrees and avoid wearing coats and ties to
     reduce cooling demand.
  * The UK reduced highway speed limits to 80 kmph to improve fuel efficiency.
  * Germany introduced car-free Sundays to conserve fuel.
  * Spain mandated early closing hours for offices to reduce electricity consumption.
  * France banned short domestic flights where the same journey by train takes less than three hours.
  * Brazil encouraged citizens to use public transport more frequently.
  * Italy mandated a minimum AC temperature setting of 27 degrees in public buildings.
  * The Philippines implemented work-from-home measures and reduced operations in shopping
     malls to save energy.

This is happening all over the world. All countries have increased prices of petrol and issued mandatory harsh measures. India is the only country in the world where no harsh steps have been taken.

My take

Understand the global crisis!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of idlis, chutney and sambar.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Wash and off to the Sarathy Autocars. Got our Maruti Victoris after completing all the formalities.

Off to Maha Ganapati kshetram for carrying out a puja on our car. Monish was with us. Then went across to Christhuraj Hospital to look up Letha who's admitted.

Got back at a 10' to 9.


Tuesday, May 12, 2026

How neat is NEET?

Yet another question paper leak insofar as NEET is concerned. 135 questions, released by the miscreants have found their way into the question paper that were attempted by about 26 lakh students - all over India - on 03 May. The union government has cancelled the examination and handed over the probe to the CBI.

The student unions of all the political parties have gone on a rampage on the streets of Delhi and elsewhere.

The kingpin has been picked up by the police from somewhere in Nasik. It was the alacrity with which the Rajasthan police went about the probe that established the mischief. Till now, around 14 people have been nabbed by the police!

I have a few questions connected with NEET, which are :-

   * why do question paper leaks take place almost with a regular frequency?
   * why haven't the system steadied up after so many years of its inception?
   * have the previous probes been taken to their logical conclusion?
   * have the culprits been punished?

A lot many questions remain unanswered! NEET definitely isn't neat!!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house: recited my prayers.

A colonial breakfast of toasts, eggs and jam.

Worked on my laptop.

Lekha had taken her elder sister, Letha to the doctor as her right foot wasn't looking good and she needs hospitalisation for three days to administer antibiotics.

Lunch, saw "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Massive thundershowers in the evening followed by power interruptions!

A quiet evening.

 


Monday, May 11, 2026

PM's advisory...

 ...on prolonged shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

  1. Citizens can reduce petrol and diesel usage by using metros, public transport.

  2. Railway transport preferred for goods movement.

  3. Covid-era efficiency measures can be revived like :-
    
      * Work-from-home
      * Online conferences
      * Virtual meetings

  4. Choose domestic tourism and celebrations within India.

  5. Prioritise Made-in-India, locally manufactured products, including daily-use items such as shoes,
      bags and accessories.

  6. Opt for car-pooling when private vehicles are necessary.

  7. Increased use of electric vehicles wherever possible.

  8. Delay non-essential gold purchases for the next one year to reduce pressure on forex outflows.

  9. Citizens must avoid unnecessary foreign travel, overseas vacations and foreign weddings.

10. Families should reduce edible oil consumption.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Walked within the house; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of puttum pazhavum.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

My new car's registration number is taking time to come from the Guruvayur SRTO; have put Sajish, Thomas on the job.

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Another meandering Sunday....

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of dosas and an omelette.

Worked on my laptop. Cine star, Vijay takes oath as the chief minister of Tamilnadu. 

Letha comes in Sindhu's autorickshaw with lunch for us. Damn sweet of her and it keeps her boredom away of being by herself!

Lunch, saw them off and had our siesta.

Evening tea and snacks.

Maman had called up earlier and said that I'd to be at Delhi from the 18th - along with him - for the release of our book on Muthachchan by the Vice President on the 22nd! My only wish is that it could be delayed by a week so that I could seek the advice of Dr Sreekumar Pillai regarding treatment of Lekha's tongue!

Another of those quiet evenings!

 


Saturday, May 9, 2026

Mini, off to Bangalore!

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house in a restricted fashion, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Our idea was to avoid wasting Mini's time as they were on their long, return drive to Bangalore. We were all going to Padmakumar's house to have Rema's breakfast. We left soon after 7, met Syamala after her last night's surprise tryst with the hospital! Had breakfast of idiyappams, appams and curry.

Mini and Mithun resumed their journey at 0800 hrs.

Left Padmakumar's place by 1100 hrs. Rema gave us packed lunch.

Washed the set of soiled clothes, recited my prayers.

Lunch, watched television for a while followed by siesta.

Pulled out the dry clothes from the clothing line before the rain.

Power interruption for 2 hours which was restored by 9 PM.

Mini had reached her home by a quarter past 9.  

A comparatively quiet day!

Dateline 08  May

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house and recited my prayers.

Letha had come in an autorickshaw and both the sisters went to Kottarakkara for the following :-

    * the 'darshan' of Maha Ganapati
    * buy certain add ons for her ear studs.
    * buy grocery
    * buy our lunch

She had returned by a quarter past 1!

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Pulled in all the clothes that were put up for drying. Between us we'd washed down quite a bit of clothes including a pair of bedsheets!

Thundershowers and power had got interupted at 5 and was restored only at a 5' past 11! A miserable evening spent in darkness. 

    

Thursday, May 7, 2026

At Raj Nivas.

The day started at 4 for us this morning. Monish came in about five minutes later and went off to sleep in our Chevy. We were ready by a half past 6, Lekha gave Monish his cup of tea and we kicked off by a quarter to 7. It was drizzling all the way.

We'd breakfast in Swami's Anubhavam at Chalakkudy - idiappams and kadala kari - by a quarter past 8.

Took the Angamali route and were in time for lunch, Letha's place, by a quarter to 2. Dropped Monish at Kottarakkara and drove our Chevy to Raj Nivas, reaching there by a half past 3.

Unnigopan, from Sarathy Autocars came to collect our Chevy and we signed the agreement paper by 5. "Crazy" has been with us since Oct 2010 and I'd run a total of about 1,29,000 km todate! My mom and dad have ridden in it and Lekha and I had developed a fondness for her. She had never let us down throughout the last sixteen years. Once she'd developed a problem, when Lekha was travelling from Guruvayur to Ayur and she came to a grinding halt in front of my sister, Mini's house.

I suppose she'd developed a fondness for us too. Driving through the roads in her was quite relaxing and I never felt the tiredness, even after a long drive, ever. Will miss you Crazy and we shall always remember as to how you'd brightened our lives!

Another worry in the background is the results of the biopsy done on Lekha's tongue. O God, hope that the test results are not sinister! Mini's fatty liver is another constant worry!

We should get our Maruti Victoris latest by next Wednesday.



 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

The Great Nicobar Project.

It's a game changer for India's maritime future.

India is on the verge of a maritime transformation!

For far too long, our cargo has relied on foreign stops but the Great Nicobar Trans-shipment Hub is set to change the game.

 * Planned capacity .              16 million TEUs.
 * Strategic location.              just 40 nautical miles from the Malacca Strait.
 * Economic boost.                Retaining $200 - 220 million in port handling charges annually.

This project is more than just about infrastructure. It's about reclaiming our maritime sovereignty and
building a truly self-sufficient India.

My take

Building up of strategic infrastructure is an ongoing activity for the progress of a country which is aspiring to be a superpower in the not too distant future.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Breakfast of dosas, chutney.

Lekha goes to town for the following :-

    * to check with the gas agency about the position of supply
    * to get the monthly dues from the ration stand
    * to get her ornaments put back at the jewellery
    * to Harisree supermarket for groceries

Bath.

Lekha's beautician comes in for her help.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Shut down The Quarterdeck systematically.

Dropped in on the Air Marshal on his discharge from Rajah's Hospital.  


Tuesday, May 5, 2026

The day after the results.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Breakfast of idlis and sambar.

Worked on my laptop.

The aftermath of the election results :-

* Kerala. Endless rounds of discussions have begun to zero in on the chief minister from among the
   three viz. VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and KC Venugopal. Meanwhile, Pinarayi Vijayan has 
   submitted his resignation but will not meet the Governor!

* Tamilnadu. Vijay is preparing to take over as the chief minister and the Congress has decided to
   support him annoying the DMK because both of them are part of the Indi alliance!

* Pondicherry. The incumbent chief minister is preparing to take oath with his new team.

* Assam. Hemant Biswa Sarma is preparing to take oath with his new team.

* West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee refuses to resign saying that she has won a moral victory - wonder
   what that is? She has refused to go to the Governor. Meanwhile, the BJP is preparing its team
   to take over.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

A quiet evening.


Tailpiece.

The atmosphere has definitely cooled after last midnight's rain! 

Monday, May 4, 2026

What a day?

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath and breakfast of toasts, egg, chhole bhature.

Worked on my laptop.

An early lunch.

Off to the Saroja Multi-Speciality Hospital at Thrissur for Lekha's tongue's biopsy by Dr Sreekumar Pillai. By the time we left the hospital, it was a half past 5.

Wayside refreshments before reaching home.

A quiet evening thereafter!


Tailpiece.

The UDF has swept Kerala with 102 seats, with the BJP capturing Nemom (Rajeev Chandrasekhar), Chathannoor (Gopakumar) and Kazhakkoottam (Gopakumar).

BJP has won Assam, West Bengal and the NDA, Pondicherry. 

Kept me riveted on to the television during my spare time.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

How to read anyone?

 * Status                          revealed by their shoes
 * Discipline                    revealed by their nails
 * Background                revealed by how they sit
 * Intentions                    revealed by their eyes
 * Personality                  revealed by how they laugh
 * Confidence                  revealed by how they walk
 * Loyalty                        revealed by where they look
 * Intelligence                 revealed by how they listen
 * Maturity                      revealed by how they argue
 * Respect                        revealed by how they treat people  who can't help them
 

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of "chhole bhature".

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched a longish episode of Crime Patrol followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

A quiet Saturday.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on our courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed breakfast of puttum gram curriyum.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched an episode of Crime Patrol followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Back to back meetings on Zoom :-

    * With the ex-Kazak girls at a half past 6
    * With our batchmates at 9.

A late evening!

Friday, May 1, 2026

Fast track nod for China FDI in seven sectors.

The Modi government has identified seven critical sectors/manufacturing activities for faster approval investments from China.

The seven sectors are :-

     * Capital Goods Manufacturing
     * Electronic Capital Goods
     * Electronic Components
     * Polysilicon and Ingot wafer (solar manufacturing inputs)
     * Advanced Battery Components
     * Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
     * Rare Earth Processing

My take

A step in the right direction!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Recited my prayers.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

We were ready by a half past 7 and kicked off soon after. Rakesh was our sa'arthi.

The doctor reviewed the MRI scan and has called us on Monday, the 4th for further action.

A quiet day.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores. 

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Girls outperform boys...

.....in state board exams.

Girls continued to maintain a dominant lead in Class 10 and Class 12 examinations of the Chhattisgarh Board, the results of which were announced on Tuesday. The data revealed a major upward trend in academic performance compared to previous years. In the higher secondary exam, the state recorded an overall pass percentage of 83.04%. Out of the 2,44,453 students who appeared, 2,02,549 passed. 

Girls recorded a pass rate of 86.04%, while boys' performance stood at 78.86%. For the high school exams, girls again outperformed, with an 81.03% pass rate compared to 72.27% for boys. 

The overall pass percentage was 77.15%.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Bath followed by breakfast of sewaiyan upma.

Worked on the April mail and pumpede it out around 1200 hrs.

A boisterous lunch with everyone.

Off to the State Co-operative bank's office for our district co-ordinators' meeting. Adv Chandramohan had inaugurated the meeting.

Our next meeting will be in mid-May and a co-ordinating committee of 51 members will be formed by then. 

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

To Kochi on work.

Dateline 29 Apr

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Breakfast of sewaiyan upma.

Worked on my laptop.

After an early lunch, took off for Kochi to take part in the book appreciation at the Chaavara Cultural Centre. Reached there by 3 and rendezvoused Maman and team. Met Father Anil Philip.

The district level co-ordinating committee meeting, followed by discussions on IAS Escalator, authored by K Mohandas, IAS the elder son-in-law of R Balakrishna Pillai. A nice evening where I interacted with retired IAS bigwigs like Paul Antony, Tom Jose, PC Syriac, Dr Dhanalakshmi and Sri Raja Sreekumar Varma.

Dinner at our old haunt, the Ceylon Bake House and reached Lekha and The Quarterdeck by 11.

Settled them down to their beds within no time.



 


Tuesday, April 28, 2026

FTA inked with New Zealand.

Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand has been inked. Here are the key takeaways :-

* $20 billion investment commitment over 15 years.
* Special emphasis on strengthening MSMEs and women-led enterprises.
* India offers market access in 70.03% of the tariff lines, which covers 95% of New Zealand's bilateral
   trade.
* India protects key interests in dairy and agriculture; benefit for labour-intensive sectors like textile and
   leather.
* New Zealand facilitates health and traditional medicine services for the first time.
* Student mobility and post-study work visa for STEM graduates, skilled professionals; opens new 
   pathway for 5,000 skilled occupations.

My take

A good thing to happen.


Tailpiece.

A quiet Tuesday.

Went to the Saroja Multi-Speciality Hospital and met Dr Sreekumaran Pillai for Lekha's case. Carried out an MRI. 

 

Monday, April 27, 2026

London marathon gets into history books.

Kenya's Sawe, the current World No.1, created history by becoming the first human to dip under the two hour mark in the marathon.

Importance of breaking the two-hour barrier

For a long time, humans thought this record would be impossible to achieve. Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, in association with Nike, in fact dipped below the two hour mark at Vienna in 2019. However, he did it in a controlled environment so it wasn't valid for the purposes of a world record. Now, Sawe has done it. Yomif Kejelcha, who came second, also went under the two-hour mark (1:59:41).

Why it was only a matter of time

* Shoe technology has improved massively. The importance of science and holistic training approaches 
   is evident. Also, the marathon, at the elite level, has seen official times be repeatedly slashed. 

* The sixteen fastest timings in history have all come since 2019. In fact, this is one record which has 
   kept breaking.

1:59:30  Sawe's timings at London marathon on Sunday.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of poorie bhaaji.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Booked an appointment with the doctor for tomorrow.

Sincerely hope that things would be sorted out by tomorrow.



Sunday, April 26, 2026

An interesting story revisited.

Govardhan Hill, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

In the Braj region of UP's Mathura district near Vrindavan, rises Govardhan Hill, a low sandstone ridge extending roughly 21 km. Though modest in height, it is among the much revered landscapes in the Krishna tradition. According to the Bhaagavata Puraana, Krishna persuaded the villagers to worship the hill instead of Indra, the rain god. In response, Indra unleashed torrential rains and Krishna lifted the hill to shelter the community. The episode establishes the idea that nature itself is worthy of reverence.

This idea continues in the practice of Govardhan Parikrama, a 21-km circumambulation undertaken by thousands daily - I, too, have undertaken this parikrama during my last visit, during Oct '25, though I must confess that it was in a vehicle. Many walk barefoot, some perform Dandavat Parikrama, progressing through full prostrations. The route passes sacred sites such as Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Kusum Sarovar and Mansi Ganga, each linked to episodes from Krishna's life. The hill is also central to the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra, a wider pilgrimage circuit.

Pilgrimage peaks during Govardhan Puja, where offerings of food symbolise gratitude to the sustaining land. Here, there is no single shrine; the landscape itself is the deity.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of appams and kadala.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched an episode of Crime Patrol followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Die empty.

The most beautiful book to read is Die Empty by Todd Henry. The author was inspired and got this idea of writing this book while attending a business meeting. When the Director asked the audience : Where is the richest land in the world?

One of the audience answered : The oil-rich gulf states. Another added : The diamond mines in Africa.

Then the Director said : "No. it is the cemetery.

Yes, Cemetery is the richest land in the world because millions of people have departed/died and they carried away many valuable ideas that did not come to light nor benefit others. It is all in the cemetery where they are buried".

Inspired by this answer, Todd Henry wrote his book, "Die Empty" where he did his best to motivate people to pour out their ideas and potential energies in their communities and turn them into something useful before it is too late.

The most beautiful of what he said in his book is : "Do not go to your grave and carry inside you the best that you have. Always choose to die empty.

The true meaning of this expression, is to die empty of all the goodness that is within you. Deliver it to the world before you leave.

If you have an idea perform it.
If you have knowledge give it out.
If you have a goal achieve it.
If you have resources assist the less opportuned
Love, share and distribute, do not keep it inside".

Let's begin to give. Remove and spread every atom of goodness inside you.

Start the race now!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of appams, egg roast.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched an episode of Crime Patrol followed by siesta.

The evening chores.



Friday, April 24, 2026

Guidelines to stay safe in the spiralling heat.

* Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 10 AM and 3 PM when 'uv' radiation is at its peak.

* Stay hydrated : drink plenty of water at regular intervals.

* Use protective gear such as hats, umbrellas and sunglasses while stepping outdoors.

* Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing that covers the body.

* Take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas during travel or outdoor work.

* Outdoor workers, fishermen, bikers and tourists should exercise extra caution.

* Elderly people, children and those with existing health conditions should avoid prolonged outdoor  
   exposure.

* Be aware that surfaces like water, sand and concrete can reflect UV rays and increase exposure.

* Seek medical attention if symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, fatigue or sunburn occur.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on our courtyard, recited my prayers and carried out my exercise regimen.

Bath followed by breakfast of puttum pazhavum.

Worked on my laptop. 

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.
            

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Back at The Quarterdeck.

Got up at 4, went through our chores and were ready by 6 but quite a few small things perked up at the last moment that by the time we kicked off on our journey, it was a half past 6. Our first stop was at the Nagaraaja kshetram at Randalummoodu, as usual. Drove till the road transport corporation's service station and handed over the Chevy to Monish.

We had a darshan of the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapati, walked around the temple and resumed our journey. Had dropped in at Lekha's sister, Letha's place to hand over the mangoes collected from my compound. Had our breakfast at the Padma Cafe at Changanaasserry. It took a lot of time as the service was found to be wanting.

Reached The Quarterdeck by 2, sent Monish back and had a lovely lunch made by the maid. Siesta.

The evening chores, Rejith was called in to hand over the clothes for dry cleaning.

A quiet evening thereafter.


Tailpiece.

The Assembly elections to West Bengal (1st phase) and Tamilnadu took place today registering a 92.5% percentage in the former and 85.6% in the latter. The results should be interesting!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

The heat, here, is manageable!

Got up around a half past 1 to reduce water levels and since sleep was hard to come by, recited my prayers. Turned off to sleep yet again.

Was up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Morning cuppa with Lekha. 

Bath followed by breakfast of idiyappams and potato stew. 

Left for Sarathy Auto Cars at Kottarakkara regarding the exchange of our cars. The chevy was inspected and taken for a test drive by them. Vishnu, Unni, Santosh and Geoffrey looked after us and we were given black tea/coffee for Lekha. We've zeroed in our new car - a Maruti Vottoris.

Returned home by a half past 11. Lunch was given, free, by Thulasi of Murukaalaya - damn sweet of him! The food was tasty and was being provided to visitors at Kottarakkara on the occasion of the Maha Ganapati kshetram's ulsavam.

A leisurely lunch followed by siesta.

Lekha got up by a half past 4, washed up and left for the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapati kshetram's "kettukaazhcha" on the occasion of the last day of the ulsavam. 

She returned by 2000 hrs.

A quiet evening of packing and securing for an early morning getaway tomorrow.


Tuesday, April 21, 2026

From The Quarterdeck to Raj Nivas.

Our day began 4, this morning. Went through our chores and were ready by a half past 6. Kannan had made it by that time and we set off at a quarter to 7. Returned soon after, from Chavakkad, to open up the servants' bathroom for Ramesh and his co-workers, who were cleaning the well.

Had breakfast at "Elayathu" at Mathilakam.

Took the Thrippoonithura- Thannermukkam Bund road to reach Kottayam by a half past 10. The traffic was easy and we had lunch at the Padma Cafe of Changanasserry by around a half past 1. It was nice.

Reached Lekha's sister, Letha's house to collect our dinner. 

Sent Kannan back and I drove to Raj Nivas with Lekha. Reached there by a half past 3.

As Lekha caught up with her forty winks, I spoke to Mom and dad - briefed them about my illness, set up the puja room draping our ''pattu" on Guruvayurappan and got the lamp ready.

Lekha goes to the Kottarakkara Maha Ganapati kshetram to view the lighting in lieu of the ulsavam and to drop in on her chittappan-kunjamma and Venu-Vidya-Vivek to hand them over a handful of mangoes from our mango tree.  

A quiet evening.

Monday, April 20, 2026

Limbering up!

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, went through my exercise regimen: recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of poorie, bhaaji.

Lekha goes to the ration stand to buy our monthly dues and sundry purchases.

Selvam comes in for pressing clothes as he was going to Pondicherry to cast his vote. He'll return after a week.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Shut down The Quarterdeck, systematically.

Sunday, April 19, 2026

A boisterous Sunday.

Got up at 5, Aniyan and ammaayi were off to the temple to have the 'darshan' of the good Lord. Sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard, went through my exercise regimen; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of poories and bhaaji ordered from Hotel Welcome.

Maalu and Paaru went to the Mammiyoor temple for the darshan of the good Lord.

Lunch from Hotel Welcome again.

Aniyan and family left home for Kidangoor by a half past 2 and they reached their house at 1950 hrs.

A quiet evening, watching television.

The Quarterdeck is all quiet again!


Saturday, April 18, 2026

Aniyan and family arrive.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Had bath; recited my prayers in the process as I didn't want to be late when the guests arrived.

The maid was well ahead of time and commenced her work so that she could leave early after preparing lunch and dinner.

Spoke to both Sreedevi and Saumya of AIMS, to take clearance from Dr Rajesh Jose, my cardiologist, regarding substitution of Carvidas 6.25 in place of BetaOne XL 25. Got the approval by lunchtime.

Worked on my laptop.

Yakkitiyak with Aniyan and his family(Usha ammayi, Maalu and Praarthana). The dress bought for Paru, yesterday from Seematti at Kochi, was ill fitting. So, Lekha took Malu and Paru to the Trends outlet and bought a new dress for the little one. And weren't they happy?

A boisterous lunch followed by siesta.

Aniyan and his family, along with Lekha, goes to the temple for the darshan of the good Lord @ a quarter to 5, after tea.

A long evening with full of yakkitiyak!

They return past 9, fully satisfied with their outing. Lekha had come in much earlier as she prepared the main dish for dinner!

And a boisterous dinner!

Friday, April 17, 2026

Our quarterly medical reviews!

Our day had begun at 4, went through our chores and were ready by around 6. Earlier, we'd recited our prayers!

We kicked off for Kochi at a quarter past 6, reached Aaryaas at Idappalli, had breakfast and reached the Diabetic Care of India by a quarter to 10. I entered the clinic on the dot at 10. All the girls were there and the doctor fetched up an hour late after his tryst with the auditors along with Meera.

Satish Bhat has given me a course of six injections around my tummy to enhance my Haemoglobin - over a period of six months.

We, then, went across to Chellakkili's office and we had tender coconut water!

By a quarter to 1, we were headed for Shenoy Care. Had a quick bite of vegetarian lunch and went through Lekha's registration formalities. She went through the tests, we met the junior doctor, Aswathy an hour later. By the time we met Dr Padmanabha Shenoy it was a half past 5. Lekha will go through the biopsy, we've decided.

And after a quick cup of tea and 'ullivada' at the canteen, we're on our return to Guruvayur.

Reached home by a quarter past 9. Settled down quickly. 

Thursday, April 16, 2026

TMC's shameless lie exposed!

"Bengal was never a manufacturing hub and never can be", thus spake Mahua Moitra, the party's MP during her election rallies.

Then how do you explain the legacy of Hindustan Motors, Burn & Company, Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, Dunlop India and more?

Under Mamata Banerjee, corruption, strikes, violence and a broken business climate pushed 6,668 companies out of Bengal. First they destroyed the industrial backbone. Now they deny it ever existed.

They lie. They deflect. They deny. But Bengal remembers. And Bengal will respond.

Mamata Banerjee has been unusually silent on this and many more!


Tailpiece.

Got up at a quarter to 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

The Rajah team had come by to draw my blood samples for tests.

Had breakfast to be in time for the 'post prandial blood sugar' test.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores. 

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Vishu '26.

Got up at 4, got the Vishukkani ready, brought Lekha from our first floor bedroom down below to our puja room to view the kani. "Kanikaanum neyram, kamalanethrante......", the iconic song that characterises Vishu, the festival always, was playing on the home theatre! It was a perfect beginning to Vishu '26!

Sent all the messages.

The Wednesday "aarathi" of the house was carried out.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Handed over the 'Vishukkaineettam' to Ramakrishnan, the newspaper boy.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers and followed it up with the ground exercises.

Bath; handed over Lekha her Vishukkaineettam. A lovely breakfast of Aval nanachathu, uzhunnu vada and paal paayasam.

Wished Maman, Suma kunjamma and Aniyan, Vishu wishes.

Dismantled the Vishukkani, threw away the old flowers and put each of the items back into their respective places.

Lunch, watched television for a while followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Watched a few of our favourite Malayalam serials. 

Hit the sack at our usual time of a half past 11.

 

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Helping Lekha in setting up the "Vishukkani"

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

The morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers.

Breakfast of idlis and sambar!

Bath and was ready by a half past 10. Off to Dr Kripal's hospital for a second opinion on my medical test results.

Returned by a half past 2 after Lekha could finish her last-minute Vishu shopping.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" and siesta.

The evening chores.

Handed over the Vishukkaineettam to:-

     * Rajesh, our chauffeur
     * Farhaan, the medicine delivery boy
     * Pushpaakaran, the farmhand
     * Sukesan, the autorickshaw driver
     * Abhishek, the delivery boy from Harisree.

Post dinner, got down to setting up the Vishukkani with Lekha.


Tailpiece.

Was reminded of our first Vishukkani at The Quarterdeck with my Amma being the chief architect of the Vishukkani, in Apr 2014.

Monday, April 13, 2026

Adieu Asha Bhosle!

Asha Bhosle passed into the mist of time yesterday around 1100 hrs at the Breach Candy Hospital in Bombay.

She recorded her first song in 1943 and her last recorded song, "The Shadowy Light" came out two months ago. More than 12,000 songs across multiple languages - a career spanning 83 yrs - is her legacy! These are the days when one realises the insurmountable impact some artists have made in our lives. Asha Bhosle, without any exaggeration, is one of those rare artists.

Adieu Asha ji! My tears and prayers. You'll live on through your songs.

My all time favourite song of hers is "Aaiye Meherbaan" of Howrah Bridge!


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard: recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of semiya upma.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, saw "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Factories feel shortage of manpower.

Reminding the sight of migrant workers huddling together at Railway Stations during the Covid 19 severity, the flight of the migrant workers to their homes triggered by fears of shortage of cooking gas is a sad sight these days!

Manpower crisis

Federation of Indian Export Organisations(FIEO) says around 5-7% workers did not return due to LPG-related disruptions.

Industry players are seeking government intervention to improve living conditions of workers, introduce measures to minimise reverse migration.

The Tamilnadu government has asked Torrent Gas to ensure piped natural gas(PNG) supply to industrial units in madras within 60 days.

Around 10-20% migrant workers or roughly 10,000 labourers across western and southern Tamilnadu, have not returned to their workplaces.

Industry estimates indicate that nearly 2 lakh workers in Coimbatore left for Holi and are yet to return.


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of assorted stuff.

Lunch followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Watched the movie, "Sarvam Maya", starring Nivin Pauly, Riya Shibu and Preity Mukhundhan along with the others. Lekha and I enjoyed it thoroughly.







Saturday, April 11, 2026

SIR in UP.

UP's final voter list out, 2 crore names deleted.

No of voters in UP post SIR           13.39 crores
Male                                                7,30,71,061 (54.54%)
Female                                             6,09,09,525 (45.46%)
Transgenders                                             4,206

Highest growth in voters since SIR first phase

Prayagraj                                               2,85,061
Lucknow                                               2,85,961
Bareilly                                                 2,57,920
Ghaziabad                                             2,43,666
Jaunpur                                                 2,37,590
Sahibabad                                                82,898
Lucknow west                                         54,822
Loni                                                         53,679
Firozabad                                                 47,757


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of Puttum pazhavum.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

Friday, April 10, 2026

Through the Sabarimala entry case.

Restricting temple entry by denomination harms Hinduism

Hinduism will be adversely impacted if temples and mutts restrict entry on grounds of separate denominations inside a religion, Supreme Court says.

State can step in under article 25(2)(B)

The nine-judge Constitution Bench was responding to submissions of senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan that article 26(b) over 25(2b). The court did not agree with the supremacy of art 26(b) over 25(2b). Justice Nagarathna said that the State can step in under article 25(2b) to ensure access to temples to all sections.

Specificity of denomination not good : the court

* Vaidyanathan, for the devotees of Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala temple, submitted that they constitute      a separate religious denomination and hence have the right to manage the temple's affairs

* To his submission, Justice Nagarathna said, ".....if you say only my denomination will attend the             temple, that is not good for Hinduism".


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with everyone.

Bath followed by breakfast of masala dosa and coffee.

Worked on my laptop.

A boisterous lunch, a bit of "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

Padmakumar, Rema and Achu returned to Thrippunithura; enroute they'd dropped our maid at the Chavakkad bus stand. Had handed over the 'Vishukkaineettam" to the three of them!

A quiet evening.






Thursday, April 9, 2026

Cast my vote!

Our day had begun at a half past 4, went through our chores and was ready by a quarter to 7. Off to the RCUP School which was our polling booth at 7 with the Radhakrishnans, our neighbours, in their car. Cast out votes by 8, had a 'Guruvayur darshan' before having our breakfast at Renai's hotel. Returned by a quarter to 10.

It was yet another quiet, warm day.

The maid was absent.

Lunch at our usual time with Lekha preparing chicken curry.

Saw "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores. 

Lekha went to the temple to have a darshan of the good Lord and offered the first mango from our tree at the 'nada'.

A video conference of our classmates, orchestrated by Babu Sahdev. The quorum was less than what I thought it would be, but it was nice all the same.

Padmakumar, Rema and Achu fetched up from Kochi and it was yakkittiyak as always. Slept past 11.  

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

News from Kalpakkam, Tamilnadu.

Prototype fast blade reactor(PFBR) is a fast breeder nuclear reactor with 500 MW electric capacity. Nuclear fuel in the reactor is Plutonium 239

Along with production of electricity, this reactor converts Uranium 238 to Plutonium 239. Thus it produces or converts more nuclear fuel material than it is consuming for power production.

Utilising this technology, Thorium 232 can be converted into Uranium 233 which is also a nuclear fuel material. Incidentally, India has the largest Thorium reserve in the world.

Hence the technology which is demonstrated now has the potential to solve the energy requirement of our country for generations.

My take

A great step indeed. Thankfully, the heap of sand - rich in Thorium - off the coast of Chavara, Kollam will be gainfully employed! 


Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Carried out the Wednesday 'aarathi' of the house.

Walked on the courtyard; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast of upma.

Worked on my laptop. Lekha goes to town to get a lot of work done.

Lunch, watched "Snehakkoottu" followed by siesta.

The evening chores.