A day of travel and attending weddings.

I'd got up a trifle past 6, making everyone wonder as to why I was taking it so easy. I'd distances to cover and appointments to keep - attend the weddings of the sons of two dear friends, Satish Kumar and Mathew George. Sumesh, a youngster from here and a professional tipper driver, was gonna be my chauffeur for the day. He'd arrived on the dot at a quarter past 8, cleaned up my sister's car and by a quarter to 9 we're off to Thiruvananthapuram to attend the first wedding.

We reached the convention center within the Mar Ivanios College premises a trifle after 10. On entering the glittering marriage hall it was the bridegroom's father, Satish, who was there at hand to receive yours truly with a bear hug. There was a smattering of my friends from the University College, a few of whom I was meeting after those heady days of the early '70s. Time had done its act and some of them had changed considerably. It was wonderful to rekindle the relationships and meet up with the families. The one lingering shot of the wedding that shall remain etched in my mind is the confused look on Sanjay's face as he tried to put the 'thaali' on the bride's neck because of the manner in which his dad had handed over the ornament to him! Trust Satish to confuse a simple and straightforward situation - for a good laugh for the entire gathering!!

After the ceremonial wedding lunch, we'd set off on our way to Ernakulam, the venue of the second wedding followed by the reception. We're coasting at a comfortable speed when an emergency cropped up, all of a sudden. The vehicle was low on fuel and due to a snap strike by the petrol pump dealers, all the bunks enroute were closed. We made it into Alappuzha town with the fuel gauge blinking dangerous fuel levels and the humid heat wafting into the car because of the shutting down of the air conditioner, to squeeze more mileage out of the remaining fuel. On checking with the first cluster of auto rick drivers, understood that the only government owned pump was open and we rushed to that bunk to join the queue which was, thankfully, short!

I reached my cousin's place soon after 6 after a couple of deviations from the national highway, thanks to the repairs on the road being carried out! It was a humbling effect to spend a few quiet moments with my grand aunt, who of course, didn't register a thing. After a short interaction with the others, I set off for the venue after 7.

The next two and a half hours were a nostalgic trip down memory lane! The interaction with my classmates, friends and the newly wedded couple was simply great . After conversations, an almost continuous photo and video coverage session  and a spectacular dinner, I'd made a quick retreat with Sumesh behind the wheel.


Tailpiece.

It was a smooth and speedy return home with me punching in the day's experiences on my laptop! But a very satisfying day, altogether! ..........The total distance traveled was an impressive 425 kms!!     

An awful day.

The day had begun at 4. We'd gone through our chores and had set off for my parents' place by about 10' past 6. Enroute we'd a truck carrying an elephant that branched off at Kecherry, ahead of us. It was a nice omen, we said. The day was sunny but there were numerous puddles of water from last night's rains. The first irritation was the deviation in the heart of Thrissur town and I really did get confused thanks to the unfamiliar roads but finally, made it out of town.

The breakfast at the Saravana Bhavan near the Paliyekkara toll was not something to write home about especially because the buffet did not have all the serials like the 'potato mash' for the puries! But I'd behaved like a good boy and didn't complain, as is my wont! Lekha was surprised!! And soon after, there was a massive traffic jam beyond Kalady. A massive truck, carrying vegetables had overturned and one side of the central median - our side of the road - was choc-a-bloc with traffic. I'd given up on reaching home at a reasonable time and slowly inched, crawled my way till we finally found a way out. Time lost, 28 minutes!

We passed through Kochi uneventfully and stopped at Mithila for a mere rest room break! The restaurant was swarming with two busloads of tourists and firstly, we weren't hungry and secondly, we didn't want to waste time. Cherthala was okay in so far as traffic was concerned but my moment of reckoning was lying in wait off the Vandaanam Medical College.in Alappuzha.

I was overtaking an auto rickshaw pick up when a red Maruti Ritz tried to overtake my Chevy and looped in sharply to the left to avoid an oncoming vehicle. In the process, my car's bumper was badly dented and consequently looked grotesque. I'd flagged him to a stop, took down his details and asked him to follow me to the Kollam service station of the Geeyem Motors for damage assessment. In between, we'd entered the Kayankulam service station of their's but to no avail as it was a fledgling office and they didn't have the wherewithal!

Since Lekha's lunchtime was being extended and to avoid complications, I'd bought her two big bananas to tide over the problem, following Thomaskutty - that was his name - to Kollam, all the time. Finding the Geeyem Motors at Kollam was a Herculean task but we did it eventually, after making a lot of inquiries enroute!

Samad was assigned as my Customer Service Adviser. It was when Thomaskutty tried to explain his story that I forcefully put him down an, "You'd no business to overtake me while I was doing so. Not only is it dangerous for everyone but it's also suicidal if an oncoming vehicle were to come because there's no central median! You've to answer for that mistake of yours." The damage was assessed and it was ascertained that the car's insurance will look after 50% of the expenses and Thomaskutty, would foot the remaining!

My Chevy was admitted, we parted ways with Thomaskutty amicably and Samad had fetched a cab for dropping us home. It was a quiet evening with plenty of yakkitiyak!


Tailpiece.

1. Samad was ticked off for perusing the innards of my passbook and had advised him not to do that ever again as it was bad manners. His reply, "Sir, you're very straightforward."
2. Raj Nivas looks neat and is slowly coming up to my standards! 

Trivia, yet interesting happenings!

Mini, who's currently at Raj Nivas, overseeing the ongoing work and spring cleaning, reports that ants have been seen in large numbers in every room of the house. We'd not sighted them during our last stay, so what has brought about the changes? Is it the smell of fresh paint and varnish that have unwittingly invited them? Or is it the general disorderliness that comes about while a house - that was under lock and key with no activity over a long time - is spruced up and suddenly active?

Or is it that my parents are unhappy that I've disposed off many things that they'd put into the house, over the years? And are they expressing their displeasure in this symbolic manner? Further, I've also rearranged the display of photographs on the walls of the house, corresponding it with the time when each event had taken place...... I'd still stand by my decision because there was too much of junk accumulated over the years!

    *                              *                               *

Had been to the hair saloon, nearby, this morning to have my hair trimmed and had specifically, asked for the services of Sajish. Not only did the youngster do a good job but he also gave me a couple of tips despite the fact that I'd made it clear to him that I wasn't worried about my looks! I've given a 3 out of 10 to myself in that department, remember? And worrying about looks in the 60s? Here are the tips that he's passed on to me:-

       * I must shave only twice a week to ensure the tautness of my facial skin.
          I'm used to shaving daily, a habit that I've followed from the Academy days. It's not feasible,
          I tell him.
       * I must use face packs to ensure that black ends don't crop up.
          I find their use a bit tedious and unfeasible while I move with simple people as part of my
          work for the Foundation.
       * I must spend time in grooming myself everyday.
          I find it silly to spend time in front of the mirror at this stage in life!

Sajish had said his piece. It's damn nice of him to want me to look good! But his parting shot humbled me, "Sir, why don't you go to the gym nearby for workouts?" His answer to my surprised look was, "There are a lot many stray dogs on the route that you take for your walks". "But I've my stick with me", I answered but he seemed to be unsure as to whether my walking stick would be of any help if the dogs were to carry out a concerted attack! Another lesson learnt!!


Tailpiece.

I'd visited the medical shop, in the evening, to collect a few medicines. Ummer and Gopan were helpful and thankfully, I was the only customer at the counter. They did tell me that it was a while since they saw me last and I told them the reasons for my absence and mentioned to them about my leaving the station, again, tomorrow in connection with my niece's wedding......... People have started noticing me while I'd always wanted to be inconspicuous and merge with the crowd.
           

Justin Bieber, that wasn't fair!

Justin Bieber had landed, late Tuesday, ahead of his maiden performance in India. After weeks of preparation by the organisers in Bombay, the DY Patil stadium played host to about 45,000 people, who're his die hard fans. The organisers had highlighted that it was a part of his 'Purpose World Tour', showcasing his new album.

 The Aftermath.

 Did Justin take his Indian fans for a ride? Looks like it, from the complaints received from the
 audience, on completion of the show which are:-

    (a) He'd belted out 21 numbers, out of which he sang only 4. For the rest he'd only provided
         lip sync for the audio that was being played out on tape.
    (b) His performance betrayed the lack of rehearsals.
    (c) The audience had begun to file into the stadium from 9 in the morning while Justin made his
          entry at 8, in the evening.
    (d) His performance lasted a mere one and a half hours and he left India, soon after. The itinerary
          announced earlier was that he'd perform at New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra besides Bombay!
 
 Less said about the arrangements made by the organisers, for the audience:-

    (a) Adequate rest rooms weren't provided.
    (b) Bottled water was available @ Rs.100/- to Rs.150/- per piece!

 The irony of it all, to my mind, was that the lowest ticket was priced @ Rs.5,000/- Was it, then, the  organised plunder by the organisers? Why didn't they lay down a clear cut 'activity chart' after  discussions with the singer and his team, while fixing his programme?

 Just not fair, Justin Bieber! You've let down a whole lot of 'beliebers'

My take.

Many of these celebrities are unable to handle the success that has come their way - too much of adulation and fan following at a relatively young age! They get into a lot of behind-the-curtain practices like dependence on drugs and lead a highly make believe life. Unfortunately, it's these contradictions that pull them down ultimately. Sad!

It's my fond hope that Justin Bieber does well and doesn't have bad experiences.


Tailpiece.

Why don't they try to emulate our own evergreen, Yesudas - to cite just one example - who's an example of humility despite his tremendously successful singing career?

Adieu Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz, India's smart diplomatic move and other stories!

It would be worthwhile to analyse the news from here and there. And let me do just that:-

 1. India Moves the International Court of Justice.

     On being denied consular access to the incarcerated Kulbhushan Jadhav, it was a smart diplomatic
     move by India when it roped in the ICJ to stay the execution of the officer. It's also hoped that
     'legal juridical procedure' will be followed because Pakistan, known for being a rogue state, does
     not follow diplomatic niceties and is always out to 'teach India a lesson'.

     What Pakistan and its army achieve from mindless torturing of an Indian, in its custody, beats me.
     Are they trying to have a symbolic feeling of having the upper hand over India by torturing and
     maiming an unarmed human being? Sadism needs to be curbed, at least, by the men in uniform
     and no amount of such mindless acts can remove the Pakistani army's unambiguous knowledge
     that it can never, ever win a war with India!

 2. Adieu Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz!    

     A young officer of the Indian Army, on leave to attend a family wedding, was abducted and shot
     dead by three terrorists in the Shopian district of south Kashmir. Commissioned into the Rajputana
     Rifles, five months ago, he was at his maternal uncle's house at Batopora when terrorists barged
     into the marriage ceremony and dragged him into the night around 2200 hrs, yesterday.

     His bullet ridden body - shot several times on the face and in the abdomen - was found this
     morning. It's my fond hope that the Indian Army catches those perpetrators at the earliest and
     teaches them the lesson that they shan't forget.

     Adieu Ummer Fayaz! My salute, tears and prayers. Here's wishing that your near and dear ones
     have the strength to tide over these extremely difficult times. And it's a promise, your death shall
     not go in vain!!

 3. Five Judges of Five faiths on Supreme Court Bench.

     A unique bench of five judges, belonging to five different faiths, will start hearing the final
     arguments on the Constitutional validity of 'triple talaq' mode of divorce practiced by the Muslim
     community, from tomorrow. Here are a few facts of this case:-

        (a) The title of the lead petition  -  Quest for Equality vs. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.
        (b) The case will be heard by:-
              (i) Chief Justice of India JS Kehar       (Sikh)
             (ii) Justice Kurien Joseph                      (Christian)
            (iii) Justice RF Nariman                         (Parsi)
            (iv) Justice U Lalit                                  (Hindu) and
             (v) Justice Abdul Nazeer                       (Muslim).

      It's my fervent hope that the judgement will ultimately lead to a uniform civil code in this
      country.

   

Tailpiece.

We're passing through momentous times, indeed!

Simply baffling!

Some of the things that are happening around are most baffling. They shame us, make us look small! But what bewilders me is as to why are they taking place, in the first place.

 1. The NEET Examination.
     
      The venue, date and occasion. The national eligibility-cum-entrance test conducted by the CBSE,
      on Sunday, the 7th, at one of its centers at the TISK English Medium School in Kannur.

      (a) A girl candidate had to remove her bra because the metal detector had beeped while being 
            scanned. She'd to remove it and hand it over to her mother in full view of the other                               candidates, the examiners conducting the search and a few parents because the rest rooms                   weren't available!
      (b) Another girl candidate had to remove her jeans as it had pockets and metallic buttons. Her
            father had to go in an auto rickshaw to buy a pair of trousers from a shop almost 21/2 kms
            away and mind you, it was a Sunday when most of the shops are shut down!
      (c) At another center, the sleeves of a candidate were cut as full sleeves are not permissible!
       
      Why did it have to happen?

             * Overzealous and unimaginative examiners going strictly by what's in print.
             * Candidates not adhering to the dress code that has been promulgated.
             * CBSE having framed rules that are ambiguous and have dichotomy.

        My doubts.

             * Are the youngsters of today too adept in cheating, coming out with bizarre ways of
                fudging? Don't they want to get the thrill of making the grade on their own efforts?
             * Or don't we, elders, have any faith in them? I mean, their ethics or lack of them?
             * It's an age old saying that, "One must read a letter in its true spirit". Are the examiners/
                teachers not flexible enough in understanding the orders in print? I mean, if I'd been an
                examiner/invigilator, I would have let the young lady to wear her bra, the metallic beep
                notwithstanding! Or are they plain dumb?
   
       Shame upon us! It should not have happened!!

 2. The Sunanda Pushkar Murder Case.

      Arnab Goswami and his channel, Republic, have brought out startling revelations about the
      case. Based on new evidence, the channel has been able to pin down Shashi Tharoor with some
      exasperating questions that he needs to answer.

      I ain't going about these new revelations. My doubt is that, "Are rules different for people, 'who
      matter' and for the common man, like me?" I mean, if there's even a needle of suspicion on
      somebody connected with a case, the police takes that person into custody for questioning
      to collect the facts to crack the case. Why hasn't it happened in this case?

 3. The Strange Case of Justice Karnan.

      The Supreme Court has awarded six months jail for Justice CS Karnan of the Calcutta High
      Court in a contempt case, an action that's unheard of. Hope the matter has been sorted out once
      for all! If he was mentally unsound, how did he reach this position, I wonder?



Tailpiece.

It was a quiet day, today. Mini, had reported that the paintwork at Raj Nivas has been completed. The removal of the wild grass, all around the house, is on and should be complete by tomorrow. And as per the latest count, there're gonna be three dropouts from the original list of 21, earmarked for leaving Kollam for the reception at Payyannur, in the evening of the wedding day.
   

   


     

A sad pantomime!

The Pinarayi Vijayan government has unnecessarily made it an ego issue on the reinstatement of TP Senkumar, as the state's police boss after 11 months of his removal. Let me go through the diary of events connected with the case for a quick recap:-

   24 Apr Supreme Court strikes down the 11 month old, state government's order removing
                Senkumar from the post of DGP and orders his immediate reinstatement.
               (The removal was based on the CPM's perception that the police investigations were going                   against its partymen in important cases especially, with respect to the TP Chandrasekharan                 murder!).
   26 Apr A file was opened at the chief secretary's behest for initiating the process of reinstatement
                of TP Senkumar and was referred to the law secretary for his opinion who, had advised the
                government against going for a review petition, citing past instances! However, he was
                asked to recommend forwarding the file to the Attorney General, citing the 'Rules of
                business'.
   03 May At the cabinet meeting, the government decides to wait for the court's decision on the
                 clarification and review petitions, filed by the state, prior to the implementation of the
                 court's orders!
   06 May Better sense prevails and the order, reinstating the former DGP on his rightful appointment
                 emanates from the chief minister's office and TP Senkumar takes over, formally.
   08 May The chief secretary, Ms. Nalini Netto, files a counter affidavit at the Supreme Court saying
                 that there was no wilful default or disobedience, on her part, in implementing the court's
                 judgement and prayed to the court to drop contempt proceedings against her even as the
                 court is set to hear the case against her on Tuesday!
                 Meanwhile, the chief minister cut a sorry figure in the Assembly when he said that:-
                    (a) it was neither an indictment nor a slap on the face of the government when the
                         court had ordered TP Senkumar's reinstatement as DGP overturning the state
                         government's orders!
                    (b) the government has not sought a pardon from the court for its vacillation in the
                          implementation of the court's orders regarding the reinstatement as it had done
                          only what the Attorney General had recommended. (I pity the poor AG).
                    (c) no fine has been levied on the government. (A sum of Rs.25,000/- has been levied by 
                         the Supreme Court on the state government, as penal charges!).

My take.

What a sad spectacle? The chief minister, resorting to untruths on the floor of the house! Doesn't he realise that his credibility, among the people, has become the biggest casualty? And all that because 
of personal vendetta and false ego? A good leader has to be a statesman with the added quality of magnanimity and should have the ability to accept his mistake!


Tailpiece.

We set off for Guruvayur at 7. The journey was fine despite the Monday morning traffic. We reached 'The Quarterdeck' in time for our lunch at 2 o'clock!