Avial, Avaniavittam and others

Do you like our ‘avial’ ? Each ‘ kashnam ‘ piece of vegetable, maintains its identity . Despite their difference , when avial is served, it adds fragrance to the food and tickles our taste buds. I used to dislike our ‘avial’ Iyer ‘bhasha’ as a student in the midst of Malyalam- speaking friends but … Read more

Poverty is unbearable

Poverty is unbearable. Absolute poverty is absolutely unbearable. Only those who suffered poverty themselves will understand the suffering of others. I remember these two lines from a Malayalam poem, which convey this message: ദാരിദ്രമെന്നുള്ള തറിഞ്ഞ വർക്കേ പാരിൽ പര ക്ലേശ വിവേകം ഉള്ളു Daaridramennulatharinjavarkkae Paaril paraklesa vivekamullu. Many families have survived with only Kanji, the semi liquid … Read more

My life story- Trichur life — part 1

October 31, is important for me too. It was on that day, at 58, exactly 20 years before, I retired from service. Mahtab S Bamji, 60, was another colleague who retired along with me, the same day. While thanking the Director and other colleagues at the farewell get together, I didn’t forget to mention Smt. … Read more

A vibrant discussion on virginity

Friends, When Kushubuoo used to appear on the silver screen, I am told, that her ardent fans in the front row used to  jump , dance, whistle  and clap.  I believed the news. When,  Kushboo canvassed for Kalainger’s candidates, I am told again, that  the ilanjers ( youngsters ) 0f Chennai swirled, smelling her scented sari. … Read more