Faceless people

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These are the people, who have lost their faces long before. Losing their houses, own country and people, what do they search for? War has become a part and parcel of their life. They grieve in the cemetry of their loved ones. The pictures above are taken by one of my Sri Lankan friend during the LTTE's Hero's Day. It is a day to remember the martyrs, who have lost their life in the war. She gave me a shocking and surprising information. There is an entire village in Sri Lanka with only widows living. Their problems are colossal but, solutions are less. Are they a cursed generation? It is difficult to understand their pains unless you are one among them.

Three days in Thiruvananthapuram

Another important field trip for us. First day was a little bit boring as there was no place scheduled to visit.

Second day:
We all were ready at 8:00 in the morning in front of the State Legislative Assembly. The architect of the building was excellent when compared to George Fort in Chennai. After frisking, we were allowed to enter inside the building. There was tight security everywhere around the building. The infrastructure was excellent , as once you enter the hall you will be left amazed. Attending an assembly session is the first experience for all. The members were speaking and arguing loudly. We sat in the visitors gallery. One thing that you cannot tolerate in the assembly is, you are neither allowed to move nor speak. If you doze a little, a man behind would come and warn you. After the second warning if you repeat it again you will be thrown out. As the members spoke in Malayalam, it was difficult for the non-Malayalees to interpret it. As a result we were left bored. Unless and otherwise it was a good experience, as not all will be able to see the assembly proceedings.

Centre for Development Studies: (CDS)
One of the reputed Research Institute for Social studies. The entire building was designed by Laurie Baker. Learned a lot about fellowships and research studies. Sanjay, our Prime Minister's PA for media is from this institute.

Meeting with Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan:
Evening was party time. It was Valentine's Day too. Irrigation Minister Radhakrishnan arranged a meeting and dinner with him in a five star hotel. The interview was hilarious as we all shooted questions after questions to him leaving him tongue-tied. "This is an intelligent batch" was the comment from one of the senior reporter of Manorma. We all were in cloud nine. Had excellent dinner in the hotel. Valentine's party was going on in the hotel. Went with one of the classmates and got roses and masks (hurray! I got a Valentine gift).

Day 3:
This can be called a "Royal Day" as we met the two princess and the Raja Marthanda Varma of the Travancore in the Kowdiar Palace. The princesses were so friendly. They spoke a lot about politics and social issues. Quite interesting. Had an opportunity to see the wonderful paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The Raja was very modest and simple. "No politics please" was the request from him. He spoke a lot about Travancore family and their history. He cleared a lot of myths regarding Mahabali Chakravarthy (He shouldn't have a pot belly as being portrayed in the pictures). The trip was not that tiresome this time.

'US' and us

Nearly 25 people from US visited MASCOM yesterday. A day of relaxing amidst the projects. They belong to an NGO called Indo-American foundation, which has selected some of its students to do a project in India. Some of them were a native of India itself. (Surprising! they were more "Indian" than us). Had a trip with them in the backwaters, had delicious food in the "coconut lagoon" resort. What a welcome for us!! Made good friends. Enjoyed the whole day!!

A 'different' ly abled person!

Sometimes, you meet certain people you can never forget in your life. Had an opportunity to meet a wonderful person. He was 33-year-old. Attacked by cerebral palsy, he uses the wheel-chair for his movements. Yet, the achievements of this man is the one that every man, who desires to succeed in life should learn and inculcate. He is Mr Paresh Palicha. "Sorry, I cannot speak clearly. Hope you don't mind," he spoke in an excellent English. This man a famous movie critic and a successful journalist raised his legs in ecstasy when I asked about him about his acting in the Malayalam movie "Black." Mr Palicha belongs to Gujarat but, has settled in Kochi for many generations. "I thought that everybody thinks me as an animal but, now I have the confidence to face the world," he said. Interested in literature, he spoke a lot about movies and books. Disability is not a hindrance he said. Working for Tata Tetley company, he keeps himself busy by reading, writing articles and surfing the net. "Betti, he even forgets to have his food," said his mother. Felt happy when he said "You are a good friend."

A journey alone!

A journey alone after a long time. This time it was to Kochi for my project. So, packed water bottles and snacks in a small bag. Boarded Waynad express at 8:30 in the morning. Thankfully the train was at correct time. Sat comfortably in the ladies compartment. The train was not much crowded as it was a National holiday. Several girls and women were chit-chatting and gossiping. Felt a little bit drowsy. Had a small nap as the train moved on. "Will the train stop at Ernakulam town," I asked a girl nearby. she nodded confidently. A little later as the train reached Ernakulam junction, a few men dumped inside our compartment with loads of luggages. "Is this supposed to be a ladies compartment?" I asked the girl again. "Yes, it is. But, it becomes a general compartment in Ernakulam," said the girl. Didn't get the logic. Yet, gave a big smile to the girl.
The men who sat opposite to us seemed to be mischievous. Giggling and staring they asked "Evadayannu?" in Malayalam. "Why do you want to know it sir?" I asked the man. Thats it. He kept mum. Ignoring them, I wore my ID, getting prepared to get down at the station.
The day was not much hot as it used to be in Kochi. Walked on the road and asked a petty shop owner about the bus to Infopark. Transportation in Kochi is good. You need not wait for hours for a bus. so got a ticket to Infopark, a half-an-hour travel from the town. Hoardings all over the town showed that Kochi is slowly turning to be an IT hub. "There is no direct bus to Infopark madam. You have to catch an auto from the last stop," said the conductor. Thanked him and went near an autorickshaw. "Thirty Rs is too much. Take twenty," I argued with the man, which I do very well in Chennai. Finally he agreed for twenty-five. Infopark is extremely good. Colossal, glassy buildings with different names welcome you. Got permission from the security and met several employees. Finishing the work, my next destination was to meet Mr Paresh Palicha, a wheel-chair user and person affected by cerebral palsy. He assured me of helping in my project. Got a bus directly to Fort Kochi, another 45 minutes travel. Contemplating the newly-formed malls, shops and sea shore, I reached Fort Kochi. Felt a little bit hungry. There is one inconvenience in going alone. You will feel uncomfortable to have food alone. Anyhow, thinking that I have to travel more I went inside a restaurant and had chapati and chilly mushroom amidst the staring of people. Got a bus again to Mr Palicha's residence. Finding his address was not much difficult. Had a good time with him and his parents. Bidding him bye, I came back to the railway station. I enquired the next train to Kottayam at the information centre. "You have Waynad express at 5:00," said a lady. Had enough time to refresh. Boarded the train back to Kottayam.