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.