A 'SAD' DAY
In Malayalam films and serials, old mothers and grandmothers often say,
'' My only wish is to see my daughter/ grand daughter given away in marriage to a responsible
young man from a reputed family.''
In old Indian films, we used to see the heart-breaking grief of the girls' parents, when their daughter left for the bridegroom's home. Such sentiments are not displayed today, in films and
in real life.
As a member of the old generation, I still retain the old sentiments of a father. On 10th July, 2014, I experienced the departure of a member of my family, to a new home, and to the care of
new 'in laws'. Her name is DMX 134 NW, my old Toyota Corolla, who has been my 'daughter'
since 31 May, 1999.
Like Kaviyoor Ponnamma and KPAC Lalitha in hundreds of Malayalam films, I had wished
and dreamed about a responsible bridegroom to take the hands of my daughter. My prayers
were answered , when an official from the Dept. of Education came forward to marry her. True
to African tradition, the man paid a reasonable 'Lobola' ( bride price). Most Malayalees aren't
aware that, in Africa, the dowry is paid to the bride's father !
For 15 years, DMX 134 NW served me with absolute loyalty and dedication, and I reciprocated , caring for her with gentleness and affection. She ran 250000 Kms, which is 'peanuts'
in South Africa. She never abandoned me on the roadside. She never disappointed me in any way.
When she disappeared from my sight on 10th July, it was difficult to suppress an avalanche of
emotions and memories. Perhaps I was too old-fashioned. But I have a sense of relief. DMX
didn't end up in the scrapyard. Very few contemporaries of DMX are seen on the road these days. Kerala and South Africa are birds of the same feather , as far as road accidents are
concerned. It's a tall order for a car to complete 10 years. Two of my colleagues lost their
new cars as they lost control and went off the road. Another teacher in a neighbouring school
lost her life , in a head-on collision with a truck.
In the past, Toyota was the most popular car everywhere, but in recent years it has fallen
from its high pedestal, due to various factors. Its place has been taken over by Mercedes, BMW,
Audi, Jeep etc. But the Toyota is still reliable, and it has become the favourite car of the man
in the street, ie the common man.
My travels with DMX 134 were very enjoyable, especially the morning drive to Gannalagte
village, where Bakolobeng Secondary School is situated. The distance of 35 Kms , from Delareyville to Gannalagte is usually covered in 30-35 minutes. The sun rising over Lake Barberspan, the shy, alert ostriches roaming in the vast grasslands, hundreds of birds sitting
on the fences facing the sun, one or two 'kada' crossing the road in absolute panic, cows ,sheep
and goats quietly grazing in the fields, guinea fowls flying like discusses thrown over the road-
these are familiar sights. Occasionally, mongooses, snakes, jackals, owls, warthogs etc were
seen. During the rainy season, the road became impassable, but the wild ducks seen in the newly-
formed pools, and the cranes who landed in search of fish were a compensation. A tiny tortoise
crossing the road, ( perhaps it was a ' star ama' ) was an unforgettable sight.
Maybe, I would meet DMX some day, somewhere, in good shape and in good health.
In Malayalam films and serials, old mothers and grandmothers often say,
'' My only wish is to see my daughter/ grand daughter given away in marriage to a responsible
young man from a reputed family.''
In old Indian films, we used to see the heart-breaking grief of the girls' parents, when their daughter left for the bridegroom's home. Such sentiments are not displayed today, in films and
in real life.
As a member of the old generation, I still retain the old sentiments of a father. On 10th July, 2014, I experienced the departure of a member of my family, to a new home, and to the care of
new 'in laws'. Her name is DMX 134 NW, my old Toyota Corolla, who has been my 'daughter'
since 31 May, 1999.
Like Kaviyoor Ponnamma and KPAC Lalitha in hundreds of Malayalam films, I had wished
and dreamed about a responsible bridegroom to take the hands of my daughter. My prayers
were answered , when an official from the Dept. of Education came forward to marry her. True
to African tradition, the man paid a reasonable 'Lobola' ( bride price). Most Malayalees aren't
aware that, in Africa, the dowry is paid to the bride's father !
For 15 years, DMX 134 NW served me with absolute loyalty and dedication, and I reciprocated , caring for her with gentleness and affection. She ran 250000 Kms, which is 'peanuts'
in South Africa. She never abandoned me on the roadside. She never disappointed me in any way.
When she disappeared from my sight on 10th July, it was difficult to suppress an avalanche of
emotions and memories. Perhaps I was too old-fashioned. But I have a sense of relief. DMX
didn't end up in the scrapyard. Very few contemporaries of DMX are seen on the road these days. Kerala and South Africa are birds of the same feather , as far as road accidents are
concerned. It's a tall order for a car to complete 10 years. Two of my colleagues lost their
new cars as they lost control and went off the road. Another teacher in a neighbouring school
lost her life , in a head-on collision with a truck.
In the past, Toyota was the most popular car everywhere, but in recent years it has fallen
from its high pedestal, due to various factors. Its place has been taken over by Mercedes, BMW,
Audi, Jeep etc. But the Toyota is still reliable, and it has become the favourite car of the man
in the street, ie the common man.
My travels with DMX 134 were very enjoyable, especially the morning drive to Gannalagte
village, where Bakolobeng Secondary School is situated. The distance of 35 Kms , from Delareyville to Gannalagte is usually covered in 30-35 minutes. The sun rising over Lake Barberspan, the shy, alert ostriches roaming in the vast grasslands, hundreds of birds sitting
on the fences facing the sun, one or two 'kada' crossing the road in absolute panic, cows ,sheep
and goats quietly grazing in the fields, guinea fowls flying like discusses thrown over the road-
these are familiar sights. Occasionally, mongooses, snakes, jackals, owls, warthogs etc were
seen. During the rainy season, the road became impassable, but the wild ducks seen in the newly-
formed pools, and the cranes who landed in search of fish were a compensation. A tiny tortoise
crossing the road, ( perhaps it was a ' star ama' ) was an unforgettable sight.
Maybe, I would meet DMX some day, somewhere, in good shape and in good health.
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