Delareyville, 16 November 2013
At last, abundant rains have fallen in and around Delareyville. The temperature came down to 26
Degrees C from Thursday's 37 Degrees. The dust in the air was wiped out, and the soil became wet,
giving impetus for growth. The birds around are happier and are in a festive mood, redoubling their activities. Despite ideal weather conditions, the weekend is dull; with shops and parking spaces
relatively empty. The town looks almost deserted. The people don't have enough money at mid-month, and they enter a stage of self-imposed hibernation, counting the days to the next 'moneynadam' on the cell phone.
Despite the nice weather, I felt sad and disturbed, after watching the images of senseless violence
and vandalism that took place in Thamarasserry and other places yesterday. The acts of violence
and destruction have surpassed all limits ,and are shaking the very foundations of democracy and
the rule of law.
My friend Ram, the yellow bird, has dismantled his fourth nest, which was nearing completion,
apparently for no reason. Hundreds of pieces of 'ola' ( leaves) lay scattered on the ground. He has
destroyed the product of one week of hard labour. My cat, Appu, slept on the lawn, occasionally
disturbed by the 'kalapila' on the trees. As usual, at noon, Ram landed on a branch of a peach tree.
He started the conversation.
Ram
Hi, why do you look sad ,despite the nice weekend ?
Kuri.
Nothing. There's no problem.
Ram
There's something troubling you.
Kuri
Why did you destroy that beautiful nest, after one week of hard work ?
Ram
My wife, Laksmi, didn't like it. So I had to dismantle it.
Kuri
It was a beautiful nest. Why do you dance to the tune of women ?
Ram
What can I do ? She is simply irresistible . I have to keep her pleased.
Kuri
Anyway, It's your choice.
Ram
You haven't disclosed the cause of your distress.
Kuri
To speak frankly, Kerala is finished.
Ram
Why do you say so ?
Kuri
Look at the violence and destruction that took place in Thamarassery and other places yesterday,
where antisocial elements had a field day, attacking the police and engaging in wanton destruction,
without impunity.
Ram
Why do you worry about that happen far away in Kerala, about things that least affect you ?
Kuri
Eda, you don't understand it. Even though I'm least affected, it's a cause of deep concern, how
goondas are holding the country to ransom. Kerala is far, but it's close to the heart of every
Pravasi. Our dreams are shattered every day. It's our dream to return to a country of peace and
harmony, but the goondas are breaking it into pieces ! Things fall apart,
and the centre can't hold.
Ram
What's wrong with your state, Kerala ?
Kuri
Things have gone from bad to worse. There's no respect for the rule of law. The governments at
the Centre and the State are weak and ineffectual. The police are demoralised and hamstrung
by pressure from all sides. If they take action against Goondas, they are accused of brutality, and
if they don't take action , they are accused of inaction.
Ram
Then, what is the solution ?
Kuri
Things can't continue in this way. If the threat to the rule of law isn't nipped in the bud, the
total collapse of Kerala is a foregone conclusion. We need strong leadership at the Centre and
in the State, to root out hooliganism.
( Appu woke up and came near me. At this time of the year, he is upset because it's usually
the time we prepare for our annual trip to India. These days, he has shown signs of displeasure.)
Appu
How are your preparations progressing ?
Kuri.
What preparations ?
Appu
The preparations for your India trip.
Kuri.
What trip ? There are no trips on the cards.
Appu
Don't tell lies.
Kuri
Believe me. No trips. What's the point in going when the State is in a state of anarchy ? What's
the use of going, spending R 12000-00 ( 70000 Rupees ) per ticket, only to stay indoors due
to daily Bandhs and Hartals ? Isn't it better to relax here, under the shade of trees, sipping cold
beer and eating brai meat ? At least, there's no ' vazhithadayal' here.
Appu
I'll be very happy if what you say is true. Don't retract your statement like some politicians who say
that they were misquoted!
Kuri,
Believe me. You can count on me.
Ram
What he says is true. He isn't going anywhere. We shall celebrate ( adichu polikkam ) Christmas
and New Year here.
Kuri
Ok. That's finalised.
Ram and Appu
Agreed. Bye for now.
Kuri
Bye.
At last, abundant rains have fallen in and around Delareyville. The temperature came down to 26
Degrees C from Thursday's 37 Degrees. The dust in the air was wiped out, and the soil became wet,
giving impetus for growth. The birds around are happier and are in a festive mood, redoubling their activities. Despite ideal weather conditions, the weekend is dull; with shops and parking spaces
relatively empty. The town looks almost deserted. The people don't have enough money at mid-month, and they enter a stage of self-imposed hibernation, counting the days to the next 'moneynadam' on the cell phone.
Despite the nice weather, I felt sad and disturbed, after watching the images of senseless violence
and vandalism that took place in Thamarasserry and other places yesterday. The acts of violence
and destruction have surpassed all limits ,and are shaking the very foundations of democracy and
the rule of law.
My friend Ram, the yellow bird, has dismantled his fourth nest, which was nearing completion,
apparently for no reason. Hundreds of pieces of 'ola' ( leaves) lay scattered on the ground. He has
destroyed the product of one week of hard labour. My cat, Appu, slept on the lawn, occasionally
disturbed by the 'kalapila' on the trees. As usual, at noon, Ram landed on a branch of a peach tree.
He started the conversation.
Ram
Hi, why do you look sad ,despite the nice weekend ?
Kuri.
Nothing. There's no problem.
Ram
There's something troubling you.
Kuri
Why did you destroy that beautiful nest, after one week of hard work ?
Ram
My wife, Laksmi, didn't like it. So I had to dismantle it.
Kuri
It was a beautiful nest. Why do you dance to the tune of women ?
Ram
What can I do ? She is simply irresistible . I have to keep her pleased.
Kuri
Anyway, It's your choice.
Ram
You haven't disclosed the cause of your distress.
Kuri
To speak frankly, Kerala is finished.
Ram
Why do you say so ?
Kuri
Look at the violence and destruction that took place in Thamarassery and other places yesterday,
where antisocial elements had a field day, attacking the police and engaging in wanton destruction,
without impunity.
Ram
Why do you worry about that happen far away in Kerala, about things that least affect you ?
Kuri
Eda, you don't understand it. Even though I'm least affected, it's a cause of deep concern, how
goondas are holding the country to ransom. Kerala is far, but it's close to the heart of every
Pravasi. Our dreams are shattered every day. It's our dream to return to a country of peace and
harmony, but the goondas are breaking it into pieces ! Things fall apart,
Ram
What's wrong with your state, Kerala ?
Kuri
Things have gone from bad to worse. There's no respect for the rule of law. The governments at
the Centre and the State are weak and ineffectual. The police are demoralised and hamstrung
by pressure from all sides. If they take action against Goondas, they are accused of brutality, and
if they don't take action , they are accused of inaction.
Ram
Then, what is the solution ?
Kuri
Things can't continue in this way. If the threat to the rule of law isn't nipped in the bud, the
total collapse of Kerala is a foregone conclusion. We need strong leadership at the Centre and
in the State, to root out hooliganism.
( Appu woke up and came near me. At this time of the year, he is upset because it's usually
the time we prepare for our annual trip to India. These days, he has shown signs of displeasure.)
Appu
How are your preparations progressing ?
Kuri.
What preparations ?
Appu
The preparations for your India trip.
Kuri.
What trip ? There are no trips on the cards.
Appu
Don't tell lies.
Kuri
Believe me. No trips. What's the point in going when the State is in a state of anarchy ? What's
the use of going, spending R 12000-00 ( 70000 Rupees ) per ticket, only to stay indoors due
to daily Bandhs and Hartals ? Isn't it better to relax here, under the shade of trees, sipping cold
beer and eating brai meat ? At least, there's no ' vazhithadayal' here.
Appu
I'll be very happy if what you say is true. Don't retract your statement like some politicians who say
that they were misquoted!
Kuri,
Believe me. You can count on me.
Ram
What he says is true. He isn't going anywhere. We shall celebrate ( adichu polikkam ) Christmas
and New Year here.
Kuri
Ok. That's finalised.
Ram and Appu
Agreed. Bye for now.
Kuri
Bye.
Comments
Post a Comment