As I demit the office of the Principal of Sacred Heart's

As I demit the office of the Principal of Sacred Heart College, and depart, my observations and sentiments, to be shared with my colleagues:

I thank almighty God for the blessing of being at Sacred Heart College, at the helm of affairs, as its team leader for over a decade – a blessing which I have never dreamed of or sought or desired. I took it up as an obedient religious, member of the order Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.  I took it up as a duty, and was ever willing to demit it, if warranted or ordered.  I also took it up as a challenge, of facing an unfamiliar terrain.

I realise that it was not for my quality, but more for my qualifications that I was made the principal and sustained in the office for 11 years – because there was no other CMI available with such qualifications. 

I am not unhappy for this, for this is my native locality, I have seen this college from the childhood days, 6 of my siblings had their university studies here – either partly or wholly; and most of them doing meritoriously well on that count.

I was invited to this post by Rev. Fr. Johnson Vazhappilly CMI, my good friend and confrere, and was appointed by the then Manager, Rev. Fr. Poulose CMI, who happens to be the manager even now, and had been the manager for the initial four years of my tenure. I had excellent support from his part (and also from his successors Rev. Dr. Jose Kuriedath and Rev. Dr. Augustine Thottakkara) and was at freedom to exercise almost all the powers of manager – which added to the burden of the office of the principal. There was not a single instance of disagreement between any of us in the administration of the college. With Fr. Poulose also being the Principal of the Higher Secondary School we had excellent rapport and collaboration in running the two institutions together.

Principal’s office in a government aided arts and science college is a very pivotal one and a very precarious one. It is the one point on which all can turn their ire and disgust, and you are likely to be a victim of all such venom spitting by all concerned: It could be the Manager (in this case, never), the teachers, the admin staff, the students, the parents, the community around, the university, the government, the political outfits of students and their mentors…. He is a loner and if one or two happen to be of support to him, they are stamped as the Principal’s coterie or stooges. All can dump their frustrations with the principal, but the Principal has hardly anyone to vent his frustrations on or with – and at SH, he has (only) the Sacred Heart (of Jesus).

This is to be understood by all concerned, at least, by the teachers,  and be a little more considerate in venting their frustrations before the Principal.  There isn’t much reason for so much of emotional outbursts I have witnessed.  It could be done in a much saner manner, and still sorted out.

I have been reading the autobiographical account of Rev. Valsan Thampu, On a Stormy Course, regarding his stint with St. Stephen’s as perhaps, the most controversial, most discussed, Principal in the country.  I found his stream of thought and experience almost similar to that of mine, difference being in degree, than in the content as such.  Perhaps, I had much better support from the staff (especially, the teaching staff) when compared to the ordeal he had in managing the opposition of the teachers. However, it doesn’t mean that it was all smooth sailing. The main difficulty I faced from the teaching community was the persistent mode of resisting things new, and considering all of them added burden, rather than opportunities for innovation, improvement and institution building.  When I spoke about annual planning, mentoring, course plans, extension and outreach, service learning, research projects, documentation, green protocol (much before the GoK began speaking about it), consultancy ventures, Project BSE, experiential and applied learning, OBE -  I felt the resistance, though often not explicit, but just not implementing, or if implementing, in a half-hearted manner.

I write this not because I have any ill feeling regarding this.  Rather, I am just presenting my objective (to my mind) assessment.  I have a sense of regret as to why this is happening.  Set aside all our merits, the one pivotal point on which we are being absorbed as faculty members of this institution is that we would be contributing positively towards accomplishing its mission and realising its vision.  Cooperation and aligning do not mean that we have to be deprived of independent and critical thinking. But I found that this clarity and resultant involvement were missing. 

I feel that had there been a more positive responsiveness to such initiatives from the institutional leadership, we would have been rated definitely among the top 25 colleges in the country easily.  But that definitely implies a more flexible thinking framework, a willingness to stretch ourselves beyond the prescribed limits, and enjoy the thrill of extending ourselves thus, beyond the normal frame.  On second thoughts, even the UGC allocation will definitely be sufficient: 25(16) hours teaching; 10 hours preparation; 2 hours administration; 2 hours – research/extension.

I confess there are at least 20% of us who do that in a very positive manner.  We need to consciously increase this 20% to at least 50 to 70%. Our idea of being a good teacher – meticulously teaching the prescribed syllabus, and at times, ensuring that our students pass or score well, has to change.  That is to be reckoned as the starting point or minimum requirements for being a good teacher.

I must say that this resistance was very minimal in the self financing stream – who were less privileged and less paid.  I have found within the limits,  spontaneous positive responses to my initiatives from that section and a greater readiness to comply with newer measures introduced.  Perhaps, they felt obliged, and even dependent on the management, perhaps, consciously, perhaps, spontaneously! They were free of the palpable belligerent ego of a 'government servant'.  And I could observe this transformation, immediately after a teacher stepped out of the aided stream at retirement and joined the self-financing stream to continue in the same campus, but with a subdued and cooperative mien. 

I regret one of the great opportunities missed - it was something like slipping it between the cup and the lip! Position in the MG university syndicate - it was all set, and a seat due under Principals' category was assigned to me (thanks to the influence of late Sri K.M. Mani, a heartian of happy memory), but then, if the version told me by VC is to be relied upon, there was some allegation regarding my affiliations or support to a particular teachers' union, and it was kept pending, and finally it was through, then before it was to be cleared by the CM, the election was declared, and the election protocol was made a pretext not to issue the orders. VC had informally announced the decision in an informal chat among the university officials in my presence. Regret is for two reasons: 1) a presence of someone from the college, especially the Principal could have helped in facilitating many matters related to the college smoothly 2) that the division among the staff - on union (read, party) lines, cost us this opportunity.  Personally speaking, it was not of great value or regret, other than a matter of feeling good and accomplished, but for the institution, I feel it was indeed a loss.  I have felt that several of the teachers held greater loyalty to their union than the institution, and the union agenda, tended to weaken, if not torpedo,  the institutional agenda. Of late, this has become milder, but still it is there. I marvel seeing this trend, and wonder how this could happen, when the unions had hardly any role in their being part of SH. The same is reflected in the divisive student politics, though not vicious, but still a constant snag in progressing towards an 'enlightened society' that we envision. 

I also regret that a faculty member who was appointed solely on the merit of my insistence, finding academic quality in the candidate, turned against me and the institution in a very vindictive manner, just because some corrective measure was taken.  Apparently, the faculty concerned had taken it as personal and biased, which was never the case; and in spite of my explanatory and Christian reconciliatory approaches, the faculty concerned was not willing to relent, and continued to nag and be a regular nuisance in the department and in student relations. I hope the Sacred Heart will intervene to enlighten such minds to set aside the past and move ahead for the common good. That has weighed heavy on my heart - to have somebody not reconciled.  And I still continue to pray for the turnaround of the faculty member.

My request  to all of you is that once the institutional leadership brings up something for quality improvement, try to step in tune with it, while having aired our opinions and views, differing though they may be, unless they provide a viable alternative for quality improvement.  Often we could raise only criticisms and not any alternatives.  Therein lies the challenge.

Remembering with gratitude: 

My managers - Rev. Frs. Poulose (5 years), Augustine (3 years) and Jose (3) years, all of whom gave me full freedom, unstinted support and consequent responsibility.  Along with them, I also remember Fr. Austin, our former manager, who functioned like a mentor all through the years I was at SH. 

All the bursars, especially, Fr. Nijo – for initiating a culture of common needs the priority, and more for the work on our software SH ARMS front, and our present ebullient Bursar, Dr. Fr. Sebastian, who has brought a radical change to our facilities.

I very specially remember all the 'senior teachers' – Dr Joseph K.X. (Thampi), Prof. P.J. Joseph, Dr V.J. Dominic, Dr Cyriac Antony, Dr Joseph John,  Dr K.B. Jose, Dr C.S. Francis, Dr Siby Mathew who had accompanied me in their capacity as the senior most teacher on the campus and also Rev. Dr Jose, who had been the Vice-Principal with me for almost 7 years. 

The staff secretaries and staff representatives:  Prof. V.M. George, Dr Joy P Joseph, Dr Joseph T Moolayil, Dr James T.J., Dr A. Ligori,  Dr Siby Abraham, Prof. Siby K.I., Dr Siby Mathew, Dr Vinil V.K.. Dr Giby Kuriakose and Dr Rajesh James.

I recall the support I received from Dr K.A. Raju, especially, in the first 9 years of my tenure, and all the elected staff representatives, especially Dr. M.S. Francis, Dr. V.T. Jose and Dr. Siby Zacharias.  The efforts by Dr Siby Zacharias, Dr Georgekutty and Dr Johnson in establishing the newly initiated international centre cannot be forgotten.

And student advisors – especially, Dr. V.S. Sebastian, in gradually guiding the rebellious section of student community (student union) into a culture that could work without boycotting classes as a mode of protest. 

IQAC Coordinators: Dr. C.M. Joy, Dr. Joseph T Moolayil, and above all, Dr. K.M. Johnson – who literally made SH (international office) his (second) home; and IQAC reports his food & drink.  And its sole officer Sreejith for eleven years.  I am proud to have the claim of having been his teacher. 

Librarian – Biju V.V.  – stepping beyond the library and saying, ours is a great college, only if we can do things.  Generously and insightfully supported to strengthen the college consultancy. 

Dr. Shoba – for the most ardent (though silent) support to the consultancy venture in her capacity as a faculty member.

Prof. Shinu Alex – someone who supported all efforts by the college authorities, irrespective of having an assigned task/title or not; and who took up responsibilities with pleasure and made what seemed unsurmountable look like a cakewalk and a matter for celebration (especially, the management of examination).

For research leadership: Late Dr Sebastian PA (our Spiderman), Dr Jinu & Dr Franklin, Dr Mathew MJ, Dr Giby, Dr Mithun (plus extension as well), Dr Pius, Dr Sumod.

Dr. Cyriac Antony – for the constant support and guidance in autonomy

Dr. V.J. Dominic (and the exam team) for the meticulous management of the exams

All the office superintendents –  Mr. V.A. Jose,  Mr. A.L. Thomas, Mr. George Thaddeus, Mr. K.J. Joseph (Babichan) and finally, and above all, Mr. Saju A.J. my school mate. And the entire office staff who were ready for any errand when the college needed their support, and functioned as the campus camera till the cameras were introduced.

Mr. Binoy and Mr. Jude – for assisting the Principal’s office.

If I were to mention other assignments, I would have to speak about each of us who has contributed in managing the various affairs of the college through the various committees or other assignments.  However, I feel like making a special mention of the placement cell,  especially with Dr. Sajoy on the scene, almost working like a one man army.  I believe in the future, we will have greater target based involvement of each of the departments in this to make it an effective team effort.

I recall with gratitude all the clubs and their coordinators – Speakers’ forum, Red Cross, dance club, music club, quiz club, nature club, encon, photography,  literary club etc. Some clubs had been doing fabulous and consistent work – especially, Jesus Youth, SWASTI, Age Friendly, Bhoomitrasena, Agriclub and SADAS by way of reaching out on a regular and innovative manner to the society.  We need to build on that. Our NSS & NCC units have brought us honours regularly, and our NSS could be transformed into the best unit in the state.

MY DREAMS:

Our dear college to grow to be a GREAT INSTITUTION – with a tangible target of becoming a degree granting institution, if possible, a university by 2030 (without imperilling the tenure of all those who are now in service).  We pass the strength of 5000 students by 2025 and our SFS faculty are paid at par with government pay.

We establish our three campuses well by 2025 – Main Campus or Lake View campus; River Side campus chiefly for new generation and self-financing programmes; our Media Campus – which I would like to be named  VERBUM (Vigilant Enthusiastic Responsive Broad Based Upright Media) Campus, including a daycare centre and a nursery for small children as part of our ISSR and staff welfare measure.

That we become a model Christian campus, where Christ's values rule the relations - of love (as service-mindedness), justice, truth and peace.  That such good news be proclaimed daily in the light of ongoing reflection on the Word of God as applicable to all, and not restricted to religious rituals, with the active involvement of Jesus Youth and the consecrated faculty members and students of the campus. 

IQAC establishes itself as the chief advisory, planning and repository of all college activities, constantly reminding and supporting the principal with college policies, related programmes and their implementation. 

We establish our campuses as a rich store of bio-diversity and environment friendliness with adequate use of technology to support the same – including agents for biodegradation, machines for pulverising plastic and glass waste, and even bio-waste, water recycling etc. by 2023.

Let us build a greener world – take up the tree challenge and lead planting of 30000 saplings by 2030.  (30 tons for 2030).

We promote a museum culture of conserving the heritage for the posterity – that all our campuses and the buildings be educative of this aspect of life, building on the Zoology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry and heritage museums we already have

We have a strong CSSR as Institutional Socio-Spiritual Responsibility for which we generate resources through our individual based, collective tyagarchana. And as part of that, we establish a networking with the schools in the neighbourhood, mentoring and supporting both teachers and students. 

We cultivate and build on our CSSR culture through our extension centres and UBA villages.  That each of our departments would take up a locality for extending their knowledge usefully to the community.

We excel in research 1) by every faculty member taking up research as part and parcel of one’s educator career, and spend at least 2 hours every week on this.  Trying to inspire students and transforming their raw data into meaningful new knowledge.  2) by forming a corpus for promoting research so that those faculty members who are going beyond the typical may be supported by reducing their teaching hours to engage more in research.   3) By converting all our teaching departments to research centres by 2025 – Sociology, Aqua culture, Environment Science, Computer Science and Mathematics).

When I was asked what touched me most, I had to pause and ponder (as it happens in the case with most of us here, when asked what is the outstanding feature of SH college or what is our best practice)… Nothing? I wondered.  Finally, I stammered out: the team effort I had seen by the staff in preparing the SSR – turning the nights into days, burning the midnight oil, in the process getting their own fingers burned, making the international office their office cum home, and converting the bare floor into their comfy mattress, getting bitten by mites and mice… Had we achieved a great grade as expected by us, that would have been its culmination… but even the very process was an act of Sacred Hearts.  

This has been proven correct by the performance we attained on the first item, with a fabulous response so far.  Thanks only to the adherence to the guidance and willingness to go by them.  I hope with that spirit prevailing, we can attain our cherished goal.

I hope this sentiment prevails – that we of the Sacred Heart’s get transformed daily into sacred hearts by our conscientious pursuit of wisdom and our efforts to spread goodness around us by reaching out in service. Let us begin this today as our tyagarchana – an offering to God from our sacrifice, and let it become a healthy best practice for all of us.

Infrastructure Development that Never Caught the Eyes of the Users (2010 to 2021)

Note: When I retired from the service as the Principal of SH college, apparently on the insistence of Rev. Fr Poulose, the then manager, a souvenir was prepared, though I was against it. I said there could be a section on me, in a jubilee souvenir.  However, that was not heeded, and a rather impressive souvenir was published. I have not really gone through its content so far.  Though on request I suggested some names whose comments I would have been happy to hear/read. To this date (March 31, 2025) I have not gone through it.  But I guess it does not contain anything regarding what I tried to do, rather, it is likely to be eulogies.  Perhaps, I will go through it one day. 

But I would have loved that the following record be there - these are the things I tried to do and got implemented - very much visible, but not really recognizeable. 

I regret my dream of museum was never seriously carried over - though in the library some achievement in that direction was made which was better than what I had expected. 

2010 - Creating a space for staff-recreation separate from the college building, attached to the gym.

2010 Gym was reopened as an outsourced facility, with subsidy/scholarship for SH students, while a minimum assured income and assured maintenance was taken care of.

2010 - Created student activity space by repairing the top floor of canteen,  relieving the lessee (Jude) and added a furnished room for guests.

2011 - Creating additional gym for sports (initially began as horsestead)

2011 - Envisioned and implemented a lift for the PWD for access. (implemented 2015)

2011 – 2020 Initiated ENERGY TRANSITION PROCESS – brought plan for solar sourcing for the whole campus – which was much better implemented by the Bursar Fr Sebastian.

2011-12 Bought 1 acre paddy field (with full funding from Rajagiri College) and 22 cents of land for extension activities. Initially 80 cents in the name of the college, later 30 cents @ Rs. 3000 per cent paid by the college.  In addition, we purchased almost 20 cents of land adjacent to the paddy field, with a small house and well intended to serve as an extension centre of the college.

2012 The canteen which was a headache, and a financial liability reaching more than Rs 4 lakhs in 2012, became a useful and helpful resource, with an annual income provided to the monastery (unasked for) – to the tune of over a lakh per annum).

2012 - Used the discarded Zoology research area to create space for an art museum (later converted to Envt Science PG class and lab).

2012-13 - Adding one floor to the exisiting Chavara Block to house the Commerce SFS stream (and brought the Sociology department and classrooms downstairs for better discipline – active help of Fr Georgekutty, the Bursar).  

Created more class room space by dividing the hall available on the 2^nd floor of the main block.

2012- Obtained the press building without stopping the press or dismissing any employee, and ensured some income from the same annually to all stakeholders.

2013 - Refurnished the press building to run 4 PG and 4 UG programmes.

2013 - Cleaned the outlet drain from the canteen with various set backs to minimize the damage to the backwaters – though not fully satisfactory.  (Active support of Fr Georgekutty – bursar).  This was further improvised when Fr Nijo was the Bursar (?).  However, the solution was never satisfactory.

2014 - Created a mini-arena for SHSC for outdoor activities (an idea suggested by Babu Joseph).

2015 - Added 6 office rooms designed and furnished for co-curricular activities – NSS, NCC (AIR), Counselling, IQAC, IGNOU, International Office, Career Cell.

2014-15 Repaired and refurnished Marian Hall and Melesius Hall.

2015 – Got the Syro-hostel rededicated for college students with a warden to take care of it.

2015 - Got IGNOU office shifted to the new space thus obtaining a room furnished for Manager (also usable as guest room).

2018 - Added roof to create space for conducting exams over the old Zoology Block – by creating terrace in place of tiled roof. This idea, once mooted and discarded was taken up again, because of a suggestion by someone, most likely, Dr Siby Mathew.  We assessed the feasibility on our own. Finally, came to the conclusion that this could be tried out, as the existing roof of wood and roof-tiles was removed and the new structure may weigh only as much.

2018 - Added roof to create class room and staff room space for newly begun BBA-BCA programmes (initially planned as evening programmes)

2018 - Covered the volleyball area to create 8000 sq ft space for a multi-purpose play area.  Space-frame Technology for roof – which cost almost 90 lakh rupees; however, the roofing thanks to lack of proper monitoring and supervision was not done well; and for that almost Rs. 8 lakh of the budget amount were retained.

2019 - Covered the entire stretch of Botany building to create space for innovation labs by creating terrace in place of tiled roof.

2020 - Built 500000 lit rainwater tank under RUSA to be used as play area.  

2011 – 2021 Starting with the existing proposal of 2 floors (parking and library) through various plans of Building Space for Excellence from the existing campus to a new campus. 20000 sq m. (almost 200000 sq ft) building with 500000 lt of rainwater storage, and water-recycling plant, plans for ground water-recharge, and capacity for 2500 students planned, got sanctioned, and partly implemented. A much-needed separate block for SFS was planned and executed - with courses planned targetting 5000 student strength by 2025.

2018 - Got sanctioned an indoor stadium cum swimming pool – discarded by the house and the younger colleagues as not feasible or warranted.

2019 – 21 Created additional washroom and waste management facilities under RUSA

2019-20 - Created new class room space on the top of Botany department to accommodate BBA/BCA programme, including their lab. 

2020 - Created space for incubation centres for start up - Top of Botany

2020-21 Created additional toilet facilities with the auditorium (chiefly with the help of Bursars – Nijo/Sebastian)

2019-21 Got the auditorium re-roofed under RUSA.

2016-19 Got the entire exam section created in the Life Science Wing, with active support of Fr Nijo getting two halls free – Zoology Library and Economcis Library, and integrated the whole thing into one library.

2019-20 The English Library shifted to create space for a language lab (hardly put to use) and a hall.

(Active support of Fr Nijo and the librarian in all this.)

2020 - Got in touch with BOSCH to create a furnished space for training in the ground floor (supported by Dr Johnson)

2020 - initiated the idea of total solar energy on-grid (after the two-stage experiment with battery based solar power). Implemented under the bargain settled and work supervised by the bursar Fr Sebastian. 

*Introduced services like – full time IQAC officer, student counsellor, student development officer, health officer (nurse) and maintenance supervisor. 

VI All Kerala Student Social Work Congress – 2022 OPSTA

6th Social Work Congress - OPSTA National Conference, DB College, Angadikkadavu, Iritty, Kannur March 4-5, 2022

Angadikkadavu is just around 10 kms from Iritty, which is some 50 kms from Vatakara. In fact, a beautiful locality of bucolic charm, a very well laid out campus, with some difficulty regarding access. Salesians of Don Bosco to be really appreciated for their spirit of daring to have started such an instiution in such a locality. The college is growing!! The campus radiates joy.

I arrived on motor-bike, in style! I was happy to put on my new experimental clothing of pure jute - almost resembling a typical 'ullii chakku' (onion jute bag). The 6 mt bulky cloth piece, apparently an expensive one, was a well thought out gift of my young colleagues of SH college on my departure.  Though I had never desired anything of that sort, rather was loath of such gifts, once received, and likely to be used by no one else, decided to do the experiment of getting a kurta stitched out of it.  It appeared well, and in appearance, suited well for a sannyasi (though not in terms of the cost). 

It was the VI Annual Student Social Work Congress organised by KAPS. It was a daring initiative of the Secretary General, Dr. Ipe six years ago. It has turned out to be a thumping success. With the professional body, KAPS, in place, I feel it is right and fitting that all other professional activities become coordinated along with it. While the Association of Professional Social Work Students in Kerala (APSWIK) had initiated something of the sort, and prior to that, ICSW Kerala chapter had initiated something called 'Rendezvous' an annual social work students' meet, these didn't sustain. The best thing about SSWC is that it has now managed to sustain for six years.

The greatest advantage for those gathered, especially, for the student social workers, was the vibrant and powerful presence of Daya Bai (who also happens to be a professional social worker by her training at Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai). At the age of 82, she inspired the gathering with the narration of her call to work for people, the people far from the centre and how similar the case of each social worker should be - a call more than a job! She felt confident and young, and sure to hit a century! She pooh-poohed COVID as an urban (alienated from nature) creation, and pointed out that in her rural agrarian community, there was hardly any case of COVID.

I deem myself fortunate to have shared the dais with her again, and to have delivered the key note address of the seminar in her presence, after the inaugural function. But I did point out that though personally, I would be glad to see social work professionals turning into activists, in reality, that would be an unrealistic expectation, and there are many who happen to be in profession, more for a living than for a cause. The professional training should transform them to function in a given situation, with a spirit of involvement and volunteer spirit.

There were some tough moments when Daya Bai was almost furious for the organisers having thought of providing her with a memento (the typical trend of present day events!), which suited me too very well, as I too feel that these are wasteful (and waste generating) tokenisms.

We discussed about the post-COVID scenario and the challenges the same offer to social work education and practice. Basic line of our thinking is to help people to 'rethink' lives in line with the Nature, with decreasing levels of interference with the courses of nature, while capitalising on the gains of technology and social, behavioural & applied sciences. Simultaneously, it throws up the twin challenges of competencies to think and act globally and produce and consume locally.

The gathering was a fun-filled gathering leading to fellowship among the future professionals across the state. The vibrant presence of the effervescent Dr. Antony Lenin of AADI (Attapady) fame (and my student for doctoral programme), now the director of Sanskriti, Kannur, added to the life of the gathering, with his signature action song 'naamonnalle' (we are one! I recall with thrill, that it was thanks to my initiative that Antony had led this awakening song at our Palakkad gathering.  Since then, it has become part of our assembly, and Dr. Ipe is also never lagging behind in such initiatives). Surprisingly, the executive body of the student professional wing of KAPS, led by Greeshma of DBC, comprised entirely of girl students!

I felt honoured to be invited to inaugurate the 'bicycle club' - an initiative of Fr. Jojo OFM, ad-hoc faculty on the department of Social Work, having identified a dozen or more of young men and women of the college to be part of it. I gladly did the inauguration by joining the first lap of the ride on the campus.  I hope the club sustains and grows in creating alternative life styles. 

Kudos to KAPS and its leadership! Congratulations to DBC team led by Rev Sojan SDB, Mr. Xavierkutty Francis, Rev Jojo, and the charismatic principal Rev Dr. Francis and several others... and the student wing led by Greeshma and team!

 

SOCIAL WORK POLITICS AND A TRIP TO AJMER

 2017

Though still fond of Indian Rail travel – like the 3 day long trip to Delhi from Kochi, it’s like having a retreat cum sight-seeing trip; or even a yatra  with all the preparations, the adjustments you have to make  – in my present situation, I am not able to afford that kind of time – can I afford the money to fly is a moot question.  Hence such travels are few and far between.  

Having been away from Social Work education per se for past 6 years, I felt that it was necessary that I spare some time to be amidst the social work professionals, as they gather annually in the name of ISPSW (Indian Society of Professional Social Workers).  I have been a member since 1998 or 1999. And I have been attending the conferences at Bangalore, Thiruchirappally, Bhimavaram, Anantapur, Kochi and now, in Ajmer – specifically, in Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan.  This is happening in the fledgling department of Social Work (3 years?) of the new central university located here,  in a sprawling 512 acre campus!!

I have been observing the isolation of Kerala unit of social work professionals in all such bodies, and had been putting this point whenever I got the opportunity. Even out here, it appears that I am the only person – professional or faculty – from Kerala, other than the new faculty members from central university, thanks to their NIMHANS affiliation. I also observed a few more of the Malayalees from TISS or NIMHANS, thanks to the linkage of the institutions.  I feel Kerala section of social work – practice and education – is missing out on account of lack of attention to such events.  It was on account of this, that I had taken the lead to have the conference held at Rajagiri, the year in which I was leaving the organization.  The initiative was taken to its logical conclusion, however, since then there appears to have been no follow up.

After much searching, I found out flight connections, rather affordable – time & money.  If a Kochi – Jaipur ticket is taken, usually it will involve 18 to 24 hours or more, and almost 6000 rupees or more one way.  Usually with a stop in Bombay.  Now this connection was a late night trip to Bangalore and an early morning trip to Jaipur.  Both by AIR ASIA.  Choice of any seat by you will entail at least an additional Rs. 100.00.  I found a return trip with morning flight to Bangalore and an afternoon flight to Koch from there.  I could have tried bus from Bangalore to Kochi.  But with pending work and commitment on 27^th, didn’t deem it wise.  Even 26^th evening there was supposed to be a meeting.

The flight which was due at 11 pm was delayed by almost 2 hours.  That was okay.  With my friends Tom and Andrew accompanying celebrating,  the full moon night of 23^rd (as used to be our wont), arrived well in time for the flight.  It was a very sleepy waiting – and I got a full seat, don’t know how we reached Bangalore – perhaps, slept very soundly.  Then there was a waiting for about 3 hours for security check.  It got over.  Though waited drowsily, managed to note a last minute change of gate and almost hurried and managed to get into the bus and reach the ladders to the flight, then the boarding pass was missing.  Could not be located.  It turned out to be a much more serious problem that I had imagined.  Those who were at the flight were trying to comfort, and arranged a security car to go back to the security check, leaving the baggage behind, the young man, who appeared to be a senior officer among them was very aggressive, and demanding where I misplaced the boarding pass, and threatening that the flight go ‘minus’ that is without me.  That was a bit frightening.  The whole programme would go chaupat.  However, after some such threats and cursing regarding flight being delayed, he got a new boarding pass printed and cleared through security and put me on a car driving back to the flight. Almost 2 kms perhaps to the flight.  But the car was going very slowly (20 kms or less) while he was creating all fuss about getting delayed.  It was 6.22 am and still 3 more minutes to the scheduled time, and I felt he could reach me in time and manage the flight to go in time. if it finally reached and I was permitted to board the flight! That was one of the scariest moments of my life – second time, something of the sort.  In the previous instance, I had to forgo my ticket and go in another flight – partly on account of traffic jam.  However, I had reached before 30 mts.  They did not let me board.  Since then, I had been rather consistent in taking boarding pass on-line, which helps to a great extent.

The flight did not take off…. I don’t think it was because of my problem.  They announced some cargo flight lined up before us..  It was almost 40 mts delayed.  It was supposed to be a two and half hour flight.  I expected some refreshment to be served, which they did with some price tagged to it.  Head ache was already there. Lest it be worsened, I had a cup of coffee for Rs. 70.00 which appeared rather affordable.  My plans for reading etc or sight seeing – nothing worked out.  Head ache was not making me feel ok.  It arrived around 9.35 and after putting up with a rather long queue in the rest room area, got a taxi and found out the means to go to the destination (of which I still had no clarity).  From some conversations, managed to gather that it was en route to Ajmer.  There were differing versions – MDS some Mahatma Dayanand Saraswati university and another Rajasthan Central University.  I found it difficult to grasp the place name in spite of repeated queries – It was Bandre-Sindri, on the Jaipur-Ajmer high way, closer to Kishangarh Railway station.  You can catch a bus from a point called 200 fut by pass, which was some 15 kms from the airport and for which they charge Rs. 500 for pre-paid taxi.  The taxi wallah offered to take me for Rs. 2000 plus Rs. 200 toll, up to the university, with a willingness to waive off the toll tax.  However, I chose to go by bus.  The taxi wallah – Sooryanarayan (?) showed me the bus, and parked almost close to it. On approaching I was welcome by a generous spray of spittle – narrowly escaping it. A matronly lady in her mid thirties in a green sweater and blue salwar, ushered me in assuring me of a seat, in spite of the apparent rush.  I guessed she was the conductor though she didn’t have any uniform.  (It was the typical bus service of the BIMARU era.  With very minimal leg space.  No comparison with our AANA (KSRTC) in that kind of comfort.  But assuredly on their wheels and not on the jack!!)  A man entered and started issuing tickets – from his conversations and instructions, I thought it would cost some 200 rupees,  but it cost only Rs. 90.00.  My neighbor, smart young man clarified that the university was on the way, but you had to get down at Ajmer and go further.  I listened to him, and asked about this Bandar Seendri, and he clarified the same further with the neihgbours and they said it was sufficient to get down there. 

Once out of the city, though the vehicle in itself was not very comfortable, the ride was – as the road was in perfect shape.  I could work on the computer without much difficulty.  It was rather warm, yet not disturbingly so.  And I managed to get my work pending for pst one week, polishing the presentation done in that time.

Now the fun came when finally I was directed to get down, by the lady who took over after the start as conductor.  (When the bus started off, the male conductor got out, and she took charge, made another round of verification, also acting tough.).  I got down suspecting about the direction, as I myself was in doubt as to where I had to get down, which was the University I had to go etc. Tried calling up Shana, my colleague to no avail.  I had no address, no contacts (a much lighter situation, when compared to the landing in Melbourne last year, when asked by the immigration authorities as to where to go, I had no clue – in the sense, I had no papers or invitation or address – I was expecting someone to pick me up).  Getting to the university was no problem – but confirming whether it was this one, or MDS was a problem.  My internet stuff was not working, nor was the mobile internet.  The internet café was not willing to provide such service.  Finally I managed to convince the young fellow sitting there, it was only a matter of an email, no print out etc. He consented, rather grudgingly took my login name.  I typed the password, got the mail from Abdul, managed to call him up and confirm.  He said he would send a vehicle.  And vehicle came in some 15 mts.

Came to the huge campus. Got to the guest house and students were managing allocation.  The rooms were clean, but poorly furnished.  There were good mattresses, but  not having a sheet over them.  Two people had to manage with one blanket!! No towels.  The bathroom had running water and a geyser.  The toilet was clean, and looked very new.  In all likelihood, in another year, it will be in a very bad condition.

I had a rather annoying headache, however, put up with it.  Gradually it faded away.

The inauguration took place around 3 pm.  While we were awaiting the guests – esp. the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shekhar kept on narrating the new developments in the organizational network of social work and social work educators.  In all this, I found Kerala and Rajagiri absent, and felt bad about it.  The inauguration was formal, but very different when compared to our formality-ridden ceremonial lengthy ones down in Keralam. The prayer was a programme which people listened to sitting, and cheered for, with an applause. Then the compere had her own elaborate welcome, and invited the Head of the department to deliver the welcome address. And he welcomed all of us in general to the wonderful university and the fabulous state of Rajasthan with its very many unique features and achievements in the social sector (like Right to information, right to work etc.).  Then there was the traditional honouring ceremony – the only lady on the stage, Dr. Vimala Nadkarni (my Professor at TISS, who made Social Work Profession of India globally visible by her presence on international fora.  May she rest in power!) was given a shawl in her hand, all men were given a fabulous pagadi which they called safa, and they were on the dais wearing them. The VC in his brief and matter of fact kind of address, said that in reviewing the abstracts he found them more or less like social science papers with hardly anything to distinguish them as social work papers. That was indeed a challenge, but to my mind, it has gone almost unregistered with the participants. Then Dr. Vimala delivered Dr. Gauri Rani Memorial oration, in which she made very pertinent references to her teacher and one of the pioneers in Social Work education in India. I felt inspired, and felt that I have not done anything when compared to her. Then the vote of thanks etc. were very brief, and we stood for national anthem as it was played from the system.

The campus seems to be rather well equipped in spite of its being a very young and new one. I am really awed realizing the great potential and possibilities such institutions have with such financial and land resources available with them.

My room mate was Mr. Rockoriti Naakhro from Nagaland University – Professor of Agricultural Economics.  He has come just to take part in the conference on account of his friendship with Athik. No paper, not his subject.  So having a good time.

Though the sun is warm and it  can be hot out in the day, within the room it was cool. The water was cold even at 11.30 am.

The return trip was not that eventful.  My reporting time was 8.40.  It was about 100 kms away.  With no clue as to the availability of public transport, my plan was to push off at night and reach the airport, and remain there.  However, baton baton mein, I came to know that Dr. Anuradha of Padmavati university was hiring a taxi, and I asked her if she would mind my accompanying her.  She accepted the same gladly

ELECTIONS – ISPSW

I had funny experiences with the conference. I had prepared a paper with the active support of Shana, my colleague in the Department of Communication and her bunch of students of journalism.  I had conceived the idea, and sold it to them, and they were willing to take it up.  And they did some initial work, which on my casual review was found to be much below my expectations, and they worked again, finding almost three times what they had managed to get.  Then we sat on it again, having points to analyse them from the angle of sustainable development coverage.  They did a good job of compiling them, and on my direction using SPSS with the help of my Social Work assistants on the campus, Sreejith and Abin, managed to have the whole thing rendered into figures and percentages!! We had some review and now it was left to me to have the final touches from the angle of Social Work.  As is my wont, I kept on postponing it – Saturday, Sunday, Monday, finally, Tuesday even after boarding the flight, I couldn’t make myself do that. Finally, on my least comfortable trip on bus from Jaipur to Bandaar  Seendri I managed to make my notes of about 3 pages and conclude it.  Then Shana worked on it again and gave to me her final version.  I worked on it again, making final changes and insertions.  All said and done, when it came to presentation, our slot and a session I had to chair were at the same time, in different halls.  I coached Shana to present, as the domain was not hers and I went to chair a session, which was scantily attended.  From there, towards the end of it, when about two more presenters were left, I was snatched by Dr. Amir Hamza to be the panel judge for the presentation contest.  Sitting there, I did not feel comfortable, as it was all on a sudden, I had no chat with the other judge Dr. Anuradha who appeared all that dapper and confident.  Most of the presentation being from medical & psychiatric background, and myself, having very minimal or no familiarity with the scientific aspects of them, felt a little awkward.  Had no questions to ask.  However, towards the end, when Dr. Anuradha graciously asked to conclude, I warmed up after the initial hitch,  offered some challenge to the predominantly student group.  I must confess that some of the presentations were really smart, and I discovered they were from Christ or CU, Kerala, Kasargode, which means there are able teachers there.  

Then from some hearsay, I went to the seminar hall where the GB was being held.  There was hardly any announcement regarding that, any information.  I was surprised.  However, when we finally reached that remote halls, things appeared to be in order.  After the initial discussions, election was held.  It was such a clumsy affair, with something evidently wishy-washy going there. Things were not straight. Some nominations were brought in.  A returning officer, Dr. Latha from Manipal was installed in a chair, with almost everything being dictated by Dr. Shekhar (no offence meant, just a matter of fact observation. I respect Dr. Shekhar for his great erudition and the wonderful contributions he has made).  After a while there were some rumblings and questions from the audience, especially the younger lot of Malayalees, not from Keralam – Sajan Antony, Siju George, Renjith Pillai.  There was also some objection being raised by Dr. Amal Basu from Kolkotta.  I also got involved and suggested that there should have been proper information given to all members regarding this, which I had not received, nor many others. There was some confusion.  Dr. Shekhar quit the dais fuming that he wouldn’t come back unless there was a public apology, and were it left to him, he would know how to tackle this, and would put everyone to silence.  I felt a little embarrassed. Then there was a lot of patching up effort from Dr. Pandyan, who was the only candidate for secretary.  

Now, I have forgotten how it was all concluded.  Finally, what was planned by the NIMHANS lobby was accomplished I trust.  I feel effort to broaden and make the organisation more inclusive and transparent was lacking.  People were still in their narrow comfort zone, and making the organisation progress beyond that appeared hardly there on any agenda.  I think the same status continues as far as ISPSW is concerned. With a vibrant KAPS emerging in Keralam, we have kind of gotten rid of these baggages, and have emerged gradually into a genuine player in the field of Social Work profession, especially thanks to the committed and consistent efforts of Dr. Ipe Varghese and a band of younger professionals, who have not gotten into the rut of typical organisational politics. 

Looking back, I deeply regret that having travelled that far, I did not even have time to visit the Dargah of Ajmer, nor to explore the pink city.  My office commitments were not letting me free to do such things.  

Onam - a regional festival celebrating sustainability

Ref: Journal of Dharma 47, 3 (July-September 2022), 355-374 © 2022 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore), ISSN: 0253-7222 

CELEBRATING SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY: Onam as Earth Festival

Onam - where did the word come from? Of course, in Malayalam calendar, there is a star by name 'Thiruvonam', (apparently a derivation from the Sanskrit 'shraavan' star indicative of Lord Vishnu, and the prefix, 'thiru' indicative of holiness/respect due to the deity.   https://www.kerala.com/pages/onam-in-kerala) and Onam is celebrated on the Thiruvonam day of the Malayalam month of Chingam (the first month), usually falling somewhere in the second half of August or first half of September. 

Since when this was being celebrated - we do not know for sure. Some sources indicate it being celebrated from the historic Sangam era.  16th century onwards, there have been travellers from beyond the subcontinent making references to it. 

It was a festival, usually within the hindu family circles, which was 'emancipated' as the 'national' festival of Keralam, (if there is ever a 'nationality' of Keralites, definitely distinct from the rest of the world as far as language and culture are concerned) by the communist government of Keralam. 

Being a Kochiite, I am happy that Onam celebrations have their focus in and around Kochi - I think Thrikkakkarayappan, with his seat at what used to be a very small temple in my childhood, is none other than Mahabali. (But there are also versions that refer to the deity as Vamana - Vishnu or even, as Siva).  Mahodayapuram Perumal who ruled from Thrikkakkara (Thrikkakkara, in my childhood, happened to be a wilderness with hardly any population or anything of a 'civilisation' for normal human understanding - wild  bushes, some estates, a hilly area for us who used to live in the level coastal area of Kochi, hardly anything to connect to some Perumal being anywhere there), is said to have celebrated Onam from Thiruvonam of Karkidakam till Thiruvonam of Chingam, with 56 rulers of princely states - and when their coming to Thrikkakkara was found to be difficult, it was ruled that the celebration could be held at each one's household, leading to the household based celebration of Thrikkakkara Appan. https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/onam-rituals/thrikkakkara-appan-rituals

Then we have the modern day popular celebration of attacamayam centred around Thrippunithura - again part of the Kochi, with the deity being honourably taken from there to Thrikkakkara in solemn procession. 

Onam, the waking up of the land of Keralam to its spring time, after the deprivations of Karkidakam (kalla Karkidakam), is presented with the mythological good governance figure of Mahabali, said to have ruled from Thrikkakkakara. His greatness was seen as a threat by 'gods' that they needed the intervention of the Sustainer God Vishnu, to let the balance be (i.e., the status quo). It is sometimes painted as an Aryan-Dravidian conflict.  But it definitely is indicative of the human potential to grow to the stature of God - a God-becoming possibility. 

I am glad for the apparently exploitative God-deal, in which Mahabali epitomizes the possibilities in human generosity to the extent of losing oneself, and in the very act obtaining immortality - in the memory of his people forever, and even the liberated status to come back from the confines of the pataal with his annual legendary visit (now almost taking the modes of a hilarious Christmas Papa). 

Is it the celebration of a golden past?  There was hardly ever such a past - I feel things are better now; the Onam as it increasingly becomes a community celebration, even the liberation of Onam itself from an exclusive celebration of culture confined to Hindu fold, to a very adaptive cultural celebration by a people, and by all religions, if they want to. (40 years ago, there was hardly any common celebration of Onam in our locality - there was hardly any mention of it in the school, except in connection with the terminal examinations and the vacation; nor did the churches have anything to do with it.  This is drastically changed.  I observe that all educational institutions devote at least one working day in celebrating Onam.  It does promote fellowship among the students and teachers and sometimes, extends to parents as well. All the Kerala churches (even, the Churches of Malayali diaspora all over the world) celebrate Onam enthusiastically. These are very positive signs of the new era). 

But, the point is, it is the celebration of the future, the dream in every human being (every Indian) of a reign of law - of equality, of liberty, of fraternity, of a corruption free, just, caring and prosperous rule - of the much spoken of good governance. 

It should be the celebration of the basic culture in the progress of human civilsation - of agriculture; It is typically a harvest feast, when the rice crop is harvested, along with the tubers planted during the kumbham (Vishu season) become ready for harvest - and fittingly celebrated with the sadya, the feast. Hence to my mind it is a 'food festival' and the right time to celebrate the traditions of food of the region, and its new permutation-combinations (like the entry of the foreigner cabbage as a regular item of sadya for quite some time now; another foreigner beetroot and the migrant kappa - tapioca -  are making gradual wildcard entry into the sadya-menu: I was surprised to find chicken being solemnly served, when I joined a North Kerala family for their Onam lunch; and they assured me that it was a practice in their region). 

The best  thing about Onam Sadya (or the typical Kerala Sadya - whether veg or non-veg) as it used to be, was its cent percent wastelessness, with the feast being spread on the bio-degradable banana leaf, and whatever waste generated, easily bio-degradable.  And it is eaten being seated on the floor (a century ago, this advancement of the comfort and luxury of a raised seat and a table was not thinkable nor affordable for the majority).  And it was invariably eaten with hands - a rare dexterity exhibited by people of this region, with the deftness in managing the liquid accompaniments, with the right mix with rice, is transferred from floor level to the mouth, - almost 2 feet - without spilling or throwing away, many employing a technique of making rice balls (urula) of manageable size; and all range of tastes - salty, fatty, umamy, sour, pungent, maillard, astringent, tarty, sour-sweet, aromatic,  sweet - gradingly consumed from a single plate, without losing the unique flavour of each. This zero waste ideal, which has gained greater significance for today's world from the angle of sustainability, is now almost set aside and grossly violated by the new packaged mode of Kerala feast.  It is affordable, convenient - for pravasi Malayalees of the middle-east it is available at a price equivalent to Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. 

(A neatly packed Sadya delivered at your doorstep adds 18 to 20 disposable plastic containers, besides one or more of brown paper packs, an all-embracing hep-hardboard box, besides the traditional banana leaf, which again, assumes a plastic/plastic coated paper form for cost-saving/convenience!)

The simple, minimalist life-style of Keralites (the normal dress of men used to be just a mundu - the unique wrap-around cloth that served the climatic conditions best), with hardly anything to cover the top, except a randam mundu (a second piece of cloth) used for covering the torso, on solemn occasions, the minimalist dress of the women folk, the bare minimum of diverse and frugal food (chakkengm mangegm mummaasam, thalum thakarem mummaasam, chempum chenem mummasam, anganem inganem mummasam. 3 months on jackfruit and mango, 3 on colocasia and yams, another 3 on leafy vegetables freely available around and the rest of the three, somehow or other! The lines are indicative of frugality and a diversity dependent on the environment).  The entire landscape of Kerala does not show any signs of very great accumulation of wealth with anyone for that matter.   There might have been kings and landlords - but even their palaces do not evince any sign of opulence that we are now becoming more familiar with, or the North Indian regions of India are familiar with. From that culture of very simple living on the whole, Kerala population now exhibits a highly consumption oriented (maximalist) culture, with wealth increasing, and consumption affordable, and a trend of increasing accumulation with certain people.  What I feel concerned about is the trend impacting the planet, with increasing pollution from emissions and also from (unmanaged) solid waste. 

Coming back to its being a food-festival - it implies food production; and hence it should be the celebration of the food producer - Jai Kisan - is a mere slogan now, Jawan  has grown in prominence; whereas, Kisan's life has become one of indignity, oppression, express and hidden oppression - there is no platform, no education that promotes the dignity of food production and producer; no mainstream education  or educator or policy maker ever imagines that this is to be one of the important career options; or encourages youngsters to look at this as a career option.  While, all politicians wax eloquent about farmers, no party or government does anything to promote this as a dignified occupation/profession; and people continue to produce since they are left with no option. Given an option, they would all quit.  I have travelled across the country, I have hardly met any teacher, hardly met any student (honestly, with some rare exceptions), who think in terms of agriculture as a career option. At least for the state of Kerala, it is high time, that government went beyond the stereotypes, and made the vast network of their agricultural department vibrant, supportive, flexible, people friendly and productive, not being satisfied by the propagandist and token revival (grow-bag) attempts, including localised procurement and fair price for the producer. 

Food is produced only by earth - though now there are successful attempts to produce without earth - but not sure of its feasibility on a large-scale.  It is the mother earth that produces - with the right combinations of soil, air and water, with sunshine. Each onam is a time for veneration of productive mother earth! And a resolve to maintain it, especially by 'protecting soil and its health'. And also challenging every consumer to be a producer as well - or at least all homesteads to produce minimally (family farming ideal). 

I find the religious aura for the festivities apt - It is linking our celebration to the ultimate annadata - food giver - God; and aptly so when the celebration implies solidarity with people deprived of food (God's own children and hence brothers and sisters).  Today (Sep. 2022) we have millions in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia (floods); Srilanka, Many parts of Africa deprived of food on account of civil strifes, besides the regular millions of India.  Onam is indicative of the egalitarian abundance possible through just sharing of the planet's resources. 

Harvest at this point of time may be a unique feature of the state of Keralam or perhaps of the western coast; but the model of liberating and elevating it to a food-harvest-kisan-earth festival can be model for the whole nation, and worth considering it as a national festival, not a mere Malayalee festival celebrated all over the nation or the world!

To me, as a feast, without explicitly saying so, it incorporates very core of sustainable development goals - zero poverty (SDG 1), no hunger (SDG 2), good health and well being (good food, and not medicines, for good health - SDG 3),  clean water and sanitation for all (water as part of food, and waste reduction for sanitation - SDG 6) and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). 

INDIAN TEACHER'S DAY IN QATAR - 6 Sep 2022

The world is said to be celebrating its teachers' on Oct. 5th, starting from 1994.  It is in remembrance of the date of adoption of the UNESCO recommendations on the status of teachers in 1966, in collaboration with International Labour Organisation.  By 1994, the net was expanded to include those educators in higher education (including research) as well. 

India began to celebrate Teacher's Day, much before that when the eminent educator turned diplomat turned politician Dr. Radhakrishnan, was met by his former students on his birthday, after his assuming office as the President of India in 1962. He urged them, "instead of observing my birthday discretely, it would be my pompous privilege if 5th September is observed as Teachers’ Day", and since then, India began to observe 5th September as Teachers' Day.  But, Indian subcontinent had the tradition of venerating its teachers on 'gurupurnima', more befittingly remembering the 'attainment' (siddha) of 'meaning' (artha) by the Light of Asia - Sri Buddha (the Enlightened). It falls on the full moon day of Ashad (fourth) month of the Indian calendar.  

It has, apparently, a more ancient guru tradition, from the Hindu mythology, where it is celebrated as the birthday of Maharshi Ved Vyas, who is said to have given the knowledge of the four Vedas to the world for the first time.  Another interesting and meaningful aspect for the day, with an appeal to a larger segment of Indian population!  I feel, there was no need of another day.  Though theoretically, I still hold on to it, when I discovered Dr. S. Radhakrishnan's credentials as an academic (teacher - India and abroad, author, acad administrator, philosopher, Knighthood, Vice Chancellor of various universities, diplomat - ambassador, Vice-President, President, 27 times nomination for nobel prize), I felt that Indian Teacher's day could be justified on Sep. 5th - a modern day academician to challenge our present day teachers!

In our childhood, it was only a day for GK, and I don't recall any celebration in my 14 year long schooling (2+10+2 system) in four schools in 2 states of India. However, now things are very different.  Teachers are much more honoured and celebrated (at least on Sep. 5th). 

We are now in Doha, Qatar, a nation as big as a district of more populous states of India, with a population of just about .22% of India.  However, I found teachers' day (Indian) being celebrated very enthusiastically here. At the school, the students' council was given an opportunity to organise the day by themselves.  They prepared a cultural feast, and in order to spare the teachers for the 2 period long celebration, one senior group acted as student teachers, manning (womanning) every class. There was Dr. S. Radhakrishnan on the stage, music and dance, and celebration of teaching.  The school management also expressed its concern for the teachers by ensuring a useful gift item to all the teachers. 

But the Indian embassy also did not deem it fit to leave it merely to the schools - the 20 odd Indian schools (CBSE) were brought together by the embassy through its popular cultural wing - Indian Cultural Centre (ICC); and while India combatted Srilankans, again registering a loss, in the neighbouring UAE, here in Doha, leaving the cricket team to its fate, we Indian schools came together at Ashoka Hall of ICC, representing the 4000 strong Indian Teacher Community of Qatar; drew inspiration from the Ambassador Dr. Deepak Mittal to take the Amrtkaal Panch Pran on themselves, and spread it to the new generation who will make and witness the making of India as a developed nation! (I hope to live to see that).  However, Dr. Mittal's reference to 'colonial' rule having curbed our aspirations for freedom and free-thinking, brought smile to my lips.  We are still eulogizing the exploitative and exclusive and excluding system of yore, where gurus like Drona had such skewed perception of knowledge as to deprive the learner of his core faculty, on the pretext of traditions! And we twist it to fit the frame of respect for teachers! I feel that thanks to colonisation, we had the good fortune of becoming a united India, and also an India that cold aspire beyond the enslaving and exploitative caste system, though we are still not free from that. This colonial exploitation theme (though real) has become an easy and flimsy  and cliched excuse for our faults, flaws and foibles in the path of progress - and while we blame colonialists and colonialism for our regress, our ideal of progress still remains very much that of the colonialists (of the West).   

Our Vice Principal (Sir) Radhakrishnan (though not Sarvepally, incidentally, celebrating his birthday this very month), joined the ambassador in the lighting of the lamp along with other Principals. 

Principal of Birla school, Sri Harish Sanduja, made an insightful address urging people to focus on basic literacy, including the speed of reading.  I felt proud to have an institutional leader who spoke thus.  For the first time, all school nominees for various sections, were awarded 'best teacher' (of the school) certificates by the embassy.  We had recommended our coordinators for the award, as they had come through a thorough screening process.  The ICC President, Mr. Baburajan announced the launch of a teachers' forum under ICC - a good sign!

In spite of their hectic schedule and unique nature of the school timing, our teachers found time to be part of the celebration, with a powerful group music, and two pieces of choreography, one led by the dance teachers themselves (Ms Sunita and Ms Deepa) and the other, the ever dancing-singing pedagogy team of our Little Kingdom, led by the head Ms. Kajal herself.  It was fabulous. The teams deserve special applause. 

The programmes that began at 6.30 pm, except for the 25 mt long address of the ambassador, did justice to the Indian teachers of Qatar, and lasted till 11 pm. Almost all the Indian schools turned up, and teachers, rediscovered their youth - though the muscles and sinews didn't match the willingness of the mind always.  But the good will and enthusiasm were tangible.  There were also slide shows, mimes, solo performances by the teachers. I was doubly gratified finding also one of the heartians, Sheeja, a bright student of Economics, now a teacher with Shantiniketan, leading their team on the stage!

Such gatherings point to what a school ought to be - literacy, numeracy and beyond - being together, enjoying music, learning to keep a step with music... thus schools here appear to be rich treasure houses of talents, in spite of being away from the native soil, still very much Indian, and much more together as Indians, than anywhere in India perhaps!

Khor-al-Udeid - Dune Riders Club Sep. 2, 2022

Qatar is often only Doha - and I have heard many people comment, what is there to see in Qatar, it can be seen all around in just about 2 hours. 

But as my stay in this small country, just about a quarter of the state of Keralam (3.36 times bigger than Qatar), I am finding more and more to see and enjoy. 

Friday, Sep. 2, I was invited by heartian Bijoy (whose late mother was like an elder sister to me in our neighbourhood of Kochi) to join his DUNE RIDERS CLUB weekly desert ride. DRC is a voluntary group in Qatar, with desert drive as the rallying point. They have 3 levels of membership - junior (where the freshers have to undergo 6 guided rides), intermediate (where they have to go for 24 guided rides) and then senior level. The promotion to each level happens based on the commendation of 3 of the Marshalls; there are some 15 Marshalls, well experienced desert drivers, who form the core of this voluntary group. The membership is for 300 QR for a year, and along with there comes a DRC flag, a T shirt, and the support for such rides. It is a growing community, and I was happy to find 2 Malayalees at the Marshall level. 

Bijoy is already at the intermediate level, and has a land-rover to serve his passion. The cars generally in use for such rides are Land Cruisers, Lexus, NISSAN Patrol Safari,  Pajero etc. (from my observation of the vehicles on the ride - I hardly know anything about them). Though he is at the inter-mediate level, which demands tougher rides, for less mortals like us, Bijoy tries to stick to the junior ride, to introduce this life to the uninitiated. 

We started off from Doha to sealine, from where the desert region begins.  Bijoy was all set with a day long preparation for the ride - keeping the vehicle ready and tuned, water and refreshments for the way, DRC flag, radio for communication, chairs for camping... we were speeding past at 120 kms (maximum permitted in Qatar) and covering 50 plus kilometer distance in just about 40 mts. I too had Bijoy's favourite karak chay. And we gathered for our nourishment 'chilly chicken' and 'falafel' of dal (parippuvada) wrapped in Kerala Porotta.  No longer a fan of porotta, I choose not to object, to see what are the standard practices. 

Already, having been initiated, Bijoy got the air pressure in the tyres reduced to 15psi from the usual 36, so as to get easier movement in the loose sand. At sea-line, the riders assembled for an orientation at the starting point.  The Marshalls Cabel, Khaled, Chris, Sam, Niyas, Niks, Fahad... took turns to introduce the basic principles - follow the Marshall in front, go in single file, follow the same track as the one who goes in front, second-third gear in general, keep safe distance - 2 second gap (15 mts - but using discretion, based on speed, terrain etc.), no overtaking, stop if the vehicle in front stops or gets stuck, follow the gravitation if the vehicle finds it difficult to negotiate the track, head light on, not to panic, if getting stuck there will be support/guidance to get out.  Other useful accessories would be a cap and sun-glass. 

We started off at 2.15 pm, almost as per the planned schedule. The desert sun didn't appear all that fierce, it is September and He seems to have mellowed; Land Rover was doing a good job. There were times when I feared that we may lose our grip, and may not successfully cover certain tracks, but Bijoy had no such difficulty.  Of the 28 vehicles of the convoy, 6 were marshalls, one in front and one at the back, and each on either side to monitor, guide and support. They were all tuned to the specified frequency. Bijoy's radio was causing constant disturbance, and he borrowed one from Niks, the marshall, and our vehicle was thus constantly in the loop of communication, whereas, most of the freshers being introduced to the desert drive didn't have that facility. 

Three or four times, some of the vehicles got stuck - which means almost all get stuck till they are cleared.  Usually, while ascending a sand dune, with loose sand.  At a point, almost mid-way, where the sand dunes had attained comparatively higher altitudes, say some 200 ft (?), the convoy was stopped for the participants to have the feel of the desert, and also for them to have the benefit of the riskier levels of desert drive, with the marshalls deftly displaying such maneuvers.  Archie, the companion of Marshall Sam, with his gentlemanly training, went down the dunes to relieve himself; then climbing up was a task, after failing once, with grit and with the encouragement of the participants, he managed it all the way up.  3 young Malayalee boys who were in one of the cars, showed the spirit to go down the dunes in the loose sand, and climb all the way up. I didn't dare to have any adventure, for the fear of injuring my aging ankle! 

We arrived just in time to have a face to face to meet with the sun gloriously going down.  Overlooking the sand dunes, and the in-land sea (Khor-al-Udeid), across the narrow inlet, it was Saudi Arabia on the south.  The forty odd km of desert ride took almost 2 hours. Marshall Caleb announced free time of 45 minutes - and indicated there were two toilets, one on the west (waters) and the other on the east (the wide and open desert)!

The inland sea (Khor or Khawr) of Udeid, was languid and warm, but cool for the summer times. The Europeans on the convoy got transformed into fish in the waters, floating, swimming - with the whole family - man, woman and kids; There were just Indian families who had brought children along the trip.  They too were rather comfortable in the shallow waters.  After quite some time, I too was in the sea waters, with proper gear.  With my level of confidence, I stuck to the safe shallow waters, as the sun went down. 

A Malayali, with his young son, entered the waters, and in close distance from the shore, he lost balance due to sudden/unexpected dip of the floor, and cried out 'help, help'... and the Italians who were close by, came and pulled him up. He seems to have gulped some sea water... but was okay.  His wife was on the shore and shouted for help when he cried out.  They got steady, and he came back sportively, but the young boy, who had been trained in swimming, was reluctant to enter water again. 

There was a briefing on the club activities. A square was created with Marshalls' cars being parked to form a space in between them. And the basic safety,  and  mandatory recovery kit; and the advanced recovery kit (mandatory for those who graduate beyond junior level). A key tool is a shovel, preferably a sturdy, light-weight, aluminum one. Many were inspired to join, others would continue to test the 'waters' in the desert!  They organise rides almost every week - for all the 3 levels, and sometimes, even on Saturdays, and other holidays.  According to them, the ride is about meeting and merging of 3 factors - the rider, the vehicle and the sand - a trinitarian harmony!! And sand varies - from time to time, place to place, weather to weather. 

The ride has four principles - safety & not to panic, recovery kit, follow the instructions and finally, protect the environment (the riders are urged to carry a waste bin, and to ensure that they don't further degrade the environment.  A good thinking. 

The return is marked by a SNAKE FORMATION at the start.  The cars move from the starting point following the piloting marshal, taking several winding turns, resembling the movement of a snake, so that the marshals get sufficient time to ensure that all have joined the convoy. We returned on a faster and sturdier route, with very minimum of risky/soft patches, with the cars gaining speed anywhere between 50 and 80 kms, in spite of the track being not laid.  

Another month, and it is said that it will be camping season, and the best of the camping spots will be booked by influential Qataris, and the area around Mesaieed, industrial town of Qatar, enroute these spots in the South will all be busy with temporary shops, food stalls for the campers etc. At the start point, there was arrangement for the tyres to be inflated again for the regular ride, without having to hunt for that service elsewhere. 

It was a great company - their coming together was on the sole theme of desert drive and thrill out of that encounter.  There were Egyptians, Italians, French, Americans, English, Inidans, Palestinians... perhaps, a few others...I would have loved to have some Pakistanis too in the company. 

I felt fascinated, still interested in exploring the higher level rides, but not really fascinated to do the drives.  Dekha jai! 

To my surprise and disappointment, couldn't spot a single animal or bird, other than a rare canine specimen, that came to the departing point, perhaps, with the hope of some advantageous scavenging. 

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