November 25, 2023
Having had 3 transfers with almost 13 hours of bus ride from Bangalore, I managed to arrive at my familiar (not any more!) Kalamassery at 6.15 am! When I counted the comparably less cost incurred in my travel, and the weight of my two small bags (on account of the American sweets for friends here, almost 3 additional kilos), I decided to indulge in the luxury of an autorickshaw ride - Rs. 50.00 for just about 1 km ride is still not palatable for me! I ask the driver what is the minimum rate, and he confesses it is Rs. 30.00. However, I don't haggle. I reach the comfort of my spacious room, which is kept unlocked - but not having tended to for past 3 months, it gives the feel of damp air. I have a quick bath and get ready for the Church, only to discover that the community mass is to be in the evening in connection with the feast of Christ the King. Apt time to be here!
My dentist has dithered - she says that the appointment has to be postponed, as they have to attend a funeral. I have no other go. Just before my departure to the US she had revealed to me after her facile discovery of a huge cavity in my left molar teeth of the lower jaw, which was so deep that it cannot be filled, but only pulled. But that required surgical procedures which would take at least a few days. But I have enough items on my 'to do list' for the day.
I get ready and move to Ernakulam, first to listen to my good friend and confrere - the multifaceted, irrepressible Dr. George Athappally, perhaps the only person privileged to have had Dr. Abdul Kalam as his Ph D guide. The computer scientist that he is, makes him desperate after finding the several possibiities of manipulations in the voting machine. He wants that to be presented to the judiciary, at least when someone shows a semblance of wisdom and justice is the chief. But there is hardly anyone to listen to him, accept his proof, and take up the cause. He thinks I could be of some use linking with some lawmakers or influential people. No great chance! I suggest MLA Prathapan, or VD Satheesahan. But I am still not sure whether any one of them would be genuinely interested and even if convinced, would stand up for a fight against the prevailing system.
Before reaching Lisie hospital, I pass by my alma mater (grades V to VII - a long story behind my joining there). It occurs to me that I should stop over and say hello to the head of the institution. As expected it is a lady (unthinkable in our times, with no female student or a single female teacher around), Sr Alphonsa. She recognizes me quickly as the brother of her erstwhile colleague, Merlin. Happily, I say hello, get a picture clicked with her to post in our XA group.
My next destination is the treasury pension office - as a pensioner, I ought to appear there some time, to get updates and to ensure that I am still alive to receive a pension of the state. What a privilege! But as usual, we do not know how to go about it, and though the staff are cooperative, yet far from being friendly. I feel there should be someone to assist the pensioners as to what is to be done, and how to go about, as they are getting aged, and are not all that adept at getting things done. Perhaps, this could be a good opportunity for some of the pensioners to take turns and be a volunteer there to guide those who come there! I am asked to get a form downloaded and printed and signed. They ask for some email which I am not aware of. I agree to their directions and go out.
There is my brother solicitous to meet me, and I stop over at Girinagar. He is temporarily in a rented house, while his own house is getting spruced up for the daughter's wedding. It is almost like rebuilding. Better be careful if and when you construct a house, so that such repairs could be avoided. Now this is all possible. I say hello to them and depart to treasury again, as my colleague has found a supportive staff at the treasury who would help me. I reach back, and find Ms Soumya who tries to be of help. But all said and done, finally, the specific form or letter as indicated by the officer earlier has to be obtained. No other way but to search for it online or wait for it by email. At the college Saju and Babu, my former colleagues spend some time to get it sorted out, but finally it has to come from the AG's office to my mail.
In the meanwhile, there is a gathering of IQAC to felicitate Sreejith, my former student, colleague for 10 years+ and IQAC officer for the past 13 years, and also his wife and our councillor Ms Rakhee. They were a perfect couple for the campus - no-nonsense, professional, versatile, ready to be of service. It is a loss that they are leaving. I too join the gang to greet them and share my good impressions about them. Prior to that, there was discussion on criteria 7, and I have plenty of suggestions in that regard, only if they are willing to go the extra mile. There is a group photo. I make a post on the FB and also write a blog on these worthy colleagues. The IQAC meeting is also about business, and though I was not expected to be part of the business meeting, I have many things to suggest for implementation, which I share at the slightest indication from the team.
I go to the monastery but no one is around to be met. I collect a new 'diners card' offered by HDFC for free. Yet to discover what it implies and what it could benefit the user.
Then there is a stopover at Kunjamma's place - to say hello to Joseph chettan, who appears to be making it a habit to give all concerned some terror, by collapsing devoid of Sodium. He is almost back to normal, but both of them now do not dare to venture out even to the Church just 300 mts away. I give them some fruits - big sita phal, instead of the unhealthy sweets or other bakery stuff. Even the health of these fruits is questionable! I wonder how far the recepients would be happy to have them instead of those typical fancy sweets!
I make use of the opportunity to halt at IMA centre, and do my 'routine' blood donation (sincerely trusting it is now more than 100 times). The place is under repair, so, some of the formalities are done away with, and with my being a regular donor things are expedited. HB level is seen to be very satisfactory. I refuse their refreshments - tetra pack juice & good day biscuits - as I consider them not fit for a health centre. Point hat out to them again - I know it is not of great use.
I have another stopover - to greet Aetty - the incorrigible, adamant Aetty of past her 80s. But she appeared more pleasant and sprightly. I give her sitaphal and sweet Passion Fruit. All these sans any wrapper! She is anxious to treat me with a toffee compulsorily. I have to give in. Then she orders coffee, which she holds in her hand and spills while I am attending a phone call from my dentist. I speak fiercely through my teeth: Aetty keep that there, and forcefully take that away from her. Aetty has the sharpness to remind me that it was high time I left the domain of going about institutions and focussed on the gospel and sharing of the same with others. I am in agreement. But make the excuse of the lack of charism and/or the vow of obedience. She is unhappy that I am leaving quickly and is determined to get down the stairs to see me off. I fear for her, and ask some of the people there to ensure that she gets back to her room safe. But they say they can't do anything about her, as she is so fiercely determined. And unless we have ample time, we can't afford to be with her, as she appears to be unable to grasp what we say or see us clearly, claiming that she has lost those two faculties.
That was a long day, and I reach back to join the vespers of the titular feast of Christ the King.
So many stops, so many people and interactions - all this is made possible on account of two things -1) one is willing to go after such things and 2) my bike is readily available for me to move around. Even with a bicycle, perhaps, I could have achieved this stretch, but with a car - I seriously doubt. A motor bike is thus a midway option between convenience-comfort, mobility-access and carbon footprint-sustainability.
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