ഒരു ക്രൈസ്തവ സുസ്ഥിര ഹരിത ഭവന നിർമ്മിതിക്കായി - വാസ്തു ശില്പി ദമ്പതികൾ

ആഗസ്ത് 25, 2024 

പ്രിയ കോർ എപ്പിസ്കോപ്പ ജോൺ  സാമുവേൽ അച്ചാ, ഞങ്ങളുടെ കുടുംബത്തിലെ തല മൂത്ത സി. എലിസബത്ത് - ഏട്ടി,  പ്രിയമുള്ളവരേ, 

എന്റെ  മിടുക്കിയായ അനന്തരവൾ ലിസ തെരേസ - കേരള അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിൽ നടന്ന പ്രവേശന പരീക്ഷയിൽ പ്രഥമ സ്ഥാനം കരസ്ഥമാക്കിയാണ് വാസ്തുശില്പ വിദ്യയിൽ ബിരുദം നേടിയത്.  അധികമൊന്നും സംസാരിക്കില്ലെങ്കിലും സ്വന്തം ബോദ്ധ്യങ്ങൾ അനുസരിച്ച് ജീവതത്തിൽ തീരുമാനമെടുക്കാം എന്ന് കാണിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ് ഈ തെരഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിലൂടെ.  ലിജോയും ഒരു ബഹു മിടുക്കനാണെന്ന് ഇന്ന് കാഴചയിലൂടെയും, ഇത്ര ചെറുപ്പത്തിൽ കൈവരിച്ച നേട്ടങ്ങളുടെ പട്ടികയിലൂടെയും, ഒരു ചെറുപ്പക്കാരനായ സംരംഭകനാണെന്നതിലൂടെയും   തെളിയുന്നു. 

ഓരോ വ്യക്തിക്കും സ്വന്തം ജീവിതം സംബന്ധിച്ച കാര്യങ്ങളിൽ തീരുമാനം എടുക്കാൻ സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം ഉണ്ടാകണം എന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കുന്ന ഒരു രാഷ്ട്രത്തിൽ,  അത് ഇപ്രകാരം ചുരുങ്ങിയ ഇടങ്ങളിൽ എങ്കിലും  നടന്നു കാണുന്നതിൽ ദൈവത്തിന്  നന്ദിപറയുകയും, അതിന്  കളമൊരുക്കിയ ലിസയുടെ മാതാപിതാക്കൾ - എന്റെ അനുജനും അനുജത്തിയും, അതുപോലെ തന്നെ  ലിജോയുടെയും  മാതാവ്, കുടുംബ അംഗങ്ങൾ  എന്നിവരെ ദൈവ നാമത്തിൽ അഭിനന്ദിക്കുന്നു. 

എന്റെ അനുജൻ സജുവിന്റെയും മെറിയുടെയും വിവാഹം 28 വര്ഷം മുൻപ്, കൃത്യമായി പറഞ്ഞാൽ, ആഗസ്ത് 26ന് ,  ദൈവനാമത്തിൽ ആശീർവാദിക്കാൻ എന്നെ അനുവദിച്ച ദൈവ കാരുണ്യം ഈ അവസരത്തിൽ നന്ദിയോടെ ഓർത്തു ഞാൻ അവരെ അവിടത്തെ തൃക്കരങ്ങളിൽ  സമർപ്പിക്കുന്നു. അവർക്ക് അനുമോദനങ്ങൾ അർപ്പിക്കുന്നു. 

തങ്ങളുടെ പാരമ്പര്യത്തെയും ഇഷ്ടത്തെയുംകാൾ ഈ യുവാക്കളുടെ നന്മയും ജീവതത്തിലെ തീരുമാനങ്ങൾ എടുക്കുവാനുള്ള കഴിവും  മുന്നിൽ കണ്ട അവരുടെ സന്മനസ്സിനെ  നമിക്കുന്നു. ഇവയിലെല്ലാം എന്റെ ഇഷ്ടമല്ല പിതാവേ അവിടുത്തെ ഇഷ്ടം നിറവേറട്ടെ (Lk 22:42) എന്ന് പറഞ്ഞു പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ച ഈശോ മിശിഹായുടെ മനോഭാവം നമ്മിൽ ഓരോരുത്തരിലും, പ്രത്യേകിച്ച് ഈ പുതിയ കുടുംബത്തിന് രൂപം നൽകാൻ തീരുമാനിച്ചു വന്നിരിക്കുന്ന ക്രിസ്തു ശിഷ്യരായ ഈ യുവ വിവാഹാർത്ഥികളിലും  ഉണ്ടാകാൻ  നമുക്ക് പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കാം (Phil 2:5).

സുവിശേഷത്തിൽ വിവാഹത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും വിവാഹരഹിത സമർപ്പണത്തെക്കുറിച്ചും പരാമർശിക്കുമ്പോൾ, വളരെ പ്രസക്തമായ ഒരു കാര്യം കർത്താവായ ഈശോ പറയുന്നുണ്ട്:  വരം ലഭിച്ചവർക്ക് മാത്രമേ ഇത് സാദ്ധ്യമാകൂ എന്ന് (Mtt 19:11,12).  സാമാന്യത:,  ഇത്  'സമർപ്പിത ജീവിതം' (consecrated life) നയിക്കുന്നവരെ സംബന്ധിച്ചാണ് പരാമര്ശിക്കുക. എന്നാൽ,  ഇക്കാര്യം ഈ രണ്ടു ജീവിതരീതി തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കുമ്പോഴും പ്രസക്തമാണ് എന്ന് ഞാൻ വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു.  ദൈവ വരം ആവശ്യമാണ്.  അത് കിട്ടും.  ഇന്നത്തെ ആധുനിക ഉപഭോഗ  വ്യവസ്ഥിതിയിലെ  'use and throw culture' ൽ നിന്നും രക്ഷപ്പെട്ട്, സ്ഥായിയായ, പരിശുദ്ധ ത്രിത്വമായ ദൈവത്തെപ്പോലെ  പരസ്പരപൂരകങ്ങളായ ബന്ധങ്ങളുടെ, പങ്കുവയ്പ്പിന്റെ ജീവിതം നയിക്കാൻ കൃപാവരം ആവശ്യമാണ്.  അത് ചോദിക്കണം. വിവാഹം എന്ന കൂദാശ വഴി ഈ കൃപാവരം ക്രിസ്തു സാന്നിദ്ധ്യത്തിലൂടെ ലഭ്യമാകുന്നു. 

രക്ഷയുടെ മാർഗ്ഗത്തെക്കുറിച്ച് ഈശോ പറഞ്ഞതെല്ലാം കേട്ട് ചകിതരായ ശിഷ്യന്മാർ പറഞ്ഞു, 'എന്നാൽ വിവാഹം ചെയ്യാതിരിക്കുകയാകും ഭേദം (Mtt 19:10) . അപ്പോൾ ഈശോ പഠിപ്പിച്ചത് ഇങ്ങനെയാണ്:  മനുഷ്യർക്കു അത് അസാദ്ധ്യം, എന്നാൽ ദൈവത്തിന് എല്ലാം സാദ്ധ്യം (Mtt 19:26 - With men it is impossible; but with God everything is possible). 

എല്ലാം സാദ്ധ്യമാക്കുന്ന ദൈവത്തിൽ ശരണപ്പെട്ടു ഇവർ ഈ ബന്ധത്തിൽ ഏർപ്പെടുവാൻ ഞാൻ പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു. അക്കാര്യത്തിൽ ദൈവത്തിൽ ശരണപ്പെട്ട് ജീവിക്കാൻ എന്നും, സാദ്ധ്യമാകുന്നിടത്തോളം ഒരുമിച്ച് ദൈവത്തെ ഓർക്കാൻ ഇവർക്കാകട്ടെ എന്ന് ഞാൻ പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു.

തോബിത്തിന്റെതു പോലെ, എന്നും അങ്ങയെ അനുസ്മരിച്ച് പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ച് ശക്തി സ്വീകരിക്കുന്ന ഒരു കുടുംബമായി ഇവരെ പ്രതിഷ്‌ഠിക്കണമേ.  പരിശുദ്ധ മറിയവും വിശുദ്ധ യൗസേപ്പും നയിച്ച അങ്ങയുടെ കുടുംബം പോലെ, ഇവരുടെ കുടുംബത്തിലും വസിച്ച് കൃപകളാൽ നിറയ്ക്കണമേ! ഇന്ന് ഈ  ഭവനത്തിന്  രക്ഷ കൈവന്നിരിക്കുന്നു എന്ന വാഗ്‌ദാനം എന്നും ഇവരിൽ  .അന്വർത്ഥമാകട്ടെ!

വചന രത്നങ്ങൾ:

1. എഫേസിയർ  5:21-32

While typically the section starting with verse 22 is read, I feel the crucial injunction to every Christian - man and woman - is that of being submissive (not necessarily subjugating or being subjugated), but willing to 'let go' starting with our 'ego'. That is what is mentioned in the letter to Philippians 2:5 as well - the model Christ showed for well-being and peace. The Ephesian text, which otherwise would have been a treatise on patriarchy, is made rather inclusive by this preliminary statement, which is used to be avoided in selected readings for the wedding earlier.  Definitely, the whole of the Bible has been written in a patriarchal context; the changed insights about the world and human beings require re-reading of the texts with such insights:

21 ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെ ഭയത്തില്‍ അന്യോന്യം കീഴ്പെട്ടിരിപ്പിന്‍ .

22 ഭാര്യമാരേ, കര്‍ത്താവിന്നു എന്നപോലെ സ്വന്ത ഭര്‍ത്താക്കന്മാര്‍ക്കും കീഴടങ്ങുവിന്‍ .

23 ക്രിസ്തു ശരീരത്തിന്റെ രക്ഷിതാവായി സഭെക്കു തലയാകുന്നതുപോലെ ഭര്‍ത്താവു ഭാര്യകൂ തലയാകുന്നു.

24 എന്നാല്‍ സഭ ക്രിസ്തുവിന്നു കീഴടങ്ങിയിരിക്കുന്നതു പോലെ ഭാര്യമാരും ഭര്‍ത്താക്കന്മാര്‍ക്കും സകലത്തിലും കീഴടങ്ങിയിരിക്കേണം.

25 ഭര്‍ത്താക്കന്മാരേ, ക്രിസ്തുവും സഭയെ സ്നേഹിച്ചതുപോലെ നിങ്ങളുടെ ഭാര്യമാരെ സ്നേഹിപ്പിന്‍ .

26 അവന്‍ അവളെ വചനത്തോടുകൂടിയ ജലസ്നാനത്താല്‍ വെടിപ്പാക്കി വിശുദ്ധീകരിക്കേണ്ടതിന്നും

27 കറ, ചുളുക്കം മുതലായതു ഒന്നും ഇല്ലാതെ സഭയെ ശുദ്ധയും നിഷ്കളങ്കയുമായി തനിക്കു തന്നേ തേജസ്സോടെ മുന്നിറുത്തേണ്ടതിന്നും തന്നെത്താന്‍ അവള്‍ക്കു വേണ്ടി ഏല്പിച്ചുകൊടുത്തു.

28 അവ്വണ്ണം ഭര്‍ത്താക്കന്മാരും തങ്ങളുടെ ഭാര്യമാരെ സ്വന്ത ശരീരങ്ങളെപ്പോലെ സ്നേഹിക്കേണ്ടതാകുന്നു. ഭാര്യയെ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നവന്‍ തന്നെത്താന്‍ സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നു.

29 ആരും തന്റെ ജഡത്തെ ഒരുനാളും പകെച്ചിട്ടില്ലല്ലോ; ക്രിസ്തുവും സഭയെ ചെയ്യുന്നതു പോലെ അതിനെ പോറ്റി പുലര്‍ത്തുകയത്രേ ചെയ്യുന്നതു.

30 നാം അവന്റെ ശരീരത്തിന്റെ അവയവങ്ങളല്ലോ.

31 അതു നിമിത്തം ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്‍ അപ്പനെയും അമ്മയെയും വിട്ടു ഭാര്യയോടു പറ്റിച്ചേരും; ഇരുവരും ഒരു ദേഹമായിത്തീരും .

32 ഈ മര്‍മ്മം വലിയതു; ഞാന്‍ ക്രിസ്തുവിനെയും സഭയെയും ഉദ്ദേശിച്ചത്രേ പറയുന്നതു. എന്നാല്‍ നിങ്ങളും അങ്ങനെ തന്നേ ഔരോരുത്തന്‍ താന്താന്റെ ഭാര്യയെ തന്നെപ്പോലെ തന്നേ സ്നേഹിക്കേണം. ഭാര്യയോ ഭര്‍ത്താവിനെ ഭയപ്പെടേണ്ടതാകുന്നു.

The whole relationship is based on 'love' and being submissive (Ephesians 5:21) and having the attitude of Christ (Phil 2:5) are actually elaborations of the commandment of love (Jn 15:12). Christian love is not necessarily passion and emotion (though accompanied by passion and emotion, it can be all the more powerful), it is more of a conscious faith choice the believers make after the model of Jesus, who went about doing good (Acts 10:38).  So the basic test of love is whether my daily choices of words, actions, interactions increase good - wellbeing - of the partner, of the family? This is very poetically and emphatically described by St. Paul in one of the most eloquent passages of the 

New Testament: I Cor 13:1-13

1ഞാന്‍ മനുഷ്യരുടെയും ദൂതന്മാരുടെയും ഭാഷകളില്‍ സംസാരിച്ചാലും എനിക്കു സ്നേഹമില്ല എങ്കില്‍ ഞാന്‍ മുഴങ്ങുന്ന ചെമ്പോ ചിലമ്പുന്ന കൈത്താളമോ അത്രേ.

2 എനിക്കു പ്രവചനവരം ഉണ്ടായിട്ടു സകല മര്‍മ്മങ്ങളും സകല ജ്ഞാനവും ഗ്രഹിച്ചാലും മലകളെ നീക്കുവാന്‍ തക്ക വിശ്വാസം ഉണ്ടായാലും സ്നേഹമില്ല എങ്കില്‍ ഞാന്‍ ഏതുമില്ല.

3 എനിക്കുള്ളതെല്ലാം അന്നദാനം ചെയ്താലും എന്റെ ശരീരം ചുടുവാന്‍ ഏല്പിച്ചാലും, സ്നേഹം ഇല്ല എങ്കില്‍ എനിക്കു ഒരു പ്രയോജനവും ഇല്ല.

4 സ്നേഹം ദീര്‍ഘമായി ക്ഷമിക്കയും ദയ കാണിക്കയും ചെയ്യുന്നു; സ്നേഹം സ്പര്‍ദ്ധിക്കുന്നില്ല.

5 സ്നേഹം നിഗളിക്കുന്നില്ല. ചീര്‍ക്കുംന്നില്ല; അയോഗ്യമായി നടക്കുന്നില്ല സ്വാര്‍ത്ഥം അന്വേഷിക്കുന്നില്ല, ദ്വേഷ്യപ്പെടുന്നില്ല, ദോഷം കണക്കിടുന്നില്ല;

6 അനീതിയില്‍ സന്തോഷിക്കാതെ സത്യത്തില്‍ സന്തോഷിക്കുന്നു

7 എല്ലാം പൊറുക്കുന്നു, എല്ലാം വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു, എല്ലാം പ്രത്യാശിക്കുന്നു, എല്ലാം സഹിക്കുന്നു.

8 സ്നേഹം ഒരുനാളും ഉതിര്‍ന്നുപോകയില്ല. പ്രവചനവരമോ, അതു നീങ്ങിപ്പോകും; ഭാഷാവരമോ, അതു നിന്നുപോകും; ജ്ഞാനമോ, അതു നീങ്ങിപ്പോകും.

9 അംശമായി മാത്രം നാം അറിയുന്നു; അംശമായി മാത്രം പ്രവചിക്കുന്നു;

10 പൂര്‍ണ്ണമായതു വരുമ്പോഴോ അംശമായതു നീങ്ങിപ്പോകും.

11 ഞാന്‍ ശിശുവായിരുന്നപ്പോള്‍ ശിശുവിനെപ്പോലെ സംസാരിച്ചു, ശിശുവിനെപ്പോലെ ചിന്തിച്ചു, ശിശുവിനെപ്പോലെ നിരൂപിച്ചു; പുരുഷനായ ശേഷമോ ഞാന്‍ ശിശുവിന്നുള്ളതു ത്യജിച്ചുകളഞ്ഞു.

12 ഇപ്പോള്‍ നാം കണ്ണാടിയില്‍ കടമൊഴിയായി കാണുന്നു; അപ്പോള്‍ മുഖാമുഖമായി കാണും; ഇപ്പോള്‍ ഞാന്‍ അംശമായി അറിയുന്നു; അപ്പോഴോ ഞാന്‍ അറിയപ്പെട്ടതുപോലെ തന്നേ അറിയും,

13 ആകയാല്‍ വിശ്വാസം, പ്രത്യാശ, സ്നേഹം ഈ മൂന്നും നിലനിലക്കുന്നു; ഇവയില്‍ വലിയതോ സ്നേഹം തന്നേ.

ഒരു കുടുംബം പടുത്തുയർത്തുന്നതിൽ ഉത്തരവാദിത്തം ഇരു പങ്കാളികൾക്കും ആണ് എന്നതിൽ തർക്കമില്ല. എന്നിരുന്നാലും, ഇക്കാര്യത്തിൽ, സ്ത്രീക്ക് നിശ്ചയമായും സ്ത്രീസഹജമായ ചില സിദ്ധികൾ വഴി വളരെ ശക്തമായ സ്വാധീനം ചെലുത്താൻ ആകും - ഇതുവരെയുള്ള 'സോഷ്യലൈസേഷൻ' status quo വച്ചിട്ടാണെങ്കിൽ പോലും, ഞാൻ അത് endorse ചെയ്യുന്നു - കാരണം that  works - അത് ഫലവത്താണ്. അതിനെപ്പറ്റി പറയുന്ന ഒരു പ്രചോദക ഭാഗം സുഭാഷിതങ്ങളിൽ നിന്ന് വായിക്കാം.  Again, not denying the patriarch tone of the text.

സുഭാഷിതങ്ങൾ 31:10-31

10 സാമര്‍ത്ഥ്യമുള്ള ഭാര്യയെ ആര്‍ക്കും കിട്ടും? അവളുടെ വില മുത്തുകളിലും ഏറും.

11 ഭര്‍ത്താവിന്റെ ഹൃദയം അവളെ വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നു; അവന്റെ ലാഭത്തിന്നു ഒരു കുറവുമില്ല.

12 അവള്‍ തന്റെ ആയുഷ്കാലമൊക്കെയും അവന്നു തിന്മയല്ല നന്മ തന്നേ ചെയ്യുന്നു.

13 അവള്‍ ആട്ടുരോമവും ചണവും സമ്പാദിച്ചു താല്പര്യത്തോടെ കൈകൊണ്ടു വേലചെയ്യുന്നു.

14 അവള്‍ കച്ചവടക്കപ്പല്‍ പോലെയാകുന്നു; ദൂരത്തുനിന്നു ആഹാരം കൊണ്ടുവരുന്നു.

15 അവള്‍ നന്നരാവിലെ എഴുന്നേറ്റു, വീട്ടിലുള്ളവര്‍ക്കും ആഹാരവും വേലക്കാരത്തികള്‍ക്കു ഔഹരിയും കൊടുക്കുന്നു.

16 അവള്‍ ഒരു നിലത്തിന്മേല്‍ ദൃഷ്ടിവെച്ചു അതു മേടിക്കുന്നു; കൈനേട്ടംകൊണ്ടു അവള്‍ ഒരു മുന്തിരിത്തോട്ടം ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നു.

17 അവള്‍ ബലംകൊണ്ടു അര മുറക്കുകയും ഭുജങ്ങളെ ശക്തീകരിക്കയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.

18 തന്റെ വ്യാപാരം ആദായമുള്ളതെന്നു അവള്‍ ഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു; അവളുടെ വിളകൂ രാത്രിയില്‍ കെട്ടുപോകുന്നതുമില്ല.

19 അവള്‍ വിടുത്തലെക്കു കൈ നീട്ടുന്നു; അവളുടെ വിരല്‍ കതിര്‍ പിടിക്കുന്നു.

20 അവള്‍ തന്റെ കൈ എളിയവര്‍ക്കും തുറക്കുന്നു; ദരിദ്രന്മാരുടെ അടുക്കലേക്കു കൈ നീട്ടുന്നു.

21 തന്റെ വീട്ടുകാരെച്ചൊല്ലി അവള്‍ ഹിമത്തെ പേടിക്കുന്നില്ല; അവളുടെ വീട്ടിലുള്ളവര്‍ക്കൊക്കെയും ചുവപ്പു കമ്പളി ഉണ്ടല്ലോ.

22 അവള്‍ തനിക്കു പരവതാനി ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നു; ശണപടവും ധൂമ്രവസ്ത്രവും അവളുടെ ഉടുപ്പു.

23 ദേശത്തിലെ മൂപ്പന്മാരോടുകൂടെ ഇരിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ അവളുടെ ഭര്‍ത്താവു പട്ടണവാതില്‍ക്കല്‍ പ്രസിദ്ധനാകുന്നു.

24 അവള്‍ ശണവസ്ത്രം ഉണ്ടാക്കി വിലക്കുന്നു; അരക്കച്ച ഉണ്ടാക്കി കച്ചവടക്കാരനെ ഏല്പിക്കുന്നു.

25 ബലവും മഹിമയും അവളുടെ ഉടുപ്പു; ഭാവികാലം ഔര്‍ത്തു അവള്‍ പുഞ്ചിരിയിടുന്നു.

26 അവള്‍ ജ്ഞാനത്തോടെ വായ് തുറക്കുന്നു; ദയയുള്ള ഉപദേശം അവളുടെ നാവിന്മേല്‍ ഉണ്ടു.

27 വീട്ടുകാരുടെ പെരുമാറ്റം അവള്‍ സൂക്ഷിച്ചു നോക്കുന്നു; വെറുതെ ഇരുന്നു അഹോവൃത്തി കഴിക്കുന്നില്ല.

28 അവളുടെ മക്കള്‍ എഴുന്നേറ്റു അവളെ ഭാഗ്യവതി എന്നു പുകഴ്ത്തുന്നു; അവളുടെ ഭര്‍ത്താവും അവളെ പ്രശംസിക്കുന്നതു

29 അനേകം തരുണികള്‍ സാമര്‍ത്ഥ്യം കാണിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടു; നീയോ അവരെല്ലാവരിലും ശ്രേഷ്ഠയായിരിക്കുന്നു.

30 ലാവണ്യം വ്യാജവും സൌന്ദര്യം വ്യര്‍ത്ഥവും ആകുന്നു; യഹോവാഭക്തിയുള്ള സ്ത്രീയോ പ്രശംസിക്കപ്പെടും.

31 അവളുടെ കൈകളുടെ ഫലം അവള്‍ക്കു കൊടുപ്പിന്‍ ; അവളുടെ സ്വന്തപ്രവൃത്തികള്‍ പട്ടണവാതില്‍ക്കല്‍ അവളെ പ്രശംസിക്കട്ടെ.

ക്രൈസ്തവർ എന്ന് അവകാശപ്പെടുന്ന എല്ലാവരും മാതൃകയും ശക്തി സ്രോതസ്സുമായി സ്വീകരിക്കുന്ന ഈശോ മിശിഹാ ഈ ഭൂമിയിൽ  പരസ്യമായി പങ്കെടുത്ത ആദ്യ പരിപാടി ഒരു വിവാഹ വിരുന്നായിരുന്നു. ആദ്യമായി വഴിവിട്ട് ഒരു നന്മ ചെയ്‍തത് ആ കുടുംബത്തിന് മാനം പോകുന്ന ഒന്നും സംഭവിക്കാതിരിക്കാൻ, ആ വിരുന്നിൽ കുറവ് അദ്‌ഭുതകരമായി പരിഹരിച്ച് കൊടുക്കുകയയായിരുന്നു (Jn 2:1-10). 

പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കാം 

ഞങ്ങളുടെ കുറവുകൾ നിറവാക്കാൻ കഴിവുള്ള കർത്താവായ ഈശോയെ ലിസയുടെയും, ലിജുവിന്റെയും ഈ കൂടിച്ചേരലിനെ ആശീർവദിച്ച്, അനുഗ്രഹങ്ങൾ കൊണ്ട് നിറയ്ക്കണമേ.  ഇവരുടെ മാതാപിതാക്കളെ പോലെ,  അനുഗ്രഹീതരായി ജീവിക്കുന്ന അവരുടെയും മാതാപിതാക്കളെ പോലെ, മാതൃകാപരമായി ജീവിക്കുന്ന അനേകം ബന്ധു ജനങ്ങളുടെ പോലെ, ഇവർ സ്ഥാപിക്കുന്ന കുടുംബത്തെയും ആശീർവദിക്കണമേ. 

ദൈവാശ്രയത്വവും പരസ്പര വിശ്വാസവും എന്ന വീഞ്ഞ് തീർന്നു പോകാതെ എന്നും പുതുമയോടെ നില നിർത്താൻ അങ്ങയുടെ സാന്നിദ്ധ്യതതൽ ഇവരെ പ്രാപ്തരാക്കണമേ. 

ഞങ്ങളുടെ പൊതു ഭവനമായ അങ്ങയുടെ ഭൂമിയുടെ പരിപാലകരായി സ്ത്രീയും പുരുഷനുമായി മനുഷ്യരെ അങ്ങയുടെ സാദൃശ്യമായി, സാന്നിദ്ദ്യമായി സൃഷ്ടിച്ച തമ്പുരാനെ, ചുറ്റുപാടിനെ സുസ്ഥിരമായി പരിപാലിക്കുന്ന ഒരു മാതൃകാ ഹരിതഭവനം നിർമിക്കുവാൻ വാസ്തു ശില്പികളായ ഈ യുവദമ്പതികളെ അങ്ങ് അനുഗ്രഹിക്കണമേ. 

മാതാപിതാക്കളെക്കാൾ നന്നായി ഞങ്ങളെ അറിയുന്ന, ഞങ്ങളുടെ നന്മ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന, ഞങ്ങളെ കരുതുന്ന, കാരുണ്യം തന്നെയായ ദൈവമേ, അങ്ങയുടെ തിരുനാമം പൂജിതമാകപ്പെടട്ടെ. ഞങ്ങളുടെ ജീവിതങ്ങൾ അങ്ങാൽ നയിക്കപ്പെടട്ടെ. അങ്ങ് ഞങ്ങളെ ഭരിക്കണമേ. ഞങ്ങളിൽ എന്നും ഇപ്പോഴും അങ്ങയുടെ തിരുമനസ്സ് നിറവേറട്ടെ. ഞങ്ങളുടെ അനുദിന ആവശ്യങ്ങൾ - ഭക്ഷണം, വസ്ത്രം, പാർപ്പിടം, മനഃസമാധാനം - അങ്ങ് നിറവേറ്റണമേ. ഞങ്ങളോട് തിന്മചെയ്തവരോട് ഞങ്ങൾ ക്ഷമിക്കുന്ന പോലെ, ഞങ്ങളുടെ തെറ്റുകളും പൊറുക്കേണമേ. ഞങ്ങൾ പ്രലോഭനത്തിൽ വീഴാൻ ഇട  വരുത്തരുതേ. തിന്മയിൽ നിന്ന് ഞങ്ങളെ രക്ഷിക്കണമേ. 

രാജ്യവും, ശക്തിയും, മഹത്വവും എന്നെന്നും അങ്ങയുടേതാകുന്നു. ആമേൻ. 

ഈശോമിശിഹായുടെ വാഗ്ദാനങ്ങൾക്ക് ഞങ്ങൾ യോഗ്യരാകുവാൻ,

തിരുക്കുടുംബനാഥരായ പരിശുദ്ധ മാതാവേ, വിശുദ്ധ യൗസേപ്പ് പിതാവേ, ഈ പുതിയ കുടുംബത്തിന് വേണ്ടി അപേക്ഷിക്കണമേ. 

കുടുംബപ്രേഷിതനായ വിശുദ്ധ ചാവറയാച്ചാ, ഈ കുടുംബത്തിനുവേണ്ടി അപേക്ഷിക്കണമേ. 

Bicycle Ride along the Hilly Kochi and Meeting People of my History

I got this blue & silver BSA bicycle somewhere around 2002. I think it had a name - i-bike. Now the name has been smudged, and I am not able to fully make out the name on the bike. Its original shape resembles the one given in the picture. Our young neighbour and friend Jeffrin at Rajagiri wanted to get rid of his bike and he approached me asking if I would take it.  I was not very keen. The one I was using was a much better version with very good shock absorber and gear suited for the undulated terrain of Kalamassery.  But somehow it got into bad repair, and our young kitchen assistant was keen to get that if I were to dispose it off. I had bought it in 1997 for about Rs. 2500.00. He agreed to give me Rs. 1000.00 in instalments and I let him have it. And then, there comes the request from Jeffrin.  With some reluctance I purchased it for Rs. 1000.00. I don't think we had any haggling on that. Apparently, he needed some money and in those days, even Rs. 1000.00 was not a small amount - especially for a student; and even for a religious like me.

Since then, this lady's cycle, with no gears (single speed), with a peculiar handlebar and braking system had been my companion bicycle. When I got transferred to Thevara, I took that along. After shifting my stuff by car, I came back another day to pick up the cycle and rode it to Thevara. In Thevara, I discovered a discarded race bicycle when we cleaned up the store - that was in 2010. I got it repaired, and my good bicycle friend Denny got a gear system fixed onto it.  It was done by Murugan and it cost about Rs. 3000.00. I learnt to ride that and I could go at a fairly good speed, and with hands off the handle.  It was fun. We had a trip to Munnar - since I had no day to spare, this bicycle was taken to Munnar by car, and I travelled during the night and reached Munnar early morning.  Then Dr Shaji, Denny, Anand and I rode the bikes to Kochi - around 140 kms.  That was fun. There was a reconnaissance vehicle - I don't know who drove that. Anyway, my good friend Thomas was there till Nellimattam on that. 

I was content to celebrate my 50th birthday solemnly (in 2014, as usual, privately) riding that bike from somewhere near Thiruvalla to Pampa altogether 90 kilometres on the hills - though I would have loved to do a para-jump like the venerable Sr George Bush.  Our trio - Dennis, Dr Shaji and me, managed to maintain a position between 40 and 50, among the 110 odd participants, most of them regular bikers, much younger and equipped with much better bikes. Later, with the same bike, I joined a brevet of 200 kms (altogether 222 kms) from Kaloor to Athirappally and back in 13 hours. (Now that bike is found discarded at SH Monastery parking lot. Apparently nobody is game for that old bike). 

It was this Denny, who had also completed 600 kms and 1200 kms randonneues, who met with an accident near his home in Kalamassery and was almost incapacitated in the past 8 years. Now he is halfway back to normalcy - can speak, understand, walk wobbly, and remember many things though some of the items of the past - people & events -  have been totally deleted.  Thank God, he is alive and is struggling back to normalcy - the support of his wife and 3 lovely kids, and of his maternal uncle, Dr Shaji a bio-chemistry scientist, industrialist and bicycle enthusiast had been commendable in all this. 

Today, they were here - at my request, Dr Shaji brought Denny and 2 of his kids (Rajagiri students) and we spent some time talking, and praying.  When I blessed Denny, he too blessed me, and made a sign of the cross on me. 

A Ride on Kochi Hills 

After almost 3 months, I was using my BSA bicycle - it is kept unlocked at the Provincial House, but hardly anyone uses it. If at all someone wants to use a bicycle, there are better bicycles there. I had inflated its tyres last time I had come, had corrected its pedal riding all the way up to Aluva (8 kms) to get that done. On arrival from UP, I found the bike neglected, tyres deflated. I inflated it, and even after 3 days, they are intact. The rim of the wheels and the frame are gradually gathering rust. The humble silver-coated machine is getting almost near its silver jubilee. 

Yesterday, I took it out for a ride along the hilly terrains of Kochi - to our Prior General's house at Chavara Hills, Kakkanadu.  Just about 10 kms away.  Could visit our Fr General and get my daily workout done. I didn't attempt to scale all the steep inclines riding, as my crumbling knees could not afford it. However, in less than 30 mts I was there.  Met the general and enquired after his khushaal. He enquired if I had to 'share something' - that is very natural. Hardly anyone comes to make a courtesy call. Always having an agenda - an axe to grind - maintaining the relationship is not generally an agenda.  At times, people are surprised - 'why did you come?' 'just like that'.  'Oh come on! What is it about?'   'Nothing.  Just to say hello'.  

Our watchman at the PG house Mr Pauly was not amused that a bicycle-riding commoner had come into the glorious precincts of the CMI headquarters - parked the bicycle right in front, had entered the PG house and had gone in.  He had gone for a minute to relieve himself, and from the washroom window, he observed this uncommon entity of an old man on a bicycle riding uphill and going into the house. He somehow managed to get out of the washroom and hurried in looking for this man. How dare such a commoner come into this sanctum sanctorum thus - Perhaps, in his whole tenure, he might not have seen a CMI coming riding a bicycle, even a motorbike riding CMI would be a rare specimen for the PG house.  They expect the priests to come in a car, or in exceptional cases, perhaps come by an autorickshaw or Uber taxi, if they were dependent on public transport.  So he was not amused, but I was, Fr General put him at ease. 

Fr General wore a pleasant look and appeared in good health after his kidney transplant.  He recalled our 47-year-old association - I as a schoolboy at SH Thevara and him as a scholastic for UG programme in Chemistry at SHC Thevara. That was good. I made a tour of the campus with my batchmate and our finance secretary Rev. Paulson - the campus has grown greener, the trees have grown big.  and the building is being stretched to the boundaries to accommodate delegates for any possible meet at the general level.  The cruel ways in which the land is exploited by the users is having its impact on the campus with the eastern boundary sliced off sharply at almost 90 degrees by our neighbour to maximise profit, now crumbling down, and requiring a retention wall which could cost millions! 

To my gladness I observe a Noni tree, rather full-grown and bearing abundant fruit - I recall Prof KV Peter of Agricultural University promoting Noni products in a big way. I also see that Wisteria had grown into a great pandal with flowers and cool green shade; however, the exotic plant is said to grow very strong and widespread roots all around, likely to damage the adjacent humanly erected structures - buildings and roads. The sapling I had planted at SH has grown and started flowering, I should warn my successors of these consequences.

A Chance Meeting with Justice Cyriac Joseph

Then riding back, I notice on the way 'Justice Villa' and the name board of Justice Cyriac Joseph - once upon a time our inspiring President of KCSL.  I decide to stop over, knock and see if he was around. And I did. And the Justice came out, after an initial moment of recollection, could place me (I believe so), and received me and we had a long conversation on his experiences as a young leader and later on as Justice in different parts of the country - how the CMIs were in his life, especially Fr Austin, his tenure as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand and association with our members and institutions in those areas; again as CJ of Karnataka and the occasion of inaugurating the law school at Christ university.  I learnt that it was the golden jubilee of his wedding - August 25th, and they were looking forward to an opportune time to celebrate the same. I click a picture with him and depart. 

Yes, I do recall him as an inspirational leader. I attended many KCSL camps with him, where I had some important role as a student leader. I made some caustic remarks during the evaluation of a camp, perhaps trying ot make an impression or thinking that was being fashionable. My mentor Fr Earathara was annnoyed, and he expressed the same in as many words.  However, Adv Cyriac Joseph intervened - He said that if the youngsters feel something is amiss let us relook at them, and try to improve.  However, I was embarrassed - I don't think I had really something to say, but I still fumbled something sensible I think. He recalled many students (especially Vinson Xavier, my junior in school and a good friend) and animators associated with KCSL and said that he had been the President for a record 12 years, almost always spending money from his pocket for his various travels associated with the league. 

Vijobhavan - Priesthome and Some Palakkapilly Links

I move further and seeing the Priest Home for the aged, Vijobhavan, stop over.  This is the place where many of our beloved pastors spent their last days - I remember Frs. Malamel, Kakkattuchira...I enquire with the unfriendly appearing receptionist cum support staff there (that is what people holding any responsibility in Keralam think - they ought to be rude and brusque - it's the combination - commifeudalism - though these people are neither commi nor feudal, but that is the culture built up over the years) regarding the present inmates.  As I revealed my identity as a priest he comes forth with some details, and I notice that many are known to me. I decide to say hello to them - Fr Vayalikodath immediately recognizes me and warmly enquires after, and we connect again, sharing our WhatsApp numbers. I meet Fr  on the way and he is happy to see me. But I have no great association with him. Then I search for Fr Zacharias Paranilam and we get into a prolonged conversation which unfolds some Palakkappillil story - though that takes up time beyond my budgeted time, I still listen to eagerly. 

His mother Eliswa is from Palakkappilly Koonamveedu which has almost come to nil with our generation. Her father was Scaria.  Scaria's mother was from the Vadayar Chakkunkal family. 

Ammini chechi almost as old as my eldest sister is the only daughter of that branch of Palakkappilly and she is now married to James of a Manayath family - people used to call them cross belt, as his father used to wear a traditional Kerala shawl - randam mundu - across his arms in an impressive manner) and she is having four daughters and thus there ends Koonamveedu Palakkappilly and even Kanatt branch of James. But his younger brothers - my contemporaries - Thaddeus and Simon, excellent athletes, are still there, said to be settled in Switzerland.

I have often found Fr Paranilam at some of our functions, but I did not know how exactly was his connection. His mother was the eldest of 3 daughters followed by a brother Chackochan. So the mother was bit too taxed with the care of the 3 kids in quick succession, and a way out was sought. Then came the aunt at Vyttila who was without any issues and volunteered to take care of one of them.  And she took away the eldest, and brought her up as her own daughter.  She did schooling up to IV or V grade which was too good for those times. The adoptee mother and the daughter developed a very close bond that when the father of Eliswa came to take her back when she was some 12 year old, she refused.  However, the father would have nothing to do with her refusal and took her back home by force.  Admitted her to a school at Perumanur.  On the very first day, she walked off the school to Vyttila (some 6 kilometres away - perhaps, having to cross one or two canals en route) and there was no more coercion to come back. 

After a while, the adoptee mother, who had lost her husband and having no children,  prepared a will by which her estate would belong to the adopted daughter, with a condition that she herself was taken care of by the daughter's family till her end. This was thus carried out. However, nobody bothered about the property being there at Vyttila. 

And when the normal time of marrying the daughter off came, she was married to the Paranilam family of Chalakkudy.  This was also a great family with a glorious past now towards decline - but having a lot of farming and related assets like hordes of cattle. Fr Zacharias recalls the three-storeyed ancestral home, which was later purchased by the CMIs of Sagar Province.  To cut the long story short, the new bride was not at home at this farming environment. The bridegroom, having been a meek person, decided to shift to Kochi with his bride so as to make her at home. 

At this juncture, it was recalled that the bride had a property in her name with a house and all necessary systems to support a family.  Hence it was decided that the couple to be housed at this Vyttila estate, and thus Zacharias who is originally from Chalakkudy Paranilam, came to be a native of Vyttila. 

Scaria's younger brother George was a Police Inspector, who got settled at Mala (Muttikkal Parish) from where his wife, who inherited her ancestral property hailed.  His son Thomas inherited the paternal property at Perumanur and in Vyttila and his children are George and Babu.  Thomas chettan and his wife, the then senior most members of the Palakkappillil family died recently. 

That much engaged listening, and Fr Zacharias gifted me with his jubilee book - vachana cherathukal. I received gracefully - not sure of reading it, but still aware of my bad habit of trying to do that when any book is gifted. But, lo & behold, I rushed through it in 2 days time: and I would recommend it for a reading by the faithful, and even by the clergy.

To me, it served as a useful revision of some Theology, Ecclesiology and Comparative Religion (don't know if the term is right).  Some of the articles, especially the ones on culture and implied incarnational theology are very appealing to me, and I feel the Catholic church is still a slave of the Greco-Roman world view and cannot free itself from its hegemony, and hence, I am afraid, the gospel suffers.  There could be a much deeper dialogue between Hinduism and Christianity and an understanding of Christ and his message from an Indian worldview - especially Vedantic, I feel.  (I am no authority to make any such statements; however, I had felt so).

Grateful for Life 

With the onset of osteoarthritis, I am now troubled mildly with quick movements of my feet - walking, jogging, running etc are becoming tough. The doctor advises that one should avoid activities that cause extra stress to the knees which will expedite the deterioration - squats, hiking etc. to be avoided. walking on level planes may not adversely affect the condition. And my left elbow was severely hurting on account of tennis elbow, and the right shoulder, with a recurrent, slipped shoulder (the last incidence being yesterday). So the ride made me feel happy, energised and confident  - that even at this stage, in spite of all this, I am able to do a ride of 20 kms in an undulated terrain. Deo Gracias! 

Indian Roads again and the Public Transport Experience

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Not that I had not been using public transport during my busy career days as a SW educator, and later, as the HoI of a leading HEI of Keralam. But occasions were very limited, and it was Keralam. Now back to UP after 3 decades, I am observing with interest what the public transport experience of this enormously huge state. In less than 1 year I already had three long rides. 

Bus services in general have improved a great deal. The buses, the seats, the frequency, parallel services etc are much better. The roads definitely are - with the added national highways and expressways and the improved state highways.

In western & central UP, we have buses of UP roadways, Uttarakhand Parivahan Nigam, Delhi Transport Corporation, and not so infrequent Haryana, Punjab, Himachal & Rajasthan transport corporations. 

After the CMI gathering at  Coimbatore on our responses to our Common Home (where we discussed use of Public Transport as an indicator of our committment to our Common Home), I get a ride to Kochi airport as my good friend was travelling in the direction by the official Innova car. The odd 160 kms are covered in 3 hours & 15 mts. My attempt at online check-in with Air India is somehow converted into a Digi yatra in spite of not having the required app. That makes the various entry points at the airport easier. 

The flight takes off 15 mts late, but does a smooth landing at 11.50 pm 15 mts ahead of schedule. It takes half an hour to get out and almost 12.40 when I am finally ready to get to ISBT Kashmiri Gate. The prepaid taxi requires Ra 2500. An Uber biker induces me for a bike ride  and shows the Uber bid of Rs 460. It's a tough ride of around 45 minutes, and the last leg requires my assistance with waze support. He has managed to trick the arch Trickster like Uber while getting the benefits of the Uber label to get his due. I have no quarrel. 

It's past 1.50 am. And I find no direct services to Bijnor direction. My past experience of 1980s prompts me to take the Haridwar bus ready to move. It takes off at 2 am. The driver is very accommodating - he stops by a pan shop where one of the apparently inebriated young riders can get some bidi. The privileged seat across from the driver is given to another 2 so that they could have their fag while the bus is in motion. Apparently, a gracious gesture meant not to cause disturbance to fellow riders! 

The other bunch is making boisterous comments ranging from Har Har gange to Modi zindabad (more in a sense of disapproval than respect), feeling hungry etc. Finally forcing the conductor to warn him, and eventually show him the door forcefully. Fortunately, it ended there. No violence. I resigned to putting up with the smoking. Didn't just feel like challenging.  Halfway, I find an empty three-seater and managed to stretch on it till Haridwar. We are there by 5.50 am. I get a bus to Najibabad without delay, salute ganga mayya from the bus, and notice the drastic changes brought about on the tarmac patch running through the forest and farmlands. Just 15 kms before Najibabad, they stop for breakfast and I manage to get down at the Bijnor mode, just about 300 mts. From the ashram. It is some 300 kms and the cost is Rs 460.

Evening, I plan to board any bus going in the direction of Lucknow to reach Sitapur early morning. Fr Vijay takes initiative to arrange for a seat I  teh Lucknow bus from Haridwar with a driver Madan, a catholic, who drives the roadways on that route. I wait at the bus stop from 5.10. I get a call from the conductor Neeraj that they are not far away. It arrives at 5.25, I board and get the most comfortable seat with free space to stretch my leg - the double seat behind the first seat across from the driver. The google map indicates it is 395 kms. The ticket is for Rs 645. But the bus is not moving - a family comes out with an old man who needs to empty his bowels. He needs the support of his aging wife to accomplish it, and wash himself clean? Right in front of everyone - and all are putting up with it with no murmur.  The old man appears unconcerned about anything other than taking his next wavering step and be back on the bus. That duly accomplished, the bus moves and leaves Najibabad township only to turn in the opposite direction and stop for another 20 minutes for tea and snacks. These dhabas have greatly improved, with tolerably clean toilet facilities, snacks and typical North Indian food. I feel least attracted to any of the items including the kulhad tea. The noticeable addition is the welcoming announcement regarding the food with the warning that the bus will now go nonstop. 

The bus proceeds further and a very heavy rain lashes out at it, making the ride cool, but visibility minimal. The wipers are not functioning, both the driver & conductor make some effort to clean the glass. By now we are at Dhampur and they locate a small workshop, get a screwdriver, do some maneuvering to get them work. This is very unlike our KSRTC where the duo would have happily called off the trip,  calling up the office, and leaving the riders to fend for themselves, except for the support in putting them up on the next bus. Another 20 mts! And the rain is also gone. 

2 hours gone it has covered just about 30 kms. And from the target of 12.05 waze indicates now 1.24 am!  The bus moves on away from the expressway, and we are confronted with loud wailing from behind - I guess it is from a child who is looking for her dad gone out and not returned; but the wailing is persistent, the child appears inconsolable, while she babbles about the 'baba', and there is some effort by the fellow passengers to put her at ease. We realise that the senior person who had the problem with his bowels has now reached his destination - not the planned Lucknow hospital, but the ultimate one! That was why the young woman, presumably his daughter, was inconsolable. Now this has to be tackled. Another 10 kms or so, the bus stops by Kaanth Thaana in Muradabad, and another hour, police reporting is done, now the family is at peace, and the trip resumes.  All are at their ease and pace.  And the baba is made comfortable on his seat by his wife. At rare intervals, the muffled cries of the daughter emerge. At Rampur, the conductor tries to comfort the family by bringing some tea for them. I am at a loss as to what I could do to make things better.  I say a small silent prayer. 

There is another break for 15 mts. The bus has blocked off cars parked in the bus yard unauthorised.. They ask to adjust the bus so that they could go. There is no big argument - the driver comes back and adjusts the bus so that the unauthorised vehicles could get away without trouble. 

10.40 pm. It's now 5 hours of the trip. And we have covered just about 170 kms. The last stretch from Dhampur seemed to have been mainly through a forest patch. Now, we are on the expressway which means no humps, no red lights and greater speed. And the waze indicates the target time as 2.20 am. But I observe that even on the best stretches, the bus does not exceed 80 km. The conductor explains that the speed is limited by default. 

I doze off for a good 2 hours and find the suave driver unfamiliar to this route struggling to turn the vehicle back, having missed Shajahanpur. He has to trace back another 3 kilometres to find the stop. 

Now finally, the conductor Mr  Neeraj is at peace. He relaxes into the front seat parallel to the driver's seat and enjoys a fag. I am in no mood for arguments or adjustments. He gives the plan for the babaji for whom his people would arrive at a pre-determined spot.  

Contrasting Employee Responses: A family wants to get down at a convenient location before the Migelganj station - he facilitates that. It's late night. The family is made comfortable. That is in sharp contrast with Kerala conductors who work to rule in 'their best interests' - exceptions notwithstanding. I began this trip with a ride in a packed FP bus to Muvattupuzha from Karingachira. I had to get down at a convenient location to move to the private bus stand. When I told this to the young lady conductor she admonished me - oh you should have gotten down there and got into a private bus. (My all-grey [white] beard, apparently does not yet cut a venerable old figure with people it seems - at least no one shows the sympathy one ought to get at 60 of being a senior citizen.) The bus had just left the stop. She could very well have stopped the bus once again. I thought the bus would stop at the next junction, from where we could get a bus or an auto. But no! Then some youngsters pulled the bell string and the bus halted. I was about to get out, and then there was an argument between them and the conductor, and the bus moved on, and with my age and baggage, I didn't want to run the risk. A fierce argument erupted between the two parties and by then the bus reached the bus stand. I slipped out quietly while the argument continued. 

Here, I find the conductor directing the bus for a detour just to help the people of the Babaji (he was sporting a Gheruva dhoti & shirt, and was sporting long hair and a beard) to receive him into the awaiting tractor with ease. That is done. And that is the farewell trip. The driver had turned off the music after the news of his death by way of showing respect to the departed fellow traveller and his family. 

Contrast: At Muvattupuzha bus stand, the auto wallah asked Rs.60 for the trip which would have cost me. Rs. 40 if she were to let me off earlier. I didn't haggle. On reaching, I asked the driver politely if he would have change for Rs 40. He reacts rather fiercely arguing that it was Rs 60. I said peaceably that I did not ask for any less! Here in Sitapur, I cover a much longer distance by e-rickshaw and I pay Rs 50 happily for me and him, that too at midnight. What does that speak of? Standard of living or coat of living or organised labour power?  (However, the e-rickshaw ride along the bumpy 4 km track was really back-breaking! Unless you adjust yourself according to the bumps, you are bound to have the impact on your vertebral column without fail! I feared if the driver was being vindictive in some fashion.  Perhaps, the driver seat does not get the impact as would the passenger).

It's 3 am. In less than 48 hours, I have covered the Indian roads of Keralam, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, UP and UK in an Innova car, on a taxi bike, on Kerala SRTC, UP & UK buses, on foot, on a scooter and on an e-rickshaw. Altogether over 1000 kilometres - enjoying the rain and the changing landscape - generally green all over thanks to the monsoons, witnessing the haughty organisational power of labour in God's own country making it Dogs' own country (literally), the accommodative ownership of the state buses by its employees in North India, which help them to run on profit, and bidding farewell to a fellow traveller who just went thus 'tathagata:' 

I am still to come to terms with the bindas UP style where anywhere any road is a 'road to freedom' for them - oneway easily overcome by anybody charging in the opposite direction and the rest of the crowd accommodating that, barring the exceptional bad mouthing or cursing from those who think themselves to be 'trafficly sophisticated'.  The culture perhaps makes it God's own land for them! 

Raksha bandhan - Celebrating sisterhood - brotherhood - family

Rakshabandhan

As we celebrate this day, and I get a day free from office, I thought I would pen down my random thoughts for the day. 

The last day of the sacred month of Sravan (the fourth month) is celebrated as Raksha Bandhan in the Northern part of India. The most popular ritual is that of the sister tying a raksha - raakhi (an amulet or a talisman) around the right wrist of the brother. My coworkers tell me that usually this is done in the afternoon around 1.30 pm as that is considered auspicious for the same (I do a google search to find that the most auspicous time is between 1.43 pm and 4.20 pm for this year!).  The amulet is supposed to ward off evil and protect (raksha) the brother, while the tying of rakhi would imply the assurance of protection of the sister by the brother. Though there are well-known instances in history where Indian queens have sought such protection from more powerful male rulers of the region, essentially, this is a family festival and explicitly promotes the bond between siblings. 

There is an Indian tradition which speaks about the real scholar (naturally, a male!) based on his perception - perhaps education should lead to that stature. Of the three aspects, the first is 'maatruvat para daareshu' - the ability to see women who are not in immediate kinship as 'mother'.  This festival inspires me to tweak it to consider them as one's sister - though, not an easy task.  But achieving that status you are a learned person - pandita:! Another attribute for the enlightenend learner/scholar is the ability to perceive 'every being as oneself' (aatmavat sarva bhooteshu).  This appears to go along with the great statements (mahaavaakya) of Vedaanta - aham brahmasmi (Brihdaarnyaka Upanishad) and tattvam asi (Chandogya Upanishad)! If education leads to the ability (competency) of recognizing oneself as a God-presence and the other as the reflection of the same, treating everyone as if one would have treated oneself (as taught by Jesus, Luke 6:31), then the world would be Kingdom of God or Raamraajya. 

In today's world where in spite of all the big talk about the equality of genders, everyday atrocities against women are reported, such celebrations should go beyond the rituals to a collective resolve of ensuring protection for the more vulnerable sections of the family and the society, without making that a pretext for subjugation.  Even today, the Manu Code (9:3), often taken literally is the norm: 

पिता रक्षति कौमारे भर्ता रक्षति यौवने ।
रक्षन्ति स्थविरे पुत्रा न स्त्री स्वातन्त्र्यमर्हति ॥ ३ ॥

pitā rakṣati kaumāre bhartā rakṣati yauvane | rakṣanti sthavire putrā na strī svātantryamarhati || 3 ||

The other Manu statement on women, is often twisted to ritualistic sanctification which would further curtail the freedom of women. 'yatra naaryastu poojyante ramante tatra devataa: (यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवताः 3:56).  This calls for honouring and treating the women well. 

Unfortunately, this noble culture of protection gets confined to the homes, and at times takes a virulent form of over-protection, where the women are denied their rights to choose their lifestyle, profession or means of livelihood, life partner etc.  The changed contexts are not applied when it comes to the status of the more vulnerable of the society - it could be women, it could be those who belong to the lower rungs in the caste hierarchy. 

Selective Rage

The festival is happening against the backdrop of the raging anger against the cruel rape and murder of a senior medical intern at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkotta on August 9, 2024 night. The anger just doesn't subside and it is spreading, apparently in an organised manner. Understandable. However, I am really surprised that a similar incident where a young nurse working in a hospital in Uttarakhand was reported missing on July 31st and her body was found on August 8th in Bilaspur, UP and the perpetrator of the crime is said to have been identified and arrested on August 13th.  There isn't heard a whimper of a protest or there hardly is any rage about this woman's rape and murder. There is hardly any problem with any governments by anyone since the finding of the body on 8th and the arrest of the alleged rapist murderer on the 13th. Today, the newspaper reports the gang rape of a minor in Dehradun, the girl is alive and apparently with the Child Welfare Committee of the state. Yes, the gang is identified and those involved are arrested. 

I am unable to distinguish between this selective rage spreading over the entire nation over one elite victim, and hardly any mention or even reporting on similar incidents happening in other states - especially in UK and UP.  Or does it have something more than mere empathetic rage for the victim? Or is it because it has happened in the assumed safety of an institution - or a hospital (which have become soft targets for violence against health professionals)?

Right to Safety, Security and Protection - for Women and for Everyone, Everywhere

Today's newspaper also reports the attack of an AI stewardess in her hotel in London - indicating that the issue of women's vulnerability and need for protection is not a matter confined to India.  I recall instances of preying on women leading to rape and murder reported in the US last month. 

Protection of the life of everyone is the need and the right. A state can claim that it is a welfare state only when this is ensured. It implies that the state is a friendly place for all and it is tested true, when the most vulnerable enjoy such protection - the women, the ageing, the physically-mentally-socially challenged, the children! Where every individual citizen is 'honoured' and 'revered' as a dignified presence as guaranteed by the constitution of India. 

An Inspiring Model 

The Catholic church celebrates St. John Eudas of 17th century France this day (August 19).  

He founded a women's society dedicated to the upliftment of women who were found to be leading a disorderly life, rescuing them back to lead a life of dignity. 

 

He lived in an era where the Church had become extremely degenerate, with the higher clergy leading an ostentatious life exploiting the commoners and even waging wars, and the ordinary clergy ill-educated to guide and inspire the faithful.  He tried to reform by establishing an order of well-educated priests who would take up educating the priests as their primary mission. 

While it is fitting to demad protection from the state as a right, St John challenges us to do our bit to make our homes, our institutions, our communities safe spaces for all! 

My Sisters

Though we don't have any such festival in the South (or at least in Keralam), I have found our sibling bonds to be rather strong - they used to be.  Now being sort of away from such circles, I am not sure whether this is still so. 

Our student Soumya of II BCA is playing sister for all of us today. A first-time rakhi experience for me. 

Today, I remember my beloved sisters with love.  The three of them elder to me had been a great support to all of us as we grew up as siblings. I remember how well they managed their studies while taking upon themselves the daily chores of our small family of 9 siblings😀😃! I have also seen them delicately balancing their professional life actively involving in the same, while managing their homefront, not leaving room for any of their children to complain of neglect. Perhaps, in doing that they set aside the possible heights they could have scaled in their careers.  But I think they have no regrets, though, at times, I do. 

I also remember my sister-cousins - good many of them - with whom even now, we all maintain very healthy and warm relationships. 

Sisters and Mothers for the World

But I remember also those sisters, hundreds of them, who have left their homes to be the sisters of everyone in the world - many of whom were my teachers or promoters, who still treat us all with motherly care - especially those sisters of the destitute who have been our sisters thanks to the schooling we all received from them. My teachers Sr Elsius, Sr Gennet, Sr Lisa, Sr Barthol (+), Sr Christa (+), our headmistresses Sr. Lucy (+), Sr Florine (+) and several others including the beloved Srs. Philamine, Josephath (Roseline), Maris, Kusumam, Beena, Geena, Chrisalda, Ann (+), John Mary (+), Eusabia, Floria (+), Rozario (+), Rosalind (+), Evlalia (+), Donald, Bertilla, ....a host of them.  All of them dedicating their lives as per the gospel of today - Mtt. 19:21 - left everything and followed Jesus, to be sisters and mothers to all the world. 

PS.  Watched the movie 8 AM Metro directed by Raj Rachakonda, where a man and woman get to know each other quite unexpectedly, developing a friendship, and in the process healing each other. Felt good watching the movie told in a very simple manner, but indicating the possibilities of healthy human relationships that lead to wholeness - human potential for intimate relationships without the nomenclatures of brother, sister, friend etc. 

www.samskritabharatiuk.org

https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/manusmriti-with-the-commentary-of-medhatithi/d/doc201361.html