LILA'S EMBROIDERY WORK

                                                        LILA'S EMBROIDERY WORK

I had been the Manager of the Accounts Division at Kollam. Since the job profile demanded my presence at Kollam itself I took up residence there. Lila who was working at Trivandrum retired from her office in 2007. 

Since I was staying alone at Kollam, she came up to Kollam to stay with me. 

As I had to stay late in the office she was l alone at our house from 9.00 am till around 8.00pm.

Of course, she had enough time to watch the TV and read. But one day she told me she was finding it absolutely boring the whole day.

The next day, while at the office Ms Jayasree, who was my colleague, came to me and showed me the painting she had done on her Saree. It looked grand. I asked her how she had learned the art. She said she learned it from Usha School of Fashion Technology, Chinnakada. I took the contact information of the School from her.

In the evening, at home, I handed over the information to Lila. 

The next day, she went over to the School and joined for four courses there.

Well, she started attending the classes from the following day. It took an year. She completed the course culmimating with passing the exams with commendation. 

We met Ms Jayasree afterwards and had profusely expressed our gratitude for providing a sense of direction and a purpose in life for Lila.

Back at Trivandrum, we went over to the shop 'Ramla' at East Fort and bought an Embroidery Machine.

She began in earnest. 

She would go to the Textile Shops and buy plain Sarees for carrying out embroidery work. 

A few of the Sarees she kept for herself. The rest she happily gifted to her friends and relatives. 

She still does that. 

She was finding joy in the creative work that she took to after retirement.

She maintains anyone can do this.

The Saree in the pictures display her own painstaking effort. She wore it to a gathering of her classmates of MA English Batch. She told me her friends were astounded by her work on the Saree. "It is beautiful', was their reaction in unison, she said.

They had a good time. They flew back to their College days forgetting everything else. 

There was a glow on her face when she returned. I said they must organise such                get-togethers more often.

Not a connoisseur of art, even to me, the embroidery work on the saree looked exceptional.

I took a few pictures. To me, it blended beautifully with the environment..

We agreed it was all because of Ms.Jayasree. 

We cannot forget her ever.

NOT LOVEDALE OOTY - IT'S ST.THOMAS RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL TRIVANDRUM

 

                             Not Love Dale Ooty. It's St.Thomas Residential School Trivandrm

Climate Change Manifestations on Kerala's Fragile Landscape During Heavy Monsoons: Causes, Impacts and Remedies JOHN KURIEN

Climate Change Manifestations on Kerala's Fragile Landscape During Heavy Monsoons: Causes, Impacts and Remedies 

John Kurien 
Earth Scientist 
3/08/2026

Introduction 

Kerala, occupying barely 1.2% of India's geographical area, is one of the country's most ecologically diverse and environmentally fragile states. Stretching between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, it is characterized by steep mountain slopes, undulating midlands and narrow coastal plains. This unique physiography, coupled with intense monsoon rainfall, makes Kerala highly vulnerable to climate change. In recent decades, the State has witnessed a sharp increase in extreme rainfall events, devastating floods, landslides, coastal erosion and ecological degradation. These disasters are not merely natural phenomena but the outcome of a changing climate interacting with fragile geology and increasing human interference.

Climate Change and Changing Monsoon Behaviour. 

Scientific observations indicate that the Arabian Sea has warmed significantly over the past few decades. A warmer sea surface increases evaporation, resulting in greater atmospheric moisture. During the southwest monsoon, this excess moisture often forms deep convective cloud systems such as towering cumulonimbus clouds instead of the widespread stratiform rain clouds associated with normal monsoon conditions.

These vertically developed clouds contain enormous quantities of water vapour and produce intense rainfall over short durations, commonly referred to as cloudbursts or extreme precipitation events. Consequently, rainfall that would normally occur over several days may now fall within a few hours, overwhelming river basins, reservoirs and drainage systems.

Climate change has therefore altered not only the quantity of rainfall but also its temporal and spatial distribution. Long dry spells are frequently interrupted by short periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

Kerala's Physiographic Fragility 

Kerala consists of three distinct physiographic regions:

The Western Ghats (highlands), rising to over 2,600 metres.

The undulating midlands.

The low-lying coastal plains.

Nearly forty-four west-flowing rivers originate in the Western Ghats and descend rapidly to the Arabian Sea. Because these rivers are generally short and steep, they carry enormous volumes of runoff during heavy rainfall. Their limited length provides little opportunity for floodwaters to spread gradually, resulting in flash floods downstream.

The State also contains extensive backwaters, lakes, reservoirs and numerous dams, which together form an intricate water management network. However, extreme rainfall frequently exceeds their storage and discharge capacities.

Geological and Ecological Factors 

The Western Ghats are composed predominantly of ancient crystalline rocks such as charnockites and gneisses. Over millions of years these rocks have undergone deep weathering, producing thick layers of soil and weathered overburden on hill slopes.

Under normal conditions, vegetation stabilizes these slopes through extensive root systems. However, when rainfall exceeds the soil's storage capacity, water infiltrates into the weathered mantle, increasing pore-water pressure and reducing slope stability. The weakened soil mass may then slide over the underlying bedrock, causing landslides.

Large-scale conversion of natural forests into monoculture plantations such as rubber, tea, coffee and cardamom has further reduced slope stability. Road construction, quarrying, unscientific hill cutting and expanding settlements have accelerated environmental degradation.

Climate Change and Extreme Rainfall 

Recent decades have witnessed an increasing frequency of high-intensity rainfall events in Kerala. Atmospheric disturbances over the Arabian Sea, low-pressure systems and occasional cyclonic circulations further intensify moisture transport towards the Western Ghats.

When these moisture-laden air masses encounter the mountain barrier, rapid uplift results in intense orographic rainfall. Climate change is amplifying this process by increasing atmospheric moisture content and atmospheric instability.

Consequently, many landslides now occur after only a few hours of exceptionally heavy rainfall rather than prolonged seasonal rainfall.

Ecological Sensitivity 

Several districts, particularly Wayanad, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Malappuram, contain highly fragile slopes susceptible to landslides. Ecologically sensitive landscapes require scientific land-use planning based on geology, slope gradient, drainage characteristics and vegetation cover.

Modern remote sensing, GIS mapping and satellite monitoring can identify vulnerable zones well before disasters occur.

Disaster Preparedness 

Kerala has significantly strengthened its disaster management framework following the devastating floods of 2018. Early warning systems, weather forecasting, reservoir management, landslide monitoring and community awareness programmes have improved considerably.

Meteorological agencies now issue district-level rainfall warnings, while disaster management authorities coordinate evacuation, emergency response and relief operations. Nevertheless, greater public compliance with evacuation orders and stronger coordination among departments remain essential.

Sustainable Remedies 

Reducing disaster risk requires both climate adaptation and ecological conservation.

Major priorities include:

Protection and restoration of natural forests in the Western Ghats.

Strict regulation of quarrying and hill cutting.

Scientific land-use planning based on ecological sensitivity.

Improved drainage and watershed management.

Stabilization of vulnerable slopes through bioengineering and afforestation.

Continuous monitoring of rainfall, soil moisture and slope movement.

Reservoir operation based on scientific flood forecasting.

Climate-resilient agriculture with diversified cropping systems.

Strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and early warning dissemination.

At the national and global levels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains essential to limit further warming of the Arabian Sea and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Conclusion 

Kerala's remarkable natural beauty is inseparable from its ecological fragility. Climate change is transforming the southwest monsoon by increasing the frequency of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events that trigger floods and landslides. These hazards are intensified by deforestation, inappropriate land use, quarrying and unplanned development on vulnerable slopes.

The future resilience of Kerala depends upon integrating climate science, geological understanding, ecosystem conservation and responsible governance. Protecting the Western Ghats, restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable development are no longer optional—they are essential for safeguarding lives, livelihoods and the State's unique natural heritage. Climate change cannot be completely prevented at the State level, but its impacts can be substantially reduced through science-based planning, ecological stewardship and collective public responsibility.
......................................................

19 years ago John Kurien had retired from NABARD. He was CGM at that time. We have been good friends for the past 15 years. To me , he has appeared a 'no nonsense' man. 

This morning he forwarded to me this excellent article with a comment

'News paper did not come today at 5 am.So this'

I was stunned when I read it. The statments, arguments and the clarity in expression were pulsating. He didn't stop there. He has outlined how to overcome the  ecological disaster which is imminent.

I rang him up and asked, "Whether it was his own creation or a consolidation of downloads."

He response was, "I hope you are aware that I worked for 13 yrs in Govt.of India as an earth scientist and hydrogeologist with GSI and CGWB,Min.of Earth Science and Water Resources and thereafter 24 yrs as a development banker from the inception of NABARD

So basic education in earth science and it's practical application in Project Financing and Rural Infrastructure will always linger on

That's why I respond to ecological concerns when natural resources management goes  to hazards   through human intervention too."

I advised him, "You must ask the newspaper man to deliver it late by two hours minimum everyday."

AWESOME - MOTIVATIONAL TOO

 

Our close relative, Jeevan George, called on us recently. He  invited us to the marriage of his son. 

As we conversed, he quietly revealed  he had been through an accident a couple of months ago that had partially disabled his mobility.

But he said, though a phone call was enough, he was resolute he had to  invite us in person, pushing aside the sitfling impairment.

We respected him for that.

A walking stick was propping him up.

Soon after he left, I wrote to him 

"Achayan here.

Thank you for the visit and the invitation

And thank you for sparing your precious time

Grateful, you were good enough to accept the book A WALK THROUGH THE RAIN, we had presented."

Jeevan responded with a sticker.

I acknowledged the next day

"Thank you for the sticker. It tells me you have been through my message

Thanks for that

Yesterday evening and this morning we were thinking about you together.

I was telling Aswathy, I was wonderstruck at the transition of the boy I met when we had visited Kunjumonachayan at his  Quarters at Thampanoor soon after our Marriage. You were just an ordinary boy, an engineering student. 

One thing  we both liked about Kunjumonachayan, Kochamma, Jose and Jeevan was, you all were overflowing with love and affection whenever and wherever we met. 

Happy you still maintain that.

Something many cast to the wind as they ascend higher and higher.

Yes, scanning through your history on that little visiting card, we had the feeling we had no right to be on the same wavelength with you. 

You are indeed special.

Yet humility drives you. Else you wouldn't have bothered to extend a personal invitation.

Now, one suggestion

Please write the experiences of your current struggle.

It'll be an eye opener for many

Please draw inspiration from the book WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR by Paul Kalanithi who grew up from age 10 in the arid deserts of Arizona.

Please go ahead. 

Be the light"

When I shared the messages with Aswathy, she quipped

"Awesome is the least that can be commented.

Motivational too"

EXCELLENT STORY

 Excellent Story

An Indian professor visited Russia to study its education system.

During his visit, he came across something that left him completely puzzled.

In  Russia,  the  highest  score  in  an  exam  was  5.

That was understandable.

But  what  shocked  him  was  this:

Even  a  completely  blank  answer  sheet  received  2  marks.

A  blank  paper.

Two  marks.

The  professor  could  not  believe  it.

Surely,  a  student  who  writes  nothing  deserves  zero?

The  question  stayed  in  his  mind  until  he  finally  asked  a  senior  Russian  educator.

"How  can  you  give  marks  to  someone  who  has  written  absolutely  nothing?"

The  educator  smiled.

Then  he  gave  an  answer  the  professor  never  forgot.

"Zero means non-existence. As long as a student is standing in front of me, how can I call him zero?"

The professor was silent.

The educator continued.

"Perhaps that child woke up before sunrise."

"Perhaps he travelled through snow and freezing weather."

"Perhaps he studied but became nervous."

"Perhaps he tried and failed."

"But how can one bad day erase all the effort that brought him here?"

Then he said something even more powerful.

"A teacher's job is not to convince a child that he is nothing. A teacher's job is to help him believe he can stand up and try again."

The professor later admitted that this conversation changed the way he looked at education.

And perhaps it changes the way we should look at people too.

How quickly we give labels.

Failure.

Average.

Not good enough.

Finished.

But a person is never equal to one result.

One exam cannot measure a life.

One mistake cannot define a future.

One bad chapter cannot decide the entire story.

Some of the most successful people in the world have failed interviews, lost businesses, repeated exams, and faced rejection after rejection.l

What kept them moving was not talent alone.

It was hope.

And sometimes all a person needs is someone who refuses to give up on them.

The next time you see someone struggling, remember this Russian teacher.

Instead of asking, "Why did you fail?"

Perhaps ask, "How can I help you try again?"

Because people grow best not when they are judged, but when they are encouraged.

This is a WhatsApp forward. Placing it here as it carries an excellent message.

EVANA COLOURS A DRAWING

                                                   EVANA COLOURS A DRAWING

                                           

SPAIN DEBRIEFS

The Times of India of 16 July 2026 reports on.    Spain's victory against France in                               the World Cup Semifinal

Cruyff Returns - Spain played - the world watched - Spain's Tactical Masterclass - Shuts Down France

It was the unmistakable shadow of Johan Cruyff's foundational work in Spain's collective assertion on France.

The Spain Caoch says,"We have an exceptional generation of footballers. I am constantly surprised by what this team can do. The margin for improvement is infinite.We've recaptured the spirit of 2010."

The current members of the team from Spain were more tactically disciplined and less positionally anarchic than Cruyff's revolutionary Dutch team of 1974.

But they demonstrated how the core ideals of Total football - technical excellence, intelligent movement, collective pressing and territorial dominance - continue to thrive, more than half a century later. 

Rodri explained it further,"We showed the character we have in the team and how mature we are in big moments. In certain moments and in big moments, and this is for me the most important thing, to wait for your moments, to not get crazy if they punish you, because they are a very good team. Composure is the key of our team."

Spain were in control from the start and France trailed for the first time in the tournament. 

The reputation of France meant little to Spain.

The Spain Coach, Luis de la Fuente describes,"Today we faced one of the best squads in the world. But in front of them(France) they faced the best team in the world. That was the difference. These players deserve everything because day by day they demonstrate their commitment, their solidarity, their talent. It's a pleasure to see them play. Today they gave us a masterclass."

Rodri concludes,"It means a lot. We have only been to the World Cup final twice.in our history. It's so difficult to arrive here. But we want to win the World Cup. We need to rest, see where we can improve and we can expect an even tougher game in the next one."

It was tough in the final. It was 120 minutes of scintillating football where Argentina could do nothing against Spain's brilliance and dominance.

Spain did it in style.

They lifted the 2026 World Cup