ALL OF THEM, NOT ONE OF THEM

 

ALL OF THEM, NOT ONE OF THEM

Javier Dale, Spanish football writer in Times of India 21 July 2026

Yes, the final was dreary in parts, mostly thanks to Argentina. But,still, there was a wonderful message. The trophy ultimately belonged to a squad that didn't revolve around a star and played as a team. No surprise, squads hosting Messi or Ronaldo or Mbappe or Haaland didn't win the first prize.

Belgium, all guns blazing,  dispensed with US by simply playing  better. (Marcela Mora y Araujo - Argentine football writer)

Cristiano Ronaldo was celebrated in his farewell. Lionel Messi inspired every conceivable superlative. Kylian Mbappe reminded everyone of the player he still is. Erling Haaland demonstrated that there are few greater assets in football than an unstoppable goalscorer.

But Spain produced one of the finest World Cup campaigns ever seen. They conceded only one goal in the whole tournament. The final against Argentina elevated that performance to perfection. 20 shots at goal. 11 on target. 68% possession. 803 passes at over 90% accuracy.

Argentina  were reduced to almost nothing. Three attempts. None on target. They were mere passengers.

Football is a team sport. Passing is its fundamental act. As a team, Spain were solid, unbreakable and in control throughout. They were always in command of the match and the ball. 

The way they played this team has every right to be remembered among the greatest World Cup champions

MUPPETIFICATION

 

Anil Abraham wrote in The Times of India editorial page  on 21 July 2026 on Muppetification. 

MUPPETIFICATION

Muppetification generally refers to the creative or cultural process of turning non-Muppet subjects, characters, or media into the style of Jim Henson’s Muppets.

A muppet is a type of puppet created by Jim Henson, a famous character from shows like The Muppet Show or Sesame Street, and informal British slang for a silly or foolish person.

Examples of Muppetification in the article

Senseless interventions are sadly unnecessary and potentially harmful

He (the President) stayed on when everyone wanted him.to leave

When Argentina lost the writer found himself surreptitiously sliding away from his sofa even as his wife tried to cheer him up

The prize distribution was akin to Photo bombing of Spain's victory

Each performer a star, but put together in a completely chaotic manner, resembling celebrities fighting for attention (The musical interlude at the half-time of the World Cup Final)

Perhaps Messi's loss had indicated that it was, 'Time to hand over reins to a new generation'

OFFERTORY

 OFFERTORY is a simple word.

OFFERTORY is not just the oblation in the offertory bags or boxes at the places of worship.

Whatever the faithful offers to God is offertory.

Those who govern have only what the faithful offer at the feet of God, individually or collectively,

If the offering is deployed to generate income, that never belongs to the people in authority

It is the natural multiplication of the offertory. 

No one has the right to employ it as they like.

God's assets are God's alone.

It's for God to assiduously marshal its deployment

YOU DON'T HAVE TO WRITE LONG

 A grief stricken member of a Church wrote a lengthy letter on the misappropriation of  precious resources of the Church

He received a sound advice

You don't have to write long.

Just make a call to stop giving to the church.

If money is not there, how can they spend as they like.

File a suit in the courts to stop the ones at the top from dipping into cash balance - both physical and bank accounts. 

File another suit to prevent them from selling off the assets of the church.

When you cut off the access to money, they won't be able to be spendthrifts with God's assets

PIECE DE REISTANCE

 PIECE DE REISTANCE

pièce de résistance

piːˌɛs də rɪˈzɪstɒ̃s

The phrase pièce de résistance means the most impressive, important, or excellent part of a group of things, an event, or a meal.

"Piece of resistance"  is from French.

Original use: 

The main or heaviest dish of a meal (the main course).

General use: 

The highlight, showpiece, or crowning glory of an event, collection, or performance.

Examples in Daily Use

 Food: 

"The dinner was wonderful, but the pièce de résistance was a rich chocolate cake."

Design: 

"The old house had lovely rooms, but the pièce de résistance was the glass sunroom."

Performance:

"The band played many great songs, and the pièce de résistance was their final guitar solo."

AD HOMINEM

 AD HOMINEM

ad hominem

ad ˈhɒmɪnɛm

An ad hominem argument is a personal attack on an opponent rather than addressing the actual facts or logic of their claim. 

The phrase is Latin for "to the person". 

Direct insults or name-calling aimed at a person's character.

Claiming someone is only arguing for selfish reasons or hidden motives.

Accusing the speaker of hypocrisy or saying "you do it too" instead of answering the point.

It Fails Logic because:

A person's flaws or bad habits do not make their factual point false.

It shifts focus away from the real topic to win an argument through insult.

JOHN KURIEN FORMER CGM CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER NABARD WRITES

 

JOHN KURIEN FORMER CGM CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER NABARD WRITES

"You have been in a spree jotting multiple and varied instances 

Hats off for your perseverance and energy with clear portraying of incidences of yesteryears and present day

I will have to appreciate my friend always"

I replied

Among a host of messages this had escaped my attention.

Just now it gapes at me, accusing me of casual approach to priority. It is nothing but indifference of the highest order.

Grateful to you for the handsome feedback.

I cherish it, coming as it did from such a great personality 

I value it to the utmost

When your values are clear, making decisions becomes easier. (Roy E Disney)

IT IS GREAT HELPING SOMEONE YOU DON'T KNOW OR YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN

My post to the Principal, KUTSeminary, Kannammoola on 28 July 2026

"This is going to be pretty long. But I felt the Principal, KUTSeminary, Kannammoola had to be aware. 

Today (28.07.2026), Mohanan brought the final marksheet of his daughter Ajisha to me. In fact I had been pestering him for that. 

Why? will be evident when you scan through  copies of the two posts attached.

One  to my cousin Rachael Jacob, a PhD, who has retired from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. She did the funding from her own tithe and the tithe of her son, Anish, an  IIM Graduate, currently at Hong Kong. Anish has entrusted his mother with his tithe.

Second to my aunt, Annie Daniel, now 90 and a US Citizen. Earlier she had been employed at Honnavar, Karnataka ."

Rachael Jacob

I am indeed grateful to you for part-funding the Post Graduate education of Ms Ajisha Mohan.S, this year.

I am happy to convey that she has passed her M.Sc. Biotechnology from the CMS College, Kottayam(Autonomous) with B+

She has scored 825 marks out of 1100 in the Fourth Semester and 2522 marks out of 3500 for the four semesters put together.

Hailing from South Kerala, she belongs to the Nadar(SIUC) community.

Her father, B.T.Mohanakumar, is employed by the KUTSeminary, Kannammoola as Peon/Watcher/Gardener.

He draws a total salary of  Rs.23420.00 where his net is Rs.11590.00.

The difference is the recovery on account of the loans and advances he has availed. He is not an SSLC pass.

His family consists of his wife and a son in addition to the two members of the family earlier mentioned. Both the wife and the son have some temporary jobs.

His salary had been low. But due to two revisions in the past ten years it has reached the current level. Educating his daughter had been quite a struggle for him. Since the course had been self financing the fee/board load was pretty heavy.

The Rs. 30000.00 assistance you had extended has gone a long way in the excellent result Ajisha has achieved.

Of course, a person with better means could have reached a higher level. But considering the hardships she had been through all her life, I consider her achievement grand.

They are grateful to you

I too am for your kindness and for giving me a patient ear

It is great helping someone you don't know or you have never seen

Forwarding the marksheet separately for your information

May God bless you abundantly

Annie Daniel

I am indeed grateful to you for part-funding the Post Graduate education of Ms Ajisha Mohan.S, during her first year.

I am happy to convey that she has passed her M.Sc. Biotechnology from the CMS College, Kottayam(Autonomous) with B+

She has scored 825 marks out of 1100 in the Fourth Semester and 2522 marks out of 3500 for the four semesters put together.

Hailing from South Kerala, she belongs to the Nadar(SIUC) community.

Her father, B.T.Mohanakumar, is employed by the KUTSeminary, Kannammoola as Peon/Watcher/Gardener.

He draws a total salary of  Rs.23420.00 where his net is Rs.11590.00.

The difference is the recovery on account of the loans and advances he has availed. He is not an SSLC pass.

His family consists of his wife and a son in addition to the two members of the family earlier mentioned. Both the wife and the son have some temporary jobs.

His salary had been low. But due to two revisions in the past ten years it has reached the current level. Educating his daughter had been quite a struggle for him. Since the course had been self financing the fee/board load was pretty heavy.

The Rs. 20000.00 assistance you had extended had gone a long way in the excellent result Ajisha has achieved.

Of course, a person with better means could have reached a higher level. But considering the hardships she had been through all her life, I consider her achievement grand.

They are grateful to you

I too am for your kindness and for giving me a patient ear

It is great helping someone you don't know or you have never seen

Forwarding the marksheet separately for your information

May God bless you abundantly

Ms Ajisha Mohan.S is a smart girl. Despite her hardships she had been bent upon doing well in her studies. She worked hard. And see what she has achieved solely due to her determination. I was suggesting to her father, she ought to try for admission in Universities abroad.

Rachael Jacob replied at once
That's wonderful 👏🏼praise God 🙏🏻wishing Ajisha all the very best in every endeavor and success in fulfilling her dreams🙏🏻

LAST STAGE OF SLAVERY

IF  YOU CAN'T SAY 

WRONG AS WRONG

YOU'RE AT 

THE LAST STAGE OF SLAVERY

This quote is widely attributed on social media to Che Guevara, though there is no reliable historical record or documentation of him writing or saying these exact words in his known speeches or written works

Che Guevara is pronounced as "chay geh-VAH-rah" in Spanish and "chay gay-VAH-ruh" in English.

Breakdown by Word

Che: Pronounced "chay" (like the letter ch followed by ay).

Guevara: Pronounced "geh-VAH-rah" in Spanish (with a hard g sound like in get, and a rolled or soft r), or "gay-VAH-ruh" in English.

Syllable Guide

Spanish: che + ge + va + ra (tchay · geh · vah · rah)

English: chay + guh + vah + ruh

WHEN PARENTS SING WITH THEIR TODDLERS

 

Why sing-along rhymes are my favourite parenting superpower

Anisha Narang in Sunday Times of India of 26 July 2026

Find a rhythm within the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

It's a rhythm built on giggles, exaggerated expressions and the kind of impromptu living room dance performances. It would make anyone weep, mostly with laughter.

There is a special kind of magic in singing rhymes with toddlers, especially children between two and four years old. It's a stage where every song becomes an adventure and every action is a new discovery. The songs are always accessible from multiple sources. From crooning soft lullabies at bedtime to jumping around in full energy during playtime, these sing along sessions become the happiest moments we share with the child.  They can also be your secret parenting superpower. 

A cheerful rhyme can transform rushed school mornings into fun dress-up moments or encourage a reluctant eater to take "just one more bite."

In a world that is fast paced and screen heavy, these musical moments have become one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to connect, communicate and create memories that will last a life time.

When parents sing with their toddlers, something beautiful happens. The child feels seen, heard and emotionally safe. Our facial expressions, eye contact and playful gestures communicate love more powerfully than words alone. What may seem like "just rhymes" are actually powerful tools of connection, communication and cognitive growth.

Beyond the emotional bonding, there is a massive 'brain boost' at play. Research shows that music strengthens language skills, improves memory and enhances emotional regulation. These songs combine rhythm, coordination and phonetic awareness. When a toddler moves their hands, or points to their body parts, they are strengthening motor skills and neural pathways.

Toddlers thrive on repetition. While singing the same verse for the fourteenth time might test your patience, remember that for them it provides predictability and comfort. In our messy unpredictable lives , these undistracted moments of singing are where the real connection happens. You might start singing just to entetain your child, but you'll likely find yourself letting go of your own self-consciousness and enjoying the "freeze' moments just as much as they do.

So, the next time your toddler tugs your hand and says,"Again", sing louder, dance bigger and freeze dramatically. You aren't just reciting a rhyme. You are building a bond that will last a lifetime.

After the high energy dancing 
After playing with your children

Close your day and transit into peaceful sleep 
with the Gratitude Prayer

"Thank you God for the world so sweet

Thank you for the food we eat

Thank you for the birds that sing

Thank you for everything"

Sing it with your children at bedtime

Sing it with everyone at home

You'd be happy

Forever

PARENTS ARE ALL THE KIDS HAVE

 

Giving birth is the hardest thing a woman does in her life.

Raising a child is tough

When you make a mistake with a child, you will always have time to explain and amend. 

A child will always be kind to you.

Both wives and husbands have their roles in parenting. 

They are accountable in the raising of the children.

Before the dawn of nuclear families kids had siblings to fall back on.

Now the parents have just one or two kids.

Parents are all the kids have.

Parents should not be violent.

You have to keep the communication open and a slap is the fastest way to close it. 

Being, "an I will bring the whole world at your feet," kind of parent is certainly wrong.

Parents have to stop merely providing and start participating.

Stop giving everything to the children without giving them your time.

Give children your valuable time.

Spend time with them. 

Don't be the parent who provides and leaves.

It is okay for parents to have expectations as long as  they are okay with failures too.

While you long for the child to succeed, don't expect the child to do well in everything.

Pressure is good, it needs to be applied in the right direction and you need to be there as scaffolding if the child falls.

Let the child notice how you tackle failures. It teaches the child to do likewise

Never lie to them. 

Answer them

ARUN OUR NEPHEW'S LOOK-ALIKE

                                                 ARUN OUR NEPHEW'S LOOK-ALIKE 

                                                     Arun is settled in Australia

                                                        Oceans keep us apart

You looked like this at this age. 

You look like this even now.

But this is Elvin, two years, four months and 15 days on 28 July 2026

He's our grandson

At times he looks like our Papa, your Appacha at Thalavady.

Genes transcend. 

The past comes alive in the present.

Legacy is carried forth to the future. 

It's in the family all the time.

As time moves on the bonds disintegrate.

No one would know anyone else.

Yet heritage can never be erased

You'll be on earth centuries after centuries

The past will come alive in you forever

It's hereditary

We surmise

GRATITUDE PRAYER

 

GRATITUDE PRAYER

After the day's toil

After playing with your children

Close your day and transit into peaceful sleep 
with the Gratitude Prayer

"Thank you God for the world so sweet

Thank you for the food we eat

Thank you for the birds that sing

Thank you for everything"

Sing it with your children at bedtime

Sing it with everyone at home

You'd be happy

Forever

DINNER MENU WOULD CONSIST MAINLY OF PRISON FOOD

 IN HALF THE WORLD'S CAPITALS THE DINNER MENU 
WOULD CONSIST MAINLY OF PRISON FOOD

Chidanand Rajghatta writes in Sunday Times of  India of 26 July 2026:

"Only in America could the First amendment receive an acknowledgement from one of its most trenchant litigants. Try staging that in half the world's capitals and the dinner menu would consist mainly of prison food."

Only in USA: Amid the roast, Trump toasts free speech

The White House Correspondent's Association's rescheduled annual dinner produced one of those deliciously improbable scenes that remind the world why American democracy is equal parts constitutional republic and absurdist theatre. There sat President Donald Trump, who has spent years suing, skewering, ridiculing and generally treating journalists the way a cobra views a mongoose, applauding Wall Street Journal reporters as they collected an award for investigating ....Donald Trump.  

As CNN's Wolf Blitzer, introducing the award, reminded the audience, in front of the President, that the reporting on the President had  triggered lawsuits, retaliation and personal consequences for the reporters, the President threw up his hands and essayed a wry smile.

Then came the piece de resistance: Trump smiling, rising, shaking hands with the very journalists whose work he insists is false and whose newspaper he is still batting in court. He ribbed reporters about their coverage. He torched through an hour of familiar terrain, firing jibes and jeers at journalists. Though he had promised he had toned down his original speech, the listeners quickly discovered that his definition of restraint resembled a chainsaw fitted with a muffler.

Yet,Trump called on Americans to respect freedom of speech. "We settle our differences not with bullets, but with open and vigorous debate."

The words were measured, but felt weird coming from Trump. Of all US Presidents, Trump had the most caustic relationship with the American press.

The strength of American democracy is that while Trump has mocked journalists, accused them of fake news, insulted media organisations and sought their licences cancelled, his ad hominem attacks are not spilling into crack down on free speech and free press. (American press, as in most democracies, is protected by its constitution.)

The message is, ideas must be answered with better ideas, not censorship, intimidation or force.

The finest measure of democracy is nothing but, how well a nation consistently  absorbs and makes room for disagreement.

In spite of the inconsistencies in his own administration, Trump's words on free speech reiterate  that  the democratic foundations of America are indeed invincible.

(The final six paragraphs are drawn in part from The Times of India editorial of 27 July 2026)

United States First Amendment (1791)

The First Amendment usually refers to the historic part of the U.S. Constitution that protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press.

Protects five key basic rights: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning the government.
Stops the government from making laws that favor one religion or stop people from practicing their faith.
Applies to public and government actions, not private businesses or private employers. 

CSI North America Family and Youth Conference 2026

 I received a forward in CSI Church Thalavady WhatsApp
 For which I raised a few points

CSI  NA Family and Youth Conference 2026

Panel discussion hosted by Rev JobyJoy and on the  dias are Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. Reuben Mark, Adv. Fernandas Rethina Raja general secretary of CSI, Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Francis Ravichadran, Bishop of Madras , Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop of Central Karnataka, Rt. Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Karnataka Southern Diocese, 

Rt. Rev.  Dr. Royce Manoj Victor, Bishop of Malabar diocese and youth speaker Dr. Sam George

Good to see so many celebrities on the dias.

Why no picture of the participants?
Was the hall full?
The audience does have a role because it is they who make these discussions a success.
Or was it a televised programme?
In that event the audience is on multiple screens.
Then the participants need not be there.
And besides the picture what was the topic of discussion?
What was the conclusion?

There was no reply to the points raised.

ALL TIME VIEWS CROSS 200000

 

Blog's all time views cross 200000 mark at 4.00 pm IST 

on 25 July 2026

It took 37 days to reach 200000 from 150000 

It was 44 days to reach 150000 from 100000 on 18 June 2026

I thank all the viewers for the encouragement showered upon me 

I praise the Almighty for His blessings

As a recap, placing here the post 

when  all time views reached 150000

.................

When all time views of this blog crossed 150000 mark on 18 June 2026, Wednesday,   the happy news  was relayed to my mentors, Rev. Dr. C.I.David Joy and Rev.Dr.Santy.S.Paul, the Principal and the Registrar of the KUT Seminary, Kannammoola, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Rev.Dr. C.I. David Joy is the President of the Senate of Serampore. 

"All time views, today, at the moment, are 150762. I am indeed grateful to my viewers, when I observe that  all time views have surged to 150762 on June 18, 2026.

The journey had taken 15 years to reach the 50000 mark.

However, from 50000 to 100000 it was a 6 months' hop.

Capping it, in a leap of 44 days, the views have exploded from 100000 to 150000

I praise God for enabling me travel this far.

I am indebted to the viewers for accepting me"

It evoked this wonderful response from Rev.Dr.Santy.S.Paul

That's indeed a recognition that what you share makes sense to those who read and hence it is  well received.

1.5 Lakh views for a blog is not that easy (even for a video content, it is difficult)

I am really happy for you.

Keep going.

You are indeed an inspiration

And I replied

"You are indeed an inspiration," has bowled me over.  Thank you for the elevating and invigorating compliment. I had no idea on the probabilities of blog viewership when I had commenced.  I was pleasantly surprised when it began to rise across the globe. It's the encouragement you have given that urges me to prod on with vigour

Prof. Babu Zacharia had recently told me, he liked what he had read. He said he found it conveying from heart to  heart. 

The well known Professor had taught English at the Marthoma College, Tiruvalla. 

DEMOLITION, MODERNISATION OR A HUGE STRUCTURE

 The Church has a Parish Hall known as Centenary Hall. It had been built soon after the visit of the Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia who had donated Rs.25000.00 for its construction. The Church raised an equivalent amount and the Centenary Hall came up in the compound to mark the Centenary of the Church's establishment. 

The Centenary Hall stood there serving the  community of worshippers and non-worshippers alike. It was a landmark.  

As time wore on improper maintenance brought it into disrepair. It could have been modernized. But it did not happen. The Centenary Hall became a relic. 

There were two views. Some wanted it demolished and build a huge structure in its place. Some wanted to retain it, and modernize it. Nothing happened as the debate went on. The favourite pastime of Malayalees.

Recently there was the periodic elections to the positions in the Church. A day prior to the election, one of the contestants had circulated a pamphlet stating that those who were above 75 in age had torpedoed the proposed reconstruction of the Centenary Hall into a magnificent monument.

Demolition, modernisation or a huge structure were all okay, but throwing mud at those of 75 in age and beyond, I felt, was a blow below the belt.

It transponded me to a creative mode

The ceaseless drive to demolish the Centenary Hall and the building of a 12cr edifice in its place, unfortunately stalled by arch regressive visionaries over 75.

To begin with, those above 75 should stay at home. As the call to eternity is closer, they must spend their time in prayer and immerse themselves in the scriptures hoping they'd be well received on the other shore. If not, it serves you right for antagonizing those below 75 and know well,  fire and  sulphur await you.

Now for the Centenary  Hall. 

Those who are below 75 want a structure that outshines Girideepam at the Mar Ivanios campus. That it has ample parking space whereas our project will have limited parking space is the fillip to their dream. 

What are we going to do with the huge structure that comes up?

We may have around 10 marraiages that would be solemnized in our Church  for which the families if they choose would have the reception in this Hall. 

 Of course, the return on income is not at all a factor to be factored in, in an investment of 12cr and that is the most important fact the detractors of the ambitious project should keep embedded in their psyche.  It makes it more  than evident they must realise that their evil motives are the most ungodly acts they could ever perceive. Nobody is going to forgive them either.

Now it is for all to see that the CSI Cathedral at Broadway, Ernakulam has not yet thought of building a project of the stature of the 12cr project conceived by the active young of  less than 75 in age here though they have space enough for such a  project. It could be surmised that the entire membership of the Cathedral is above 75 for not initiating such a regressive venture.

Well, what has now happened here?

The protagonists of the 12cr project have been thrown out lock stock and barrel by the most insensible members of the church.

At least they knew what was good and what was bad.

Long live people like them for the good of mankind

APPRECIATION

 

                             The Principal, KUT Seminary, Rev. Dr. C I David Joy, 
         currently the President of the Senate of  Serampore writes an appreciation

NERIAMANGALAM BRIDGE OVER PERIYAR// GATEWAY TO THE HIGH RANGES

                                                            GATEWAY 

                                                                  TO 

                                                     THE HIGH RANGES

                                           NERIAMANGALAM BRIDGE 

                                                             OVER 

                                                           PERIYAR 

                                            Bow and String Arch bridge

                                                       

When I came acros this picture in The Times of India of    8 July 2026, it evoked countless memories.

We were in Munnar. Papa was with the KDHP Co Ltd. He was there from 1948 to 1975. He had the family stay with him all along though he had to enrol the children in Colleges in the plains (as the people in the High Ranges perched on the mountains used to call the land parcels below the hills) to seek higher education. We were all forced to stay in the Hostels after our SSLC though none of us ever wished to leave the comfort of Munnar. Unfortunately, Munnar did not have a College for higher studies. Though the income had been low those days, parents had sacrificed much to ensure that their children did not end up with just an SSLC. The lone High School there was Government owned and it had Tamil and Malayalam medium sections that prepared students to appear for the SSLC examination. 

The beauty was, of the 400-500 students who took the exam, the pass percentage had been abysmally low. Around 40 students would come out succsessful in the examinations with 5 or 6 first classes - 60% or above - at the most. There had never been any top ranks of the state in that School. If I remember right the School had just one or twoIAS officers in its history. Very few from there ever entered the Medical Colleges or the Engineering Colleges. The products from the School were just the run of the mill kind. 

Those were not the days of whole pass. No one ever bothered about the high incidence of failure. Even the valuation system too had been heavily loaded against the students. The evaluation of the answer sheets was on a stingy basis. Today the students everywhere in Schools in Kerala score 100% easily. Our days were different. Even a 50% was difficult to come by.

Neriamangalam Bridge had been a special symbol for us. 

As we came down from Munnar the bridge was visible from high up. Once you cross the bridge the cool comfort of the High Ranges was off. We would proceed to our native places from there in an energy sapping hot weather.

When we were kids as we returned from our native places the ascent up the hills began once we crossed the Neriamangalam Bridge. It was a big relief as we were escaping from the hot climate that had been draining us, so used to the cold weather the rest of the year.

We had to battle Scabies and all kinds of itching while we were at our native homes. It was always a major irritant. What surprised us was the moment we crossed the Neriamangalm Bridge the virulent irritants would begin subsiding. And back at Munnar we found our skin clear of what had been torturing us at our native homes. 

We would be happy at the outcome. However we knew, come holidays, we would have to cross the Neriamangalam Bridge again for another episode of torture and relief. 

We are more than happy to learn that the Neriamangalam Bridge of our solid memories is soon going to have its own twin

 

.

IT WOULD WALK OVER YOU

 

One day I had referred to a friend, of  late Jacob George and of the property he had bequeathed to his church.

The friend later wrote to me, "Where can we locate details of the property gifted by late Jacob George?"

I replied, "Try as much as I did, I couldn’t locate it, because those who knew had kept their mouth shut.

But the period I could guess.

It could be between 1992  and 1996 or 96 - 99 or 2001 - 2003.

I do remember there was a mention of it in an annual report with a red/rose coloured cover page.  Not the size we have now.  Something like the size of a convention song book. There was just one sentence. "We have received the property of Jacob George."

Then there was no mention of it anywhere.

The former Sexton/Church peon had once told me, it was sold to a member of the church.   But I am not certain who it is.

He had also said it was sold off as 4 cents although it was 5 cents.

The first time I had mentioned it in the  Church Committe 2011-14 meeting, a senior member said it was sold to build a new structure. The next time I brought it up he said he didn't know anything about it at all.

No one knew anything.

At home my wife asked me why was I bothering about it when Jacob George's family members were unconcerned. I replied it was because  I had worked with him and because  he was a good man. 

I still feel bad the manner  in which  the dead had been ignored and dealt with. The church took hold of his property that was bequeathed to it and they had sold it off. The least it could have done was to keep alive the memory of one who had done something good for it.

But no, they were materialistic to the core. 

And to think that a prime building at the YMCA bears his father K.George's name, to think that K.George was a former Chief Secretary of the state, to think that Jacob George's elder brother was the doctor who had set up the ENT dept in the TVM Medical College, to think that Jacob George was the classmate of film actor Madhu (hearsay), to think that Jacob George's birth was rather late in the life of his parents, and to think that Jacob George was a bachelor that had made no one speak up for him though he belonged to a great family the members of which were still a part of the church,  all those were of no interest or consequence to the ungrateful church that found it convenient to push his memory down the precipice into ignominy.

The rationale and the message to the unsuspecting do gooders  of the church is quite simple. Never gift anything to the church. The church would never remember you. It would walk over you."