Home and Far Away

There was no plan to travel to Tamilnadu till 25 Sept. But, looking at the kind of work pressure expected in November, with too many holidays and festivals occupying the last week of September and several days in October, on 26th morning we thought on ways to resolve the issue. And so, we decided to leave on a break to Tamilnadu, and then we hurried with booking tickets etc the same day. 

On 27th at about 11.00 pm, me, Shubhra and Vasudha left by car to Kolkata, and took an early morning Spice Jet flight to Chennai on Sunday, 28 Sep. We had some excellent dosa for the late breakfast and chilly-chicken along with number of other items for lunch at Seenuda’s (as we fondly call ) house. At 3.00 pm we left for Puducherry. We were asked to take the National Highway in stead of the East Coast Road that had seen some violent scenes on the previous day following the arrest of the State’s Chief Minister in a corruption case. 

On the way we had some excellently brewed coffee, witnessed a horrific accident just ahead of us when a fast moving van lost control and crashed on the road. Anyways, we reached safely at Park Guest House, where we had booked our room. We were given a room in the second floor with sea view! WOW!!!

Me and Vasu taking a walk!

After dinner and a brief walk, we took some good rest, and woke up early on 29th to witness the sunrise and chirping of birds. What a wonderful way to start the days! Usually in the morning, we took long walk for our breakfast (usually I had idli, Shubhra had dosa, and Vasu had a bit of everything, a banana and milk. We just relaxed, played and laughed....lots of fun with Vasu. In the evenings, just walked across to the beach, had snacks, dinner, and carried back loads of joy as Vasu would make everyday a memorable day with some new action of hers. 

On 1st at noon we left for Thanjavur to meet a niece of mine, and then traveled to Madurai, where the time flew so fast, in the company of my nieces, nephews, my sister and brother-in-law. Oh yes, the hotel Heritage Residency (Opp. Fathima College) was a perfect place for Vasu to have a lot more fun as she loved the atmosphere, and specially the bed, the bathtub, the Spa etc. Finally, we left on 4th morning, and reached back home on 4th Oct midnight -- full of energy and relaxed.

Cyclone Thane

A telephone call from a friend, Stephen Raj, in Puducherry (also known as Pondicherry) in South India made me write this post. He was referring to the serious damage cyclone Thane that hit the union territory of Puducherry and the districts of Cuddalore and Villupuram in Tamilnadu on 29 -30 Dec 2011. Their organization Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society is responding to the needs of thousands of people who are affected by the disaster. He was specially referring to the loss of livelihood. I have traveled in those areas, between Puducherry to Vadalur through Cuddalore and visited many villages in October last year. The places are dry and so mostly cash crops such as cashew nuts, tamarind, coconut and other such trees are grown along with millets and others. According to Stephen the people are feeling that their lives have been pushed back by at least 20 years, as even if they plant trees it would take another nearly 10 years to get on to the regular cropping. Houses are damaged. There is no electricity and people are living in temporary shelters. Huts have been ruined and people  are extremely stressed after the damage. He has sent me some photos and a small project write up if any organization is willing to support PMSSS.  If anyone is interesting in supporting the livelihood of people, you may contact: Executive Director, Pondicherry Multipurpose Social Service Society (PMSSS), No 81, Laporte Street, Puducherry - 605001, India. Email: pmssspondy@hotmail.com

You can view files and pictures, including a project proposal by clicking on: Support PMSSS