Some political thoughts at the dusk of 2013

Whether LDF or UDF in Kerala, we would see familiar names handling same ministerial portfolios, as if they had inherited over generations and passing it on to the next scions. Allotting bungalows to the group of ministers would be the hair-splitting task once a government swears in and then spending crores on facelifting, incorporating Vaasthu and fittings & fixtures, as if they were long time abandoned, followed by arrivals of minister families from distant corners in jubilant motorcades. Allotment of cars and car numbers would be the next task. Some utilise this opportunity in deliberately taking No.13 just to impress with their profane attitude.

Appointment of private Secretaries is done in camera and you know, fresh appointments can be made here by the ministers and after a short tenure making them fully eligible for life long pensions and other benefits.

Portfolios allocations are done at multi-party meetings, factional groupings and mostly in private, appeasing dilly-dallying smaller parties and unsatisfied leaders. Board and Corporations’ Chairmanship are for those who are side-lined. After the next few days the public would also forget who they had voted to power, leaving them to take the entire matters in their hands for the next five years.

Manifesto? What is that? Yesterday Ramesh Chennithala released the election manifesto eyeing the fast approaching Parliament elections. Has anybody ever seen an election manifesto and given a serious reading? And had anyone ever complained for not meeting the points mentioned in the manifesto? Manifesto? What is that?

I had protested earlier on the usual newspaper headlines – “ xxx govt. sworn into power..”. It should be “Sworn into responsibility”. It is the mere transfer of responsibility to those who get maximum votes in the elections to take charge of the various portfolios. Who gave them authority to show power on the hapless citizens? Power is a wrong word used in a democracy. The basic essentials of democracy are not visible even after 66 years of post-independence and the media still use clichéd terms in reporting. It is here the new AAP govt. at Delhi makes a stark difference.

I could feel a fresh breath after seeing the bunch of young AAP’s ministers in casuals and blazers. Their conducts so far had been in total contrast to what mentioned above. Running a state government is not a big business and especially for them who are educated, intelligent and have criss-crossing data at their fingertips. Their TV deliberations are pleasant and with a body language tinted with commonality and simplicity unlike the Congress babus sporting in white kurtas with flashy mobiles and shuttling in red beaconed BMWs.

2013 gave us many surprises but the one at Delhi has epitomised all with its sheer simplicity. Let us hope for more delights waiting for us in 2014. Wish you all a Happy New Year!

Malayalees glitter in the psychiatric ramp

Malayalees glitter in the psychiatric ramp

-         A study done on psychiatric patients with special reference to Govt. Mental Hospital, Trivandrum.

“Entha Sughamano?” (How are you?) – a very common pleasantry thrown at an acquaintance and the usual reply would be “Yeah, I am fine” and this fineness reflects only his physical health or physical well-being alone. On the contrary, a mentally tensed or disturbed person seldom shares his mental agonies to anyone, not even to close relatives or friends, and confines them all to himself. For a hypocritical Malayalee, perhaps it would be too embarrassing to reveal ones mental situations and to have lengthy discussions over it.

A person’s total health has been defined as a positive sense of well-being in physical, mental and social lives and not merely an absence of any illness. Mental health, thus, is an integral component of total health and so mental health is not merely an absence of mental illness. It is a balance between all aspects of life, like emotional, economical, spiritual as well as physical stature, which shows how one feels and thinks about him, others and how he faces life's various situations effectively.

Mental health problems affect people of all age groups. Various studies confirm that 5.8% of Kerala’s population is mentally ill against a national average of 2% (Report of CAG, 2011). And 20% of physically ill have mental disorders. One in ten persons in Kerala has mental disorders. One among four persons experiences mental disorders at least once in their life time. One in four families has mental disorders. In 2009 Kerala also recorded the fourth highest suicide rate in India, two and a half times the national average. This is quite an alarming statistics glaringly reflecting as social apathies we see daily in news media and around us.

What is wrong with Malayalees? The state enjoys a strategically advantageous location in the Indian mainland and socially and intellectually benefitted by whole-heartedly accepting global cultures, right from very old times. Never the state was affected by any major natural calamities sans few occasional monsoon furies and droughts. Generally, the population enjoys better living conditions compared to their counterparts in Bihar, UP or Arunachal. It enjoys one of the highest literacy rates, country’s best health and education facilities, lowest infant mortality, highest mobile phone penetration, highest per capita newspaper / TV channel readership / viewership, highest awareness on technology and most adaptable to new cultures. All positive elements which are conducive for a welfare state and are often compared with many European countries. Yet, why do we have greater incidence of mental disorders?

Convergence of the Kerala’s family structure to a nuclear entity blended with some very unique social behavioural patterns had resulted in this untoward situation. Take the case of Prakash (name changed) who was a government servant. He had a bubbling family with wife and two children. Though Prakash had all basic comforts like a happy family, own house, a government job, nil liabilities and no direct dependents, he always used to awe at the glamour and glitter of the super-rich. It was during early two thousand, he was enticed to try his bet in the booming real estate industry. Live examples of those who had made millions out of nothing have made him enthralled. Though his wife and close relatives were reluctant, he decided to make a foray into the not so familiar industry for him. The initial investment was made by selling a property of his wife. In the next few years Prakash was successful for some years in making some money which he started re-investing in new projects. He took long leave from his employment to meet the demanded pace of his flourishing business. Next few years found him to be highly flamboyant and spending on luxuries like imported cars, flashy home interiors and large scale benevolence and charity aimed at personal popularity. But one sneaky property deal pulled him into a long and complicated legal tangle where the chunk of his entire life’s fortune was indebted. As time passed, all his wealthy possessions got syphoned away owing to non-payment of loans and debts. Prakash, who had already lost his job for unauthorised absence for a long period, was at a most distressing situation in his life, having lost all his possessions and wealth. They shifted to a small rented house and children were sought admission in a nearby government school. Wife started working in a tailoring shop as a helper and they re-started all again right from the scratch. But Prakash was not the same old person. He slowly started to make retreats from social and family functions. Even within his family he uttered only a few words. Most of the time, he would sit silently in a corner, gazing at the wall. Long days of reclusive life made him totally indifferent. His remorse behaviour was not identified first. Since that did not create any problems within the family, his wife also left it as such. But eventually his condition started worsening with occasional cries and total withdrawal to himself. Their close relatives who have already severed relations with them were not available for any help or advice. As suggested by their neighbours, his wife decided to meet a god-man, who has gained some popularity in the locality. The God-man advised them to do some rituals and certain offerings and demanded a hefty amount as charges. Series of visits to the god-man and spending whatever they were left with, did not yield any positive results. Rather, the condition of Prakash was getting worse.

One day they were visited by a group of psychiatric workers, as part of their community field work. On observing Prakash and listening to his wife, they asked her to bring him to the mental hospital. After a thorough consultation with Prakash at the hospital, the doctors confirmed that Prakash is mentally ill but expressed relief that the timely medical intervention may help him to recover from it fast.

Dr.Kiran, Psychiatrist at Mental Hospital, Trivandrum urged about the need of timely medical intervention in the case of mentally ill persons. He explained that commands for all human physical movements are generated at the frontal lobes of the brain. Neuron is the basic unit of the nervous system, but they do not directly touch each other. Neuro signals are transmitted through neuro transmitters between neurons to the respective organs. There exist a tiny gap in between any two neurons and a chemical called Serotonin helps the electrical signals to pass through two neurons easily. The presence of Serotonin helps to maintain an easy and uninterrupted signal flow throughout the entire nervous system. During prolonged sadness or sorrow the level of Serotonin dips, leading to poor neuro signals and causes depression. Generally, the mood of depression can easily be overcome, but in some cases like of Prakash, it may prolong and if not treated timely, it may lead to severe mental disorders. The doctor said that prolonged non-treatment of depression may lead to degeneration of neuro cells and treatment in advanced stages may not yield desirable results, why he urges for early consultation and medication. It is here shock treatment is found to be most effective.

Scenes of shock treatment and related bawls have always been a favourite subject for film makers all the time. Dr. Kiran busted all the ill popular myths related to it. Contrary to popular beliefs and poor portrayal in feature films, shock treatments are never administered on maniac patients with violent behaviour. On the contrary, shock is highly advisable to patients with prolonged depression since the electric current helps to ease the electrical signal flow at neuro junctions. Electric current in very low voltage is passed for a fraction of a second while the patient shall be held by the attendants and they are not strapped nor nothing is clogged between their teeth to avoid biting, as generally featured in films. Films have helped only to reinstate the social stigma on shock treatment and have done enough damage to this effective remedy. And as usually portrayed in films, maniac and patients with violent behaviour are never administered to shock treatment.

Mania is the totally opposite condition of depression, which is distinguished by violent behaviour. Generally manias are two - Irritable mania characterised by loud cries and yells and Euphoric mania characterised by loud laughter and ecstasy. Some maniacs would not be easily identifiable in public and some of them would indulge in heavy investment in businesses and take unwanted risks. In real life we come face to face with live examples of maniacs and those affected with mental disorders. Illustrious writers like Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer and Madhavi Kutty were hypo-maniacs. Abraham Lincoln was infamous for his prolonged mental depression. Celebrated painter Winston Vangogh was treated for Schizophrenia which was characterised by self-mutilating, also called as Vangogh Syndrome. Earnest Hemingway was suffering from Bipolar disorder. Virginia Wolf was suffering from prolonged depression. Many of our past and living popular political leaders and administrators do have mental disorders at various levels and are rarely treated.

It is quite noticeable that Malayalees consult doctors even for mild illnesses and ailments but never ever consult a psychiatrist for their mental problems, says Dr. Kiran. He is heading a team of experts of the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) at Mental Hospital, Trivandrum. DMHP is a part of the National Mental Health Program (NMHP), aimed at conducting surveys on mental health and extending mental counselling and assistance to all the needy. DMHP activities includes seminars & presentations at schools and colleges, community mental health check-up and campaigns on mental health awareness through street plays and literature. During such a session at a city college, on a question asked to the mass of about two hundred students, only four has consulted an expert for their mental stress, though almost all of them had undergone some sort of mental pressures and disturbances in their lives. This shows an element of social stigma still prevails with the psychiatric consultation and the reason why psychiatric doctors are located remotely even in star studded hospitals.

Dr. Arun, consultant psychiatrist with Govt. Mental Hospital, Trivandrum says that social stigma towards mental treatment is more among the affluent. On the contrary, the lowest of the social order has the most cases of serious mental disorders. But the related social stigma is coming down now, which is evident from more cases in the last few years, even from parts of Tamilnadu. He too stressed on timely medical intervention even for commonly seen symptoms of mental disorders. Daily number of out-patients who visit Govt. Hospital, Trivandrum is around 150 while another 100 would be consulting other government hospitals. When private hospitals are also included, per day O.P consultation would come around 800 to 1000, which is quite shocking.

Some of the common symptoms of mental illnesses are anger, sleeplessness, lack of appetite, weight loss, lack of energy and enthusiasm, lack of attention and memory, fatigue, frustration, loss of confidence, pessimism, anxiety, suicidal tendency (suicidal thoughts are common and treatment is not needed), murder tendency, obsessive compulsive disorder, delusions about social conspiracy, talking or laughing alone, hallucination (seeing & hearing objects not there), sudden retreat from society, too anxious about physical health (doctor shopping – about 80% of regulars in hospitals), personifying the spirit of the deceased (minor illness which is an outcome of guilt feeling) etc. Females between 15 to 40 are more prone to mental disorders and may result in paralysis, multiple personality disorder, dementia and delirium. When any of the above symptoms prevails for a longer period, it is always advisable to consult a psychiatrist. The appropriate time for a psychiatric consultation would be when one feels himself difficulty or when others feel difficulty to cope up with the person.

The government hospital at Trivandrum is fully equipped to treat any many mental disorders with all state of the art treatment facilities.

Dr. Arun says sensitive minds are more prone to mental illnesses. Today’s children are highly sensitive, who are never been given opportunity to learn life skills at any level and are not at all experienced with real life hassles and hardships. Nuclear family structure, high career and money orientation and lack of emotional support lead to attention disorder amongst children, which is a common mental disorder in Kerala. Other mental disorders commonly seen in our children are conduct disorder and mental retardation. He further added that Kerala has its own unique propositions as far as mental illnesses are concerned.

Married people are generally more mentally healthy world over but in Kerala it is just reverse. Statistics say that suicide rate is more after marriage in Kerala. This is a disturbing trend which means family life is more stressful and need to be deeply examined, he says. Expecting more from the assigned roles of the spouse is one of the reasons for marital pressure which leads to mental trauma. Love, affection and care are demanded rather than being flown out on its own. Timely counselling would help to ease the relations in most of the marital issues, opines Dr.Kiran. In love marriages especially, an element of suspicion always looms since each one expects the other may repeat the practice. In campus love relationships, the youth approaches love as an investment and expects multiple returns and ultimately been dragged into distress. Sorrow in a love relation is an impurity where pure love does not emanate any sorrow feeling.

Return of discharged patients poses a major difficulty in treatments.  Discharged patients will not take medicines at home. Dwindling family sizes and poor financial status may not be conducive for a smooth mental resurrection. Sometimes the patients may not accept the presence of illness and may discontinue medication. Lack of family support and other pertinent issues may draw back the discharged patients, mostly in worse conditions. Some mental illnesses may not recur like some diseases like chicken pox. But some recur and some other prolong. And rarely some will be life-long due to lack of timely medical intervention. Vakkachan (name changed) was admitted about six months ago and appeared to be normal in behaviour. He curiously asked whether he could be helped to go outside. On further exploring it was revealed that his share in his ancestral property is being snatched by his siblings and nobody wants him to be mentally normal anymore and back to their family. He was discharged earlier also but returned in a worse condition, as triggered by familial feuds. Many relatives used to desert their mentally ill family members during festival seasons and marriage ceremonies to avoid social embarrassments.

Trivandrum Govt Mental Hospital has about 200 deserted patients, mostly north Indians. Some are deserted by their relatives while moving in trains and they would step down at Trivandrum, being the last railway station. Some of them are tribals speaking unknown language and are illiterate. In the past many are traced and returned to their distant villages accompanied by doctor.

One of the commonly found mental disorders in Kerala is Delusion which usually starts from a small suspicion. Over a period, the element of suspicion grows into an abnormal epic where the subject sees all possible connections in the inter-personal relationships, which keep on justify his delusion. Geetha (name changed) was admitted recently with an abnormal stage of high delusion. When she reached the stage of menopause she perceived that she could no longer be sexually active and that handicap sparked to a state of delusion that her husband would start to have extra-marital affairs. Relationships with relatives and neighbours were severed. The situation became worse when the daily domestic fights started to become violent. Now she is undergoing medication.

Kerala physical health fast deteriorating contributing more to mental ill health. Other disturbing factors like alcoholism and inducement of drugs hastens the pace towards mental ill health. Alcoholism has to be understood more as a psychological disorder, where the sensitive minds embrace the goblets to avoid facing life’s issues. Education and better social life helps to prevent mental illnesses.

The Mental hospital at Trivandrum was started in 1867 by the then Maharaja Ayillyam Thirunal Rama Varma. It would be a notable contradiction that one of his predecessors Maharaja Swathy Thirunal has undergone severe mental pressure under the British reign which led to his poor physical ill health and an untimely death, says Mr.Prathap Kizhakkemadom, a noted historian. During the early times, the hospital premises include wards of leprosy and TB patients. But later, the latter two were shifted to other locations. Patients were often chained and put in cells and treated by Ayurvedic experts. No lights were provided and the entire hospital precincts shall come under stark darkness after sunset. The treatments used to be crude and inhuman even till 1980s. Up to 110 patients used to be put in a single ward.

All these are part of history now. Now only 20 patients are allowed in a single ward and maximum capacity of the hospital is 450. Unlike the prevailing odds, all medicines are given to patients totally free during the course of treatment and medicines shall be given for one more month for free after discharge. Food is prepared in the kitchen as per the detailed menu under the watchful eyes of supervisors. Each dish is tasted before it is served to ensure quality and hygiene. Cleanliness is strictly practised. One bystander is allowed per patient to whom the food and facilities are given totally free. Mental Hospital at Trivandrum is a role model now which has been recognised even by WHO. The latest development in the mental health sphere is spreading the access of DMHP, by bringing the Public Health Centres (PHCs) also in the network, where PHC doctors are given training in mental health. DMHC works as monitors and offers all help to PHCs.

Though the present day Malayalee has all the basic comforts in life, much better than his counter parts in other parts of the country, he is “comfortably unhappy”. The hypocritical Malayalee’s entire life is dedicated to the aspirations dictated by the society and he often masks his inherent stimuli and basic persona. The expensive front elevation of houses built by Malayalees itself speaks volumes about the changing social psyche. The highly stressful life, social comparison and the competitive world have become the right mix which fuels the mental pressure of an ordinary Malayalee.

The psycho-social climate of Kerala witnesses a dramatic change over the past decade, owing much to the above mentioned right mix. The most prevalent mental illnesses in Kerala, known as common mental disorders (CMD), are mood disorders, psychotic illnesses and dementia. Mental illnesses are generally stigmatized in Kerala due to poor understanding of CMDs.

Psychologists advise everyone to be active in hobbies or if one does not have one, try to find one. Life has to be meaningfully and lived fully to one’s satisfaction. An occasional travel to faraway places would transform one to a better personality. One may find happiness in sharing, values and relationships. It is healthy to have a close friend with whom all personal tensions and problems can be shared. But adequate caution may be taken to identify such a close friend and making him confidant. But nowadays happiness is derived from grabbing the most expensive electronic gadget or automobile. Unknowingly the shift in happiness gives wrong signals to the next generation. Now children only see transactions and no relationships. They could not be blamed when they reciprocate this in future. Much damage has already been done. Yoga is highly recommended as a preventive measure. Minor problems may not affect a yogi. Yoga elevates one from earthly issues and big problems for some but not at all for a Yogi. Though life’s ultimate objective is freedom, Malayalees are struggling under constant pressures.

So when next time you are asked by your close friend “Entha sukhamano?”, do not hesitate to unleash your mental pressures and emotions. Because sharing is relieving.

A Man who walked with History - Adv. K.Ayyappan Pillai, a profile

A Man who walked with history – A profile on Advocate K.Ayyappan Pillai, eminent lawyer, politician during the pre and post-independence era, a centenarian and above all a person who keeps honesty and integrity close to his heart.

Would consuming goat’s milk daily make ones palms soft and velvety? Whether it is a fact or a figment, K.Ayyappan Pillai was made to believe this for a while. And any guesses about the occasion? It was Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Trivandrum in 1934. Ayyappan Pillai, then a young and energetic lad, was deputed by the famous Gandhian and freedom fighter G.Ramachandran to lead Gandhiji to the dais during a public function. While holding Gandhiji’s hand, still remembers Ayyappan Pillai, it was so soft and velvety and he whispered at his classmate and friend Kainikkara Govinda Pillai. It was Kainikkara who has opined that consuming goat’s milk would have made it soft.

Advocate K.Ayyappan Pillai was a popular figure during the pre and post-independence period as a freedom fighter, political leader and as an eminent lawyer in the Kerala High Court. He was a doyen of Travancore politics starting from the pre-independence period of the early thirties which spanned for several decades later. His residence at Thycaud, where he still lives with his wife, had witnessed several meetings, under currents and political turmoil of those times. He celebrated his ninety ninth birthday recently and still remembers those pre and post-independence days with amazing clarity.

While being led to the stage, Gandhiji initiated a dialogue with the young Ayyappan Pillai and asked him what he was doing and about his future plans. Ayyappan Pillai replied that he was still an under-graduate student and he looks for a job in the government service after graduation. Gandhiji opposed the idea and suggested him to serve the nation and work for the uplift of the poor. Though his meeting with the Mahatma was short and crisp, its meaningful depth and brevity indeed made ripples in his young mind. Later years saw him being drawn more towards the independence struggle and becoming a part of the political movements, much to the embarrassment of his father. His father had already planned for his bright career in the government secretariat as assured by the then Dewan, Dewan Bahadur Mohammed Habibullah. But Ayyappan Pillai does not have any repentance now for not stepping feet on the career path which was well paved and designed by his father, but feels pride having led a bright and celebrated life in political, professional and personal spheres.

When the British has finally decided to quit India, there were about five hundred and fifty five royalties existed in the sub-continent. Sir C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer, the then Dewan of Travancore promulgated the idea of an independent Travancore and made series of meetings with the Viceroy Lord Mount Batten at Delhi. After much deliberations and negotiations, it was finally concluded that Travancore shall be given a special preference of an independent status in the Indian Union. As per the plan, the defence and foreign affairs portfolios shall be vested with the Union and administration shall be given to Travancore. The instrument of accession was drafted accordingly. Sir C.P flew back to Trivandrum and presented the Raja with the papers of instrument of accession. But the Maharaja did not oblige immediately.

Meanwhile all popular uprisings for freedom in Travancore were usurped by the state police and the henchmen sent by the Dewan. The plan for an independent Travancore has started casting shadows over the dreams of many, who have dreamt about the Indian Union. Ayyappan Pillai still vividly remembers that fateful evening when Sir C.P was brutally attacked at a function at Music Academy, which is at a stone’s throw away distance from his residence at Thycaud. That incident entirely overturned the prevailing political climate and paced up Travancore to join the Indian Union sooner.

All top leaders of the State Congress including Pattom Thanu Pillai were imprisoned after the Sir C.P fiasco and the rest fled from the scene in no time. The ensued political scenario witnessed a hiatus and a tension prevailed everywhere. One day the GOC (General Officer Commanding) of the Maharaja, Mr.Parameswaran Pillai, came as an emissary from the palace and visited Adv. Ayyappan Pillai at his residence. By the time Ayyappan Pillai has already become well known in the political circles for his relentless efforts for freedom, integrity and efficiency in his profession and above all, his closeness with Pattom Thanu Pillai. The emissary told him that the Maharaja wanted to see Mr. Ayyappan Pillai at the earliest. Ayyappan Pillai showed his face before the H.H.Cithira Thirunal Maharaja immediately. His Highness did not conceal his apprehension on the vacuum created in the administration after the attack on Sir C.P and expressed his desire to appoint Sri Pattom Thanu Pillai as his next Dewan. The Maharaja wanted Ayyappan Pillai to meet Pattom in the jail and get his consent. Pattom Thanu Pillai has already behind the bars and Ayyappan Pillai met him at the Central Prison at Poojappura and presented the Maharaja’s offer.

Pattom was lost in thoughts for a few moments and asked Ayyappan Pillai whether he had ever visited north Indian states like Bihar, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh, which are gripped by utter poverty, illiteracy and where no signs of civilisation are visible. How it would be appropriate for an advanced and civilised state like Travancore could merge with such a union where such retarding factors overrule, he asked. For any such intentions to stay as a separate state of Travancore from the Indian Union, Sir C.P could have initiated discussions with the state congress much earlier, which he did not. So he underlined his statement that then the time is too late to initiate any such political endeavours and asked Ayyappan Pillai to request the Maharaja to sign the instrument of accession sent by the Viceroy. He also humbly declined the post of Dewan of Travancore.

Ayyappan Pillai did not visit the palace again to apprise the Maharaja of his meeting with Pattom, but conveyed the matter through the GOC. Series of events followed this, like formation of Thiru-Kochi and formation of the state of Kerala later, which are known to all.

Ayyappan Pillai was born in 1914 in Mundanadu, a place near Aryasala in Trivandrum. His father was in the government service and retired as Deputy Peishkar. Since the family used to follow wherever he was transferred, young Ayyappan Pillai had primary education in various schools of Changanesserry, Meenachil and Alappuzha. He did his graduation from Govt. Arts College and law from Law College, Ernakulam.

Ayyappan Pillai is found to be quite energetic in recounting numerous political episodes and events, in which he was also a part in many, and touched the whole lot of personalities of those times. But all narrations would end its way to share something or other about Pattom Thanu Pillai, who was his long-term mentor, friend, guide and philosopher. He has vivid memories about Pattom and still cherishes the moments spent with him. Pattom, who used to fondly call him “Appu”, would usually consult Ayyappan Pillai on various matters of politics and appointments, before taking the final decisions.

Though Pattom Thanu Pillai was an able administrator, a class statesman and above all, extremely honest and sincere to people, an undesirable character trait eclipsed his impeccable personality. He could be easily influenced by his friends and peers. That trait of emotional impulsion was good enough to disparage whatever best he has delivered for the state. Ayyappan Pillai quoted one or two instances when Pattom was influenced easily by his peer group.

A vacancy arose for the post of Advocate General of the state. Pattom consulted with Ayyappan Pillai and decided to nominate Neyyattinkara T.K.Narayana Pillai, an eminent lawyer and who was a well-known figure in the legal circles of Travancore-Cochin and also well known for his efficiency and knowledge in legal affairs. He has also taught Ayyappan Pillai while he was in Law College. T.K.Narayana Pillai was consulted in due course by Ayyappan Pillai and also by P.S.Nataraja Pillai, a cabinet colleague of Pattom. T.K did not ask for any special conditions or requirements and whole-heartedly accepted the offer. The matter was put up in the next cabinet meeting and T.K’s name was approved. That was a Friday and the next day being second Saturday, Pattom left for Kanya Kumari for a brief vacation with his wife. That afternoon Mr.Mathew Marikan, a former Judge with the High Court paid a visit to Mr.P.K.Kunju, a minister in the Pattom’s cabinet. Both were long-time friends and while they were spending time in a hotel over a “mood of spirit”, Mathew explained his plight having been removed from the post of the High Court Judge. And he pleaded P.K.Kunju to induct him into the vacancy of the Advocate General, which was still open. P.K.Kunju was put in a dilemma. Only that forenoon it was decided in the cabinet to appoint T.K.Narayana Pillai in the post. Since the decision has not come out as a Government Order, he calculated, still he has got time to reverse the decision. P.K.Kunju immediately left for Kanyakumari and met Pattom at the guest house. Pattom was surprised to see his cabinet colleague at Kanya Kumari and asked him what the matter was. P.K.Kunju presented the matter and got immediate assurances from Pattom that the decision on the appointment shall be revoked once he returned.

Monday’s newspapers published the name of Mr.Mathew Marikan as the new Advocate General of the state. Ayyappan Pillai, who was not aware of the events that happened during the last two days, was heading towards his office at High Court. He saw T.K.Narayana Pillai at a distance and found his face was furious. He rushed towards Ayyappan Pillai as a violent gale and started abusing straight on his face. Ayyappan Pillai was surprised for his sudden outburst. He then took out a newspaper roll and showed it to him. It has the news about the new appointment of Advocate General. Ayyappan Pillai expressed his unawareness on the developments and immediately contacted P.S.Nataraja Pillai, another minister, over phone. Nataraja Pillai also expressed his anguish for the unilateral decision made by Pattom under the influence of his friend.

In various instances Pattom has acted in haste like this, under the influence of his close friends and colleagues and without much thought process and anticipating any aftermath. Other than this impromptu behaviour, he was a man of character and integrity, Ayyappan Pillai remembers.

Under the influence of Pattom Thanu Pillai, Ayyappan Pillai left Congress and joined Praja Socialist Party (PSP). It would be surprising for the new generation political stalwarts that, in those days, political workers only spend money without any expecting any returns. Many families were ruined in those times owing to the overwhelming patriotism and nationalistic emotions of young men. Ayyappan Pillai was also not an exception. Whenever the party needed funds for activities, Ayyappan Pillai shall usually be the lender of the last resort.

All through his political life, Ayyappan Pillai’s name was suggested several times to various top posts of the party leadership, but he always shied away from such offers. With his knowledge and calibre, he could have reached any top positions in the party leadership and in the successive state or central ministries. But he found happiness and satisfaction in just participating whole-heartedly in the political activities and nothing more.

During the general elections to the Parliament, immediately after the emergency period, Praja Socialist Party (PSP) has decided to form an alliance with the Indian National Congress. A meeting held at Ayyappan Pillai’s residence decided to send two emissaries to meet Smt. Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister and the President of Congress, to discuss about the possibilities of a formal election alliance. Though Ayyappan Pillai’s name was first suggested to accompany Mr. Gopala Pillai, Chairman of PSP, he humbly denied the offer and suggested the name of Sri C.V.Janardanan, to be in the team. Generating the required finance to meet the flight tickets, accommodation and dining expenses was another problem. No qualms, that too was offered by Ayyappan Pillai. Soon, Gopala Pillai and Janardanan reached New Delhi. They secured an appointment to meet Mrs.Gandhi on the next day at 8.30 p.m in the evening.

They reached the Prime Minister’s residence well in time and were waiting in the visitors’ lobby. At around 8.25 p.m., the American Ambassador to India paid an urgent visit to meet the Prime Minister. Mrs. Gandhi asked her staff to consult the PSP team and apologize for the delay and requested them to wait for a while, since the Ambassador has come to discuss a serious international matter. They readily accepted the apology since that was an international matter and decided to wait. But, as the time grew, Gopala Pillai was seen getting impatient and restless for some unknown reasons. Anxious Janardanan asked him to stay calm since they have come for a very important matter which would even destine the future of their party. But Gopala Pillai could not be pacified so easily. On further questioning Janardanan was told that one Brigadier friend of Gopala Pillai in Delhi has invited him for a cocktail dinner in the evening and the enticing cheer is getting delayed due to the unexpected Ambassador’s visit. Though Janardanan tried to appease him and convince the importance of the meeting, Gopala Pillai was in no mood to listen or understand. By around 8.50 p.m. Gopala Pillai lost all patience and fled from the scene. Janardanan had no other way than following him. Sooner the American Ambassador returned and when Mrs. Gandhi called in the PSP team, they have already left. That appeared to be a great insult to Mrs. Gandhi and infuriated her, which destroyed the last ray of political hope of PSP in the political scene of the state.

When the team returned at the Trivandrum airport, a team including Ayyappan Pillai was there waiting to receive them, and also expecting some positive news from Delhi. But when they met, Janardanan was all in tears and narrated the whole story of deceit and irresponsibility shown by Gopala Pillai. In the ensued Parliament elections, PSP did not field any candidates and in the later years the party was seen disintegrating into shambles and slowly faded away into oblivion.

Though numerous phone calls and visitors interrupt during his deliberations, Ayyappan Pillai efficiently manages all and treats everybody with affection. He was never found losing his presence of mind and was astute enough to be restarting from the point the dialogue was interrupted. Apart from a bit of hearing disability, Ayyappan Pillai is quite healthy for his age and briskly moves whenever the phone rings. He is a voracious reader and has penned a book – “Fall of hegemony of Nairs in Travancore”, which portrays the plight of the Nair community after the Land Reforms Act of 1957. He is in the work of another book, which is yet to be named. More untold stories of the past era may be unfolded in his next book and when the background was further explored, phone again started ringing incessantly – yes, Ayyappan Pillai is busy.

Role of traditional media challenged as fourth estate

Role of traditional media challenged as fourth estate

Though the nation gets news updates every minute on myriad of issues of various dimensions all over the day, it would be an irony that our media still under performs. With media watch dogs, which are alert and capable to sniff every minute ripple made in the socio-political-administrative spheres, with its technological and investigative perfection, much better socio-political-governance and living conditions are expected. Hence the statement, it is ironical that the media is not performing at an expected level when its multifaceted and permeating strengths are concerned.

It was not in the distant past when many of the top names in the media band wagon were read along with few scams and sneaky political deals. Media sleuths found functioning as interlocutors in political-government-business deals and infamous undercover operations. Political and industry bosses who had realised the power and pervasiveness of the media would be eager to form the unholy nexus with them to curb any detrimental news to be nipped at the bud itself. Tailor made news and paid news are the tragic aftermath of this unholy nexus. The print and visual media in the country are owned or managed either by political leaders and vested interests, disguised as large media houses. That is why we see, hear and read only knee-jerk reactions and reporting of incidents and political dramas that have already happened and which do not cater anything useful to the common man. Channels and the print media do hair splitting analysis on trivial politicisations and hidden camera ploys which are of no use to the layman.

Media’s stance in many of the pertinent issues appeared to be calculated and dubious. Lakh crores worth debts of corporates are written-off mutely while a two months’ loan defaulter of few thousands is issued with legal notice for attachment. Media was more provoked when a female actress’ hindquarters are smothered knowingly or unknowingly, but ignored when a 64 year old hapless widow was brutally raped in broad day light and the culprits are still at large. Clearances from across the ministries are obtained in lightning speed for a new airport, that too within the close vicinity of two international airports, while a naturally blessed international trans-shipment port which would catapult a region’s economy is still at a nascent stage. Media is after “news value” while “life value” is ignored. The common man is faced with myriad of other earthly issues. The local body would not be cleaning the locality. The minister’s escort vehicle might have hit and fatally injured somebody and fled from the scene. One might be asked to bribe to get a certificate or license from the village office.  Often the public at large may find themselves to face these perils in their day-to-day life and put themselves at mercy before these social evils. It is from this helpless situation, where only the rich and the powerful found to be dictating terms, Citizen Journalism emerges.

It would be a brain child of the HR logistics of media houses, to deploy citizen journalists where ever they lack interest or in the areas deemed as irrelevant. Digital and faster communication and technology have made citizen reporting easier and timely. Though the Citizen journalism has indeed got a greater role to take the cue, it is often belittled or restricted within the local ambit reporting microscopic issues in their physical livelihood. Growth of social media, Right to Information Act (RTI), heroic auras around whistle blowers, literacy and more public awareness on various civil rights have added spirit and enthusiasm to the emerging social journalism. Nevertheless, larger issues like macro-economic policies of government affecting common man, inflation, major projects which hoodwink the public etc. are generally ignored since citizen reporters may not have effective access to information sources.

So the traditional media is still looked as the saviour of the masses. But as more and more instances of shady media-power politics nexus are revealed, now news are thoroughly scanned, every “exclusive” is viewed in suspicion and every scoop is identified as mere sensation. In the changed scenario where the audience is more aware, traditional way of media operations no longer help in addressing these issues. Stinger operations using hidden cams and honey-traps cannot bluff the public and stretch the commotion for long. If the media do not understand the elated intellect and aspirations of their audience, if they continue to debate for days together on the matters which are of least concern to the ordinary man, and if they continue to be part of political factionalism and mutual appeasements, then days are not farther, where citizen journalism gets transformed to new free press experiments like “wikipress” or participatory press, which would be the new dawn in modern journalism.

Memories of my first teacher

Memories of my first teacher

I was born in an ordinary family, to a peace loving parents with very sober ways and intentions in their lives. So nothing dramatic or ecstatic has happened and my childhood days were just mediocre. Perhaps that mediocrity would have helped me to build a clear thought process and to approach life in a realistic way. Now I feel that I was most fortunate to have a wonderful and a memorable childhood unlike many others.

I should not miss mentioning Gowri Amma teacher or Gowri Amma Miss – as she used to be called in our family circle – when I recap my very early child hood memories. She was my first teacher who brought me to the world of letters. I was around 3-4 years old then. She had been anointed as our family teacher long ago, who had introduced all my elder brothers and sisters and cousins to Malayalam alphabets and simple arithmetic. She was a retired government school teacher, in her mid-seventies when started tutoring me, and was infamous amongst my siblings for her strict discipline and not so friendly interactions. I was also well cautioned by my brothers about the unfriendly pinches she offered for not reaching up to her expectation levels. But contrary to my apprehensions she was really friendly with me. Learning Malayalam was not at all difficult which later manifested through the growing interest inculcated in me for reading books right from my early school days. Another feature I remember was the way she used to write. She used to apply all her strength while writing on the note book with the pencil and the impressions of the letters she writes would be visible over the next several pages. It is heard that she used to walk several tens of kilometres a day to reach and teach her students who stay at different parts of the city.

I do not exactly remember when her classes were stopped. I think when my parents realised that I have somewhat mastered basics of writing and reading Malayalam alphabets, her classes would have had come to a halt.

The school syllabus had never been a headache for me and hence I seldom studied. A last minute brush-up on the eve of the exams had helped me in securing sufficient marks to much of the relief and glee of my parents. Hence I was allowed to spend weekends with my grandparents in the city outskirts where I cherish the most pleasant childhood memories. I was between seven to ten years old when I used to spend my weekends there. Packing me off during the weekends was something of least priority to my parents and nobody would take special care or effort to take me there, which is hardly 6 kms away from my home. The most impatient moments were waiting for somebody to pick and drop me there and sometimes the expectation used to end in distress when nobody turns up. Some relatives or friends would fall in at our doorstep on the Friday evening answering my ardent prayers, with whom I shall be sent to my grandparents’ place. I would pack two pairs of dress and few comics with me and would start immediately in ecstasy without losing any time.

Saturday mornings shall be quite lazy and the most fortunate part was, I was allowed to sleep as much as I wanted – another rare freedom I enjoyed there and which used to be “inhumanly” denied at my home. The golden sunrays would have brightened up the entire place by the time I wake up. It was relatively a larger house lavishly spread in a two acre compound. The compound has various fruit trees, vegetation, a poultry farm, bee hives maintained by my grandfather, "Pathayam"(store house) for rice, large work area for processing paddy, two wells, numerous coconut trees and what not. A silent peek into the kitchen for a moment was enough for me to get a glance of my grandmother who used to be actively engrossed in her kitchen chores. If my presence is felt, she would advise me with a grin to take a quick sprint around the house, the reason only we both knew - to ease my bowels!

During summer when the school closes for vacation, the whole of the holidays shall be spent with my grandparents. In some evenings my grandmother would take me to our family temple which is about 2 kms away. We would start a bit early so that we could reach home before dusk. On the way there was a small stream where we would wash our legs and proceed. During the other evenings we would together explore the possibilities in our kitchen garden with few handy tools and a small watering pot which I was provided. I was always encouraged by grandmother to pluck and munch the budding ladies’ finger. Our garden used to have some rare and uncommon vegetable plants.

It was my grandmother who enticed me to the world of Indian epics and puranas. The bed time stories she narrated still reverberates in my ears with all its beautiful illustrations conjuring up in my mind. Once she was telling me the story of Krishna, Kuchela and their Guru Sandeepani, which gave me a sudden spark to remember my old teacher, Gowri Amma Miss. It has already been two – three years since she had stopped teaching me. So it was decided among us, at that moment itself, to meet my old teacher the very next day morning. I have also decided to present her with few pleasantries, which a seven year old felt apt for the occasion, like a bag of raw rice and a bunch of bananas. In the next day morning, we got up early and the teacher’s house was only at a walk able distance. It was an ordinary old looking thatched house. When we arrived at her place, I vaguely remember now, that few people were sitting in the in the open veranda. Our enquiry about teacher gave a mixed surprising response on their faces as it was evident that she rarely enjoyed any visitors. In a few moments time she appeared before us and literally moved by my warm gesture. My grandmother explained why there was a sudden urge to meet her and how it was decided last night. She was highly excited and embraced me warmly. I spoke only in minimum words due to mixed emotions of a seven year old. Then the dialogues were mainly between my grandmother and the teacher. Pleasantries were bestowed. We departed sooner and before turning the corner I looked back and there I saw my teacher, still standing with the brightest of the eyes I have ever seen.

Though I have a series of memorable moments in my life, I still treasure this moment as it was designed by and emanated from the mind of an innocent seven year old child. I am proud to have showed a divine gesture of tendering due respect and love to my first teacher, at that tender age, who initiated me to the world of letters.

Telegram expired. Do not start immediately.

Telegram expired. Do not start immediately.

17.07.2013, Thiruvananthapuram: The first technology supported communication system in the world – the telegraph, terminated its operations in India after a glorious service of 162 years. In the advent of the latest communication technology where the entire globe is just a mouse click away, the death of telegraph was imminent and was just a formality pending. Alarm bells have already been ringing over the past several years and yesterday saw the formal closure of telegraphic services in the country. It is estimated that BSNL requires about ₹100 crores annually to maintain this service despite its faded popularity and effectiveness during the current times of IT and communication excellence.

BSNL offices of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi saw long serpentine queues right from the morning. People from various walks had come to send telegraphic messages to their beloved and friends and had become a part of the history of communication in India. Many a times the staff who were handling the counters were finding difficult to manage the crowd though their faces were gloomy as one of their proudest of the services was being laid to rest. Anil Kumar, who is a temporary staffer with BSNL telegraphic service said that he may either be transferred to some other office or terminated since his service is no more required. Similar apprehensions were expressed by other staffers as well.

Rajesh Pillai, an IT professional had come to telegram his wife Anitha and wrote in his slip – “My love to you through this 162 years old medium”. Reshma, a fifth grader had come with her father to telegram her teacher and was found busily filling up the form. Sivadasan, a local leader of CPI(M) was waiting for his chance in the queue and in his slip was written – “Chief Minister Oommen Chandy must resign”. An aura of nostalgia was felt among the crowd and none showed any impatience though the queues were moving at a very slow pace. Many youngsters were also found who were trying to send a telegram for the first time in their lives. Few elderly who were present shared their experiences with telegram. Mr.Kurien Abraham remembered how his family received the telegram conveying the death of his father while participating in the World War II. In those times the telegram messenger was considered as a bad omen since he delivers mostly the messages pertaining to death and accidents. Mere presence of the messenger was enough to create a panic among the locals, he remembered.

As the evening sun’s last rays fall on the grey building of Trivandrum telegraph office and hundreds of similar offices across the country, one of the pioneer services of P&T (now BSNL) shall eventually fade into oblivion. Future generations may be surprised to know that such a service existed here which was once the communication backbone of the country.

"Don't beat me uncle, I won't be better..!"

Though we have an array of current public issues which requires imminent attention, the recurring financial frauds in the state is the one to be addressed immediately, which had already given much jolts to the economic health of the state. The series of financial scams need to be examined on the grounds of the current financial, investment, economical and the sociological climate of the state.

Kerala’s history does not have much to elaborate on the financial frauds of the past. There would have been financial deceits right from the very early beginnings, but they were limited within a small circle of two or three persons. The first of the large scale scams in terms of both money and people involved after the state of Kerala was formed, was the infamous “blade companies” which offered skyrocketed interest rates for deposits accepted from the public. The eighties saw mushrooming of such companies at every nook and corner of the state and people were cheerfully queuing up at their door steps for making deposits. Advertisements luring public for deposits were common in newspapers during those times. None enquired about the veracity of offers of those tall interest rates and no authority intervened in time. Apparently, things were going on very smoothly for some time but alarm bells started ringing when few of the customers were denied when they demanded their deposits back. News spread in no time on the crumbled financial situation and the same gleeful crowd once queued in front of them, thronged the companies to get their hard-earned money back. Many could see only the downed shutters while their promoters have already fled away with the fortune. It took some time for the hullabaloo to settle down and like all events this too was faded away with the time. Many of the company owners were declared bankrupt and the ultimate losers were the depositors who lost lakhs of their hard earned money.

The next generation financial scams made a return in the nineties. Unlike in the past these attempts were much more organised and wrapped in novel ideas and schemes. Long-term financial depository schemes in projects like Manjium, Teak, Goat etc. which were never heard before and the way of presentation through advertisements left nothing to suspect. Even the most wary of the lot were made to believe the authenticity of the projects by personally visiting the goat farms and teak plantations. But even the cleverest never knew the bleating of the goats and whispering teak / manjium leaves actually belong to somebody else! Just like the earlier episodes, once the deposits reached the expected levels, all the promoters took to their heels with the collected funds, leaving the depositors in lurch. Though criminal proceedings were initiated, not much could be recovered leaving another saga was written in tears in the history of state’s financial fraudulence.

It would be a matter of coincidence that financial scams repeat or return in the state every decade. The new millennium saw the greatest of the financial frauds of all times. It seems the millennia rackets would have done much homework and research before introducing bogus schemes before the public, in turn who would never learn from the past experiences. The “Total 4 U” scam was the biggest fraud of all times which was unleashed in the state. Changed with the latest tunes, the deposit schemes were made attractive by way of false propaganda of linking the investments with share markets, future trading of gold, dollar, petro etc. and with anything and everything which the clueless, illiterate depositors would never suspect. It was a matter of just few months when the Total 4 U crumbled owing much to the extravagant life style of its promoters. More shocking was the involvement of the kith and kin of the ruling political party leaders and the ministers, which made the police enquiry an eye-wash. The investigation is still going on while the acquitted are roaming scot-free. The public at large now has almost forgotten the Total 4 U episode.

As a matter of fact mentioned earlier, this decade also witnessed a financial fraud. Dancing with the latest tunes and exploiting the apprehensions arisen from the power crisis of the state, safe solar energy was introduced under the banner of “Time Solar”. Frauds were done primarily at two levels - cheating those who paid advance money for installing solar panels in their premises and accepting crores of money as investments in the company, offering them company stakes. All the money flown in was either immediately transferred to safe havens or spent lavishly in real estate, building mansions, dine and wine. Many of the fraudulent transactions appeared to have happened with the consent of political leaders and even ministers. Even the Chief Minister himself was dragged into the controversy. Three of his staff members were suspended and one arrested. Unlike the past times, lust and flesh were traded for the first time to entice the probable investors and to influence ministers.

The latest trends of financial frauds are very much disturbing when the much adored, homely, peace loving and thrifty Malayalee nature is concerned. Though there were myriad individual instances of cheating and fraudulent transactions in the past, never their access with those who are at the helm of governance came to light. The proximity enjoyed by the fraudsters with the ministers and top officials might have endorsed the credibility of their projects. The disintegration of the Malayalee personality from being a part of a large joint family to the role of a sole breadwinner of a nuclear family might have tempted him to embrace any unethical mode to create wealth. Joint families had enjoyed a code of ethics practised and mutually binding amongst its members and positive and matured interventions take place whenever there is a deviation. Where as in nuclear families, usually the sole bread winner would take myopic decisions based on his own convictions, of which many may be immature and unethical. Blindly mimicking the western styled life style and to finance the same also would have tempted him to adopt any course to amass wealth. Malayalees have a tradition and wisdom inculcated by their parents to cultivate a habit of thrift by way of small bank deposits, recurring deposits etc. But no such habits were taught at home now and instead, spending through credit card which is over and above the normal income is admired more. Our last generations taught us to spend only for felt needs and everything else was considered extravagant. The decline in family values and bonds across the Malayalee society is glaringly visible in every instance and is the prime social cause of all emerging and existing social & financial evils.

Why the state of Kerala witness a sudden spurt of financial vagaries? Crores of money swindled through politics, bribes, land dealings, hawala and numerous other illegal transactions had made a certain proportion of people becoming rich in shorter span of time. Being caught in petty crimes and cheating is no longer considered as a social taboo and on the contrary may qualify one for a successful business ahead. Besides, this felonious history may assure ones better access to the political-antisocial-goons nexus to further initiate into new fraudulent ventures. Money generated through unreal estate, corruption, bribe, cheating, commissions etc. is being re-pumped into the economy through money lending mafias. Many of the cheats who had convicted in earlier cases may be released after few years of sentence and would re-emerge with new bogus names and ideas. The acceptance they get among the top echelons of politics and governance and the lesser degree of sentences they get send wrong signals to the society in general and the youth in particular. The interdependency of mafias, political leaderships and goons are getting stronger since each one is benefitted through these transactions.

Government being the guardian of the general public cannot stand aloof when similar cases are reported. In fact, it should take proactive measures to curb if any such fraudulent moves are seen. It would not be even an excuse to claim ignorance since the government runs an effective intelligence machinery to sniff all under currents in the state. So emerging after having all the damages done is a mere eye wash. Both Central and state governments can effectively intervene since the finance portfolio comes under the concurrent list of Indian Union. Reserve Bank of India or NABARD can take a lead role in monitoring public investments with the participation of lead banks, SEBI, state finance department, police etc. Accreditation or standards may be given to all bodies which accept public deposits and investments. State as well as district level panels comprising of officials from the above authorities may be formed to award accreditation and monitor businesses. This would ensure public confidence in selecting the right investment as well as avoiding the fake ones.

All that required is an iron will from the part of the government in implementing strong measures in curbing financial frauds to be nipped at the bud itself, with the support and help of its intelligence machinery. This would definitely pave an ideal climate for financial investments for a better industrial growth. But how far the political leadership would step in, in spite of its growing bedfellow nexus with the notoriety is apparently doubtful. But above all, with the basic psyche of the Malayalee society where the cheated would never learn lessons from the past, we could expect similar cases of financial dacoits re-emerge in the next decade as well.

Visit to Khajuraho - Feb, 2013