I’ve consciously kept away from two things my entire life — religion and sports (especially football and cricket). The unnecessary hype, the mass hysteria, the blind fanaticism — it just never made sense to me. When I was pregnant with my eldest, I was told I’d become a mother by August. Like any typical mother (fathers usually aren’t as invested in this part), I set off on an excited, determined hunt for a unique name — something rooted in Sanskrit, something that reflected my values, my philosophy, and the kind of person I hoped my child would grow to be. But life had other plans. In July — much earlier than expected — I was rushed to the emergency room, and my son was born almost a month ahead of schedule. By the time I fully regained my senses, my son had already been named — after St. Thomas. Why St. Thomas? How was this connected to my pregnancy, my delivery, or anything I stood for? I had never known the significance of July 3rd for Indian Christians until my son was b...
Yes, there’s no denying that village life has its own unique beauty. The greenery, the fresh water, the crisp air—these are treasures you can truly experience only in the suburbs and villages. I’m not sure if all the villages across India share the same charm, but the villages in Kerala certainly stand apart. They have a magic of their own. Recently, I came across a picture of a playground nestled among thick trees. The caption read: “It’s not the Amazon Rainforest. And it’s no ordinary cricket ground either. This is Palapilly Ground, Thrissur, in Kerala.” Honestly, an aerial view of almost any village in Kerala would show you something just as stunning, if not better. And when it rains—oh, that’s when Kerala truly comes alive. The greenery deepens, the air smells richer, and the freshness seems to seep into the very soul of the land. But when I say Kerala comes alive, I don’t just mean the plants, rivers, and skies. I also mean the buzzing, creeping, hopping creatures that eme...