Membership (BH:D310)

June 10, 2012

For the Sunday, Malayala Manorama decided to pay tribute to Palakkad Mani Iyer, the Mridangam maestro whose birth centenary falls on June 10. Three of his illustrious disciples including his son have written short, sweet notes remembering the legend of percussion.

A particular incident that stuck to memory is a concert in Mumbai which was disturbed by a local train chugging along in the nearby track. As soon as the locomotive passed, Mani Iyer recreated the vehicle's rhythm on the mridangam. The man was meticulous about choosing the wood and trees for the instrument. His dream of a sandal wood mridangam remained unfulfilled.

Mathrubhumi newspaper paid tribute to veteran ayurveda gem, P.A. Warrier of the Kottackal VaidyaShaala. The man is past 90 but still performs his duties clockwork. He credits his adherence to routine as the secret of good health. Waking up sharp at 3:45, by 8:15 he is at work. "It is like I have three kids," the physician says, "one of them, the hospital, earns me money while the other two, the school and the theater company drain me!" More days of good health and service to him.

The Hindu Sunday magazine reports about the still not research abundance of Buddha statues in a remote village near Tirchi. Headed and headless, there are a few of them that have become local deities called 'Buddha Sami'. It is believed that the ascetic Theravada Buddhism was popular in south India  till 7th century, but these remnants indicate strong presence of Mahayana sect with its superhuman Buddha image.

My little nephew first Sunday at home meant a steady stream of visitors all day. Relatives, friends, well wishers all. The morning session was packed with yet another edition of the 'Decline and Fall of the Nair caste." Just when I thought things can't get any dumber, there was a heady dose of astrology in the afternoon.

Delectable bamboo rice 'payasam' in between the unavoidable listening was the saving grace. to  Luckily Shri M showed up with family in the evening. Escaped with them to DC books.

Parking near Statue Junction is tight even on a Sunday. With a new car that is get a hang of the driver's habit it becomes even more difficult. Two squatters on a shop front, ardent observers of the city life that flows by especially if it wearing a saree, got the scare of their life when some American style 'less than a foot from the curb' parking was attempted.

Signed up for the DC membership which qualifies me for Rs. 300 worth of books every year, 20% discount on Malayalam and 12% discount on English books. Celebrated the entry into the club by getting discount on Malayattoor Ramakrishnan's Verukal and S.K. Pottakkad's 'Oru Deshathinte Katha', both classics worth possessing.