Bidding adieu to 2011

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It was in December 1987 that we moved to Kochi from Trivandrum. I was then a dashing young blade and the branch manager of a nationalized bank in Ernakulum. I was also the father of a baby girl, who graduated in Architecture with honours from the University of Nottingham a fortnight ago.

Along with Madhu, my bosom friend of 4 decades, we went to Taj Malabar hotel in Wellington Island to welcome the New Year. Those days,        Indian Rupee was still strong, and was trading at Rs 14.80 per US Dollar. Good salaries were only in four digits and hence the New Year dinner at Taj was only Rs 250 per head. I remember that south Indian film star Kamal Hasan was there to welcome the New Year. English writer Jayasree Mishra (Remember, Ancient Promises) known to us as Rani was there in resplendent dress and I remember that she won a prize for that on that night.

Since then, much water has flowed under the bridges all over the country and the world. Every New Year was in a different place, some very low key and some quite loud.

Today, I and Sindhu are at home. Unni too is here. The lad in his 12th class has to move too to the University by next June. Life has to go on.

Against the big backdrop of space, time and lives of millions of species of living things, what is so important about a new year? Frankly, I do not know. But it is a good time to introspect and make life more simple and enjoyable by taking life lightly and being kind to every little living thing.

Tripunithura,
South India,
31st December 2011.

Comments

Unknown said…
Nice post. Please convey my congratulations to your daughter.

All the best.
2:22 am
Murali RamaVarma said…
Thank you, AT Sir.I shall certainly convey your congratulations to Lavanya. On her return, we shall call on you one day. Kind regards,
7:44 am
My twisted logic said…
Dear Sir,

Long time no see....Good to see your post after long time...Well written about how new year was celebrated in those days..Wish you and your family happy new year...:()(

Truely,
DC
12:29 pm
Murali RamaVarma said…
Thank you, DC for the concerned note. I was rather busy with official chores.

Also, let me thank you for the new year greetings. Let me also wish you a very happy and prosperous year ahead that is fulfilling in every way!Kind regards,
6:21 am
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