Nurungukal  contd.....

                                In 1950s it was a male dominant society. Very few women ventured to make a livelihood of their own. But Ennassery Ammu Amma, affectionately addressed as AMMOMA  stood apart. She found her living by selling milk and milk products.She was above 70 at that time. Slim and beautiful, although her fair skin was wrinkled. Dressed in crisp white with a slight bend, moved around elegantly. She always maintained half a dozen good cows. Without any male assistance she managed the venture proudly. One or two women workers helped to bring green fodder. In other words it was an all women show. Her day starts early in the morning  { vella keerumbol  By noon she would complete the distribution of milk to some exclusive customers. She chose the customer assessing their credibility. Very much professional in that respect. Then it is time to take care of the animals which  she did with meticulous care and love. Each cow was called by a pet name  such as chinnu, ponnu, karumbi, pulli , etc and they responded to her calls. After noon session is for selling milk products. She had an inborn capacity to prepare them  and they were in great demand. It was during such  time she paid a visit to my mother to exchange pleasantries and to carry news. The role of a mobile news channel !!. Usually at that time mother will be enjoying her siesta on the back side THINNA. Both were good conversationalists, hence the session went  on and on, intermittently with loud laughter. I used to enjoy their performance . Ammoma’s presence can be felt from the aroma of pure ghee .

                                Now being a dairy farmer I understands the amount of effort she might have put in to make a living. Women like her were the fore runners carrying the message of women empowerment . Now I can only  offer   this tiny paragraph to pay  homage to such bygone heroins.

Nurungukal  cntd.......

                                Krishnan and family were our neighbours. His wife Devaki and his sister Ammu worked with us.His brother Kuttappa was a coconut tree climber, but in an accident when his right arm was broken  he continued as a facilitator managing a team of climbers.Krishnan  was a cattle broker [PORUTHUKARAN }. He was unique and most wanted. Father depended on him to purchase cows. He was a well known person in almost all the cattle shanties, viz; Perumpilavil chantha, Vaniyamkode chantha etc. When required father will ask him to locate a cow. He will already have a list with exact descriptions. Out of this he will short list one or two and next day early morning will go for an inspection. If it is a holiday I will also accompany them. On foot we would cover at least three to four miles. The owner will be ready to milk. Father will go round the cow and would ask the owner to take the cow for a walk to know whether she had any defective legs.He will ensure the cow has bright eyes , long tail touching the floor, the udder is fairly big and the tits are equally positioned etc. The colour of the cow and sex of the calf are also important factors. A female calf can fetch better price.  Single colour, wide ears, short horns and soft skin etc are good characteristics. But only on few occasions such a cow can be found,  When the negotiation progress all these will surface.

                                Those days a good cow produced around 2 to 3 litres of milk. It was expressed in terms of nazhi about 200 ml. If the milk was not up to the projected quantity Krishnan would have a ready explanation. For example Our presence has frightened her and the lactation has been controlled by her, or the previous night the calf had sucked the tits etc  .etc . After a prolonged exchange of arguments and counters the price will be fixed and by evening she will be brought our house .

                                The ordeal commences next day morning. There was a lady  named Kunhamma to look after the cattle. When  she is about to touch the tits either the cow will give a kick or move out. After a prolonged  effort she will manage to milk half the quantity which was promised.  Some times the bucket will be kicked out just escaping the face of Kunhamma, or it will attempt to gore her. But Kunhamma will not succumb . if needed she would tie the cow tight to the pole or even the legs to accomplish the task .Immediately Krishnan will be summoned. He will appear before father showing all signs of reverence.  That posture is still fresh in me.He will remain slightly stooping forward, with  a  towel [ THORTH ] kept in between  arm and body { kaksham } and with a special facial expression showing his stained teeth. Father will be in his easy chair and  mother will take up the issue  in a hostile manner. But  Krishnan who is an expert  to  deal such out bursts will remain poised  and will put forth a number of reasons which we ha d to accept graciously..

                                I still remember an incident  in which he applied his presence of mind to buy a cow  for which there were many takers in Perumpilavil Chanda .  Many aspirants were surrounding it and there was no possibility of striking a low deal. His customer was very fond of the animal and wanted to buy. But what to do . Others were equally  fond of. It was now Krishnan used his sixth sense. He went round the animal and made a statement which was heard by the crowd.  "Hey this cow was  the one which had fallen in a well a few days ago , so let us with draw".  On hearing this one by one withdrew  and he easily fixed a deal for his customer. He had unique ways of striking deals which will satisfy both parties. I am yet to come across such a breed of cattle brokers . My salute to his professionalism.

Nurungukal  cntd........

                                We found our living from agriculture, although later we were forced to take up other  jobs to make both ends meet. So essentially our roots  were attached with  nature, more specifically with  PANCHABOOTHAMS. Among the five , earth and water were close to our heart. I strongly believe that sustainable agriculture and conservation of nature resources are inter related. That is why we give a stamp of ‘culture’ to that life saving activity. 

                                Kerala is blessed with two seasons of monsoon because of her position in the NILGIRI BIOSPHERE. Medam is our first month in Malayaklam era. Aswathi Nhattuvela commences on the first of Medam and others  { aswathi, bharani ............................etc. etc } ,each following one after the other with a gap of 13 days. Each one has a definite influence on the growth of plants.

                                Just before VISHU  a light drizzle facilitates sowing of paddy. As the month progress sporadic rains  accompanied by cool breeze  help the formation of moist atmosphere which helps the sprouting of seeds.  Come June the days of down pours. On the first of June when we are about to set to school after a happy vacation , a mummer, chill breeze, swaying of leaves, sound of falling pearls on the roof  , then  water  flowing through the channels of the roof tiles all around the house like a silver curtain, yes  rainy days are ahead.

                                On that day by dusk  a  chorus gaining pitch as the night proceeds can be heard . , The orchestra , where unknown notes are played  , is at its best. The performers are our little friends who have a missions to achieve in their short span of life. From the nearby paddy fields Tigrina frogs will be calling their mates at high pitch PEKROM PEKROM.  Through small burrows white ants { termites } will emerge in swam  fluttering for a while and completing their destiny. In the dark a swam of glow worms  will move around illuminating on and off. We used to catch one or two and keep in a glass bottle, inquisitively.

                                The situation changes by Edavapathy. Water will be gushing every where. Ponds wells , rivers . rivulets and paddy fields will all be overflowing. The level of water in the vast stretches of paddy fields  in  front of our house raises , forming into a lake . Our joy will reach new heights. In batches we go round splashing muddy water on to each other and will be totally wet which of course would attract a punishment. Our house is a NALUKETU. Rain water will splash in the NADUMITTAM making a rhythmic sound. This provides a one to one chat with nature. It was fascinating to watch the water slowly rising up in the fields and inundating the whole area. Big logs , fallen banana plants ,some times even a dead animal and many other odd things will come floating . Some adventurous youngsters dragged  these to the shore and made a living. Our fancy was to tie up a few banana plants and float on the water.  When the level and speed of the water reaches beyond control no such fun were allowed. Fishing was another hobby during such time. Toy boats made of coconut fronts will be set on sail . It is fun to watch them take speed and disappear or sink in the gushing water. Monsoon was always a source for frolics When the water recedes we saw the naked and rejuvenated soil ready for cultivation.....

Nurungukal  contd..................

                                My father and mother were poles apart in behaviour. He was a man of few words. Were as mother was vociferous and a continuous performer. She was a social being, involving in welfare activities. She maintained a friendly relationship with one and all, irrespective of their social status.  Father had his own reservations in mingling , but respected values. There used to be one or two visitors every day, from different walks of life. She had long sessions of talk with each one which very often prolonged till she bade them  farewell at the gate. I have seen, if it is a close relative they continue the chat after taking one or two strides between gate and the house !. And she would come back running to attend father  who would be relaxing on an easy chair . In fact I am yet to find a pair with such contrasts,living in perfect harmony.

                                One frequent visitor was Chathettan who was a distant relative of us. He was our neighbour. He was short and robust. We enjoyed his way of walking, taking short steps and his finger made a TUP TUP noise. I think he should have been awarded a KARSHAKASHREE if the Govt had such a one at that point of time. I learnt the basic lessons of paddy cultivation from him. From early in the morning we can hear his loud calls alerting the workers about he day’s work. Then the team usually accompanied by many pairs of buffaloes will set to the fields .His return will be late in the evening or if there is not much work by noon.  After a  luxurious bath in the pond and belly full of rice porridge the days news paper will be read siting in the gate house which we enjoyed. By 6 pm he will reach our house with out fail and the long session starts. The trio, father mother and Chathettan will be seated in their regular places i.e, father on easy chair, mother on the WOODEN PADI and Chathettan  on the floor.Mother would serve a  big glass of coffee to all. The conversation will touch upon each and every latest topic and some times on his past experiences in north India. A phrase he very often used was  Ammukutiye ninakunda kattu kutugniyittu. And by about 7.30 pm he will take leave making the same stride and TUP TUP sound.None of them are with us now . But I feel their presence  while brushing up such memories.

Nurungukal  cntd.......

                                It started raining cats and dogs on the morning of the marriage. A visit to our family temple by the bride's party had to be arranged , to accept the blessings of the Goddess. In hose days that was  a practise which can not be avoided. There was no possibility of arranging any kind of conveyance, so the bride accompanied by very close relatives and the Nadaswaram set was sent. They returned a few minutes before the Muhoortham fully wet but satisfied for accomplishing the mission. A few minutes later the bridegroom party reached the venue . While the bride was dressing for the occasion, the visitors were received at the entrance of the Panthal,as usual  by sprinkling rose water and washing the feet of the bridegroom. There were about fifty of them .There was a big metal trunk box  of dress for the bride and and a few baskets of vegetables , sweets and provisions , which was received by my brothers. Every body talked in subdued voice , and few calls now and then together reached a crescendo when the bride arrived blushed  in her pure white cloths . She looked extremely gorgeous. The nadaswaram party was trying to show there excellence , playing many classical ragas. We fancied to watch the piper whose cheeks were blowing according to the pitch .Other artists made typical movements to attract the attention.

                                The bride was taken to the Mani panthal  with a traditional retinue. She was seated on the left side of the bridegroom and the rest is part of our family history. We were just enjoying each activity and were not in a mood to paste them in our memory. Unfortunately those events were not recorded . Now we are left to depend on the impressions in our mind

                                Then the crowd  slowly started clustering conveying pleasantries, getting introduced to new relationships and refreshing broken links. My mother was standing out from the rest showing her in born ability of entertainment The feast followed and slowly the people started bidding good bye and the house and panthal was almost deserted. When my sister also bade a farewell I was standing in the middle trying to restrain from  sobbing................... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nurungukal contd....

                                As the day of the marriage approached  sky was showing signs of the impending South East monsoon. It  started in sporadic drizzles. Slowly gathered momentum and turned into heavy down pours. As the level of gushing water increased all the drains were deepend and cleared to ensure a free flow to the nearest paddy fields. We used these channels as rivulets  for sailing paper boats.

                                Preparations for decorating the hall was started . Elder boys were in charge and many turned out to volunteer. All the sides of the Panthal was covered with palm leaves.Entrance was arch shaped.On both sides banana plants with big bunches were fixed and bunches of coconuts  {red variety }added beauty.  Long strips of paper garlands were hung here and there in varying combinations , On the white cloth which covered the roof beautiful designs of gilt paper were pasted. Every one was eager to exhibit their tastes to add a grand look.We had definite rolls to play viz helping the elders to hold paper strips, cutting them. fetching palm leaves etc etc. Among us rarely bits of quarrels also occurred.

                                My elder brothers who were studying in Madras arrived in the last minute and took charge of these preparation. As the function was in the morning no illuminations were possible, which actually disheartened our brothers, one of them was an expert in setting welcome board and electrical displays.

                                Mani panthal was set on one end facing east.On the four sides flower garlands were hung and the floor was as usual spread with a white cloth and items like NIRAPARA, BRONZE LANTERNS, FRUITS,etc, etc were placed in appropriate positions under the able guidance of one of our cousins, often  avoiding  the opinion of others.

                                In the kitchen hectic activity was in progress. Appu Menon giving  loud instructions. Seated on a chair with his pan box occasionally spitting the red sputum was character to be watched. In fact his presence on such occasions was essential otherwise it will be devoid of fun . It was his practise to taste each item and to effect corrections before serving. He was an expert in serving rice with a bamboo basket. He will look at the person and give a tilt to the basket serving exact quantity. His shouts to refill the basket can be heard to his helper no where he is to be. A scene which we do not see nowadays. In serving food to the SARVANI also his control  can be felt. I have seen on many occasions in his absence the situation going out of control and chaotic.

Nurungukal cntd......

                                Marriage was a rare occasion in those days.But the immediate neighbourhood took it as an opportunity  for a celebration.The wedding of my sister was one such. Although I have forgotten many details some events still remain fresh..

                                She was very young and sprightly. Pet of the family. I think she was only eighteen. Me and my kid brother used to play many village games with her. But after marriage she went with her husband to a far off place. The elders on both sides decided the date of the marriage  convenient to the bride groom. From that day onwards our house became a centre of hectic activity. The house was given a face lift. A white wash few repairs etc. Many close relatives made frequent visits for discussing the arrangements. Most important item was preparing the list of invitees, which went on till the last moment .There was not much time left. So the pace was very fast. Appu Menon was the person in charge of the feast. At that time he might have crossed fifty, very fair and vociferous.He gave the list of items of provisions and vegetables to be made available from day one onwards with meticulous detail. A big shed for housing the wedding function in the front court yard and another to run the kitchen in the back yard were  built with bamboo and coconut leaves . . Father was always busy to arrange funds  and other matters were taken care of by mother's cousins. Our main duty was to run errands for the elders. to near market and house holds.Most difficult job was to collect the utensils for preparing different items of the feast. There were some  traditionally rich families who stored such items. Servants were sent with a written request to spare them . One of my elder brothers was in charge of such things and the provision store  room was held by a cousin who was known for that job. He was very strict and disciplined in that respect.

                                House was always full with visitors.Elderly relatives gave their piece of advices. Mother was a busy bee going round and round giving instructions to each and every one. Her loud bursts of laughter  can be heard  frequently which added a vibrancy to the happy atmosphere. Father will be settled grace fully on an easy chair in the POOMUGAM ready to receive guests. Sister received  the attention of all and fluttered in the house, elegantly dressed. My mind will be always thinking of the forth coming function even while in the class room. Each day we used to hurry back to the house from school lest we may miss the fun.