Being born in Alappuzha, the district renowned for its vulnerability situated at the lowest altitude in India—approximately 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) below sea level—has profoundly shaped my identity.
Many people see my hometown as a picturesque getaway - a vacation spot, but beneath its charm lies a profound vulnerability. I hope to shed light on the struggles and resilience that define not just the landscape, but the lives of those who call it home.
Though I spent only the initial years of my life there, the impact of having ancestral roots in such a uniquely challenging environment has been deeply formative.
In 2015-2016, my mother transferred her share of the property in Alappuzha to me after I supported my brother through a financial crisis. My siblings, being well settled, had no objections.
There's a well right in front of my uncle’s house which was built by my Maternal Grand Father.
This year in 2024, something truly remarkable happened ; a Shakti temple in my hometown requested to use my land for Annadanam—offering meals to the needy—for 11 days during Shivaratri.
During the Goddess Shakti procession, the procession makes several stops along its route, where devotees are served food.
Although we've always observed this tradition of Annadanam, this was the first time we had such an opportunity, marking a profound moment of abundance, generosity, and grace. The temple even cleaned the property, creating a space for devotees to enjoy their meals.
It felt like a profound blessing and a full-circle moment, transforming the land into a symbol of ABUNDANCE ; GENEROSITY and GRACE.
But now, I can embrace my vulnerability without fear.
I’ve learned to adapt and prepare, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth.
In the world where anything that is slightly ambiguous is DISCOUNTED as not being of much VALUE - I can claim that ARABIAN SEA IS AN UNENDING SEA OF PASSION !
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The experiences and stories passed down from generations living below sea level have fortified my spirit, teaching me that resilience is not just a trait but a way of life. Many of my ancestors have met their fate in the rising waters of the Arabian Sea, along with their homes.
As the waters surge rapidly, they bring with them a wave of fears and uncertainties. Yet, in the midst of these trials, an extraordinary strength and resilience emerge.
My father faced profound loss from the very beginning of his life. His biological mother passed away due to complications during his birth, leading my grandfather to remarry. Tragedy struck again when floods claimed my grandfather's life when my father was only 10 years old. After this, my father was abandoned by his stepmother, who seized his substantial property and inheritance. Despite the injustice, my father chose not to contest the loss of his legal rights to the property. My Father has a property worth 20000 Square Feet close to Raja Ravi Varma's fort in Alappuzha.
My father's story became a powerful reminder that the capacity to be kind is the true measure of self-worth, and it is far beyond any superficial transactions ; the ability to give and make a difference is a reflection of one’s character and spirit and kindness is no way related to the NET-WORTH of any human-being.
I visited my paternal grandfather’s home only once when I was eight, during a trip to Sabarimala. Unlike my maternal grandfather's residence, which was highly vulnerable due to its location, my paternal grandfather's home was relatively less affected by such risks.
Alappuzha teaches us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful reminder of our capacity to endure and rise above. It’s a journey of emotional courage, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to turn adversity into a source of enduring strength.
True generosity and the capacity to GIVE come from within, not from material exchanges.
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