A Journey From My Motherland

If so called ‘mathrubhumi’ or mother’s land is considered as your land, I belong to Kuthuparamba. The land is notorious in Kerala as a place of political conflicts. But when you really could sense the character of the inhabitants there, you will find the people there as the best in the state. May be that is the reason why I love to visit that place frequently. Even last weekend I was there. On my way back on Monday morning in an almost empty KSRTC bus, I was wondering about the places I’d see flashing behind.

Starting from Kuthuparamb, a land known for revolution, I’d see red flags hanging on each pillar in the streets. Yes! More than any localities, this place is known for the high spirit of communism. Many of the present and past leaders of Marxist party belong to this town. Next stop was Thalassery or Tellichery. The town is famous for three Cs- Cricket, Cake and Circus. There are still famous cricket clubs and circus companies in this town. The yummy cakes of Thalassery had even got the praise of foreigners. Again, this place is also known for something else that is very rare. Here, even today, you could see houses with many numbers of rooms where many Muslim families live under a single roof. When the bus reached the town, I’d see Jayabharati Bakery. I love the laddus of that bakery. Similarly the famous KR Bakes belong to this place. I remember my mother saying she used to have KR Biscuits when she was a kid. Long beach shore and the houses almost touching the waves made me little scared. I’d see fishermen repairing and getting ready with the nets for their journey to sea in search of food….

For my bus, it is nothing unusual as it is a routine view every day. Next stop is Mahe; a chunk that belongs to Pondicherry and hence not a part of Kerala. However the culture is same. Here you can get three types of commodities at a very cheap rate- alcoholic drinks, petrol and hardware products. The reminiscence of French rule is seen in the building styles of houses. And there is a big church in the middle of that town. When the bus paused there, I bowed for a second. It is such a beautiful building with Divine Mother blessing all her natives.

Then comes Vadakara, a land known for kalaripayattu. There are even today, families with years of tradition practicing and teaching this martial art form. Payyoli, next to Vadakara, is famous as the native of Olympian PT Usha. Here is where Usha School of Athletics is situated. Under the guidance of Usha, from this school, many have participated in national and international sports events. And in fact Usha is popularly known as payyoli express.

Moving through a small town Koyilandi, bus reached Kozhikode that is in short pronounced as Calicut. The city is known for a mix of different cultures, hospitality and food. When finally bus stopped in the bus stand, I could see cracks in roads filled with water. I could assume that the city was blessed with a wonderful rain on the previous day. All the dust was washed off and the city looks fresh. I hurried up to my office. For me, here starts another fresh day, another fresh week…