Cattle Breeding... And the search for Bride

I dont know why these things happen to me... But it happens...

I am a bachelor(When I am writing this). And I am in the process of searching for my girl. I have registered my self in a good matrimonial web-site. Don't know why, even after being handsome and attractive I am not getting much inquiries. But I have not lost hope. I am expressing interest to every other girl whom i feel is good looking and matches other conditions, first being good-looking.

I had expressed interest towards a girl's profile and her response was pending. We never had a chat over phone or any other communication other than the express interest from me. This I did on a week day and I was going to my native place that Friday. I had received the tickets and reached the bus stop with one of my best friends, Anumodh. We had done our usual chats and gossips abt friends and family and now its time for some new topic.

I started off with my intention of starting a new-business which is cattle-breeding. Kerala needs a huge quantity of beef and most of it comes from outside Kerala. So my idea was to breed cattle as chicken is rared.

So the chat went something like this :
Me: "Hey Anumodh, why dont we start a business, cattle breeding? Like we do chicken and goats, why not cattle. That too when beef is in use in large quantities in kerala? Also most of it used now comes from outside Kerala."
Anu: "Thats a good idea considering the fact that some 90-95% of cattle used for beef come from outside Kerala. But how?"
Me: "See, all the cattle which are brought from far places lose weight by travel. So, my intial plan is to have a check-point kinds where all the cattle will be kept, fed, medicated and looked after very well. Then they will gain weight and we will sell them off to the butchers."
Anu: "Thats a good idea. We will arrange place somewhere in Palakkad, which is one of the entry point of goods to Kerala."

We were standing near the bus-stop when we started talking as there was no seat left. Then two people left the seats and me and my friend got into them with me in the middle and Anumodh and one Lady on sides. We never looked who was sitting beside. One lady - thats all.

Me: "But what bothers me is the quality. When cattle come from outside, we dont have a stipiulated quality. Whatever comes, we take and give. No quality is maintained."
Anu: "Thats the way it is. How could you do that?"
Me: "Only one way - start breeding. Its very complex but like we rare chicken, start breeding cattle. Thus we can ensure the quality. Make sure that we breed only the best of the cattle. And the brand never gets spoiled. By the way there is a big problem."
Anu: "ya. breeding can be done. but very expensive and complex. wts the problem BTW?"
Me: "The problem is that cattle have a longer pregnancy period. Say months. BTW, do you know how many months? Nine?"
Anu: "Nine is for humans. For cattle, its lesser."
Me: "Whatever. Its must be some 6-7 months i guess. Still we have the problem."
Anu: "What?"
Me: "Its like for every calf, we need one mother. And the pregnancy period is 6-7 months. And there needs to be enough resting period for the mother before she bares a new calf. It cannot do it like a chicken lay egg. No chain pregnancy. Otherwise it will die."
Anu: "Ya. thats a big problem"
Me: "Hmm. Then we would have to have another business with this. Dairy. There is no other way. Coz we cannot discard them after giving birth due to monetory loss and other losses. All mothers can be milked and a dairy will help. So the cycle will be a female getting pregnant, deliver, then moved to diary, after some 4-5 months again. The calves will be kept separately. All get well-fed and grown. When Females reach adulthood, we bring them in business, can be used for breeding again. and thus goes the cycle."

By this time, I see a friend of mine coming and I wave and call him. he turns back and responds. Then i go to him and bring him near our seat and introduce Anumodh.. Then I turn towards the lady in a normal glance and I get the shock of my life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its the same girl whom I have expressed interest for, in the matrimony web-site. OMG!!!!!!!!!!! I am done. I was doing all this cattle breeding talks near her.

By this time, our bus came and there was no time to patch up. I told Anumodh, if she heard all that we were talking, we are good. But if she heard bits and pieces of it( pregnancy - delivery - chain pregnancy - females reach adulthood - bring them in business) we are gone... Dig a deep hole and bury ourselves in it... Afterall who will expect software engineers to talk about animal husbandry and breeding with such authenticity ... Ha haaa...

Traffic woes

I could not step back from the civic responsibility when I heard what happened to my friend who lives in Bangalore. He was suffering from fever and acute back pain because of which he was not able to walk the distance. He usually travel by bike but could not, that day, as the situation was very worse. He decided to go to the Hospital nearby, MGA hospital in Marathahalli, which is just 1KM away from his place, just near to Bharatis restaurant. He stood on the road for an autorikshaw. He called four autos and the first three demanded 30Rs, 40Rs and 30Rs each for this 1KM. Finally he got a person who took him to the hospital with meter charge. he consulted the doctor and it was time to return. He stood near 'The New Shanthi Sagar' restaurant looking for an auto back to home. He called for 4 autos and all demanded 30Rs for the 1KM distance. Disappointed by the kind of arguments that the drivers put, he walked down the signal in acute back pain. I am sure, if you have ever been in Bangalore and have traveled in autos, you would have come across similar experiences.

Now the problem is: many public transporters - specially autorickhshas - dont go by government regulation. they charge the public extra bucks- sometimes 5Rs extra, sometimes 10 and sometimes the double, citing silly excuses and the public who is in need have to submit to what the transporter ask for. (I dont forget those few people who go as per rules and regulations and charge only as per the meter). Not only this, they stay in the road most of the time, even if not been utilised. They pollute when they go around looking for people who can pay them high. That is in effect we are having a poor public transport system in the shape of autorickshaws, which use up one of the scarce resources - the road space - and pollute the city. People usually take private vehicles - cars or bikes - if they could manage it, since there is no surety of the public transport - with respect to the cost of travel and the kind of treatment they receive. This adds to the number of vehicles on the roads, traffic woes and pollution and the rest. Many steps taken by the authorities have not been so fruitfull till date.

What is Ideal? : At the times of car pooling and maximum utilisation of public transport, we have to make sure that the autorickshaws are utilised to the fullest possible extend. For that the first thing to be done is with the fares. Public should be sure that when they travel a certain distance, anywhere in Bangalore, they are charged the same as per the government regulations - not a penny more, not a penny less. Fare should not be more when they hire an auto from 'The Forum' mall or 'Garuda' mall. Fare should not be more when someone hire and auto towards 'Logica' or towards any where for that matter.

What could be done? : Why dont we introduce 'Fair fare autos'(FFA)? The idea is to bring together the group of autos that charge the real fare from the public. They wont over-charge the public. They wont reject any trips due to any reasons. They wont misbehave to the customers.They will be identified as FFA. So the public can hire a FFA without any fear about the fare they will be charged.

How could it be implemented? : This could be implemented only with the help of all the stakeholders - The public, the auto drivers, the traffic police and all others involved.
--> First of all there needs to be a registration in which the auto driver will furnish the details of the auto and his license details
--> Then they will be given identification - for the auto and the driver - a visual identification so that the public can identify a FFA
--> There will be a notice in every FFA, showing where to register complaints and whom to contact.
--> There will be a central location where all data of FFA will be kept and managed
--> Necessary actions will be taken -- like stripping off FFA title -- according to the complaints received.

I know its not simple. But we have to start somewhere. Pass on the message if you like it. Add your comments and suggestions. Thank you.

Nalu mani unda

In my childhood, we had a man who worked in our fields and the farmhouse. His name was Xavier. In local slang we used to call him ‘Chowriar’ chettan. He was a bit tanned due to sun. He was in his early sixties that time. He used to wear a lungi and a towel around his neck. He used to have a small beard as he used to shave once in a week only. He was one of our favorites as he used to sing well. Specially parody songs. He will pick some topic and start singing, like an instant poet. We had a song for him too – Chowriarettaaaa, Chowriarettaaaa, Kannampuzhakkale Chowriarettaaa – I don’t remember the other lines. But we used to tease him with this song by adding whatever situation requires. He used to call me “Nalu many unda”. My amma used to make some or other kind of undas for snacks in the evening. So we used give him too a share. All children who used to come to my house or the houses we used to visit for games used to get this legendry undas. My amma is a good cook.

My first marathon

I did my first marathon at the age of nine. My school was 10KMs away from my home. It all happened. And whatever happened, happened good.

It was our first day in Class 3. It’s usual in our school that time that the books were distributed on the school re-opening day and that day we had school till noon only. Since I showed enough growth to handle things, my parents had given me money to buy the text books from the office. As usual, we went to class 2. Our old class teacher Mary miss called the names of those who had passed – BTW, all had passed – but it was a practice followed. Then we were taken to our new class and our new teacher was introduced. She took the attendance once again. Then we were talking to each other while waiting for the last bell to ring.

After the race to reach the van, I went upto Chakkappan chettan and told him my intention to go and get my textbooks. He was busy getting other kids into the van. I thought he heard me. He thought I was in the van.

I reached the office and there was a big queue and I had to wait. I got my books, paid for that. There was some change left. Then I reached the parking area and searched for our van. It was gone!! What would I do? I sat there for some time. Since it’s a half day, we don’t bring lunch that day. But I was not so hungry. But as time flew, I started thinking of getting home.

As a kiddo, I have travelled in buses with my parents. But I also knew that there are so many buses which go different places. I had enough money to reach my place by bus. But I dint know which bus to go in. If I go in a wrong bus, I would be somewhere else. Also, in case if anyone come looking for me, how would they see me if I am in a bus? I thought and thought about a safe bet. And I decided to walk down to my home. Since I had travelled 4 years on the same route, I knew the way home. There was another thought that if someone comes looking for me, they could see me walking on the road and can go home with them. Anyway, I started walking.

After our school comes a ladies college. Then, Chalakudy railway station. Near to the railway station was an open area where beggars had tented. Those days also beggars used to kidnap children and disfigure them for begging. I believe, the guardian angel sent by the lord himself had protected me then and till this moment.

I walked the whole way with a plastic bag which had my text books. But by this time, our van reached my place and to Chakkappan chettan’s shock, I was missing. What would he do at this time? Can he go to my home and tell my parents that I am missing? What would be their reaction? He decided to go back to school after he leave other kids who are left in the van.

I was walking coolly. We have a farm house outside our house which is 3 KMs away. And I used to go there with my parents very frequently. So I knew that way too. This way was a short-cut to my home from our school route. But we used to take a different route as there were many other kids from different places. When I had walked around 7 KMs, it was a nearby locality of our farm house. While I was walking, one of our servants, who used to work in our farmhouse, saw me walking and she was puzzled why I was walking. She asked me to go with her and said she will take me home. But I insisted on walking straight to my home. I took the short-cut and reached home safely with my guardian angel.

My parents, grandparents and sisters thought that the classes might be delayed and that’s why I was late. I had this thought in my mind that I would be welcomed as a hero, since I have walked the whole way down home. But it did not happen. Why? They did not believe me when I said I have walked down the whole distance. They thought I was bluffing. As a kid, I was very talkative. And there was no proof for me to prove my point.

Chakkappan chettan went to the school back to look for me without knowing all these. He searched and searched and couldn’t find me. He was so grief stricken and shattered. I cant even imagine such a situation in my life. Someone has entrusted their kid with you and the kid gone missing. Oh god!! He gathered strength and decided to tell this to my parents. After around 2 hours that I reached home, Chakkappan chettan came home. My parents were surprised when he asked for me. They said I am in. Believe me, that would have been his happiest moment in life. Then he said the story of how I went missing and then my parents realized that I really did walk the whole 10KMs down. The next day, our servant also gave statement that she saw me walking down home. Thus was my first marathon.

I remember one of the verse from Bible where the lord says - “I would protect you under my wings; I would protect you like the Apple of my eye”.

Chakkappan chettan

Chakkappan chettan was our driver cum local guardian from the time we leave home till we reach back. Chakkappan chettan had a black Ambassador car in which we used to go to school. Later he bought a STANDARD van – you can see those in old Hindi films of 1970s. During LKG, there were 8 of us total in the car. Later there were many and Chakkappan chettan bought a van.

Chakkappan chettan is a good man with dark skin. He has long hair growing from his ears and has a small black growth on his face. For unknown kids, he might be frightful, but he was very nice – “Appearances can be deceptive”.

As I have mentioned earlier, he was a good driver with good track record. When other drivers used to race, we kids were so sad because Chakkappan chettan’s – rather our – car will be the last. All other vehicles would go past us. But now I realize the way in which he exercised his responsibility. We never had a single accident during our 7 years journey with him, other than some flat tyres.

We had a good time with him. In the evenings, we used to ask him for toffees. Not always, but once in a while he used to buy us ‘jeera-sweet’. In the car, we used to have nick names – mostly given by Chakkappan chettan. I remember names like – “Kumbalanga”, “Mathanga”, “Puzhuppallan” etc. I know, now you want to know my nick name. He heeee. I was called “Vayarony”. Ha haaaaa. Good name na?

Later when we grew up, we stopped going in his van and started our journey in buses. Chakkappan chettan is still alive and kicking. Now he don’t drive as he is aged now. I remember the good old days when I see him.

The tall fat boy and the sweet

One more, tall fat boy whom I was afraid of. During our KG, we had snacks interval by around 11 in the morning. My classmates and I used to bring different snacks and drinks. My amma used to give me nice snacks usually. But once in a while she used to give me ‘ellunda’. And I was not so fond of its taste. There was this boy in my class who used to snatch my ellundas from me. So one day I decided to play a trick on him. I never liked ellunda, but I liked the sweet in it. So before he could snatch the ellundas, I used to put the ellundas in my mouth, water it and squeeze out all sweet and then keep it back in the snacks box. The other boy used to eat it as if nothing has happened. He heeee. I think it continued for a long time till we stopped bringing the snacks box.

The story she told me

There was this pretty girl in our van. She too was a good friend of mine. She used to tell me many things and I remember one specific story of hers. One day she asked me “Rony, you know how you were born?” I said “My mother was pregnant and she delivered me” She said “you know how I was born” “Your mother was pregnant and she delivered you” I said. “Nooo.” She denied “I will tell you. One day my papa had a big back pain. he had a big growth on his back. Then he was admitted to the hospital. Doctors did a surgery and took me out. That’s how I was born.” She said smilingly. I dint know whether she was trying to fool me or something else. But, I behaved as if I believed her. She was happy. And so was I.

Vidya, Me and the pencil

So as I said earlier, we were many friends in the van. Vidya, Lucy, Skaria, Antony, Jacob, Ramu. And many more joined later. One day it happened. We were on our way back from school. I was seated with Vidya and someone else on a seat. I was playing with her pencil. It was a nice pencil which she loved a lot. During the play, the pencil broke somehow and it was in my hand. I managed to join the pencil for the time being. But, Dangerrrrrrrrr. From Vidya and her bro. Her bro Ramu is a fat guy and I was scared of him. So I planned a trick. I said “ Vidya, I will show u a magic”. She said OK. The I said said “ I will break the pencil and join it back”. She said ok. Then I took the pencil and acted as if I am forcefully breaking it. Then took the pieces apart. Then I joined it and held it upside down. Thankfully, the other piece dint fall down. Then I said “ Its your turn now. Try” . She tried. By this time, the broken area was loose and it never stood as before. I said “Oh Vidya, u really broke it.” May be she really believed she herself broke it. Or something else. Anyway, she dint complain and I was saved from the punches. He heeee.

My First Day in School

When I think about my past, the clearest picture that comes into my mind is my first day in school. My mother took me to the school – Carmel School – run by CMI fathers. My parents say that I had a pre-admission test, in which I did well, because of which I got admission, I don’t remember giving any. The school opening day was a messy day. Since it was my first day in school, I thought everything will go fine. My mother took me and non-teaching staff showed us the way to my classroom. I was so scared while we were getting near to the classroom, as I heard lots of crying. Children cried because, the parents had to leave then at the classroom door. Thereafter teacher and the non-teaching staff will look after them. So did my mother. Anyway, there I was in the center of so many crying children – as I was the only grown up child who was not crying. He he. You know me. I had blocked my ears with my little fingers, to get rid of the crying sounds, which might possibly break my control. There was this teacher, ‘Mercy Miss’, as we fondly call her. She was so sweet, I remember. Probably in her early twenties, trying to calm down all the 35 children except me. She was very beautiful. I didn’t cry, I was very brave, you know. But I am a sympathizer; I couldn’t stand alone in the crowd. And how could I ditch my classmates? I too burst out into tears. But believe me, it was very silent. Tears rolled down my eyes, but not much sound came out. I controlled it. After some time of unsuccessful attempt to calm down the children, our dear Mercy Miss announced that the class is dispersed. Chaos again, all were fighting near the door to reach their parents first. Some had made the decision not to come back to the school. How could they? Away from parents and that too no freedom to roam around or play. No way are we gonna come back!!

But, later for me, it proved to be a very good place of learning. I did my whole schooling in the same school and when I look back to those days, I say – cool.

I remember a lot about my Kindergarten days. I was a day scholar and the school was about 10 Kilometers from my home. I went to school in a van – Standard, I remember the writing in its back -- with my friends Vidya, Lucy, Skaria, Jacob, Skaria’s elder brother Antony and some more. Our driver – Chakkappan Chettan -- was a trustworthy person, who was entrusted our local guardianship from the time we leave home till we reach back. So, we were all happy with Chakkappan chettan, except the fact that he don’t drive fast. He was real slow, like a snail. We used to make fun of him, till we understood the importance that he didn’t had any accidents in 7 years that we travelled with him. That was why he was the best person, for our parents, to entrust our lives.