A Summer of disappointment

Title: **A Summer of Disappointment: A Personal Account of the 2024 Kerala Heatwave**

The summer of 2024 was unprecedented in Kerala, marking the hottest temperatures recorded in the last two decades. Historically, the region enjoyed mild summer rains that provided respite from the relentless heat. However, this year, the rains did not come. This stark absence intensified the daily struggles of the residents, myself included, turning everyday life into an ordeal of enduring extreme temperatures.

Living through this scorching heatwave, I found small solace in keeping my home's windows wide open, attempting to coax in any stray breeze that might have wandered through the sweltering streets of Kerala. Each day was a battle against the heat, with every corner of the house feeling like a convection oven. The constant heat haze blurred the once-vivid lines of my neighborhood, turning it into a mirage of its former self.

One night, driven by desperation and the lingering hope of relief, I prayed earnestly for rain before sleeping. The atmosphere seemed to buzz with my anticipation, creating a palpable tension. At about 5 am, a sudden thunderclap broke the silence and jolted me awake. Fueled by a mix of excitement and concern for my costly electrical appliances, I quickly unplugged everything, an automatic response developed from years of living in a monsoon-prone area.

I stood by my window, watching the sky with bated breath, waiting for the skies to finally open. However, my hopes were cruelly dashed as the much-anticipated downpour turned out to be a mere drizzle that lasted only two minutes before stopping abruptly. The brief rain barely wet the parched earth, and the heat resumed its oppressive reign as if mocking my dashed hopes.

This fleeting tease of rain was a painful reminder of our vulnerability to changing climates and shifting weather patterns. It highlighted a deeper, more persistent ache for normalcy and balance in our natural surroundings. The moment underscored not only a personal loss but a broader environmental warning: our weather patterns are shifting, and perhaps, so should our expectations and preparations. This summer wasn't just a record in the meteorological books; it was a stark wake-up call.

Popular posts from this blog

The story of Chinthavishtayaya Seetha

 "Chinthavishtayaya Seetha" (The Sita of the Troubled Mind) is a poem written by Kumaranasan, a renowned Malayalam poet. The poem is a retelling of the Ramayana from Sita's perspective, exploring her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The poem begins with Sita's abduction by Ravana, the king of Lanka. As she is taken away from her husband Rama and the forest, Sita's mind is filled with thoughts of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. As she is held captive in Ravana's palace, Sita's thoughts turn to her past life with Rama in the forest. She remembers the happy moments they shared, the love they had for each other, and the struggles they faced together. However, Sita's memories are also tinged with sadness and regret. She thinks about how she was forced to leave her comfortable life in Ayodhya and live in the forest, facing numerous challenges and hardships. As the days pass, Sita's thoughts become increasingly troubled. She worries about Rama's s...
Read more

M T Vasudevan Nair

My entry into the world of Malayalam literature was through the masterful writings of M. T. Vasudevan Nair, whose passing today feels like a deeply personal loss. It was his novel Manju (Mist) that first drew me into this literary universe. The story, much like its title, was enveloped in an atmosphere of melancholy and mystery. It unraveled slowly, like mist clearing in the morning light, revealing truths that were profound yet heartbreakingly simple. The characters, their struggles, and their silences lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. It was not just a novel; it was an experience. I returned to it over and over, each time discovering something new, as though the book was speaking directly to the depths of my soul. To this day, I cannot count how many times I have read Manju—it became, and remains, a companion to my thoughts. After Manju opened the door, M. T.’s other works beckoned me forward. I was soon engrossed in Nalukettu, a story that painted a vivid portra...
Read more

OV Vijayan

 **O. V. Vijayan (1930–2005): Visionary Writer and Cartoonist of Malayalam Literature**   Ottaplakkal Velukkuty Vijayan, known as **O. V. Vijayan**, was a revolutionary Malayalam author, political cartoonist, and intellectual whose works redefined modern Indian literature. His blend of existential philosophy, political critique, and mythic storytelling left an indelible mark on Kerala's cultural landscape. --- ### **Early Life and Background**   - **Born**: July 2, 1930, in Palakkad, Kerala.   - **Education**: Graduated in history from Victoria College, Palakkad; later studied art at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai.   - **Influences**: Deeply inspired by Marxism, existentialism (Camus, Sartre), and Indian spiritual traditions.   --- ### **Literary Contributions**   Vijayan’s works are celebrated for their philosophical depth, linguistic innovation, and exploration of human alienation.   #### **Major ...
Read more