The Kerala Story

###  Present life of a  Kerala family 

The story of the domestic worker who frequents your home encapsulates a broader societal issue prevalent in Kerala. Her struggles with multiple ailments, compounded by the lack of employment within her family, paint a grim picture of economic and social distress. Despite advice to channel her son into vocational training for trades such as painting, masonry, or carpentry, she remains unable or unwilling to implement these changes, leading to continued financial instability and reliance on borrowing.

This scenario underscores several critical issues. Firstly, there is the issue of unemployment and underemployment. The woman's husband and son are not contributing to the household income, a situation that exacerbates their financial woes. The son’s poor academic performance limits his opportunities, closing the door on many potential government jobs. However, the reluctance to pursue vocational trades suggests a deeper problem of societal perceptions and false prestige associated with manual labor jobs.

In Kerala, as in many parts of India, there exists a societal stigma around certain types of work. Jobs in manual labor, though well-paying, are often viewed as less prestigious compared to white-collar employment. This stigma can discourage individuals from pursuing these professions, even when they represent viable and lucrative career paths. This mentality traps families like that of the domestic worker in cycles of poverty, as they overlook realistic opportunities in favor of unattainable aspirations.

Moreover, the dependence on borrowing highlights the precarious nature of financial management among many low-income families. Instead of building sustainable income sources, they fall into a pattern of debt, further entrenching their economic vulnerability. This cycle of borrowing and repayment without generating additional income perpetuates their state of poverty.

Education and community awareness programs are crucial in addressing these issues. By promoting vocational training and debunking the myths surrounding manual labor, society can help shift perceptions and encourage individuals to pursue these viable career paths. Additionally, providing financial literacy programs can help families manage their resources better, reducing their reliance on debt.

In conclusion, the plight of this domestic worker is emblematic of broader societal challenges in Kerala. Tackling unemployment, changing societal attitudes towards certain professions, and improving financial literacy are essential steps in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a more inclusive economic environment.

Popular posts from this blog

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

The concept of ghost writing

  Ghostwriting in the industry 1. _Common practice_: Ghostwriting is a common practice in the publishing industry, where a person hires a writer to create content on their behalf. 2. _Celebrity autobiographies_: Many celebrity autobiographies are written by ghostwriters, who work closely with the celebrity to capture their voice and story. 3. _Thought leaders and influencers_: Thought leaders and influencers often hire ghostwriters to help them create high-quality content, such as books, articles, and blog posts. Benefits of hiring a ghostwriter 1. _Time-saving_: Hiring a ghostwriter saves the vlogger time and effort, allowing them to focus on their core activities, such as creating content for their YouTube channel. 2. _Quality content_: A ghostwriter can bring a high level of writing expertise, ensuring that the content is engaging, well-researched, and polished. 3. _Consistency_: A ghostwriter can help maintain a consistent tone, style, and voice throughout the book, which is es...
Read more

Elephant Migration

** The Escalating Conflict Between Humans and Elephants: An Analysis of the Impact of Climate Change** The increasing incidences of elephants encroaching into human settlements in search of water and food present a vivid manifestation of the broader environmental crisis fuelled by climate change. This essay explores the complexities of this escalating conflict, which not only threatens the survival of the majestic Asian and African elephant species but also poses significant risks to human communities. The fundamental issue at the heart of this conflict is habitat loss, driven largely by climatic fluctuations and exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation and the expansion of agricultural and urban areas. As natural forests dwindle and water sources dry up, elephants, which are known for their large home ranges and dependency on vast quantities of water, are forced to venture into human-dominated areas. This migration is driven by a desperate search for the necessities of su...
Read more