Indian Coffee House

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 17

Indian Coffee Houses

The Central Working Committee meeting of E.III N Union held at Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, from 5th to 7th April 2000 was very important organizationally as it took various decisions including to publish a Hindi journal by name BSNL Swar, prepare for the membership verification, participate in the strike on 11th May 2000 called by the National Platform of Mass Organisations and holding a Joint CWC of like minded unions.The CWC was inaugurated by Com.Basudeb Acharya M.P., who was always a well wisher of the union and helped us in many ways including promptly raising our issues in Parliament. Whenever I went  to his office, he will ensure that our issues are heard properly for taking up. Also that I am given hot tea and biscuits, which   is a great solace during the winter season.

After a well attended Press Conference, we went to the Indian Coffee House which was nearby in the State Government building complex. Wherever I go on tour, our comrades take me to Indian Coffee House, where you will get south Indian meals, iddli-sambar etc. Though I am not very particular, the local comrades make it a point, feeling that it is my choice. Of course, there is the additional pleasure of meeting some Keralites and talking to them in Malayalam, since many of the ICH workers including managers are from Kerala. In almost all the India Coffee Houses you will see a big photo of working class leader Comrade A.K.Gopalan  on the wall with a garland. It has got a background. The Coffee Board which was running the Coffee Houses all over India, decided to close them. Com. AKG, then an M.P., took up the issue with then Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru and decision was taken to hand over the same to the workers. The workers formed co-operative societies as per the advice of AKG and operated the Indian Coffee Houses efficiently charging only reasonable prices. I went to the Manager who was a Malayalee, spoke to him and some of the workers. One of them was from Calicut itself. Had tasty meals.

Then started to Delhi by train with other Delhi comrades including  R.S.Chauhan, H.L.Makkar as also some other comrades going to Ujjain, Agra etc. At Nagpur Railway Station we got down for a cup of tea. When we returned, Com. R.S.Fauzdar, Circle secretary UP West, found that his suit case was missing. We all searched here and there, enquired with other passengers. But the suit case was gone. Stolen. There was some money  in the suitcase in addition to dress etc. When you are alone in a journey, you are careful to look after your luggage and other things. But when you are in a company, you become careless.

Com.Fauzdar was much worried. Others discussed together and found out a way. Some money was collected and gave the same to Com.Fauzdar for his own-ward journey from the station, though he protested. I had two suit cases with me. I gave one to him. At least we were able to console him, though his loss was much more. Still, it was only when getting down at Agra and parting from us that we could see a smile on his face, though a sad smile of embarrassment. I hope Com.Fauzdar will excuse me for narrating the story. Com.R. Fauzdar was a tower of strength, who could mobilise theentire workers with him.

V A N Namboodiri  21.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 16

 Chillies in Train 

Have you heard about Warrangal chillies? They are famous – for its size, red colour, and very hot.

1997 May. I was staying in Union office, Delhi and my wife at Calicut. When I informed her  that I was going to Warrangal to attend CWC meeting of E.III(N) Union, she told me to bring some chillies. Very fine.

After reaching Warrangal I told Com. J.Sampath Rao, Circle Secretary, who was organising the CWC, about my wife’s request. Before proceeding, two words about Sampath Rao. A great organiser and leader, who have a big heart and always think big in every respect and aspect. When the CHQ was worried about how to raise funds for purchasing a car for union, he offered and within months collected and handed over Rs. 1.75 lakhs, the cost of purchasing a Maruti 800 Car at that time. Tours with him was always interesting. Everywhere, members will surround him to speak to him and I think he knew each and every worker in the whole of A.P.  A large number of workers will be with him to immediately act upon what he says. His hospitality is well known.

Coming to the point. When along with Delhi comrades, I have boarded the train back to Delhi, Sampath Rao and some other comrades came to the compartment and put a big sack under the seats and said ‘your requirement’. They were immediately gone as the train started. I understood what was in the sack. I only wanted maximum one kg, but this was one full sack.

After some time, there was the sharp smell of the chillies. It spread all over the compartment within no time. Delegates with me understood what was in the sack. Passengers were asking from where  the smell was coming. I had apprehension whether I will have to throw it away. After some time, every body got  adjusted to the situation.

Some lady delegates from Delhi were with us. They were very much interested about the chillies. After getting down at Delhi station, we opened the sack. There were three covers inside to prevent the smell coming out  but still there was  strong smell. Distributed chillies to all comrades. After a few days when I went to Calicut,  gave the chilly packet to  my wife. Of course, she was very happy.

V A N Namboodiri  20.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 15

Luggage Lost

1999 May – All India Conference of AITE Union Class III (Namboodiri) is going to be held at Erode, T.Nadu from 13 to 16 May 1999. As usual all preparations for the AIC, both at Erode and at CHQ, New Delhi are done  in advance.

There was lot of luggage to be carried to Erode. About 2,500 copies of Annual Report and Accounts ( coming to about 100 pages each) ( Present system of printing at the spot not started). CHQ publications separate.  The Annual reports were received from  press in the last moment. No time to book in the goods compartment. There was another reason. Booking will be very costly which the union can not afford, with the union entangled in court cases and disputes created by the disruptors. Com.K.M.Pillai, CS MTNL Delhi, Com.T.A.Biju, Office Secretary, Typist Com. Bijoy Chandran and some other comrades somehow managed to pack and bundle every thing. About 30 very big packets. In addition, our personal belongings. Delhi comrades led by  R.S.Chauhan and H.L.Makkar  helped.

But where to put them, if not in the luggage compartment ? Of course, many delegates from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, U.P. etc. were in the train. Biju and other comrades took the bundles and put them in the  compartments wherever our delegates were there. It was very inconvenient, but every one took it as part of the game.  Of course, it created difficulties for other passengers. No other way. TTEs during the journey questioned, but our comrades managed.

When we reached Erode, there was another problem. The stop is only for two minutes. How to unload the luggage? Hundreds of comrades led by S.Mohan Dass, President, Reception Committee, S.Chellappa, Circle Secretary and Convener Reception Committee, P.Abhimanyu, AGS, P.Karunakaran, L.Parameswaran, M.Chandrasekharan, C.Mani, N.Sinniyan, S.Murugiah, D.Gopalakirishnan, Killivalavan, Babu Radhakrishnan and many other leaders were in the station platform with red banners and flags to receive us. I told them about our luggage and volunteers rushed to take the bundles. It was not an easy matter and the train whistled for onward journey. But the leaders managed to stop the train for a few minutes more and everything was downloaded. I always was surprised about the enthusiasm and energy of T.Nadu comrades.

Garlands after garlands. Powerful slogans. It was memorable. All the difficulties in the train was forgotten.

It was a grand conference, both in the matter of discussion and also on the decisions taken. Apart from other things Com. Sharavanan , Branch Secretary of a small Branch Harur,  presented an amount of Rs. 65,000 to purchase a new typewriter for CHQ. It was a help in time. Our comrades very well know what is to be done at any particular moment.

It will be relevant here to mention how we lost of our bundles of Annual Report and many other records while going to the BSNLEU AIC held at Guwahati from 26th to 29th January 2006. Luggage were booked in the goods compartment. When the train reached  Guwahati Railway Station there was a grand   reception as usual. They went to the goods compartment to take the luggage. The door of the compartment was not opening, probably jammed. Tried for about half an hour , but it did not open. The train started after some time stating that the Rajadhani can not be delayed and have to run on schedule. How to get the luggages before the start of the conference?

Com. Prabir Dutta, the energetic All India Organizing Secretary, found out the way. He engaged a taxi  to Dibrugarh where the Rajadhani will stop. The train reached there before Prabir reached. . But somehow he reached before the compartment was shunted from the platform to the yard and got the luggage and rushed back to Gauhati. The AIC was saved.

V A N Namboodiri  20.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS  – 14

Kalidasa’s Cave

Chattisgarh State was formed in November 2000 bifurcating M.P. state.Consequently a separate telecom circle was also formed. It was necessary to tour the new telecom Circle for organisational purposes.

Started from Delhi on 17th December 2000 and reached Champa Railway Station next day.(Though written Champa, people there call it Chappa. A big station.). Coms. S.R.Nayak, Circle Secretary, M.P., S.C.Bhattacharya, GS ITEU and many other leaders received me at the station. As usual it was journey in a van, stopping for meetings at important places. First the meeting was at Korba and then proceeded to Ambikapur. Since we were short of time to cover the many stations, instead of lunch, we used to take some fruits and tiffin in the van itself.

We were passing through thick forests one after another. Chhattisgarh is full of thick forests. Beautiful scenery. While moving  through the forests of Raighar, Sarguja, the driver, a young man, asked me whether I want to see the place where the great poet Kalidasa wrote and staged his first drama. I was interested and told him ‘yes’. All were interested, though we will already be late for the next meeting. None of us had seen the place.

Driver knew the place well and took us through a very small side road for about 2-3 km. It was thick forest full of tall trees, as also many huge rocks. We went up on a very big rock climbing man made steps and got to the top. There was a small theatre carved out of rock, where some 20/30 people could sit.  A stage also. There was a room inside the cave, probably for stay. Driver told us that it was here where Kalidasa stayed and wrote his first drama and staged it in front of celebrities. It is stated that after seeing the drama,  King, Vikramaditya,  invited him to Ujjain, where he wrote many dramas and staged under the patronage of the king, as part of ‘Navaratna’ celebrities.

When we visited there ( two decades back), it was isolated and there was not a single  person there. But now it seems that the place has become popular with many tourists. Later, I was told that every year, Kalidasa Jayanti is organised and inauguration will take place in this place. 

We returned to the main road, and  a fast drive. Managed to reach Ambikapur, of course late. Comrades were waiting patiently and the meeting was held. During the next few days meetings at Raigharh, Bilaspur, Raipur and  Bhilai completely covering all the districts. Attended meeting at Jabalpur also. Returned to Delhi by train on 22 after 5days of starting the journey^.. Failed to get reservation, but got RAC in the train as a consolation.

V.A.N.Namboodiri   19.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 13

Srinagar to Delhi

It was 24 July, 2001.

I was returning from  a two days tour of Srinagar, capital of  Jammu and Kashmir.

In connection with the membership verification in BSNL, I had gone to Srinagar, J and K.  Kashmir was in a turbulent situation due to terrorists and no meetings were being held there by any trade union for a long time. After discussing with the union leaders there, it was decided to hold the meeting, whatever happens.

 Com. A.R.Tak, Circle Secretary ITEU, welcomed me at Srinagar airport. Meeting was for the formation of BSNLEU Circle Union by merging T.III, ITEU, Administrative and  E.III(N) unions and preparing for verification. Despite grave situation, more than 200 comrades participated. A good police force with two jeeps full of them, including senior officers were present. BSNL Circle Union was formed with  Coms. V.K.Mahaldar as President and Nizar Ahmed as Circle Secretary. Addressed a well attended seminar. There was no problem by the terrorists. It was told by our comrades later,that after our meeting, various other orgnisations also started holding meetings.

BSNL IQ was booked for stay, but Com.Nizar Ahmed took me to his home, stating that home is safe and not IQ. I could feel the tension in their  faces. Com. Tak was also staying in a portion of the house. As the system in Kashmir, we all took our tasty dinner prepared by Mrs. Nizar sitting on the beautiful carpet in the kitchen and discussing organisational matters. Only vegetarian food,  as a special consideration to me.

Next day, there was another  meeting in the morning. By the time meeting was over, it was time to move to Airport to catch my flight. Started by car, but it was stopped at many points by para military / military forces. There was a blast that day and every vehicle  was being checked and searched. Just about half km from the airport, the car stopped. There were at least 20 vehicles in front of our vehicle. The para-military forces had blocked the road and no vehicle was being allowed to proceed to the Airport without full strict check. The check-in time at the airport might be  almost over, and I got worried. Got down from the car with my bag, walked up to the barricade and crossed it after check by the military. I requested one person who was proceeding to the airport after check, to give a lift since my car was far behind. He agreed and took me to the Airport.

My ticket was not confirmed, but I was told at the time of booking that it would most probably be confirmed later. I went to the ticket counter to find out whether my ticket is confirmed. 5 – 6 persons were in queue, but when I told them that my flight was almost to start, they allowed me to proceed and check with the counter clerk. Luckily ticket has been confirmed. I thanked the comrade who accompanied me and moved to the entry gate.

It was at this moment that the young man who gave me the  lift came and said that he has got extra luggage than will be allowed to be carried and whether I can help by taking some, since I did not have any big luggage. I was in two minds. I did not know the person and did not know what is inside the  luggage and I may be in danger if I carry the same. On the other side, had he not helped, I would not have reached the  airport at all.

I took the risk, took the luggage with me and moved to the entry gate. The airport security stopped me, pointing out  that the luggage is not mine and  he has seen what happened just then and it cannot be carried by me. I had no other go but to return the same to the young man. Then I was allowed inside. I was relieved that the crisis  was over.

I went inside, got the boarding pass and boarded the flight. The young man also came and was in my next seat. He was not angry at all. I asked him what happened. He laughed and told me that  there was no problem except strict checking and had only to pay extra charge for the extra luggage.

After all I was relieved that I will be able to attend the meeting with the Communications Minister next day, arranged by Com. T.Govindan M.P.

However the meeting did not take place as Smt. Phoolan Devi, dacoit turned M.P., was murdered in front of her bunglow on Ashoka Road, New Delhi, and the  city was in turmoil.

V A N Namboodiri  18.10.2024

Delhi – Calicut – Delhi

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 12

 Delhi – Calicut – Delhi  

After the Bhopal All India Conference of AITEU Class III in October 1991 and my election as President in a stiff contest, I had been staying at Dada Ghosh Bhawan, Delhi to look after union matters along with General Secretary Com. Moni Bose. My family, wife and two children, was at Calicut in Kerala. I had to come to Calicut now and then to attend family matters, at least once in a month. I adjusted the same with tours in A.P., T.Nadu, Karnataka etc. Sometimes went directly to Kerala. The union had meager funds, and naturally train journey was the only option.

The journeys took about two days. First it was Kerala -Karnataka Express (KK Express), then Kerala Express. Since the journeys can be utilised for supply of publications, journals, letters etc. it was usual to inform the union leaders of the cities, where the train will stop. It was a time for meeting the leaders. No cellular phones have been introduced and the information will be given from Delhi itself. The number of the railway compartment also will be informed.

The first stop is usually Agra. Com. R.S.Fauzdar, Circle Secretary, UP(W) with his comrades will be ready at the place in the platform where my compartment will stop. I will be standing at the door, with the journals, Books etc in my hand. The moment the train stops, I will get down. With shouting of slogans and garlanding they will receive me. I will hand over the journals etc., discuss urgent matters with them, collect union quota if brought and get introduced to the new comrades. The stop will be for about two minutes, but usually the train will stop a little more than that. By that time one comrade might have brought tea for me. As soon as Signal is given, I will board the train. At that time,  they will hand over me the food they have brought. It will usually be home made chappati, subji, sweets etc. Sweets will always be there. Train moves. Again slogans and waving of hands.

This will repeat in Jhansi, Gwalior, Bhopal and other stations. The food brought at each station will be sufficient for two or more persons. The food will be very tasty. Will share the same with my co-passengers, mostly Kerala bounded. They were surprised at the love and affection shown by the workers at each station.

Once or twice Com. J.Sampath Rao, Circle Secretary, A.P. , who is stationed at Warangal, brought me lunch at Warangal Station in a big tiffin carrier. It was a feast. I enjoyed the meal. Handed over the tiffin carrier to Com.P.Asokababu, AGS, who came to meet me at Vijayawada. 

What about the return journey from Calicut to Delhi? For some time, I took the food from the train canteen. Then there was a change for the better. I had chickenpox after I reached Delhi. My wife Pankajam came to Delhi, accompanied by co-worker Com. P.U.George, to be at my side when I was ill. After I was well, we went to visit Com.K.K.N.Kutty, then Secretary General ITEF (later Secretary General, Confederation ), at his residence. His wife, Smt. Sreedevi, told my wife about how to arrange food for train journey. Separate packets of iddli, dosa, curd rice, lemon rice etc. for at least one and half day, mark it on the packet and consume at the appropriate time. My wife was enthused. So my food in the return journey was ensured without depending much on the canteen. Of course, I did not reduce the number of my coffee and tea, which was a must for me.

The train journey was the time to read. Purchase some good books from the Higginbothams book stall at the station, complete reading by the time you reach the destination. It was in such a journey that I cold purchase and read in train, ‘Mein Kampf’, written by Adolf Hitler which was prohibited by almost all nations after the II World War  and which became available in India after BJP came in power in 1998.

Train Journeys are always eventful . Pleasant usually, but unpleasant experience some times.

V A N Namboodiri   18.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 11

BADMASH AUTO DRIVER

It was early 1990s.

Myself at Delhi as General Secretary of E.III Union. I had to start for Jaipur early morning by 06.00 hours train to attend a meeting. It was December and very cold. Had only returned late last night from another tour. I got at about 04.30 hours took bath and went outside Dada Ghosh Bhawan, my office-cum-residence, to the road. Waited for auto riksha to go to Delhi Railway Station from where the train starts. Very few autos, all engaged.

After some time an auto came, stopped near me. Driver asked me where I have to go? Told him, old Delhi railway station. Ok, get in. There was another passenger inside. I asked him where he is going. He was also going to Delhi Railway Station. Fine. After about 10 minutes the driver stopped and got down. we also got down. At that time most of the autos were very old and break down was normal. ( It was some years later that the Delhi state government prohibited autos of more than 15 years from plying which improved the situation). The driver told that petrol is almost finished and have to be filled from the next petrol pump. Asked us to get in. He asked me to get in first so that the cold will be less. The other passenger sat on the side. The driver was a turbaned Sikh. Auto started.

The driver asked me to pay Rs. 200/ as charge stating that he had to fill fuel at the next petrol pump. I took my purse and told him that the charge is too much and that I have payed only Rs.60- last night when coming from the same railway station to my residence. All of a sudden, he snatched my purse from my hand and took Rs. 200/ from the purse. Returned the purse to me. When I strongly protested, my co-passenger told me to wait till we reach the station, where complaint can be registered. I had thought that he will support me as a fellow traveller.

All of a sudden I understood the situation. The fellow traveller was an accomplice of the driver. I was trapped inside the auto. The auto turned to a side road which was narrow and there was not much traffic. I got a bit panicky, but I did not show. The small brief case I used to take was with me. The driver stopped the auto, probably to pass urine. I used the opportunity, pushed the young man and was on the road. I started running on the opposite side. Fortunately they did not follow. After about 10 minutes, I reached the main road, got in to another auto. I told the driver what happened and requested him to rush to the station to catch the train. I told him that I have got only Rs. 10 with me. He said no problem. On the way there was a Police Constable on traffic duty. I told him the incident asking to inform 100. (Mobile telephones have not been introduced). He said that he is on traffic duty and kept silent. The auto driver took me to the Railway station. The train was almost to start. The auto driver did not take any money from me although I offered him the Rs. 10 available with me. When getting in to the train I saw a young lady who had come to see off her relatives. I told her to inform 100 about the incident. I got in. One hot tea and I was OK. Comrades will come to the station to receive me and the return ticket is already booked.

I reached Jaipur, attended the meeting and returned by night. Next morning at about 08.00 hours I called No. 100 and reported the matter. They asked my place and within some 10 minutes rushed in to the office.’Which side the auto riksha has gone’ they asked. I told them that it was the incident of yesterday. Then they told me to file a complaint in the nearby police station.

I went to the Police station and complained. The SHO asked me to give it in writing and told me to write that the driver has taken Rs. 1,000 from the purse. I told him that it was only Rs. 200 which he has robbed me. I gave the complaint like that only. When I was returning, the station writer called me to his room and asked whether I am from Kerala. He was a Malayalee. He told me that the chance of getting the money is almost nil. When I told him that the SHO wanted me to write Rs. 1,000 instead of Rs. 200, he smiled mischievously. All of a sudden, I understood.

Further he advised me two things. Never protest in such situations for they may hurt you and even kill. Secondly, never get in to an auto riksha if some body is already there, and especially if there is a woman. I strictly always kept this advice in mind.

While here, the auto driver was a thief, or a thief created of the particular situation, another driver I remember who was a remarkable one. I was returning to Dada Ghosh Bhawan from Nizamuddin Railway Station in the night and hired an auto. On the way when it passed Talkatora stadium and was moving through the isolated road, we could see two auto rikshas stopped on the side. A woman was trying to get down from one auto riksha, but the driver of the auto was pushing her inside. My driver stopped the auto, went there, shouted and intervened. The woman got down with her baby, got in the other auto along with her husband and went off. The first auto riksha was still there. My driver came and we went on our route. I asked him what was the problem. He told me that once the family got in, the driver started harassing the woman. When the family saw another auto, they got it stopped and was trying to go by that auto but the driver was physically obstructing. Our driver was a well built young man and when he intervened, the issue was settled.

It is Delhi. A mixture of good and evil.

V A N Namboodiri   17.10.2024

JOURNEYS & JOURNEYS – 10    Trip to Mansa (Punjab)

1992 April 17. Only a few months have passed after Bhopal AIC of E.III Union and Com.Moni Bose and myself elected as General Secretary and President of the Union, defeating the four decades’ GS Com.O.P.Gupta and his team. Workers all over the country were enthused that a new progressive leadership has come. Every circle wanted the new leadership to attend their conferences. Bhatinda District Union (Punjab) leaders invited me to attend their Conference to be held on 18th and 19th April 1992 at Mansa. I readily agreed. There was no time to reserve a ticket.

Started for Mansa in the morning by train from Delhi in ordinary compartment. The train was going very slowly, stopping at almost all stations. After some time the train stopped at a small station and even after much time did not continue its journey. Engine break down. Another engine was connected after hours and train started slowly. It was an old type of engine, steam engine running on coal. I had thought that such old engines were out of service. But no. I could not get any food since I left from Delhi and was very exhausted.

Slowly, slowly it reached Mansa at about 20.00 hours. It was very dark. The station was only dimly lit. Biting cold, though winter season was almost over. Everybody in woolen dresses. I had not brought warm clothes as I did not think it will be cold. I got down waiting for our comrades. Five – six persons, their faces covered, with long country made guns on the shoulders of two or three, approached me.  It was a time when there were continued confrontations between police and Khalistan extremists. It was an explosive situation and I was terrified. It turned out that they were our comrades welcoming me. We got introduced. They told that it was not safe to go out in night without guns. They covered me with a woolen coat, seeing that I was not wearing any wollen clothes and was shivering.

I was thinking that they will arrange my stay in some hotel, telephone exchange or Gurudwara. They said these are not safe and took me to the residence of Com. Prathap Singh, union leader. The houses were built in such a way that the partition walls were same. They told that the area is in a safe zone from the extremists. It was spacious inside and after food, I went to sleep. As I was very tired and without food the whole day, slept heavily.

By about 06.00 hours next day, Prathap Singh came to the room with a cup of hot tea telling that his wife told him that Kerala people will take tea early morning. I did not ask how she knew that. Women always are aware of such small and intricate matters. It was very good tea. 

The Divisional Conference went on for two days with tight security. The doors were closed with armed comrades outside. Com. N.K.Jeet was the District Secretary, who always stood with our progressive group. (After retirement he started practicing in  Punjab High Court.).Returned next day to New Delhi. 

Delhi comrades told me that it was very risky and foolish to have gone to Punjab at that time as there was an explosive situation there. Anyhow, I had returned safe.

V A N Namboodiri  17.10.2024

Journeys & Journeys   –  9

TU Class at Bantwal

Journeys & Journeys   –  9

TU Class at Bantwal

1980 December 27. While I was Circle Secretary E.III Union, Kerala, I was several times invited to Karnataka circle by our comrades to attend meetings, TU classes etc. Now the present  invitation is to attend a TU class at Bantwal.

There was no train to Bantwal from Calicut. Train from Calicut to Managalore and by bus from there to Bantwal. My plan was to complete the journey to and fro in one day, as I have another tour programme next day.

Hence started from Calicut to Mangalore by train in the early morning at 03.00 AM. There was no reservation. There was heavy rush in the ordinary compartment and could not get even a comfortable seat to sit. As I had to start in the night, neither at home nor in the train I could sleep. 

At last reached  Managalore by at about 08.00 PM. Com.P.S.Namboodiri, union leader, was at the Station to receive me. Immediately we rushed to the Bus stand having taken a hasty breakfast.  Coms. B.N.Rao, Mascaranhas, Suvarna, union leaders also joined us in the bus to Bantwal. Coms. Babu, Circle Secretary, Aswath Narayan, Sangle and others had already arrived. Some comrades of Karnataka seemed to have a feeling why the Kerala Circle Secretary is intruding to Karnataka circle. But that was only temporary.

My class was in the afternoon, if I remember correctly. I was allotted to take the class on the P and T Trade Union movement. Within two hours, I completed the class with all the salient points explained and described. Since I have to return to Calicut the same day, there was no time for rest. Immediately started for Mangalore by bus, again a tiring journey.

Our comrades managed to take me to the Railway station so that I could catch the West Coast Train starting starting at about 08.00 PM. No time to take dinner. Comrades bought some snacks and handed over to me as I was getting in to the train.  Reached Calicut by 12.00 PM went home.

Next day early morning started for Mysore by bus. It was a trip already fixed to tour to Mysore by Com.P.V.Nambissan and myself with our families for four days.

I was happy to make the trip to Bantwal and meet many leaders and workers.

V A N Namboodiri   16.10.2024