City of Small things
On this wet rainy morning , I got a watsapp message from one of my friend asking about the genuineness of the post received about “Operation Sulaimani” of Kozhikode . Operation Suleimani was a mind blowing initiative started by the former District Collector Dr Prasanth, fondly called as “Collector Bro” by the Kozhikkodikars . Operation Suleimani feeds anyone who is hungry for free , in other words nobody goes hungry in this city , be it the poorest, or not so poor , you or me . People in need can collect food coupons and walk into any of the 125 plus restaurants and free food will be served without any questions . It is funded through the small contributions from the people of Kozhikode . Truly a great humanitarian gesture sans bounderies .
Eventhough I’m from “Politically Vibrant Kannur” , I always admired my neighbouring district for their warmth,hospiality , the genuineness and the aura and flavor of Kozhikode . I always wondered what makes them different .
Historically Kozhikode was well connected to all parts of the world through the trade in pepper and spices . The Arabs , Chinese and Europeons preferred Kozhikode as it offered fare business deals , truthfulness in transactions, full freedom and security for merchants . The erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode were the Zamorins who were known for their compassion and inclusiveness .
From my childhood days I have heard and experienced about the auto drives of Kozhikode ,who takes you to the right places through the shortest route and charges accordingly and returns the change till the last coin . This type of politeness can be seen in other Kozhikottukars working in different fields also (Exceptions will be there)
Other than all good things about Kozhikottukars and Kozhikode , some things are unique . First is about an innovative educational development project initiated by the local MLA, Pradeep Kumar few years back, with the co operation of an NRI family , that has made the Nadakkavu School set an example for all government schools across India. This 125-year-old girls’ government school has undergone major transformation with hitech classrooms, a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art kitchen, canteen, 50 toilets, multi-purpose hall, and interactive science centre , gymnasium and an indoor stadium housing basketball and volleyball courts and three badminton courts, astro turf hockey and football ground etc . The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has built four science laboratories with all modern facilities in a bid to spot and nurture young talent. . The Nadakav model is one of its kind and is transforming the government schools across the state.
Another thing that makes kozhikode different is the variety and quality of food, let it be banana chips or halwa or sharbath or avil milk or any vegetarian or non vegetarian item . As a foodie , I have taken the 100 kms journey from Kannur to Kozhikode to just have kozhikkodan food on some Sundays . The thought about yummilicious Dum Biryani, Fish Mango Curry , prawn fry etc is watering my mouth . In Malayalam movie Ustaad hotel (story of a Kozhikode hotelier) , there is scene where Thilakan answers about how he makes such nice Suleimani (lime tea) ; he says that “more than the ingredients you have to lace it with true love, When you sip, the world should slow down and pause here.” ( ഓരോസുലൈമാനിയിലും ഒരിത്തിരിമൊഹബത് വേണം.....അതുകുടിക്കുംബോ ലോകമിങ്ങനെപതുക്കെയായി വന്നുനിക്കണം) This dailogue says all about the malabari cuilinary success.
Kozhikode is one of the few places in India where football beats cricket in popularity, Kozhikode boasts of a soccer legacy that spans centuries. The spirit of soccer is lively and it still remains their favourite. The memories of overflowing corporation stadium withhe bands, shouts, trolling commentary and the furor of the galleries during the Sait Nagjee tournament and Federation cup are etched in my mind . Nowadays the sevens version of football is an instant hit in the rural areas where the teams are made of locals and players brought in from countries like Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana and played in in temporary flood-lit grounds. To say that Malabar, especially Kozhikode breathes, eats and sleeps football is an understatement.
Kozhikootukars are also connoisseurs of arts , literature and music . From them came the great writers like SK Pottekat, Beypore Sultan, MT, Thikkoiyan etc etc. Their informal get-togethers at Mittayi theruvu (Sweet Meat street) have contributed to art and literature flourishing in the city . The hindustani music and melodious mehfil filled evenings brought camaraderie, compassion, and socialist dreams in the past , and the legacy is still followed by present generation.
This is a city where some people gave recognition to an old tree , The plaque written in front of it says 'This is a holy tree. Along with contributing for environmental protection, this tree has given shade to countless passers-by and a resting place for the birds of air. We name it as the holy tree and offer our respects.'
Comments
Post a Comment