Cry, The Beloved Capital

OPINION/ Sreekumar Bhattathiri

Some months back, when I came to Thiruvananthapuram to accept a new job offer, I never thought that an allegation I have heard since my childhood days about this capital city would prove true. I have always heard that the capital of Kerala is not as enchanting as it appears to be. “Despite the rich cultural heritage it has, once you start residing there, you will start facing the bitter realities we have warned you against’’, they had told me. I had argued with them and told them that they had misjudged the whole thing and prejudices are often dangerous.

But now, months after I came here, I painfully realize that much of what they had said is true. Here people, despite their hoary cultural moorings, are devoid of any warm bonhomie. They are not even friendly towards others, especially towards those who come from other parts of the state. How can people be so cold and unfriendly, especially those wearing sandal-paste on their forehead and religiously frequenting temples and cultural centres?

An outstanding trait I have noticed in Trivandrumites is their unhelpful attitude. They seem so narrow-minded like some of the roads here, for example the stretch at Maruthamkuzhy. Is it ego? Or is it lack of concern for others? So many tout so many unconvincing reasons for their indifference to men and matters. `Lack of time’, `too busy’, `officious behaviour of outsiders’, etc etc. But they forget one thing. All these are applicable to those outside their territory also.

I remember one incident when I went to Kozhikode sometime back. I wanted to buy a cradle for my niece. When I was having tea from a hotel near the mofussil bus stand, I asked the waiter where I could get a good cradle. He not only summoned all other waiters to our table and made enquiries, but also asked a youngster among the lot to guide me to the best shop in the city and help me buy one. Could anyone imagine such a situation in Thiruvananthapuram?

Even in a public transport vehicle, everybody wears wooden faces. No smiles; no cracking of jokes, no helpful gestures. Men can be seen occupying women’s seats and even when women stand near them they can be seen craning their necks outside as if they are watching some outside scene which they have never witnessed in their life.

Quarrels between auto drivers and passengers, especially women passengers, are galore.

To put the long story short, there is utter lack of human kindness and concern for others when people interact. Let me conclude: I am a great lover of music. And so, I thought of meeting a famous musician here after fixing an appointment. Both the husband and wife were there when I went to their house. It was hospitality par excellence.

But that was the beginning and the end. They sent me an email later that they are too busy to entertain even my calls. I, as a journalist, have never encountered instances like this anywhere else, inside the state or outside.

Will things change after some time? Let us hope so.

(The writer is a senior journalist)

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