06/07/2026
A Journey Blessed by Love, Tradition, and Grace
Every year, my birthday is celebrated not according to the Gregorian calendar but according to the ancient Malayalam tradition, observed on the day when the birth star returns. My birth star is Pooruruttathi (Purva Bhadrapada) falls on the Malayalam month of Mithunam. This year, on 6 July, making the occasion especially meaningful.
Official records mention my date of birth as 28 May 1965, a date assigned for school admission and administrative convenience. During those days, many schools preferred children to have birth dates in the month of May, and consequently many of my classmates shared similar official birthdays.
However, my actual birth took place on Monday, 21 June 1965, at the Government Hospital, Vadakara, in Kozhikode District, Kerala.
Interestingly, 21 June is one of the most remarkable days of the year. It is the Summer Solstice, experiences the longest period of daylight. Although the world now celebrates this date as the International Day of Yoga, my birth on this special day has always carried a unique significance for me.
The week of my birth was unforgettable for another reason.
Heavy rains had caused severe flooding throughout our region. Roads were submerged, transportation was almost impossible, and motor vehicles were extremely scarce. Even the few available vehicles could not reach our village because of the floodwaters.
After my birth, my mother and I had to travel approximately 17 kilometres from the Hospital at Vadakara to our maternal home, Puthukkulangara, at Theekkuni in Cherapuram. Since no vehicle could reach our destination, special arrangements were made for a Manchal, the traditional palanquin of Kerala. Four strong men carried the Manchal on their shoulders—two in front and two behind. As they walked through the flooded roads and village paths, they sang traditional rhythmic folk chants that helped them maintain their pace and lifted everyone's spirits.
Thus, my first journey in this world was not in a motor vehicle but in a traditional Manchal, carried with great care, love, and dedication by four humble men, but whose kindness will forever remain in my heart.
Being her first child, my mother often narrated the story of my birth with immense joy. She always spoke with profound gratitude about the doctors and nurses who cared for her at the Hospital. She particularly remembered Dr. Nalini, the distinguished gynaecologist who supervised my birth. Dr. Nalini was the wife of the former Union Minister, Arangil Sreedharan. Despite her family's public stature, Dr. Nalini served ordinary people with dedication and compassion in a government hospital. Whenever my mother recalled those difficult days, she never forgot to thank Dr. Nalini and her medical team.
After completing six months, annaprasam ceremonies done at guruvayur and palani, the Thala Mundanam (ceremonial head shaving) was also at palani. Thus, by divine grace, I received the blessings of both Lord Krishna and Lord Muruga during the earliest days of my life. Following those ceremonies, my mother and I moved permanently to our paternal home at Kuzhichalil, Cherapuram. Life, like every human journey, has witnessed both successes and challenges. There have been moments of joy and moments of struggle.
Today, as I celebrate another birthday, I bow my head in gratitude.
I offer my respectful pranams to my beloved parents:
My father: Othayoth Gopala Kurup
My mother: Puthukkulangara Sree Devi Amma
I also express my heartfelt gratitude to:
Dr. Nalini and her dedicated medical team. The four noble men who carried my mother and me safely for seventeen kilometres through flood-affected roads. My grandparents, relatives, neighbours, and well-wishers whose affection surrounded me from my very first day. Their kindness became the foundation upon which my life was built.
My Maternal Home – Puthukkulangara
My maternal grandfather, Chathu Nambiar, was an industrious agriculturist.
My maternal grandmother, Narayani Amma, managed both the household and agricultural activities with remarkable efficiency.
Our ancestral home stood beside fertile paddy fields surrounded by coconut trees, vegetable gardens, grains, fruit trees, and cattle. Agriculture was not merely an occupation; it was a way of life. The house was located near an important road junction, making it a welcoming resting place for travellers, relatives, and friends. Visitors were always received warmly with food, rest, and affection. Hospitality was an inseparable part of family culture.
My father belonged to the respected Othayoth Tharavad of Cherapuram.
My paternal grandfather, Raman Nambiar, was widely admired for his social commitment.
During the early decades of the twentieth century, when educational opportunities for socially disadvantaged communities were extremely limited, he established a school for children belonging to the Pulaya community of Cherapuram. His vision reflected the timeless belief that education should belong to everyone.
My grandmother, Mathu Amma, profoundly influenced my childhood through her affection, wisdom, and simplicity.
My father was a respected Congress leader. Every day, numerous visitors arrived at our house which stood atop a hill, seeking his guidance and assistance. My mother's constant responsibility was to welcome these visitors and prepare food for them.
Consequently, my paternal home was always filled with conversations, public service, hospitality, and community life. A small well within the property supplied fresh drinking water throughout the year, and neighbours regularly came to draw water from it —an atmosphere quite different from the peaceful agricultural surroundings of my maternal home.
Growing up between these two worlds gave me invaluable life lessons.
Yet, when I look back today, I see a life richly blessed—with loving parents, noble grandparents, inspiring teachers, faithful friends, supportive relatives, and the boundless grace of God.
On this birthday, I remember everyone who contributed to my life's journey.
Every step I have taken has been built upon the sacrifices, prayers, blessings, and kindness of countless people.
To each one of them, I offer my deepest gratitude.
Pranāmam.
With love and gratitude,
Dr. R. K. Nair
Advocate
