Tranquil beachside retreat close to the shore

Image Source: airbnb 

 I just went the need to write a post after seeing this beautiful airy house made with wood. The whole concept such a house embrace open space, nature, natural light, etc. 

After seeing this picture, I was thinking of this - wouldn't it be possible for our local carpenters, architects, designers, etc to come together to make similar model houses which can be lifted and placed in picturesque spots of kerala. 

What about such a house that could be close to a beach, where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of the location, yet give them modern amenities. 

Well, making this does involve costs but it could be kept low with low-cost materials, wood, etc. 

Now, imagine such a house by these locations:

- near St Andrews beach or Kapil beach in Trivandrum.
- At Bon Accord ( listed on airbnb site). The income from rentals could be used by tea estate workers in that location
- by Neyyar dam site 
- at a forest location inside Brimore area near Palode ( maintained by forest dept)

- Near Kallar area, Ponmudi
- At Munnar 
- By Ashtamudi kayal 
 and many such spots. 

What if each Panchayat office sponsors one such house to people with land and who has the education and who has undertaken training in hosting travelers! 

- Imagine if Kerala Govt launches a plan to construct and give 10,000 or 1 lakh such houses for tourists to stay at many spots in Kerala! Imagine, the income it can generate, the families it can benefit!

Let's dream big for a clean and green Kerala. Let's tap the natural beauty of our state - bringing sustainable tourism for the benefit of people! 

Btw, what are the keywords people use to search for such locations:

 Beach / Coastal Variations:

• Tranquil beachside retreat close to the shore
• Quiet coastal escape just steps from the sea
• Peaceful hideaway near a secluded beach

🌿 Backwater / River / Lake Variations:

• Serene backwater retreat nestled by the canals
• Lakeside escape tucked in quiet surroundings
• Calm river-view cottage near flowing waters

🌲 Forest / Hill / Tea Estate Variations:

• Forest-edge retreat wrapped in greenery
• Hill-view hideout with nature all around
• Quiet tea estate stay overlooking lush slopes
• Green hillside retreat with panoramic valley views

🌾 Countryside Variations:

• Rustic countryside retreat away from the noise
• Charming rural getaway in a peaceful village setting
• Country-style escape surrounded by fields and silence

Cabin house - one room house with bathroom, kitch

Container house - plan

Nanma Connect: Turning Leftovers Kanji into Lifelines for the Hungry ( Community Kitchen Project)

 

Nanma Connect 

"It was a simple, ordinary moment. I recently started the habit of taking hot rice water — kanji — something which used to be common in South India. As I sipped it, feeling the warmth and mild starch settle in my stomach, a thought struck me.

This nourishing drink, full of energy and comfort, is something thousands of households in cities like Trivandrum throw away every day — down the drain, without a second thought. ( same in our households till last week when I started to drink it)

And that’s when it hit me. What if this ‘waste’ could become a life-giving meal for someone who doesn’t know where their next food is coming from? What if we could connect kitchens, communities, and compassion through one forgotten resource — kanji?

That moment became the seed of an idea — a voluntary food-sharing project where households contribute their leftover rice water, which is then collected, tracked through an app, and distributed to people in need at clean, community spaces in busy public areas. A simple system, built on empathy and structure, that could turn everyday waste into daily sustenance.

📍 1. Mission Statement

Transform the discarded rice water (kanji vellam) into a community-fed energy supplement for undernourished and low-income individuals, through a volunteer-driven collection and distribution system.

 2. Core Components

• Household Participation
• Households sign up voluntarily to donate rice water.
• Each family is required to purchase a standard stainless-steel thermal container for hygienic collection.

• Collection Volunteers
• Volunteers from the locality are assigned specific routes.
• They collect the hot kanji in insulated carriers and update status via the app.

Mobile App & Tracking Portal

A simple app is developed with three user roles:

• Donors (households)
• Collectors (volunteers)
• Distributors/Admins

Real-time tracking of collection, storage, and distribution.

App will also show donor households, pickup status, and distribution centers.

Distribution Centers ("NAMA Kendrams")

• Clean, open-air, shaded, garden-style community spaces.
• Each center has chairs, handwash stations, clean toilets, and a koi fish tank for aesthetic comfort.
• Locations: High footfall areas like Trivandrum Medical College, East Fort, KSRTC Bus Stand.

Food Menu & Service

• Main offering: Free or token-based rice + sambar/egg/dal meal (rotating menu).
• Rice water is served as an energy drink, optionally with salt, curry leaves, or jeera.

Weekly Pilot Operations

• Operates 5 days a week (Monday–Friday).
• Saturdays reserved for volunteer meetings, feedback, and SOP refinement.

Nutrition Value of Rice Water

• Rich in starch, B-complex vitamins, and simple carbs — a low-cost energy drink.
• Helps hydrate, energize, and soothe digestive issues — valuable for the elderly, daily wage workers, and undernourished people.
• Can be enhanced with ginger, cumin, or salt for better taste and digestion.

Volunteer Structure

• Core volunteers manage: tech, route management, food hygiene, and community outreach.
• Retired teachers, nurses, ex-govt workers, homemakers encouraged to join.
• Local architects can help design the space.

Fundraising & Transparency

• Donations collected via the portal (individuals, expats, businesses).
• Live reporting of daily collection, meals served, volunteer hours contributed.
• Display “Today’s Meal” at each distribution point with funding details (like Indira Canteen).
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Guidelines for food hygiene, container use, volunteer duties, app use, and meal distribution.
• Emergency protocols and weekly quality checks.

 3. Pilot Launch Plan

• Target Locality: One ward/area in Trivandrum with high density of housing.
• Start with 30–50 households donating kanji.
• Serve one location (e.g., near Medical College or Uloor).

Measure:

• Quantity collected
• People fed
• Volunteer time
• Feedback from recipients and donors

 4. Growth Potential

• Can expand across cities like Kochi, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc.
• Potential for including boiled rice, leftover safe food from events.
• Tie up with Indira Canteen-like setups for partial funding or infrastructure support.
• Local colleges or NSS units can integrate student volunteering.

 5. Why It Matters

• Reduces food waste at the household level.
• Restores dignity by offering food in clean, peaceful settings.
• Builds community trust and participation.
• Fills a gap for those who aren’t starving, but skip meals due to cost or access.

Canteen Observations at SUT Pattom: Suggestions for a Quieter, Cleaner, and More Comfortable Space

 

SUT Hospital Canteen

To

The Hospital Administration,

SUT Pattom Hospital,

Trivandrum.

Subject: Feedback and Suggestions Regarding the Hospital Canteen Facilities

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a regular visitor to SUT Pattom and have always appreciated the care offered at your facility. During my recent visit for a blood test, I stopped by the hospital canteen for a cup of coffee, as I often do. While I’ve previously noticed a few discomforts, this time I felt compelled to write to you, as some of these issues are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.

Below are some observations and suggestions that I hope you will consider to improve the overall comfort and experience for patients, visitors, and staff who use the canteen:

Seating and Furniture:

Uncomfortable Chairs: The current chairs in the canteen have flat wooden bases. While they are polished and compact, they are not ergonomically suited for comfortable seating, especially for those who may already be under physical stress. I kindly suggest exploring the possibility of replacing them with more comfortable alternatives that offer better support.

Missing Rubber Bushes on Chair Legs: Many metal chairs are missing their rubber bushes, causing a loud screeching noise when moved. This not only disturbs the peaceful environment of the hospital but also adds to the discomfort of the users. Replacing these with rubber leg caps would be a small but highly impactful change.

Table Suitability: The current tables do not seem suitable for a food-serving food. It appears as if old-fashioned tables were remodeled with marble slabs. A review and potential replacement with more practical dining tables would enhance the dining experience.

Sound Management:

Noise from Utensil Handling: Staff members often handle stainless steel vessels in a manner that produces loud banging and clanking sounds. A gentle reminder to staff to be mindful and careful when handling utensils could significantly reduce this noise and maintain a more soothing atmosphere.

Food and Hygiene Improvements:

Quality of Idli & Sambar: Serving fluffier, steaming idlis in the morning would be a welcome improvement. Though I haven't had idli from here for a long time, I feel idli should be the typical boring and hard ones. So, investing in an idli-making machine could help ensure consistency, fluffiness and also reduce manual effort. Apart from the sambar, idli podi can be an addon to serve. 

Sterilization of Plates: If possible, installing a sterilization unit for stainless steel plates could improve hygiene, simplify staff workflow, and reassure visitors about food safety.

Availability of Masks and Sanitizers: Keeping a these items in the canteen billing section would help in cross-selling the items to canteen customers. It becomes easy to purchase face masks and pocket-sized sanitizers without visiting the pharmacy. 

Another useful time-saving gadget for hospital is a mask/sanitizer vending machine. It can be kept in an area close to the pharmacy or where there are footfalls. 

Positive Note:

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation for the improvements in the garden area near the entrance of the hospital. The Buddha statue, the pond, and the plants with red flowers on a rocky surface have added a very calming and welcoming feel to the hospital environment. Whether it's a result of new management or the work of a talented gardener, it certainly deserves recognition and a pat on the back.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback. I hope these suggestions help in continuing to provide a comforting and healing environment for everyone visiting SUT Pattom.

Warm regards,

Building Kerala’s First Psychiatry Knowledge Hub: A Digital Leap for Mental Health Awareness

 I live close to the home and clinic of a well-known psychiatrist. Every day, I watch a steady stream of people coming and going from his consultation. A few wear visible signs of distress — furrowed brows, anxious body language, restless pacing. But most blend into the crowd, their struggles tucked behind calm expressions — much like you or me on any ordinary day.

The psychiatrist himself is a senior practitioner, managing his entire clinic alone. It often makes me wonder: how does he engage with each patient? How does he listen, diagnose, and decide on treatment — whether it’s medication, therapy, or simple reassurance?

As a layperson with growing curiosity, I started thinking about the types of mental health conditions he might be treating. Anxiety? Depression? OCD? ADHD? SEXUAL - Arousal disorders, Relationship stress, Drug Abuse? The list could be long and diverse. But does he maintain any data? Does he track patterns over time?

Given that he works independently, I imagine he must be dealing case-by-case, not storing any cookies of any patient. But what if there was a way to organize the information — not for surveillance, but for insight? Probably this data could be used by other young psychiatric doctors.

What if he kept a basic log of the issues reported by patients? Over time, even a simple digital tool could generate a tag cloud or issue frequency chart — offering a bird’s eye view of the common mental health concerns in his practice. ( Btw, is there a specific software for such doctors to track or monitor patient information) Probably! 

What if he had an assistant to help document recurring patterns and generate informative content based on real-life cases (with full privacy, of course)? A small, dedicated website could serve as a resource — offering reading material, guides, or FAQs that could be printed and handed to patients after their session.

Even small steps like these could lead to meaningful change — not just in how mental health is treated, but in how it is understood, discussed, and destigmatized. And this sparked a larger thought: what if institutions like Trivandrum Medical College took this idea and scaled it for public benefit! 

The Reality on the Ground - Patients at Medical College Psychiatry Dept 

From students and working professionals to homemakers and retirees, mental health issues span demographics. While private practitioners are doing commendable work, they often operate solo — managing consultations, prescriptions, and follow-ups single-handedly. There’s little time left to document trends, build awareness, or support patients with post-consultation educational resources.

Now, imagine the power of a well-structured digital system — a platform that not only logs trends but educates, collaborates, and grows into a living, breathing mental health repository. This is where institutions like Trivandrum Medical College can lead by example.

A Digital Mental Health Ecosystem: A 16 Plus Point Roadmap

1. Begin with the Right Tools

Equip the Psychiatry Department with essential digital tools — a paid ChatGPT subscription for AI-assisted content generation, and Canva Pro for graphic design and visual content creation.

U.S. Example: Stanford University’s Center for Youth Mental Health uses AI-based tools to prepare data summaries and educational material for their outreach programs.

2. Build a Government-Backed Digital Portal

For this portal to be truly useful, vibrant, and user-friendly, it’s best to minimize direct government control over its design and day-to-day management. In many cases, government-led projects tend to involve multiple committees, leading to slow decision-making and diluted vision due to too many conflicting opinions.

Additionally, it's advisable to avoid assigning the portal’s development to standard government agencies like NIC or state-level IT cells. While competent in administrative systems, these agencies often produce sites that are overly functional, outdated in design, and lacking in user experience — more like a digital version of a PWD building than a modern, engaging platform.

Instead, partnering with professional web development firms like TCS or Infosys or WIPRO with experience in healthcare or education portals will ensure the site is dynamic, intuitive, and designed with the end-user in mind.

Set up a professionally developed website or portal managed by a government health body or a public trust. Seek CSR funding from IT giants like TCS, Infosys, or Wipro to cover initial development and maintenance costs.

 Best Practice: The NIH (National Institutes of Health) in the US regularly collaborates with tech firms for research portals and educational sites.

3. Tap into Alumni Networks for Initial Funding

Reach out to the college’s alumni — both MBBS and MD graduates. Many would be willing to contribute towards the purchase of laptops, software subscriptions, and web hosting costs.

4. Assign Content Creation Teams

PG students, interns, or faculty volunteers can be grouped into teams. Each team is responsible for researching, generating, and editing content on specific mental health topics, from common issues like anxiety to rare psychiatric disorders.

Apart from the content ideas and raw topics from medical students, we require a content team ( volunteers and paid team members to run such a project). 

• A blog-writing assistant creates content based on the input given
• A social media assistant creates poster and content for website, blog, social media
• A  repurposing assistant converts the content into bite-sized content for other channels
• Editing assistant ( checking the content, translating it into Malayalam using online tools, and proof checking) 
• Student volunteers from undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Journalism, Mass Communication, and Media Studies.

5. Use AI as a Co-Researcher

Train students to use ChatGPT and other AI tools effectively. This includes crafting precise prompts to generate accurate, research-backed articles. AI can help in summarizing journal articles, translating medical jargon, and even drafting case studies.

6. Daily Updates to the Website & Social Media

Push content to the website and cross-post on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter). Before launch, study the layouts of leading health education platforms like:

• Cleveland Clinic
• WebMD
• Mayo Clinic

7. Segmented Content Access

The portal should have three distinct content sections:

• For the Public – in plain language with visuals and videos
• For Students – technical content, case studies, presentations
• For Researchers – access to citations, data sets, rare case archives

8. Hire a Portal Assistant

Appoint a junior staff or intern responsible for collating the content created by students and uploading them in a reader-friendly, SEO-optimized format. ( Look for volunteers and experts from tech industry who can spent their time) 

9. Translate for Local Reach

Use tools like ChatGPT or DeepL for initial Malayalam translations. Then have native-language volunteers or faculty proofread the content before publication.

10. Visual Design Using Canva

Each content post should include:

• Social Media Posters ( sharable ones of FB, Stories, etc)
• Awareness posters
• Short videos or animated explainers
• Reels and stories for Instagram and Facebook

 Inspiration: The University of Michigan’s Depression Center regularly posts digestible video content for public health awareness.

11. Data-Driven Insights from Case Logs

Maintain anonymized logs of patient complaints and diagnosis. At the end of each month, generate trend reports showing:

• Common mental health issues treated
• Age/gender-wise segmentation
• Seasonal spikes (exam stress, postnatal depression, etc.)
• Use this to inform outreach and content planning.

12. Establish a Digital Library

Create an indexed and searchable knowledge archive — just like Yale’s digital collection. Each record should include:

• Summary articles
• Peer-reviewed sources
• Case snapshots (anonymized)
• Downloadable guides and handouts

13. Educational Videos on YouTube

Launch a dedicated YouTube channel for the department. Post:

• Patient education videos
• Short 1-min explainers
• Faculty talks
• Animated mental health tips

 US Example: Johns Hopkins Psychiatry posts webinars and Q&A sessions with their mental health professionals, driving both trust and education.

14. Build Global Collaborations

Use the portal as a digital handshake to collaborate with psychiatry departments in international medical schools. Exchange of case studies, tele-lectures, and even student seminars can follow.

15. Donation & Crowdfunding Gateway

Include a donation page where individuals and alumni can contribute to the psychiatry department’s efforts — fund for buying research journal access, printing brochures, developing new content formats, or hosting awareness events.

16. Mental Health Campaigns Every Month

Rather than generic campaigns, run focused month-long campaigns:

• January: Exam Stress
• March: Women’s Mental Health
• June: Depression & Monsoon Blues
• October: World Mental Health Day (big push)

Content should include public awareness videos, free downloadables, mini-quizzes, and interactive webinars.

Why This Matters

The beauty of this vision lies in its scalability. What starts in Trivandrum Medical College could become a model for other government medical colleges across Kerala — and even nationally.

By combining AI, student enthusiasm, faculty guidance, and tech support, we can create a mental health resource that serves everyone: the distressed teenager, the anxious parent, the curious student, and the committed psychiatrist.

 Final Thought: We’re not just creating a website or uploading content. We’re building a living mental health encyclopedia — made in Kerala, powered by students, and designed to help everyone feel a little less alone or help in their journey of life.

P.S - This plan on paper looks exhaustive. However, a small step could be taken - step-by-step walk to a larger digital library. All the content could help institutions like Trivandrum Medical College to collect and create a large source of content around mental health, wellness and self-care.

P.S.S - This article is written using ChatGPT. It's based on the prompt based on my observation, on what I had been thinking for a long-time. 

A Simple Fix KSEB Can Implement Today!

 Dear KSEB Officer,

This is something many of us go through every time the power goes out.

We call the section office.

And what do we hear?

📞 "The number you’ve dialed is busy..."

Again and again. For 20... 30... 40 minutes. Then we give up.

Can this be improved? Yes, and here's a simple suggestion:

➡️ Instead of a busy tone, let a recorded voice update callers:

📢 “Power to Medical College area is affected due to maintenance work and will be restored by 8 PM.”

Just one message. It can save thousands of calls and anxious customers from guessing and waiting in the dark—literally.

Here are two easy ways KSEB can keep citizens informed:

1️⃣ Set up auto voice updates on landline calls – Coordinate with BSNL to play recorded updates instead of busy tones.

2️⃣ Use WhatsApp Status & DP – Each section can post outage updates as status or image. Creating a poster takes just 2 minutes on Canva!

These two platforms—calls and WhatsApp—are what most people already use. You don’t need apps or alerts. Just clear updates when it matters most.

We know power restoration takes time. But good communication can restore peace of mind instantly.

These steps would:

• Reduce the number of enquiry calls to KSEB offices,
• Increase public satisfaction,
• Save time for both consumers and staff,

Thank you for your service and for considering this suggestion. Hope these thoughts are helpful in improving your public interaction systems.

🙏 Hoping this reaches the right ears. This fix is simple, doable, and citizen-friendly.

Cargo Container Ship Sinkage and Potential Enviornment Issue in Kerala Coastal

Is it for Real?

At our house, we haven't bought fish for the whole week. Also, today we are skipping it. This is quite unusual in our household, where its normal to have some type of fish curry on most days of the week. 

The reason we avoided buying fish is the fear of contamination due to the sinking of the ship off the coast of Kollam. Also, the containers were carrying hazardous materials. 

In our Kerala, it's typical for govt to issue directives for each-and-every thing. However, I found not much communication coming from the govt side. Probably, b'cos I don't watch news! Did you see any govt spokesperson briefing about the fallout of this container ship which sank in our coast. 

Now that Pollution Control Board has declared that it's safe to have fish and that contamination has not happened! Can we believe what they say? 

- Did they test different samples of marine life
- Did they test the sand where the containers has washed ashore 
- Did they test the water from the sea

Did they consult with the central agencies, International community, scientists who are known to give a better verdict on this? 

Btw, which is the global standards about such pollution finding mechanism? Did they check with their rule book? What was the protocol they followed and did they public their finding and made it public!


These are just my questions! 

Btw, the image source: manoromanews.com 

 

Think Critically? But how?

Critical Thinking

 I'm not sure if this is called critical thinking. Any ways, I found this line from a blog post and made it into a poster for myself! 

More Frequent Flights to Phuket from Kochi - What does it Say?

Flight to Phuket

 There's one thing for sure - Malayalees are travelling and exploring other location beyond Indian shores! Btw, what are the objectives of such trips? Is it just site seeing with family or is it something more than that, when individuals ( men and women) travel to places like Phuket.

Let me ask ChatGPT about this and find out what all could be reasons why single men and women who travel alone as well as in groups look forward to the kind of new experiences in Phuket.

Here's what the AI tool has to tell more about the trend of single men and women travelling to Phuket and few things our state can do to bring such travellers back to its shores.

🔥 Why are more single men and women from Kerala (and nearby regions) flying to Phuket?

Here are some possible reasons for the rising demand, broken into two parts: adventurous + sensual tourism and nature-based/experiential tourism.

🌴 Reasons for Travel to Phuket:

A. Kinky/Sexual Adventure Appeal:

Sexual Freedom & Open Culture:

Phuket has a non-judgmental, open culture, especially around nightlife and adult entertainment, unlike conservative spaces back home.

Erotic Massage Parlours & Spa Experiences:

Many visitors seek out erotic or sensual spa treatments, which are normalized there. These aren't always full-service sex work, but include experiences like happy-ending massages, sensual touch therapy, or body-to-body massages.

Go-Go Bars & Nightlife:

Patong Beach in Phuket is famous for its neon-lit go-go bars, exotic dancers, themed nights, and adult shows.

Sex Tourism for the Curious:

Both men and women, especially singles, explore sex tourism not necessarily for intercourse, but for the thrill of exploration, adventure, and taboo-breaking.

Queer-friendly Travel:

Phuket is LGBTQ+ friendly, with open acceptance of alternative sexualities, which is often repressed in Kerala due to societal norms.

Temporary Escape from Morality Policing:

Tourists feel anonymous and liberated in a place where nobody knows them, allowing them to explore desires without judgment.

B. Nature, Experience & Wellness Appeal:

Island-Hopping & Blue Waters:

Crystal clear beaches, adventure water sports, and boat tours attract people seeking beauty and escapism.

Affordable Luxury:

High-end resorts, beachfront villas, and poolside indulgence for a fraction of the cost compared to similar experiences in Kerala.

Night Markets, Cuisine & Party Culture:

Thai food, cocktails, beach parties, and rooftop bars offer sensory delight and immersive experiences.

Wellness with a Twist:

Yoga retreats, herbal saunas, Thai massage schools — often paired with the sensual elements — offer a holistic-yet-adventurous experience.

Solo Travel-Friendly Destination:

Safe and easy for solo travelers — especially women — to explore independently, which isn't always the case in parts of India.

 What Can Kerala Learn from This?

Kerala is beautiful, but it's often emotionally conservative in its tourism offerings. If it wants to tap into new-age travelers:

📋 Conducting a Survey or Study:

Kerala Tourism could confidentially survey returning travelers from destinations like Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, etc., and ask:

• What experiences drew them to those places?
• What was missing in Kerala?
• Were they looking for nature, anonymity, nightlife, or personal liberation?

✨ Things Kerala Can Do:

Develop Adult-Friendly Tourism Zones:

Designated zones where nightlife, wellness spas, and freedom of experience are encouraged (e.g., beach resorts with more liberal rules).

Rebrand Wellness with Sensuality:

Kerala already has Ayurveda and spa culture — evolve it with authentic yet liberating experiences like tantric massage, couples' retreats, sensual wellness, etc.

Encourage Safe Solo Travel:

Make solo female travelers feel safer and freer. Promote boutique homestays, solo-friendly beaches, community cafes.

Nightlife Development:

Controlled but vibrant nightlife in places like Varkala, Fort Kochi, or Kovalam — not just food, but music, dance, expression.

Promote LGBTQ+ Friendly Zones:

Open Kerala to the pink economy. Promote safe spaces for queer travelers.

Host Thematic Retreats:

Tantra workshops, touch therapy, conscious intimacy retreats — already popular with Western tourists, could find niche markets among Indians too.

Better Marketing of Anonymity & Freedom:

People want to feel free but not watched. Create zones and experiences that offer that feeling within the safety of a home state.

Conclusion:

What is the lesson here? Do people travel to escape the limited experiences which is offered by the state. Btw, is there any travel agent which can offer an exhaustive itenary which includes moderated and recommended spots where travellers, especially single men and women can explore their sexuality, or go exploring the nature, provide them with safe and clean stays, and even guide tours to night-life stops or even explore their queer interests without worrying about the safety or the genuine of the places. 

I'm sure the demand for overseas trip will only go high as long as we are not developing our place. So, there's more scope for flights, even direct flights from Trivandrum to Phuket or from Calicut to Phuket!

Face Exercises for Morning Routine

Face Exercise

 

Rainbow Sighting by a Pal

☝

 

Rainbow over the football field

Plant Stand Design

Plant Stand Design

 

Knee Strengthening Exercises

Knee Strengthening Exercise

 Recently I felt that my knee was giving away! Probably, it's the old ligament tear, which is showing up now. So, what are the options I have. 

I gotta visit an orthopedic doctor. Second, I have to do my part of strengthening my knee. I hope this exercise helps.

Light House Magic

Lighthouse - Somewhere

 I live in a place where there's a beach with a beautiful lighthouse. And, when I visit this beach, I usually take couple of pictures of the beach with the lighthouse. So, for most of us who lives in this city, the lighthouse is taken for granted. It's there and it's been there for a long time. 

Today, when I saw the picture of a lighthouse taken at night, I had another idea in my mind. 

What if Kerala hosts a competition for people to take various pictures of lighthouse in our state and create a photo album in one of our tourism site?

- Now imagine, if Kerala Tourism has a competition where anyone can take a picture and upload it on of the site. This site will be open to public to see and daily evaluators will screen the pictures and approve the good ones and move them to the main gallery. And, so on the main gallery, public will be allowed to vote.

This would be a great movement for Kerala, where each month, public level engagement will happen around a topic. It could be lighthouse for a month, then it could be backwaters and catamaran, then it would be hills and streams, or old house and verandhas, or it could be fisherwomen and men who work at sea, or the daily labourer as a theme, or police people at work, etc. 

What do you think? 
How about a lighthouse tour or a tour where people are taken to all the lighthouses and they get to stay very close to lighthouse and listen to the story of each light house and they get to visit lighthouse at night! 

Seems interesting! But, who will be interested in such things! 

( Smallest viable audience)


Curious Konnection

Foot Reflexology Massage

 

Correct foot massage. pic.twitter.com/h9cVTO8AfX

— Learn Something (@EvoIution9) April 4, 2025 

Foot Spa - Tutorial

 

Spa Vacancies for Females - Opportunity and Risks in this Profession

 

Demand for Women in Spa Job in Trivandrum

In a span of just few years, many spas has opened in Trivandrum city. Most of these spa seems to work on a slightly murky ground. 

On of the problem in this space is the lack of professional players. Most spa owners are just after money - not just offering service as the top priority. Another aspect of this profession is the high demand for women to work as spa therapists. 

Risk Factors of Working in an Unregulated & Non-Standardized Environment in Kerala

Lack of Legal Protection – Many small spas operate without proper licensing or labor regulations, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation, unfair wages, and job insecurity.

Safety Concerns – In some unregulated spas, safety measures for female therapists may be inadequate, increasing the risk of harassment or uncomfortable situations.

No Standardized Training – Without proper certification and training enforcement, therapists may receive inconsistent training, leading to skill gaps and lower-quality services.

Unclear Work Conditions – Many spas operate informally, leading to issues like unpredictable working hours, lack of proper leave policies, etc

Reputation Risks – Some unregulated spas engage in unethical activities, creating a stigma around the profession and potentially damaging the credibility of legitimate therapists.

Health Hazards – Poor hygiene standards, improper handling of massage oils, and lack of ergonomic training can lead to health issues for therapists over time.

No Social Security or Benefits – Many therapists in unregulated spas don’t receive health insurance, pension benefits, or maternity leave, making long-term career stability difficult.

So, what does it take to be a professional therapist? 

• How to learn the art of massage? Is there any certification program, for eg certification in foot reflexology, or body massage or govt approved ayur spa massage certification! 
• How Kerala can tap the growing demand for spa massage? 
• Can traditional ayurveda massage centres tap the possibility of including Swedish massage in their menu? 

Just Curious! 


Curious Konnections

Btw, it's time Kerala Govt come up with some kind of standardization with respect to the work, qualification or training which has to be attended by all the staff, the facilities, hygiene, etc. Probably, they can look at the standards in other countries and modify according to Kerala standards. 

The Kiss of Life

The Kiss of Life ( Source: Instagram)

 Came across the iconic photo of a electric linesman resuscitating his fellow worker who accidentally contacted a live wire. In the end, he managed to bring him down the pole, and then did a proper CPR which revived him. 

So, after reading the above story, I was thinking of this - - - 

Does our BESCOM or KSEB linesman know to do CPR when the need arises? 
Is it part of their training on how resuscitate an employee when an unfortunate event happens?
Do they conduct such drills so that they get to practice CPR and learn to do it perfectly


Just thinking! 

Suspecting Varicose Vein

Yoga Pose for people with Varicose Vein Problem

Just sharing a Facebook reel by Vipita Karni on simple exercise that you can add to your morning routine. 

Watch the exercises

There is No Tiger!

Time for First AI Powered Healer and Advisor in Kerala

Rise of AI Agent in Healthcare ( Now in Kerala)

 In Kerala, we have lot of troubles that's brewing. One thing on the news is the rise of drug related offenses and problems. With many young people getting hooked on synthetic drugs, people of Kerala is waking up to see it's deep tentacles in every part of the society. 

So, what can be done to provide support to people? Well, we have the traditional guidance, support, but is that just enough? 

Introducing the first ever AI Avatar to tackle this problem and to Provide Guidance to People!

What I'm suggesting is the use of AI in healthcare, which can converse with people in manner more than a chat box. For instance, Kerala Govt can get expert help in installing such systems by collaborating with Guildhawk's Digital Human Avatars! What say?

Will it help in a small way to help the Gen Z  ( zoomers) to confide to an AI and get the right guidance during their troubled habits!

I hope Kerala govt take such measures which are required to combat the menace of drugs! 

Btw, they can name it Kbot or KChat or K-pal! 

What say?

Strong Case for Kerala to Implement AI Avatar to Combat Drug usage

The Kerala state government should think of leveraging AI avatars to provide guidance, counseling, and emotional support for Gen Z, particularly those vulnerable to synthetic drugs. These AI-powered virtual counselors engage young people through interactive conversations, helping them navigate stress, peer pressure, and the dangers of substance abuse.

Having an AI-driven support system allows the government to reach youth directly on platforms they frequently use, such as social media, mobile apps, and chatbots. These AI avatars can offer real-time counseling, answer questions, and provide a non-judgmental space for young individuals to express their concerns. Additionally, short video content and interactive simulations can help in educating teens about the psychological and physical effects of drug abuse.

Use Case: AI Avatar for Drug Prevention

Imagine a 16-year-old student, curious about synthetic drugs due to peer influence. Instead of turning to unreliable sources, they engage with an AI avatar counselor via a WhatsApp chatbot or a government app. The AI listens to their concerns, provides scientific explanations of drug effects, shares real-life recovery stories, and even suggests local support groups or helplines. This early intervention can prevent experimentation and help young individuals make informed decisions.

By integrating AI avatars into schools, universities, and social media platforms, Kerala can proactively combat drug abuse, guiding youth toward a healthier future while making mental health support more accessible and stigma-free.

Reminder - Focus on Present

Quote

 This quote by Eckhart Tolle highlights how a strong attachment to the ego keeps a person trapped in time—constantly identifying with the past and seeking fulfillment in the future. It suggests that when we define ourselves by past experiences or long for a future outcome, we miss the present moment, which is the only true reality.

Focusing on the Smallest Viable Audience ( Women Flats)

Women's Flat Slippers 

Shoes at the Church

 While standing near the church corridor, my eyes felt on a ladies' flat type footwear outside the door. For some reason, I'm liking these kind of flat footwear worn by ladies. 

Marketing the Smallest Viable Audience!

This is what Seth Godin often tells in his podcast. He says marketing to the entire world is flawed and if often results in failure of the biz. Instead of focusing on a large audience, look at a small sub segment which would be enough to earn sufficient demand and profit. 

Based on this premise, I was thinking if someone opens a dedicated footwear store ( online or offline) where they have specialized section for ladies flat type of footwear. 

If it's a online store, the main menu can be broken in these ways:

- Under 100 Rs 
- Under 199 Rs 

- Leather type
- Synthetic 
- Natural substance 
- Kolapuri types 
- Popular in USA 
- Mostly bought in the last month
- Recycled ones 
- Jute material
- Made by NGO's/Prison inmates 
- Gift to a friend 

So, if you like such type of low-heal flat slippers, would you walk into a store which has a good collection of  Flat Bellies?

Charles! 

The Role of Liberal Liquor Policies in Combating Drug Usage: A Perspective from Kerala

Crackdown on Drugs and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala

Current Story!

Kerala has been witnessing a growing campaign against drug abuse among school children and adults. In recent days, intensified search operations and arrests have led to the seizure of synthetic drugs and marijuana from peddlers and users. While these measures are certainly creating awareness among parents and communities about the rise in drug usage, they do not provide a lasting solution.

Addressing the issue of drug abuse requires a comprehensive, long-term policy approach that goes beyond sporadic crackdowns. It demands consistent campaigns, regular monitoring, and effective tracking mechanisms. Additionally, Kerala can learn from best practices implemented in other parts of the world to develop a sustainable and balanced strategy.

Learning from Global Practices

Several European cities have taken innovative approaches to managing drug use, recognizing that rigid prohibition may not always yield the desired outcomes. Here are a few best practices that Kerala could consider:

Decriminalization and Regulation: In Portugal, personal drug use is decriminalized, focusing on health interventions rather than punishment. This has significantly reduced overdose rates and drug-related deaths.

Safe Consumption Spaces: Cities like Amsterdam have designated safe spaces for drug use where medical supervision is provided. This reduces the risk of overdose and allows for health monitoring.

Legalization of Cannabis: Countries like the Netherlands and certain states in the US have legalized cannabis in controlled environments, reducing the illicit trade and ensuring quality control. ( This has to be taken at the national level). I hope Modi Ji will do something groundbreaking by allowing a new policy about legalizing cannabis ( small quantity) and so forth. 

Public Awareness Campaigns: In Switzerland, extensive educational programs target young people to inform them about the risks of drug use. This approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

Social Rehabilitation Programs: Countries like Germany emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, offering support to addicts to reintegrate into society rather than imprisoning them.

Rethinking Kerala’s Liquor Policy

An often-overlooked aspect of Kerala’s growing drug problem is its stringent liquor policy. While well-intentioned, this policy has inadvertently contributed to the rise of drug usage.

The “Forbidden Fruit” Effect

A peculiar phenomenon observed in Kerala is the scarcity mindset triggered by liquor restrictions, especially on the first of every month when liquor sales are prohibited. This scarcity mindset leads to excessive buying and consumption before the ban, fueling a culture of binge drinking. The psychological response to this prohibition may also push people, particularly those from lower economic backgrounds, towards drugs as an alternative.

Bar Timings and Accessibility

Another problematic aspect is the early shutdown of bars. Restricting bar timings to early hours not only reduces responsible social drinking but also drives people to unregulated spaces where drugs are easier to access. Allowing bars to remain open until 11 PM on weekdays and 12:30 AM on weekends could help foster responsible drinking while providing a safer environment for socialization.

Encouraging Microbreweries and Pubs

To shift the drinking culture from binge drinking to responsible social consumption, Kerala should encourage the establishment of microbreweries and pubs, particularly in urban centers like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Cities like Bengaluru have seen positive outcomes by promoting craft beer culture, where patrons drink in moderation and in safe settings. Liberalizing liquor licensing could bring in capital investment and promote a healthier social drinking environment.

Addressing the Bigger Picture

Rather than simply cracking down on drugs, it is essential to consider a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of substance abuse. Restrictive liquor policies can paradoxically push people toward drugs, as substances like synthetic drugs and marijuana are easier to transport, conceal, and consume compared to alcohol.

By adopting liberal liquor policies, Kerala can:

• Reduce the forbidden fruit effect by making alcohol available responsibly.
• Encourage social drinking in controlled environments rather than secretive drug use.
• Create employment and revenue through breweries and pubs.
• Decrease the stigma associated with moderate drinking, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Final Take

The ongoing anti-drug campaign is undoubtedly raising awareness, but without addressing underlying socio-cultural factors, it may not yield long-term results. Kerala’s strict liquor policies might be inadvertently fostering the rise of drug use. Adopting a more liberal approach, drawing lessons from global practices, and promoting responsible drinking environments can help curb the rampant rise of drug use while providing safe and socially accepted alternatives.



NGO's and Organizations which offer Counselling and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala

1. SAJEEVAM - ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN

why Cow is Called Beef on a Menu

Cow and Beef!

 So, now the question on my mind is sorted out! So, it all started with the French aristocrats who were used to seeing these dishes on their table and they called it Beef or something like that. And, the English took it from there. 

How to Remember things on the To-buy-list

To Buy List ( Gosh I forgot)

 A screen grab from a message from the Coffee House group. Well, I saw this message while waiting to get the fish cleaned in a fish store. And, it made me chuckle. 

What about you? 

Time for a Drink

 Just a pic of a time, a moment with people! 

Coffee Time Domlur - Sree Udipi

Sugar it!

Coffee Time - Bangalore

My time with coffee at a near by coffee spot - Sri Udipi restaurant. 
 

What's your Brand Story? What's your Story?

Brand Story 

 
What's the story you're going to tell? 
How do you tell a consistent story? 

Time to Bring a Change in Perception!

Mothermag Article

 

From the article:

“I try to incorporate all of the magic and fundamentals that my parents lovingly ingrained. My mom and dad were also epic hosts and the most generous humans. If friends of my parents stopped by the house unexpectedly, we learned to greet them with a warm welcome, take their coats, and offer them something to drink. My parents had a special knack for entertaining on the fly. They’d find things in the pantry—like a tin of smoked oysters, some olives and crackers—and turn it into something so elegant. Their innate generosity and hospitality have had such an impact on me, something I definitely want to pass down to my daughters.

Source; https://www.mothermag.com/lady-and-larder-sarah-simms-boo-simms/ 

 The moral of my story is that you must always advocate for yourself. You know yourself better than anyone.”

(I was also a full-time private chef when we first started Lady & Larder). Now I put my health first—sleep and my vitamin protocol, workouts, and time with my family. Every single day we get is precious. It’s sort of an obvious truth that we all forget. None of us know how many days we get.”

Grazing Board, Lamp Shade and Wall Routine

QR Code for wall Routine exercise 

How about these images to remind my mind about things to do and projects to take up - project to make grazing board and a similar looking lamp shade. 

A grazing board is a beautifully arranged platter filled with a variety of bite-sized foods such as cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts, crackers, dips, and other small snacks. It is designed for casual, communal eating, allowing people to sample different flavors and textures in a visually appealing way.

Why is it made or used?

1. Entertainment & Socializing – Perfect for gatherings, parties, and events where guests can snack at their own pace.

2. Variety & Balance, Aesthetic Appeal, Ease & Convenience

 Btw, I came across the topic of grazing board from this link and about the sister duo who started a biz called Lady and Larder which makes gazing boards. Sadly, Boo Simms one of the sister in the biz venture tragically passed away during an operation. 

Look around.  Happiness is trying to catch you.

Hands have a Hidden Energy

Tap Your Potential

 This poster is just to remind me to revisit Insta page and follow this routine. I have the habit of sharing many insta reels to my Whatsapp. Now, that the number of shares are too high, I loose track of what is shared and why I shared. 

So, here's the plan. 

I edit the pic to include the QR Code
Next, I take a print of it. 

After print out, I segregate the posters based on the topic. Hope I revisit these posters. 

Tribute to the Soldier!

Listening to this, I was wondering about the men who are guarding our frontiers. Out of the people who go on the frontier or in areas of strife, few unlucky ones will only return in a casket. 

It's sad to think of the perils of their profession! 

After listening to this, I wish someone come will come with similar rhymes for the hero's who are far away from home!

Unveiling The Power Of Strategy With Seth Godin

Creating conditions for change! 

This just like many of Seth's interview has many takeaways!

DO IT NOW - REMINDER

 

Reminder DO IT NOW

Can you Do Something About Drowning Accidents in Kerala

Recurring Tragedy - Death by Drowning 

I just came across this news on Facebook. What a sad day for many family members, friends and people who knew these people. In Kerala, we keep hearing of such death. Recently during Xmas time, a boy was lost in Kovalam beach. Another in St Andrews beach! 

All these makes us to ask questions - How can we avert or reduce the chances of drowning? What's the way out?

Well, I've been parading this concept for a long time! What is it? 

When a student comes to the age when he has to appear for 10th class, parents, teachers, school folks, neighbors will all ask only one questions! How is his preparation for the 10th class? This often makes parents too panicked about the 10th class debacle. All that would matter to the entire state is about 10th class. 

I wonder why this is relevant, given that time has changed, and anyone with a dream to become a doctor or engineering can still opt for the same. It was not the case when I had passed 10th class. 

What if the people ask a better question to a student who is studying for 10th?


- Did you learn swimming? How long can you stay in the water?
- Do you know to do CPR? 
- How to help a person who is chocking with food struck on the windpipe?
- Do you clear the road in front of your house and keep the locality clean?
- How many pushups or squat do you do?

- Do you do suryanamaskar or do breathing exercise?
- 

Here's another thing for leaders and politicians in Kerala can do.

One thing about Kerala is that we have many rivers, lakes, backwaters and that's a big opportunity for anyone to learn swimming or get swimming lessons 

So, what if we become the first state that all our citizens know to swim. Imagine, such a campaign that gives everyone the chance to learn swimming. So, just like many years agon there was a big collective mission to teach everyone to read and write. So, now it's time to renew a new oath to teach all how to swim, at least learn to float in the water. 


Imgine such an initative really work`

1. We'll be saving many, many lives 
2. People will get more healthy ( Less diabetics )
3. Activity and interest in swimming, demand for swimming pools, etc. 

Church Dance - Entrance

I loved this dance and the way it was taken. Just sharing. Here's the link to watch on YouTube.

Chef Graham and Organizing

Chef Graham

 To remind myself and others, I took a print of this post from A Learning a Day!