I
must thank my cousin, Jacob Matheckal (as spelt by him), for compiling the history of Matheikals.
 |
| No connection with Matheikals |
Of
course, this may not be of any interest to anyone who is not directly related
to the family. I found it an eminent
enterprise and wish to thank Babychettan (Jacob Matheckal) for the amount of
labour that he has put in for bringing out this history. The fact is that I know very few of the
Matheikals mentioned in the history. I
look forward to getting to know a few of them at least in the near future,
though I’m not sure how far I’ll be successful in that venture. My hesitation owes much to my reticence and
lack of interest in spending time with people.
I prefer books to people.
During
a light-hearted telephonic conversation with the author of this history some
time ago, he asked me, “Shall I present you as an icon for all the mad people
in the world?” I laughed and said, “Why
not?” But what he has actually written
about me is very flattering:
Tomichan and his spouse Margret are
into academics and teaching. Tomichan emulated his father and developed a
philosophical approach to life and events and is an avid promoter of ecological
environment. He is a vocal and fearless crusader against injustice in the
society and the political spectrum through his blog - matheikal.blogspot.in .
Tomichan has proved that the pen is mightier than the sword. [Page 111]
I
take this opportunity to pat myself on the back. I must add that my father’s contribution to
my interest in books is colossal. He had
a library of nearly 5000 books which he donated a few years before his death to
the library of a parish church. I had
read almost all the novels and story books before I left home at the age of 15
to pursue my studies. Reading has
remained my best habit up to now. I
hope to cultivate a greater interest in ‘family affairs’ now that I know there
are more Matheikals out there than I had thought of. Thanks, Babychettan.
Thumbs up. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThat is so good. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome things also happen in life, Indrani. Thanks for sharing my joy.
DeleteWow! 5000 is an impressive number. You are lucky!
ReplyDeleteBut quite many of them were religious books which I never read.. I had to make a rigorous choice, you see.
DeleteBut quite many of them were religious books which I never read.. I had to make a rigorous choice, you see.
Delete5000 books !..and this is really a wonderful post.. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was lucky, Maniparna, in a way... The post is a bit boastful, I know. I intended it partly!
DeleteImpressive.
ReplyDelete"Tomichan has proved that the pen is mightier than the sword."
That is so correct.
Thanks, Preethi. I'm still keeping my feet firmly on the ground :)
DeleteMaybe, writing a book about your family - the whole tree? :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I was the librarian of the parish church your father's library went to.
You interest in books shows through your, Tomichan.
Actually, Sakshi, it's destiny, the destiny of character mostly. The only time I ventured to make real, human friends I made a mess of my life.
DeleteI can see that you are a voracious reader and that must have moulded your personality. Also your family us lucky to have a well read person in their midst. So all the best if you are planning to pen down the family history.
ReplyDeleteNo, not family history; I may venture another kind of history... well, not yet time to disclose it.
DeleteHey! I totally agree with the statements made about you in the compilation. :) Your blog inspires.
ReplyDeleteThe last one year made a lot of difference to me, Namrata. Some bitter experiences brought about many changes in my attitude to life and writing. I veered away from politics towards psychology and issues of ordinary people's lives.
DeleteI'm astounded, sir! You made, not your family history, but you really found a place in history through your activist blogs! Hearty congratulations to you and Mrs. Margret who is always with you in your endeavours!
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to a speech on this global rise of citizen media which makes us write the pages of history:
http://skmanimekalai.blogspot.in/2014/04/global-rise-of-citizen-media.html
Thanks, M, for your generous adulation. These days I'm enjoying lapping up a bit of adulation :)
DeleteI'll be there with you in your blog space soon.
That's a big library! Wow!
ReplyDeleteSome fortunes that life provide, Sreesha.
Delete5000! You are truly a wealthy person Sir.
ReplyDeleteYes, Nilanjana, books are perhaps the greatest wealth.
DeleteIt does feel good when our near ones acknowledge our achievement, doesn't it? :) Congrats :)
ReplyDeleteTrue, Pankti, because no prophet is usually accepted in his own village, let alone his home. :)
Delete