REMINISCENCES OF AN OLDER GENERATION

With the demise of our dear of our dear Alian, after almost a hundred years of his life in this world, I recollect many memories.

I remember well when he first began his work as a young doctor in the Rural Reconstruction Inst. at Ullannur in the mid-1930s. At that time I was about six years old. Dr Somerville, the famous Doctor and Surgeon at Neyoor Hospital (who was Appachen's good friend from his days as an Education officer at Neyoor), offered to visit Ullannur 2 or 3 times a year to provide medical consultations and surgical remedies for people around the area. Hundreds of people flocked to seek assistance from the legendary doctor for their medical problems, as otherwise they had to travel to South Travancore to see him! On those occasions the doctor spent 2-3 days at Ullannur using our school as a temporary consultation centre and hospital.

During these visits young doctors (from nearby locations) like Dr Kochubaby from Tiruvella, Dr. T.N. Chacko from Chengannur and other younger doctors came to Ullannur voluntarily to assist Dr Somerville and to learn from him. Only minor surgeries were done there, the major ones were carried out at his main hospital in Neyoor.

At one of his early visits, Dr S. in his post-clinical work meeting suggested the need for starting a medical dispensary at Ullannur. This was to meet the needs of the village people to between his periodical visits to the RRInst. Alian, as a young doctor, volunteered to serve as the medical officer in the then new proposed Dispensary. Dr S. consigned medicines, drugs and essential equipments from Neyoor hospital. The expenses for these were settled after they were prescribed to the patients.

At that time, a medical officer at Ullannur was paid a salary of around Rs.15-20 a month!! It was the time of the Great Depression in the whole world. Money was so scarce and jobs were rare. Appachen started the Rural Reconstruction Inst (RRI) to provide jobs for the many young people.

Our uncle, Kunjuchayan (M.C.Chacko - B.Sc.Agri) was appointed as the Head Master of RRI and the School, (with a salary of Rs. 15-20 per month). Mr. Kurien who was an unemployed Maths.graduate became the assistant HM. This was the time when many qualified young men left the shores of India for Malaya, Singapore Burma, etc..where they obtained jobs as clerks, teachers, technical assistants and estate conductors. They were able to send precious money home to their dear ones in Kerala! Middle-East was a nonentity then as they had not struck oil yet!

I remember this very clearly....once Achayan, Rajan and I visited Trivandrum with KunjuPappychayan (he was then working as a young graduate cadet officer in the Imperial Bank of India, TVM) during our school holidays. TVM was a favourite place for us as we lived there when Appachen was an education officer with Travancore State and teaching at the famous Maharaja's Vanchiyoor English School. I got my (favourite)Uncle to agree to get me a pair of lace-up leather shoes. Such leather shoes were not common in those days. Then I also wanted him to take me to a "Talking Movie"....in the city where movie houses were tent-like structures, made of zinc sheets and light iron beams. Seats were wooden benches and movies were very exciting for us!

I wore my new shoes for special occasions. Returning from a short course in Madras Alian remembered to bring me a pair of knee-length cream coloured stockings as a present. Shod in the shining shoes and knee-high stockings, I presented myself on the Maharaja's Birthday celebration day at the primary school in Chengannur. The H. M . and teachers made me the leader of the birthday procession around the town, because I was the best dressed student. I remember those occasions with nostalgia.

Later when Alian was working in Thuckalay with the Salvation Army Hospital, Achayan, Rajan and I visit and stay with him and PonnammaKochamma. He made sure that we had a good time during these holiday breaks. His care and love and regard for us continued throughout, even long after we had completed our higher studies and were employed in distant places.

We experienced that special attachment during our last visit with him in April-05 at his home. Although he was quite weak and frail and with poor appetite, he managed to sit up on his bed. He recognized and tried to talk with each of us present. Later in the night we prayed, together with Aniyankunju/Ammini and Eraviperore Aliyan.

Cecile enjoyed a special relationship and affection for Alian. She called him Achayan. She took pride in saying that Aliyan was the only doctor who successfully diagnosed her hypothyroid condition (in 1990). No other doctors were able to do that for her.

The next morning we had family prayers lead by the young Achen who stays at Rajan's house. Although Aliyan had only a light/liquid breakfast he fully participated in the activities. He embraced each one of us. We thank God for giving us that special blessing and time to say our final farewell then.

As a man, Alian may not have amassed money or wealth but he lacked nothing. All his children had the privilege to be near him. He gave freely of his compassion and expertise as a good doctor to all, even in his old age. He lived well. Always dressed smart in the latest trends dandy, in style and quite 'dandy' really!

Alian had strong faith in God but it was never a public display.... his faith was personal to him, and it showed in his relationship with others and for others.

Occasionally, Alian had spates of quarrels and strife but it never lasted too long and all would be back to normal. These were mainly with his elders and not with the younger ones. He had great affection for his dear ones and deep concern about their welfare. Future visits to Ullannur will be a lot less joyful without his presence.

May our Heavenly Father give him eternal rest and the peace that he deserves.


THAMPACHYAN