Return to Kottakkal

A recent visit to my birthplace, Kottakkal, after a gap of 22 years, triggered in me a strong urge to dive deep into my family history.

I visited Kottakkal to attend a family reunion.  The place had changed beyond recognition and to my family, I too had. Our annual get-togethers started six years ago and have done much to bring together a family, which the Hindu reported, has 250 members.. Together with  spouse and children of male members, who are not family members in a matriarchal community, the number  in the extended family  goes  up to 450. About 250 turn up. Only five families now live in Kottakkal and the burden of organizing the day long meet,  with breakfast, lunch, introductions and a cultural programme, is cheerfully borne by them. Continue reading