Treasure Trove of Life

The modern museum has multiple purposes - to curate and preserve, to research, and to reach out to the public. They challenge us and ask us to question our assumptions about the past or the world around us - Kate  Williams Thanjavur with its rich history and cultural heritage has an art gallery, library etc within the premises of the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace was originally built by the Thanjavur Nayaks. It also served as the seat of the Maratha rulers of Thanjavur who belonged to the Bhonsle clan. They patronized arts and literature and ensured that it passed on to the future generations. I am a sucker for museums and artefacts of all kinds. I firmly believe that they are a treasure trove of learning besides serving as an inspiration. Though the reviews online gave a mixed opinion, I didn't want to deviate from my plan. Immediately after breakfast, I went to the museum. Because being an early visitor has its own advantages where you don't have to deal with any sor...

Ever since I had started working in Coimbatore, I wanted to pay a visit to a dad's friend who lives in Uzhavoor. The last I had seen them was in 1998, during a trip to Bombay. The fondest memory I have about them is writing them hand-written letters as part of a letter writing assignment during 5th Standard or so. My joy knew no bounds whenever I got a reply in my name. When my parents planned to come down on a short trip to Coimbatore in November, 2018 and get around, I included this place in our itinerary as the first stop. After a lot of waiting, we finally managed to reach Uzhavoor. The moment we saw the couple, there was a pleasant feeling but with a tinge of sadness. They looked fragile and aunty's Parkinsons disease had taken a toll on both of them. Loneliness was evident as their kids settled abroad looking for greener pasture. After having breakfast we settled down and were having a chat about random things. My father had known them from the mid 70s when he starte...