10 hours ago
Readers' comments: Thanks for telling the real ‘Kerala Story'
Thank you so much for this piece you have written (' Going off script: Our front row view of another Kerala story '). It is sincere, dignified and to the point. This is the real Kerala story. My wife and I were born Malayali, raised and educated in Tamil Nadu, served for three decades in Odisha and returned home to rural Kerala after retirement.
While we love the places we lived in, the last 14 months of living in Kerala have been a fascinating learning experience: we have been having an 'aisa bhi ho sakta hai, kya' – is it even possible that things can be like this – kind of experience. The points the authors raised strike us every day too: the dignity of every individual, the ease of living tension-free, the near invisibility of the police in daily life – it is a refreshing change.
No wonder so many others from villages in South Odisha come here to work. There can be respect, regardless of your caste and job. There are issues that could be addressed, but it is so much better than most other parts of our country. Thank you for saying it like it is. – Johnny Oommen
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This 'Kerala Story' had tears of pride rolling down my cheeks. It is heartening to read about the truth by my fellow humans who have no axe to grind about the true state of things in a much-maligned, politically targetted state.
May both the authors complete their PhDs well and take the real Kerala experience to places where their education takes them. More importantly, may they transmit that quiet dignity of the ordinary human being that they found in Kerala, across India. – John Chiramel
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As an honest Keralite and Indian, the authors were impressed by the many positives of Kerala and either chose not to see or did not see how many of the state's water bodies are polluted with plastic. It is a worrisome sight that reflects the realities. Otherwise, it was a morale-boosting article, especially coming from non-native authors.
I thank them for their positive words and I hope that Kerala will similarly continue to impress migrants from across India. – Alice Prakash
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The film that showed Kerala in a bad light was based more on fiction than facts. This story is based on facts. Kudos to the writers. – Anil Thomas
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This is a real 'Kerala Story'. Thanks for the attempt and effort put in this. – KR Deepa
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What kind of editorial judgement allowed the publishing of an article that condescends towards the home states of the authors while being sycophantic to the state where the authors are currently based. Did anybody expect anything different? I am saddened by the lack of editorial oversight. – Abhay Kher
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Thank you for all the nice things you said about Kerala. But there is a dark side too, in terms of the business environment. Many industrialists and small businesses have quit due to the militant nature of labour unions. – Ram Kumar Raja
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The authors have not encountered the infamous labour unions of Kerala. Nor do they seem to have witnessed the elements backed to the hilt by the current government, pushing drugs and narcotics among youngsters. Liquor bars at every corner of Kerala doesn't make it a safe state at all. – Ravi Shankar
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It's with great pride that I say that I hail from Kerala. But I wish my state had better roads which stand up to the rains, a more buoyant public healthcare system that provides quality care unlike the burgeoning corporate sector, better waste management and action against stray dogs. – George Jacob
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A heartening article. Hoping the writers can carry this back to their home towns and positively influence their spaces. – Pippa Nair
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We from Kerala have always been taking it for granted. Thank you for vividly expressing your unbiased personal experience. I feel it is the aspirational mindset of the people, built on the foundation of literacy, that takes the state forward on the path of development. – Achamma George
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This was a touching and nostalgic read. This is the Kerala of my summer holidays. The place seeps into your heart and soul. – Mary Tahir
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This is a well-written article. Don't forget the daily sweeping of the roads and the cleanliness seen everywhere. That is something that I haven't seen in any other state and is worth emulating. – Pippa Nair
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This is fitting response to the manipulated The Kerala Story of the fascist Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh regime. – A Rajamohan
Very well told! And truth be told, the lack of job opportunities and industry also choke the state. –Nasser Yusuf
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