Let me make a confession right at the start. I have a high regard for Malayalis, but my prejudiced environment ingrained in me certain stereotypes about them. It is against this background that my recent stay in God’s own country becomes significant.

I went to Kerala from Mangaluru to attend a refresher course for a month. Unfortunately, when I landed in Kayamkulam railway station in Alappuzha district, I learnt that the whole state was observing a hartal. But this seemed normal for Kerala, so I decided to find an auto to take me to the bus stand. However, the auto driver I met explained to me in Malayalam that it was no use going there.