There is a strange, enduring intimacy between the Malayali and the humble Corvus splendens—the common house crow. At first glance, it isn't an obvious mascot for a diaspora. It lacks the elegance of the peacock or the ambitious stride of an eagle. We are often like the crow: quiet, self-contained, and staying out of the spotlight until the situation calls for us. But do not mistake that composure for weakness. The crow is defined by its collective spirit. Threaten a single crow, and you will not be spared. Within seconds, a solitary bird turns into a deafening, unified swarm that defends its own with relentless fury. The Malayali operates on the exact same ancient frequency. When disaster strikes or an injustice is committed, we do not wait for external armor—our strength lies in numbers, solidarity, and immediate, overwhelming community support. Our connection to this bird runs deep through our geography, language, and spiritual heritage:The crow is the vahana (vehicle) of Lord...
I keep catching myself holding on to the idea that I still read the way I used to—back in what feels like a fairy-tale past. These days, managing to flip through a few magazine pages during a rare quiet moment in the bathroom feels like a genuine luxury. Yet, if I look back at the authors who shaped me, Enid Blyton stands far above the rest. Even now, given the chance, I can completely lose myself in her stories, escaping into the English countryside alongside the Secret Seven or the Famous Five. Then there are the Amar Chitra Kathas and the many comics we all may have grown up with. And here goes my list of books in random order, not necessarily in order of favorites, both fiction and non fiction.... Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell- still remember hiding it under the pillow and reading in literal darkness while in 8th grade, I think..... Roots by Alex Haley- read over summer of 10th grade.... -Freedom at Midnight by Dominique LaPierre and Larry Col...