First Sunday after returning home.
When Kaveri visits we’ve started going to swimming pool Sunday morning but we’ve got timing wrong or they’ve changed the rules.
Women and children only.
How is that possible with an old man and in India?
As you can see it’s a bit empty.
But this being India, I managed to get in for half the session.
I’m not altogether sure what’s the biggest attraction. Swimming or bakery.
I think we know.
Mysore Bed and Breakfast
It’s since been corrected from 🍞 to 🛌
Zonal office number nine of the Mysore City Corporation.
I had to pay a penalty as my application was late. Should have submitted it at the beginning of the financial year. I didn’t as we only reopen now so not been trading.
Next I have to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
I’m hesitant as I wish to hang out in the glow of: it-all-worked-well a little bit longer.
What’sapp between Ani and I
Sowbaghya is in charge, looking after the house and menagerie while I’m away.
So here, from a few years ago, are the two beauties together
Manjula adored her flowers.
She …..
…… would thread the garlands since a child to supplement any income.
…… Loved the jasmine growing on our roof and in the drive.
But she saved a special place in her heart for what’s locally called Brahma Kamla but strictly speaking it’s ‘queen of the night’.
She’d excitedly spot the new buds coming through and accurately predict which night it would blossom.
On that night we’d open the back door and be hit by the overpowering aroma. It would be gone by morning
After she died, four years ago, the flowers didn’t appear until this year. Sowbaghya spotted a bud. It’ll flower as we approach what would have been her 50th birthday.
The flower is now featured on a tattoo on my shoulder and in a portrait of Manjula in our upstairs hall (lounge).
Lady at corner shop complained about Kaveri not calling me uncle. Honestly it’s ok!
If only she knew what my granddaughter Poppy called me🤔🤭🫣
… her, as she’s back at school
A nine year old and a sixty six year old being together for over two months is a wonderful mix of experiences and emotions.
At times it’s been a challenge but wouldn’t change it…
On the way to school she asked if I’d visit this Sunday; within minutes — after being greeted by friends — it had changed to ‘a’ Sunday.
I will visit this Sunday and exchange pictures.
Here’s mine.
Thank you Kaveri for being you and invading my life.
Kaveri is a real star. You might have noticed — from my regular postings — that I’m impressed with her. She’s personable, a smart cookie and a wonderful help for me in the new challenging situation without Manjula by my side.
Manjula’s Mysore and I are committed to supporting Kaveri where we can and sponsoring her education. We hope some of our community of guests help out a bit too. But what options are the best?
So I had to do some research. I read up about it,
I have two adult sons and a granddaughter, my first career was as a social worker with children and families, then a manager of welfare services in government, worked on developing partnerships in the UK and India but you can never know too much, obviously. This is very challenging for all concerned.
So I’ve got a bit of experience at all sorts of different levels, communities and cultures.
But I know you can never have enough knowledge, insights, awareness, empathy and understanding. Even more challenging, I’m not part of the family and need to be completely in tune with their needs and wishes.
I’ve discussed the situation with a network I’ve created of educationalists, social workers, psychologists
But most importantly fully involved (including visits to schools) her mum, and madam herself.
so what’s to do?
There is a clear preference, from the family, for Kaliyuva Mane — A school FOR children and home for learning founded by M R Ananth Kumar.
It’s a free residential school for children in Kenchalagudu on the outskirts of Mysore.
I first visited the school on a cycle yatra over ten years ago. It was featured in my article
It’s child centred
It focuses on the needs of the child and so it is outside the mainstream system. It’s similar to the alternative schools found around the world.
But it’s residential.
I wonder if that’s best for an eight year old maybe in the circumstances its exactly what’s required.
You might be wondering, how did it get to this? who is Kaveri and why am I proposing that we support her?
I’m concerned that the school systems globally are not ‘fit for purpose’, in that they are more like sausage factories and don’t properly cater for the whole person and their diverse needs.
Not unlike this…..
I have also consulted books such as those by Ken Robinson, visited schools and discussed the situation with friends in Mysore and elsewhere.
In mysore we have a full range of options, not only Kalyuva Mane, and Arivu which offer something a little different, there’s also the full range of government, religious/trust and private schools covering the many curricular available in India.
There’s even agile Shala with its programme, online and education centres another valuable alternative.
What a super range of options.
I was seriously impressed and then bowled after meeting wonderfully articulate, well rounded children who’s parents provide ‘home’ schooling.
So, why the interest?
I have a particular young girl in mind. You’ve guessed it?
I’m trying to find out what would suit Kaveri
Most importantly I’ve discussed with Kaveri and her mum, it’s obviously their decision.
I consciously live on the side of Mysore away from the mainstream yoga activity. There’s yoga everywhere in mysore including the class I attend at the local gym.
But I do like to visit Gokalum (the yoga concentrate) and when I do it feels like I’m stepping back in time or visiting another planet.
Vishnu Sharma — who I met through open mic and his lovely family that I keep bumping into, most recently at the spinning (cotton not legs) class, — organised the concert.
It’s like we entered hippiedom, for a fab evening out at Chakra House
I think I’ll return.
Me and MYCycle 