Thunbam Nergayil - The Gem

I woke up to the smell of freshly fried vada - the famous and all time favourite Indian savoury. And, what came next to mind was, of course, tadaaaaaaaaaaa - Chennai ! Allepey ! Hyderabad ! Kanyakumari ! India ! Where my soul continues to live !

It's been many months since I did my daily dwelling on my favourite country. I woke up every morning missing India, prior to May 9th. The very memorable May 9th 2018. When my Malaysia was swept by a gigantic political tsunami. The people of Malaysia, unitedly, with the leadership of our favourite former Prime Minister, Tun M, changed the ruling government of 60 years. Amazing isn't it ? How unity can create such huge wonders. How people power is not something minuscule. 

So, well, now... 7 months later, here I am, writing my blog, from what we the people of Malaysia call, Malaysia Baru. Simply translated, the New Malaysia. The new government is learning the trait. We do have lots of hick ups, but we believe in them and a better future for this beautiful country. Hello ! Rome wasn't built in a day ! And, we are led by our 4th Prime Minister, our greatest pride. The oldest Statesman in the world. The one who initially put our country on the world map, for all good reasons. 

You should have known by now, how much I look up to my Prime Minister. I do. He is well read. He is intelligent, bright and quick to respond - sensibly. He remains calm at all times. A hard worker. Diligent in pursuits. And not to mention, funny and super cute at times. 

There was a video, viral days after our huge win over the last ruling party. When our Tun M returned from the Royal Palace after taking oath as our 7th Prime Minister. I remember crying in awe over it. His official vehicle stops in a sea of people, all who rush to thank him for saving the country and asking him to take care of his health and well being. He is 93. 

Yes, he is 93. He has led the country for more than 20 years as our 4th Prime Minister. He has seen us through economical and political turmoil. He did his very best for this country and has been the brainchild of many of our greatest achievements. 

I'm smiling. I'm truly proud of him and thus my extra bragging. And, if you are a non Malaysian reading this, do visit my beautiful country any time soon. In advance, here's me welcoming you to our New Malaysia. 

7 months have passed by swiftly. 7 months in which my thoughts of India have reduced drastically. I did think of her. Not as often as before but I did. I still do. India, she's a beauty. And, you'll never fail to be amazed by diversity. 

Until this morning. When the smell of vada, fresh from the oven, filled the air. Vada is a staple breakfast there. You can get it piping hot first thing in the morning - in most parts of India. So, yes, in between all this writings, I'm also scrolling between pages on which part of India to visit next, real soon. 

I'm back, I guess. The crazy-about-India person that I am. 

Signing off with a song that my Appa introduced me to. A friend posted this song on his Facebook wall recently. It's a wonder that young people find this piece magical. I've had many subsequent posts and write ups after I posted this song the very first time. I met many new people through it. Some even helped me with translation and in depth explanation. 

My favourite lines as I end today's post. Happy weekend everyone !

"துன்பம் நேர்கையில் யாழ் எடுத்து நீ
இன்பம் சேர்க்க மாட்டாயா? - எமக்
கின்பம் சேர்க்க மாட்டாயா? - நல்
அன்பிலா நெஞ்சில் தமிழில் பாடி நீ
அல்லல் நீக்க மாட்டாயா? - கண்ணே
அல்லல் நீக்க மாட்டாயா?"