G Sangram

           (Google map timeline of my South tour) The Subtle Power of Literacy    Did you ever wonder how literacy makes difference on a broader perspective? Well, then Kerala (popularly known as God's Own Country) might have an answer for you. In India, state Kerala has the highest literacy rate which hovers around 96.2 cents, way higher than the national average of 77.7 cents. Here is a story.    On a delightful morning around Nov-2020, I was hovering on the roof of my PG at Trivandrum, Kerala. The time was atypical as the Coronavirus cases were soaring in the state shutting the vibrant tourism industry of GODS OWN COUNTRY. From the roof, I saw a pedlar wearing a mask selling breakfast on his Luna motorcycle. Upon arrival of a customer, he got down the bike, sanitized his hands, pulled an elastic glove in his hand, handed over the Puttu-kadala curry (a variety of breakfast) and gently put his glove back to its place. he repeated it fo...

 Tales of South series holds short stories of my solo motorcycle ride throughout the southern India. Though my personal experiences, it's not really about me, it's about SOUTH India, its kind people, unique culture, customs, beliefs, food and biodiversity. Through this series, you will have a glimpse of how unique is this region in India as well as in the entire world. Preface to 'An act of kindness' It's been little more than 270 km since I started from Hyderabad with a tiny halt near the roaring Krishna river. I was completely wet as it was raining most of my journey. Due to the heavy rain from the last few days, the water bodies in or around southern Andhra were either full or overflowing by causing a flood-like situation. Many lower lands even suffered from floods. An act of kindness I was riding high, slicing the air, grasping the chill. Just crossed Kurnool district of the state Andhra-Pradesh and rolling somewhere on the Kurnool - Ongol highway. My body was a...

  (Iconic Gandhi statute near Promenade Beach)   I am a huge admirer of any specific civilisation and its customs. In this blog with phase 1, I am going to highlight that only with lifestyle and culture. Followed to which you will get insights of tourist destinations with a short description that will guide you through your travel plans in this unique territory of India.     Phase - 1 (Custom & Culture)   The Union Territory(UT) of Puducherry , more popularly Pondicherry/Pondi, is one of the eight UT’s in India. Consists of four-port districts (i.e. Pondicherry , Mahé, Karaikal & Yanam) which interestingly does not share any border, speak four unique languages, i.e. Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam & French. Once administered by France, it’s a french colonial settlement in India and plays a key role in bilateral relations between the two nations .    The majority of locals in Pondi speak a different dialect of Tamil, equally funny as is unique. Oft...