Reporting from Kollam

It is about 3.5 months since I reached Kollam - the land of cashew and fish. The once world-famous ancient port of Tharsis/Nalcynda about which Greek and Roman historians wrote, the part of India richest in thorium, the headquarters of SNDP and the only corporation in Kerala under the Leftists - that is one hell of an introduction!

Famous for Kundara proclamation, it is also home to the Thangassery port. It used to be an important trade centre - especially during the time when western India traded with China. It finds a mention in the Bible. Kollam actually is the Sanskrit word for pepper. Shows how really important this city was in the trade of spices.

Whatever it was, you get the feeling that this place has lost its glory now. It lost its importance as a port gradually. Still, at the time of independence, it was an important industrial centre of Kerala - ceramic factories, mills, other industries - most were closed down due to labour unrest. The only industries that remain are the cashew processing factories and a few public sector industries mainly related with titanium and rare earth mining.

Of course, the place is rich in fish. The very idea of getting fresh fish from Neendakara is very enticing and relieves the pain of having to shift from the comparatively noisy city of Thiruvananthapuram to the almost dead quiet here.

There are more places to visit - Ashtamudi and Shastamkotta lakes are said to be breathtakingly beautiful. I have only seen the Paravur lake while travelling to and from Trivandrum and that is a small one compared to the other two. Still, the sight was something I still relish.

Kollam beach is said to be a dangerous place. I still do not know why. Visited it but found no danger. Not quite as beautiful as Shanghumukham or Veli but you still find it a pleasant place to spend your time.

Lack of good libraries and book stores is something that this city definitely suffers from. Surprising too, considering that this city is home to quite a few famous colleges of the state. Maybe, the college libraries and the internet are sufficient for the students. Or may be I am living in the wrong place.

The worst thing about Kollam is the absolute recklessness of some of the private bus operators and crew. Accidents are almost a regular occurrence here and people were enraged enough to set fire to a private bus involved in such an accident. It is safer if you travel in the KSRTC buses but sometimes, you don't have a choice.

The dominant communities here are the Ezhavas (this city is home to the SNDP headquarters), Muslims and Latin Christians. Like in most other parts of the state, community loyalty cuts across parties and party loyalty cuts across communities. Kollam is home to the progressive and conservative elements of all of them. (I don't think I need to elaborate on this. ) The most important peculiarity of this place is that while it appears to be an active volcano at times, it is actually as cold as the Antarctic. The people of Kollam actually are no extremists, just average citizens who go about their lives. Like the rest of the humanity.