Thursday, November 13

I make a determined effort to get up early and get off to a flying start. I finish breakfast by 8:00 and walk to the beach and back for no reason other than exercise. While I pass I buy two samosas for lunch from Mani’s mother. I catch them while they are still hot from the stove.

I pass a lot of election posters for the local elections in December, and notice that they all feature women. This one for the BJP candidate stands about 100 metres from Sarovaram, in front of a house.

I will ask Sanu about this and he will explain that this ward has to have all women candidates this time because they had all men last time. Other wards may do it the other way round. This is to ensure that the local bodies are all 50% men and 50% women.