Rameswaram - Day 03

I Continue From Here: Rameswaram - Day 02

26-Feb-2026

I extended my stay in Rameswaram so that I could get a day to relax. In the morning, I walked to the Agni Theertha to watch a beautiful sunrise. I was surrounded by garbage and people. People were dropping lamps into the water. They were performing all kinds of rituals by the sea and most of the items were brought in plastic bags that would be thrown aside after use. But all this did not bother me anymore. I realised that this is what happens to most Indians. We get used to our surroundings, instead of acting on it. We find reasons to cope with the reality and many a times find reasons to justify the condition. It is a pity and I admit that I too am guilty of inaction. 

This issue needs to be addressed in multiple levels. There must be strict rules regarding cleanliness. But that is not enough. There must be infrastructure - Trash cans, trash collection system and waste management units. Children must be educated in school level regarding civic sense. If all of this is diligently done in parallel, then we can see the changes required. 

But, what most Indians lack is the sense of community. As our First Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru points out in his book “Discovery of India” - we Indians keep our house clean because it belongs to us. But we do not want to do the same when it comes to shared spaces. Nobody wants to take up the responsibility. Such changes are to be brought about through dedication. The present day politicians are only speaking but they do not act. They lack vision that the founding fathers of this nation had. They themselves are so corrupt that whatever they say is far from reality. What India needs is a fresh wave of leaders - preferably younger leaders who have the zeal to bring change. The old people who rule this world are already creating enough chaos.

I skipped my breakfast and went back to the my room. I walked to the beach again at around 9AM. I walked along the shore to a place where there were fewer people and took a dip in the sea. It was refreshing. 

For lunch, I visited the Gujarat bhawan that serves clean Satvik food. With minimal spices, the food was pleasing to the stomach.

After taking some online classes, in the evening, I went back to the temple area and had Sundal, Kolkatai and Paal panniyaram. They were good. 

I went back to he Agni Theertha and sat there watching the sea as it got dark. At that moment, everything seemed to culminate - the experiences, the thoughts and the feelings. Such a relaxed day is so important at the end of each hectic phase of a travel. 

Next morning (27th Feb), I left the hotel at around 5:30AM. I could have taken the bus number 1C to bus stand but I chose to walk; as I needed some exercise. At the bus stand, I boarded a bus to Madurai. From Madurai MGR bus stand, I took a bus to Sriviliputtur. Upon reaching there, I walked directly to Sri Venkateshwara Vilas store and bought a lot of their delicacies - Paal kova, Thirattipaal, Paal halwa for me and my in-laws. I had made this trip back just to buy fresh samples of these milk-based sweets which only last for about a week. 

I had lunch at Kathiravan Veg mess. They served me Nai Paparppu (Dal), Vothu kolambu and other dishes. It was a tasty meal. I then boarded a bus back to Madurai. At MGR bus station, I took bus number 77b to reach Arapalyam bus stand. Most buses to Coimbatore start from here. I boarded an AC bus that was ready to leave thinking that it would reach faster. However, the bus tyres got punctured on the way and we had to waste a lot of time waiting before we finally boarded another bus. 

The conductor was a bit incompetent and reacted only after a few women began screaming at him for not arranging a backup bus. The Stepney (spare tyre) had to come from Coimbatore and there was no way we were going to wait that long. Coimbatore was an hour and half away from our location. I was disappointed by the lack of planning by the state board buses. This is something the state government in TN must address - at least keep a spare tyre to begin with and arrange a replacement bus from the nearest depot or bus stand. 

I was sitting next to a young boy from Grade 11 who was reading Odysseus before the movie would release. I spoke to him and learnt that he wants to learn French too. Though he has taken up science, he wishes to change his stream now and learn film development and administration in France. It was impressive to see the clarity of his thoughts. I learnt a bit about this field of education, that I knew nothing about. He was on his way to Bangalore - to spend the weekend at his cousin sister’s house.  I wished him luck and an enjoyable stay in Bangalore before getting off at Singanallur bus stand. My brother-in-law had come to pick me up. 

I was happy to be back home for some yummy Neer pundi prepared by the mother-in-law. Everyone sat around the dinning table and heard my stories. It seemed like a perfect ending to an incredible travel around this state with rich heritage. Despite all the little inconveniences or some disappointments, I am always happy to travel in Tamil Nadu. I have a lot of admiration for the people and the culture of this state.  So until next time, Nandri!