Namma Ooru Nellai

Tirunelveli, fondly called Nellai, isn’t just a place; it’s an emotion. For me, it holds some of the most beautiful memories of my childhood, especially the times spent with my cousins during school holidays. Till my 10th standard, visiting my aunt’s house in Kalidai-Kurichi was an annual tradition to me and my cousins . Those ten days were pure bliss. We would hardly stay at home, always on the move, exploring the stunning spots of Nellai. Our favorite destination was Agasthiyar Falls in Papanasam. Early in the morning, we’d pile into a van, laughing and teasing each other along the way. As soon as we reached, we’d rush to the falls for a refreshing bath. The water would gush down powerfully, yet it felt soothing and magical. Afterward, we’d sit on the rocks, enjoying a simple breakfast while chatting endlessly. Those moments—basking in the sun, surrounded by nature’s beauty—were unforgettable. The next day, we’d head to Manimuthar Falls, repeating our little ritual of enjoying the co...

 I’ve been to Tirunelveli more than three times in the last three months, but somehow, I still haven’t visited my hometown, which is just 60 km away! It’s like it’s been right there, teasing me, but work, deadlines, and everything else just kept getting in the way. Every time I was in Tirunelveli, I thought, “Maybe this time,” but nope, never happened. Usually, I don’t go home for festivals. I’m more of a Trichy Diwali person, staying there and celebrating quietly. But this time, everything changed in a single phone call. Just two days ago, my mom hit me with a surprise: “Look at the tickets.” And trust me, when your mom tells you to check the tickets, there’s no negotiation. Turns out she had booked my tickets home for Diwali, and there was no backing out this time. Finally Heading Home The journey home is always a little chaotic, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a 60 km ride filled with bumpy roads, random cows deciding to have a mid-road meeting, and buses speeding past like t...

Panagudi, my village in Tirunelveli, is not just a place for me; it is my safe place. I have faced little bit of  struggles and  depressions.In that time with the help of  beautiful nature around me made to feel better during those tough times. In this blog, I want to share how Panagudi’s nature has comforted me and aided my healing journey, especially when life felt heavy. 1. The Calm of the Local Fields The fields surrounding Panagudi are one of my favorite places to visit. When I feel overwhelmed, I often go to these fields to relax. I remember one particularly hard day when sadness weighed heavily on my heart. I had been feeling alone, missing the laughter of my friends and the warmth of happy moments. As I walked through the fields, letting the cool breeze wash over me, I noticed a group of children playing. They were running and laughing, completely carefree. Watching their joy reminded me of my childhood, a time filled with laughter and light. I felt tears welling ...

 Yesterday, I went to Tirunelveli and met my cousins, and this time, things felt different. You see, I'm in my final year of college, while all my cousins—brothers and sisters—are married with kids. Even my own sister has kids now! We sat together, chatting and laughing like old times. It felt like nothing had changed, yet so much had. As we were enjoying our conversation, my uncle walked in and joined us. After a while, he smiled and said, "I’ll never forget the ‘enjoyable torture’ you all put me through when you were younger!" Instantly, my mind traveled back to those days, and memories of our childhood came flooding in. We used to be terrible (in the best way possible) to him! One time, we pushed his bike into the river while pretending to help him park it. Every morning when we’d head to the river, we wouldn't let him sleep peacefully. And, oh, how we loved dipping biscuits into his tea when he wasn’t looking! Of course, that would always end with him giving us t...

There was something magical about those 45 days of summer holidays. My sister and I would eagerly count down the days, waiting to board the train with our grandparents to visit my aunt’s house in Kallidaikuruchi a village near Tirunelveli . My aunt, my father's sister, was always waiting for us, and the house would soon be filled with laughter, noise, and endless fun. We were a group of six cousins, all coming from different places, and those summer holidays were the highlight of our year. Two of our cousins children of my aunt will be not there most of the times but they will join us in weekend because they are working ,others were still in school, full of energy and excitement. From the moment we arrived, the days were packed with joy and activities. Mornings started early with tea, and then we’d head straight to the river, splashing around and enjoying the cool water. After that, we’d rush back to devour a hearty breakfast and dive straight into playing. Games, laughter, and run...

Introduction Life has a way of throwing difficulties at us when we least expect it. For me, that moment came when I lost my father while I was in 11th standard. It was a time filled with pain and confusion, but in the midst of that darkness, I discovered something beautiful—the incredible love and support of the people in Nellai. This blog is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable connections that have carried me through the toughest times. Facing the Storm Alone When my father passed away, I felt like I was standing alone in a storm. The sadness was overwhelming, and I struggled to find my way. But amidst the tears, I had my mother’s brother—my uncle—by my side. He stepped in like a guardian angel, taking on responsibilities that were not just his but felt like a part of his heart. Uncle's Unwavering Support My uncle has been a constant source of strength. He not only supported me financially but also emotionally. He made sure I stayed focused on my studies and encouraged me to cha...