Being a Namboodiri

Many people believe that I use 'Namboodiripad' along with my name to show that I belong to so called upper caste.Actually I'm a person who don't even wish to reveal my religion.All I used to say is I'm a veggie.As I grew up seeing and experiencing the struggle and difficulties of Brahmin girls,I wanted to tell the world I'm also a human being from the same community.

While reading this,you may be wondering what's the extra burden that they face compared to their counterparts in other sections of the society.History tells so much about the miseries of Kerala Brahmin women.But don't think everything is clear and now they are free birds.It is hard for Indians to change from past to present especially when it comes to religion,ethics,class,caste,rituals and gender.The same is the case in Namboodiri community also.

"When I got a chance to participate in that TV show,many from my community realised it is not a taboo for us.All where living in their own world of puja and rituals,though I also do and believe.They may learn carnatic music or dance which they are forced to end up after their marriage." says Dr.Heera Namboodiri, a reality show winner.But how many Heeras can you find in that community?Namboodiri girls mainly prefer medicine,engineering,teaching or banking which are considered to be 'safe and secure'...There is no one in the field of politics or barely one or two in the local administrative level.Again you may not see a lady police from this section...

The efforts of VT Bhattathiripad and other eminent leaders have surely improved the conditions though there are many illams where women are still forbidden to come to poomugham or the veranda when there are 'strangers' outside.Even now when a baby is born,it is to be announced as 'unni undayi' (a baby boy is born) and in case of baby girl,it is 'pettu' (delivered)...

The saddest part is every one is ready to follow.There is logic in following rituals and norms that has something good in it.The main preachers of all these worst customs are women only who may be well educated.

I don't think God has laid down all these rules which make one gender to enjoy all rights and other to suffer.Again Almighty is not the one who wish to seclude the female species of the priest community to bear everything in silence.

So I'm not ready to be an antharjanam (roughly translated as 'a person who lives without seeing the outside world')...I need to breathe fresh air;I need to see the sky,birds and trees...I need to live and enjoy like others...And I'm sure I'd chosen the right way and God will be with me always...