Preface

It is out of sheer affection, to my former colleague in government service, Mr. Anilkumar, that I consented to write the foreword for this book. The name of the book “Like a fragrant orchid”: was the sole encouragement. But as I read the subtitle that enthusiasm also passed, just another addition to the genre I concluded.

As time passed this task wound to the front of my procrastinations, prompting me to get started. The very first paragraph proved my preconceptions wrong, engraving Velayudhan’s articulacy in my heart. I was 4 when my mother joined the training college here. During those times I have travelled twice with my dad to Trivandrum from North Travancore. The Xavier’s at Pulimoodu was our lodging point. My mother probably came there from her hostel. Few memorable frames are still afresh. Spending time at the beach with my parents, the rare foreigner lady who was the typist at YWCA, being carried out of a cinema as I dozed by my father, the large gathering I attended along with my father and the commanding entry of the erstwhile Divan Sir C. P. Ramaswami Iyyer through the center aisle towards the dais. An excited 4 year old waiting on the pavement near Xavier’s with conjoined palms to greet the Maharaja on his way to temple is still a singularly delightful memory. This kept me rooted to the story, as I read of Velayudhan’s rendezvous with the Maharaja.

Since then in one stretch I read the whole book with gusto. The narrative is supported by beautiful and expressive language in simple terms which adds to the experience; like fragrance to gold. The reader is able to discern the guileless presentation of Velayudhan’s childhood that was all but dejected; nothing else existed than thrashes and a dysfunctional family life. Nevertheless, with God’s Grace, affection once denied at home was received in abundance in foreign lands, in a play that even atheists would bow to.

In fact the book illustrates the God Almighty nurtured Velayudhan, son of Vamanan Nair. God chose an alternate path for the prodigal son who was headed towards life as a rowdy in Trivandrum and planted him in the safe haven at Madirasi with a good and supportive family. Srinivasan came into Velayudhan’s life by fate, but it reveals the mysterious and compassionate ways of God.

Velayudhan’s outlook on life was profoundly influenced by Srinivasan and Rachel. Its quite evident as we read the book that the determination to face life and to override the enigma’s of life was driven from their insights. It was again God’s choice that worked out when Velayudhan ran into Baby accidentally in his life’s journey. As a river that originates from mountain ranges taking its course flowing to reach the plains, so was Velayudhan’s journey of love. In due course he metamorphosed to James, a husband and then a savior to his kinfolk accompanied by his loving wife.

As we turn the last pages of this book, Jame’s deep-rooted trust in Almighty is all pervasive. Where frail humans surrender, James Abraham was unyielding by his faith in God. His life as a testimony to his faith is one to meditate upon.

James has portrayed a man of great integrity and honesty moved by God’s steadfast love. A son who discerns the virtues of his father, a lover inspired by the goodness of his beloved, a genuine heart who believes in the fulfillment of love denied or gained. God- fearing James, who was not shattered with his own terminal sickness or the fatal cancer of his wife or even the fact that he was not blessed with children. I can do all things through him who strengthens me is the self-belief he bravely proclaims. Above all “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” a true witness testifying this faith through his own life, therein lies the success of James!

I consider this as a great privilege to write the foreword for this admirable piece of literature. Heartfelt wishes for the success of this work, which I am confident, will be a guiding star for all the readers towards God’s divine love.

I never expected such massive acceptance for this most rewarding read: “Like a fragrant orchid”. Now in its second edition! God’s will is unalterable is all I could say. The income from this book is set aside for underprivileged cancer patients at The Regional Cancer Centre. A discrete fund is also formed for the cause.

St. Thomas Karunya Guidance centre, Aleyamma Abraham Memorial Endowment Fund for the needy.

My earnest prayers that my dear brother James, the author, will be rewarded manifold in the eternal kingdom for his God-centric love for mankind and for his great vision.

DR. D. BABU PAUL

KOWDIAR