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also of the people in Kerala. And fish was plentiful. As water was pumped out of the
fields, children would catch fish with nets. During the rainy season fishermen supplied
fish. There was always fish. And fish boats would come by with sardines, mackerels,
shrimps and delicious scampi. Scampi caught in the Kuttanadu regions are unique. They
are smaller than lobsters, bigger than shrimps. But scampi in any form prepared by the
Kalluvelil women, was a dish fit for the gods. And it was expensive. But no scampi ever
went by the Kalluvelil house without Abraham taking a look at it, and often buying even
at exorbitant prices.

Knanaya community was growing in numbers. There were many homeless and poor
families that had no land and means to acquire land. The leaders were searching for a
place in Malabar where some families could relocate. The Bishop asked Prof. V. J.
Joseph who was teaching in St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, to investigate the
possibility of finding land in British Malabar. Abraham joined V.J. Joseph in the quest.
They found a few hundred acres where subsequently the community started a new
colony. Now the Malabar branch of the Knanaya Catholics is vibrant and widespread.
During the course of their explorations, Abraham chanced upon a few hundred acres of
fertile forest land in Kokottupathy. He negotiated the price with the landlord, and bought
immense track at negligible price. His partners in the venture were his brother Uthup, his
(Uthup’s) son-in-law Chacko Manimala, and four others from Thodupuzha. . The place
was inaccessible except on foot. The first few journeys were full of adventure and those
who went returned with malarial attacks. In spite of that Abraham set out to develop the
place, planted rubber and cardamom. He encouraged his sons and nephews to go to the
land and help develop it. But they were not keen on the malarial infested wilderness.
Some of them went for short periods of time and returned after short stay. The crops were
abundant and the children were willing to go to sell the produce, but not to cultivate it. In
the end the partners sold the property . Abraham was very disappointed to do so, as he
knew the potential for development. But neither his partners nor their children were
willing to pioneer in the place. Abraham kept a few acres in the Knanaya colony for a
few more years until his eldest son sold it, unbeknown to him.

It was not uncommon to have unexpected visitors. In fact seldom did people give notice
of their arrival. Whether it be relatives, friends or strangers, they came expecting to be
received, and they all knew that they would be treated well. Mr. A.V. George, the
Municipal Chairman of Kottayam, and a prominent industrialist and planter of central
Travancore was a candidate for election to the State legislature in 1944. He and his
entourage came looking for votes to Kaipuzha, parked their car at high noon in the house
of a leading personality in Kaipuzha. They went in, and the banker, met and dismissed
them rather peremptorily. They walked to Kalluvelil to meet with Abraham. The
electioneering group was not at all expected. And there were six of them - distinguished
gentlemen, who were used to the luxuries of city living. Abraham invited them in, chatted
about elections, and introduced them to Naithy who asked them to stay for lunch. The
visitors were hungry, but hesitant as to how food could be prepared for so many at such
short notice. She insisted, and they readily acceded. As A.V. George and friends washed
up, had a few drinks from the personally prepared collection of Abraham, Naithy was
ready. She had enough rice and the most delicious scampi all prepared for the family. In

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