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Abraham’s public service endeavors were not entirely unselfish. As a result of the many
roads and canals that he helped construct, he not only helped the village of Kaipuzha, but
ensured transportation to his own home. But the community lauded the whole enterprise,
and they gave him high praise for his leadership in such matters.

Abraham enjoyed being in the public eye. Whether it was reconstruction of the church,
reception to a public figure, planning a new enterprise in Kaipuzha, his ideas were
sought, and a leadership role accorded to him. When the convent wanted to build a bigger
chapel he was approached and he contributed generously. When the school held a
function, he helped to raise funds. When someone thought of running for elected office,
Abraham was approached for his blessings and financial backing. Abraham’s wealth, his
personality, his powerful voice and his willingness to be of service were utilized to the
fullest. Add to that his own personal disinterest in elected or appointed positions, and he
was seen as the one to go to for advice and guidance.

In his heyday, Abraham’s day usually began before 5 a.m. He rose early and awoke his
reluctant children to study, on the theory that morning hours are the best for
concentration and retention. Children were not pleased with this call to study. But no one
protested openly - no one dared. Abraham supervised their studies, and led the morning
prayers as the day dawned. As the children went off for their morning ablutions, he went
to his desk to plan for the day. By this time couriers would start arriving with missives,
accounts, and money. All had to be catered to. As the children completed their breakfast
and prepared to go to school, Abraham kept a benevolent eye on all proceedings. After
the melee of their departure for school, he himself would get ready and go to the kitchen
for a sumptuous breakfast. The household knew his every move. In fact Naithy ensured
that he was the centre of all activities. Mid-morning was usually used to supervise
workers, visit the farms and nearby lands, and meet with officials and others. Lunch was
followed by a long nap. As Abraham awakened from his siesta, a cup of tea waited for
him. By this time the children would have returned home. Abraham usually went for a
long walk in the fields or to one of the neighboring areas, usually accompanied by one of
the children. He would point out minute details to the accompanying child, ask questions
about school, chat pleasantly about any and all matters. And he told stories. Abraham was
an effective storyteller. Often he invited one of his younger children to lie down with him
during his siesta or in the evening. He would regale the children with stories from the
Bible. The stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their children, the travails of Job,
confrontations of Samson and David and other Biblical masterpieces became familiar
stories, with flesh and blood, local color, and homely spin. As for the parables of the
Gospel - such as the Prodigal Son, The stories of the talents, the Good Shepherd etc. etc. -
were livened with humorous and familiar allusions. His children remembered these
stories and transmitted them to theirs, though not as effectively as Abraham did. On his
return from the walk, there would usually be people waiting to see him - workers who
had completed their tasks waiting to be paid and to receive instructions for the next day,
messengers with errands, fishermen who would want boats, others who would have come
for payments or petitions. He attended to each of them in different ways. When it was
time to pay, he pretended to run short of money, or not to be satisfied with the work or

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