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manufacture arrack for home use, and to make “pani” from sweet toddy. In addition,
utilizing fermented toddy, she made vinegar in big vats and jars that she sold, and often
gave away, to her neighbors.

Naithy had her hands full of activities. Rearing children was a constant occupation. The
whole household had to be fed four times a day. There were laborers whom she had to
feed every day. The cattle had to be looked after. She had a sizable poultry, in addition to
ducks, cats, dogs and a variety of domestic animals and pets. Naithy never forgot to cater
to any of these duties of hers. She always had domestic help. Whether it be live-in hands
such as Pothan or Kuriacko, or neighbors such as Cheera Chokothy and Govindan, she
knew how to get the best out of people. No one ever said “No” to her. She would feed
them, give them hand-outs, and be generous with all. Therefore when she needed them,
they were always available. Neighbors used to say that Naithiamma could charm
anything out of them. But she was sincere in her solicitude of her neighbors. In their
times of sorrow, she would console them. In their times of joy, she would rejoice with
them. No one ever came to her in times of need, and was turned away empty-handed.

Naithy’s typical day began before dawn. Lighting the fire in the kitchen was no easy task.
But that first kindling had to be lit for all the day’s cooking. Once that fire started
blazing, her kitchen was the scene of frenzied activities in the morning. Coffee had to be
prepared for all. Rice had to be cooked for those who would go to study or work during
the day. If the curry of the day before was not enough - or finished- new dishes had to
cooked in time for the packed lunch. Before 9 a.m., breakfast had to be ready for all.
When all had eaten, pots and pans would be carried to the well-side for a major scrubbing
and washing. Soon would follow preparations for lunch. Abraham liked good food, and
so Naithy made sure that fish or eggs or meat and vegetables of choice were always on
hand. In addition, the laborers had to have a separate menu. Experience taught her that
there would always be a few unexpected mouths to feed on any given day. Some of the
children, and grandchildren would come home for noon-day meal. And they could not
tarry for long, as they had to rush back to school. Till about 2 p.m., therefore, Naithy
would be constantly busy: milking cows, directing, cooking, instructing servants,
haggling prices with vendors, keeping an eye out at the work being done on lands or in
the fields, and ensuring that everything would be done in time for everybody. Then she
rested for a few minutes. Usually she would lie down on her bed, and try to sleep a few
winks. But the break could be curtailed or cancelled due to unexpected visitors or
happenings. Naithy enjoyed spending some time in her vegetable patch that she tended
with loving care. Her garden usually produced enough to feed the household around the
year. The afternoon tea and “eats” was a must for all, and she had to be versatile enough
to vary the goodies every day. Once children returned from school, the house would be in
turmoil. Therefore, she had to make sure that most work was done before they stormed
in. Preparations for supper would usually follow the afternoon tea. By about 8 p.m.,
cooking of dishes would be over, and she would be ready to participate in the night
prayers. Naithy kept an eye on the boiling rice, or hot water for bathing, or other chores
of the household, including getting the hens in the pen. More washing and cleaning
followed supper. After all the members of the family had retired for the night, Naithy
would make one last round to ensure that everything and everybody was alright. Then she

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