The Indish Dispatch: Navigating Memory, Sea, and the Spaces Between

Welcome to a special edition of our newsletter, where we dive into the evocative world of IndishMan, a collection of reflections that explore the duality of a life lived between the lush landscapes of Kerala and the metallic heart of a merchant ship. It is a journey that reminds us that home is often a place we can only visit through the act of writing.

The House in the Mind

For many of us, the physical landmarks of our youth eventually vanish. The author recounts the demolition of his childhood home, where even the solid wood staircase was put up for sale. Instead of reclaiming the physical wood and brass, he chooses to build a "house in his mind". In this mental sanctuary, the "bicycle denying Gods," old fears, and the ghosts of the past live in a sort of "ever after permanence". It is a poignant reminder that while we cannot stop time from moving forward, we can safeguard the essence of our history within ourselves.

A Chapel Made of Steel

The narrative shifts from the verdant "Eden" of Kerala to the intense, complex world of marine engineering. The author describes the ship’s engine room as a "chapel" where the chief engineer reads the colour of smoke like a prophet. We learn that black smoke indicates poor combustion, blue suggests excessive oil use, and the "near colourless" smoke is the elusive Holy Grail of the profession. This life at sea is one of high stakes where "pride has no place," a lesson the author learned early on when he mistook the abbreviation TLC (Tender Loving Care) for a tomato lettuce cucumber sandwich during a serious investigation.

The Beauty of Impermanence

Living with a "dual identity" brings its own set of humorous and philosophical challenges. The author often finds himself "sitting in one part of the world and missing another," a dichotomy he views with gratitude. He introduces us to the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi—the appreciation of beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of all things. This perspective helps him navigate cultural mishaps, such as in Spain, where he feared he was being served the "beak of a rooster" (Pico de Gallo) instead of a simple vegetable salsa. These moments illustrate that while our worldviews may differ, we are essentially arguing about the same world.

Ropes, Snakes, and the Search for Truth

Perhaps the most striking theme is the "Rope Snake Conundrum". The author asks: if you jump back in fear mistaking a rope for a snake, where did the rope go?. It suggests that our immediate perceptions, even when based on an illusion, create a genuine reality of emotion and action. Whether it is fuming over a scratch on a car that isn't actually yours or the "asphyxiation" of dealing with a "Mad Bank" that demands endless signatures, our lives are shaped by how we perceive the truths in front of us.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, this collection is a tribute to the art of storytelling inherited from a father who taught the author how to "keep the audience guessing". It encourages us to "take kindly the counsel of the years" and find peace in the realization that truth must manifest in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Until next time, may you find elegance in your own imperfections and a quiet room in your mind for your favorite memories.