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What’s the story behind your nickname?

In Kerala, where the coconut trees sway and the backwaters whisper, nicknames are a way of life. My nickname, Monu, is a classic for boys in my home state. Allow me to share the quirky charm of Kerala’s naming traditions and why I’m secretly excited to one day be called “Monu Appuppa.” The Heart of Kerala’s Nicknames In Malayalam, the language that binds Kerala’s soul, boys are affectionately called mon and girls mol. These are playful shorthand for the proper terms makan (son) and makal (daughter). But here’s the catch: spellings shift and pronunciations twist every fifty kilometers across our lush state. It’s a linguistic adventure, as fluid as Kerala’s monsoons. As a child, Monu felt perfect—cute, catchy, and carefree. It rolled off the tongue during schoolyard games and family gatherings. But as the years pile on, and the hair on my head thins to a distinguished shade of silver… What’s the story behind your nickname?

black twin-lens reflex camera, map and a passport on a world map

What are your future travel plans?

For over five decades my travel plans have made me crisscross India, balancing office work with breathtaking vistas. From the bustling markets of Delhi to the serene backwaters of Kerala, my journeys have painted a vivid tapestry of experiences. Yet, as the years unfold, I find my heart yearning not for another travel plan but for a deeper purpose—settling down and embracing a slower, more intentional life. A Shift from Wanderlust to Roots My home in Kerala, nestled amidst lush greenery, has long been a quiet sanctuary, locked away while I navigate Mumbai’s urban pulse. Now, I envision transforming this space into the heart of my next chapter. It’s time to trade fleeting adventures for meaningful pursuits that ground me in the present and enrich my future. Dreams for a Productive Life Settling down doesn’t mean stagnation—it’s an invitation to grow in new ways. My plans are simple yet fulfilling:… What are your future travel plans?