Meet 'Gandhi', the biz cardholder

NibyAnnMohan

Ask anyone around Bishop Palace who is Ajith Kizhakkumpattukara? You will draw blank. The person who is named so obviously does not exist for many in this area. Then who is afraid of Ajith?

Go to the auto stand near the palace. Ask for 'Gandhi'. Presto! There appears a guy clad in khadi with a hat made of palm leaves. He will acknowledge that even he seldom uses his original name, because he has been known as Gandhi to his friends for years on end.

There is a sting attached to his affairs. Ajith is a follower of Gandhi, but in a different style altogether. He accustomed to wearing a palm-leave hat, for which he had roamed all over Kerala. Finally, he found it at Kanhangad, Kasaragod some 34 years ago. He has been regularly buys it from there ever since.

He also promotes of Khadi and has been wearing dresses made of it since 1980. There comes the novelty. He even prints his business card with the name 'Gandhi'.

Now you may wonder; will he be spinning yarn on a Charka? Sorry. Our friend is basically a driver. He drives a goods carrier auto rickshaw. The 'Gandhi' in Ajith made him an active social worker. He began serving in the duff and dump association, consumers' association and blind's Association.

Where did he find this hat? Remember, Chikmagalur? He happened to visit the district in 1978. Indira Gandhi was on the election trail then.

All the Gandhian thoughts began to persuade him to become what he is now. He keeps that flame alive, in whatever little way he can.