- The name given to me in Namboodiri tradition (by whispering in my ears when I was an infant) is Huthashanan - the name this blog's URL bears. This was the name of my grandfather, and supposedly means fire. My dad wanted my 'official' name to be a bit more modern (for the year 1975) but have a similar meaning - hence Arun, which is a synonym for Sun.
- I love mafia movies/TV shows, something that started from my fascination for Coppola's Godfather. I have seen Godfather countless times and never miss a chance to see it whenever it is on TV.
- I got initiated to non-academic books rather late in life - only from age of 15 or so. When some of my classmates were reading heavier fare , I was starting off with Enid Blyton. That might explain my poor language skills.
- I have been an atheist for the last 10 years or so. But I just could not refuse my parents when they wanted to have my wedding in the traditional Namboodiri way. I still can't believe that I sat through the function doing things I had absolutely no belief in.
- I absolutely dread putting on weight. Nothing bothers me more than people telling me that I have gained some pounds.
- I'm very shy and introverted. I will go to any lengths to avoid being in a large group or speaking in front of an audience. This has posed many problems at work, especially in my current role which involves a lot of verbal communication. It used to be a lot worse when I was younger. Not only would I not visit those I was not very comfortable with, I would go out of the house when strangers came to our home and not return until they had left.
- I was voted most eligible bachelor in my Engg. class. My wife is sick of me reminding her about this all the time :-)
- I have a great fascination for all things Punjabi - their exuberant culture, their passion, the sikh religion, cuisine, their patriotism (sikhs are in disproportionately large number in the Indian Army than their % of population).
Vasudevan (Kuttan) - My brother-in-law and a person I admire a lot for being many things I am not - outgoing, traditional in his solid foundation of Kerala/Namboodiri culture yet being modern in many other respects.
The rules laid down by the originator of the meme are as follows
- Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
- People who are tagged, write a blog post about their own 8 random things, and post these rules.
- At the end of your post you need to tag 8 people and include their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
- If you fail to do this within eight hours, you will not reach Third Series or attain your most precious goals for at least two more lifetimes.
