About Anita Nair
- She is a bestselling and critically acclaimed Indian author
- Famous novels: "The Better Man", "Ladies Coupe", "Mistress", "Lessons in Forgetting", "Idris: Keeper of the Light", "Alphabet Soup for Lovers"
- Other works:
- Poetry collection: "Malabar Mind"
- Essay collection: "Goodnight and God Bless"
- Children's books, plays, and screenplays
- Her novel "Lessons in Forgetting" was made into a movie that won the National Film Award in 2013
- Awards: Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award
- Founder of creative writing programme "Anita's Attic"
Summary 'Waiting for Rain'
English Summary:
This article describes Anita Nair's experience waiting for the delayed monsoon in Kerala. She travels from Bangalore to her village Mundakkottukurissi during Karkitakam month (monsoon season). The flight experiences turbulence, which makes her happy because it signals the approaching monsoon. Other passengers, mostly migrant workers from North India, are anxious about the turbulence, remembering the 2018 floods.
The author calls her parents daily asking about rain. When she arrives in Kerala, there is no rain even on the first day of Karkitakam when heavy rains are expected. The villagers are disappointed because of severe summer drought - wells and canals have dried up after two decades. The author blames human activities like building concrete structures and cutting trees for water problems.
Her 85-year-old uncle visits and shares memories of past monsoons. He accuses this year's monsoon of "kaati-kooti poova" (making a show but not delivering) - showing signs like grey skies and thunder but not bringing rain.
Finally, at 2 am, the rain arrives. The author wakes to the sound of rain on her roof and feels immense joy and relief. She compares the monsoon to a prodigal son returning home. In the morning, she sits on her verandah watching the rain like an exotic bird, afraid to disturb it. The monsoon brings her a deep sense of well-being and makes the world beautiful again.
Malayalam Summary (സംഗ്രഹം):
കേരളത്തിൽ വൈകിയ മൺസൂണിനായി കാത്തിരിക്കുന്ന അനിത നായരുടെ അനുഭവമാണ് ഈ ലേഖനം വിവരിക്കുന്നത്. കർക്കിടക മാസത്തിൽ (മൺസൂൺ കാലം) അവർ ബാംഗ്ലൂരിൽ നിന്ന് തന്റെ ഗ്രാമമായ മുണ്ടക്കോട്ടുകുറിശ്ശിയിലേക്ക് യാത്ര ചെയ്യുന്നു. വിമാനത്തിൽ പ്രക്ഷുബ്ധത അനുഭവപ്പെടുമ്പോൾ അവൾ സന്തോഷിക്കുന്നു കാരണം അത് മൺസൂൺ അടുത്തെത്തിയതിന്റെ സൂചനയാണ്. മറ്റ് യാത്രക്കാർ, പ്രധാനമായും വടക്കേ ഇന്ത്യയിൽ നിന്നുള്ള കുടിയേറ്റ തൊഴിലാളികൾ, 2018 ലെ വെള്ളപ്പൊക്കം ഓർത്ത് ആശങ്കയിലാണ്.
ലേഖകൻ ദിവസവും മാതാപിതാക്കളെ വിളിച്ച് മഴയെക്കുറിച്ച് ചോദിക്കുന്നു. കേരളത്തിൽ എത്തുമ്പോൾ, കർക്കിടകത്തിന്റെ ആദ്യ ദിവസം കനത്ത മഴ പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുമ്പോഴും മഴയില്ല. രണ്ട് പതിറ്റാണ്ടിനുശേഷം കിണറുകളും കനാലുകളും വറ്റിവരണ്ട കടുത്ത വേനൽക്കാല വരൾച്ച കാരണം ഗ്രാമീണർ നിരാശരാണ്. കോൺക്രീറ്റ് കെട്ടിടങ്ങൾ പണിയുന്നതും മരങ്ങൾ മുറിക്കുന്നതും ജല പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾക്ക് കാരണമാകുന്നുവെന്ന് ലേഖകൻ പറയുന്നു.
അവളുടെ 85 കാരനായ അമ്മാവൻ സന്ദർശിക്കുകയും മുൻകാല മൺസൂണുകളുടെ ഓർമ്മകൾ പങ്കുവെക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. ഇക്കഴിഞ്ഞ വർഷത്തെ മൺസൂൺ "കാട്ടി-കൂട്ടി പോവുക" (പ്രകടനം നടത്തി പോകുക) എന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം ആരോപിക്കുന്നു - ചാരനിറത്തിലുള്ള ആകാശവും ഇടിമുഴക്കവും കാണിച്ചു പക്ഷേ മഴ കൊണ്ടുവന്നില്ല.
ഒടുവിൽ, പുലർച്ചെ 2 മണിക്ക് മഴ വരുന്നു. മേൽക്കൂരയിൽ മഴയുടെ ശബ്ദം കേട്ട് ലേഖകൻ ഉണരുകയും അത്യധികം സന്തോഷവും ആശ്വാസവും അനുഭവിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. അവൾ മൺസൂണിനെ വീട്ടിലേക്ക് മടങ്ങുന്ന ധൂർത്ത പുത്രനോട് ഉപമിക്കുന്നു. രാവിലെ അവൾ വരാന്തയിൽ ഇരുന്നു് ഒരു വിദേശ പക്ഷിയെപ്പോലെ മഴയെ നോക്കുന്നു, അതിനെ ശല്യപ്പെടുത്താൻ പോലും ഭയപ്പെടുന്നു. മൺസൂൺ അവൾക്ക് ആഴത്തിലുള്ള സുഖാനുഭൂതി നൽകുകയും ലോകത്തെ വീണ്ടും മനോഹരമാക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.
Important Points from the Article
- Climate Change Impact: The article highlights how monsoon patterns are changing in Kerala, with delayed and irregular rainfall affecting the region.
- Human Activities: The author connects environmental degradation (concrete buildings, cutting trees, tiling yards) with water scarcity and drought.
- Migrant Workers: Young men from North India come to Kerala seeking work, showing economic migration patterns in India.
- Cultural Significance: Monsoon is not just weather but deeply connected to Kerala's culture, agriculture, and way of life.
- Emotional Connection: The author shows how people in Kerala have an emotional and almost spiritual relationship with the monsoon.
- Traditional Knowledge: The uncle's memories represent traditional understanding of weather patterns and seasonal changes.
- Water Crisis: The article warns about future water scarcity if environmental destruction continues.
- Karkitakam Month: This Malayalam calendar month (July-August) is traditionally the peak monsoon period in Kerala.
Questions and Answers
While We Read Questions:
a. What did the author notice about the passengers during the turbulence?
Answer: The author noticed:
- A peculiar silence crept among passengers
- Fear and anxiety was visible everywhere
- Passengers gripped their seat handles tightly
- An elderly couple who was chatting stopped talking
- A child wailed in fright
- Most passengers were young men seeking work in Kerala
b. What were the young men from northern India seeking in Kerala?
Answer: The young men were seeking:
- Work opportunities in Kerala
- The green pastures of Kerala
- A place where everything was abundant except labour force and rain
- They came as guest workers (migrant labourers)
c. Why did the turbulence make the author happy?
Answer: The turbulence made the author happy because:
- An uneventful flight meant good weather
- Turbulence meant wind currents
- Wind currents indicated the arrival of monsoon
- She was travelling to Kerala specifically to experience the monsoon
- She had been waiting for the monsoon for six weeks
d. What was the author's primary reason for travelling to Kerala?
Answer: The author's primary reason was to renew her acquaintance with the monsoon. She wanted to celebrate the onset of monsoon in her village, which she had been doing for many years.
e. Who did the author call every day? What was the query?
Answer:
- The author called her parents every day
- Her query was: "Is it raining there?"
- This was not just casual conversation but a genuine question
- The answer would determine her next questions about leaky roofs, slippery paths, power outages, and ground cover
f. Why was the first day of the month of Karkitakam a disappointment for the villagers?
Answer: It was disappointing because:
- On July 17 (first day of Karkitakam), sheets of rain should be falling heavily
- The skies only turned grey
- There was only a minor spell of reluctant rain
- Then the sun came out shining
- Karkitakam is traditionally the peak monsoon month
- Fields and canals should be overflowing but there was no rain
g. Where did the author expect to celebrate the onset of the monsoon?
Answer: The author expected to celebrate the onset of monsoon in her village Mundakkottukurissi in Kerala. She had been doing this for many years.
h. What, according to the author, is the impact of building concrete structures and cutting down trees on water resources?
Answer: The impact includes:
- Wells and canals dry up
- Water table falls very low
- People will have to pay for water from tankers (like Rs 400 in Bangalore)
- Water scarcity will increase
- The natural water cycle gets disrupted
- In the future, people will face severe water crisis
i. Who does the author compare the monsoon to in terms of anticipation and disappointment?
Answer: The author (through her uncle) compares the monsoon to:
- A much-awaited visit by a rich relative
- The visit that turns into a joyless anti-climax
- The relative who disappoints by not showing up despite expectations
j. What did the author's uncle accuse the monsoon of, in the passage?
Answer: The uncle accused the monsoon of "kaati-kooti poova" which means:
- Making a production or show
- Creating grey skies, rumbling thunder, and stillness in the air
- But then not showing up (not bringing actual rain)
- Making false promises
k. When did the author finally hear the sound of rain?
Answer: The author finally heard the sound of rain at 2 am when she woke up to the drumming on her tile roof.
l. How does the author describe the sound and feeling of rain?
Answer: The author describes it as:
- Sound: Drumming on the tile roof, music of the rain
- Musical notes: Plain and gamaka-laden notes (decorative musical notes)
- Volume: High and low decibels
- Rhythm: Like different musical speeds:
- Vilamba kaalam (slow, stately pace)
- Madhyama kaalam (medium, centre pace)
- Dhrutha kaalam (quick trot)
- Feeling: The rain beckons into its arms, brings sense of well-being
m. Why was the author afraid even to sigh in pleasure while watching the rain?
Answer: The author was afraid to sigh in pleasure because:
- She watched the rain as if it were an exotic migratory bird
- She feared she might frighten it away
- The rain had come after a long wait
- She didn't want to do anything that might make it stop
Let's Rewind Questions:
1. How does the author describe the behaviour of the monsoon?
Answer: The author describes the monsoon as:
Like a human being:
- Real and human to the villagers
- Like a much-awaited rich relative
- Like a prodigal son who finally returns home
- Making false promises and disappointing people
Unpredictable behavior:
- Playing hide-and-seek for six weeks
- Lurking in the Maldives instead of coming to Kerala
- Making a show with grey skies and thunder but not delivering rain
- Not doing what it ought to be doing
- Hasn't planted its feet in the ground
When it finally arrives:
- Comes calling like a visitor at 2 am
- Brings drumming sounds on the roof
- Creates music with different rhythms
- Beckons people into its arms
- Brings a sense of well-being
2. What did the villagers feel about the delayed monsoon?**
Answer: The villagers felt:
Disappointment:
- The monsoon failed to break even in June
- Expected heavy rain on Karkitakam first day but got only minor spell
- Felt cheated by the "kaati-kooti poova" (false show) of the monsoon
Worry and concern:
- Summer drought had been very intense
- Wells and canals dried up after almost two decades
- Water table fell very low
- Fields should be overflowing but were dry
- Nothing is as it was before
Helplessness:
- Feeling diffident, helpless and powerless
- Wondering "Where has the rain gone?"
- Unable to do anything to bring the monsoon
- Can't coax the monsoon to do what it should
Anxiety about future:
- Worried about agriculture and water supply
- Concerned about increasing water scarcity
3. What emotions and sensations did the author experience when the monsoon finally arrived?
Answer:
Emotions:
- Joy: Immense happiness and relief
- Comfort: Snuggled deeper into bed, pulled sheet to chin
- Peace: One of the many pleasures of the monsoon
- Well-being: Deep sense of wellness and contentment
- Gratitude: Like welcoming a prodigal son home
- Wonder: Asking what tales, lessons, and gifts each raindrop holds
- Delight: Making tea and watching rain from verandah
Sensations:
- Sound: Drumming on tile roof, music of rain
- Touch: Warmth of bed while rain falls outside
- Sight: Watching rain like an exotic migratory bird
- Atmosphere: The magic of monsoon resonating within
Overall feeling: "For now, the world is a beautiful place"
4. Discuss the author's anticipation, reflections and experience of the monsoon and the sense of well-being it brings to her.
Answer:
Anticipation:
- Waiting for monsoon for six weeks
- Daily phone calls to parents asking about rain
- Traveling specifically to Kerala to experience monsoon
- Happy about flight turbulence as it signals monsoon
- Watching night sky for signs of rain
- Years of celebrating monsoon onset in her village
Reflections:
- Remembering past monsoons with uncle
- How incessant rain made everything clammy and damp
- Comparing human impact: concrete buildings, cutting trees causing water crisis
- Warning that people will pay for water like in Bangalore (Rs 400)
- Thinking about how monsoon patterns have changed
- Realizing monsoon's importance to Kerala's culture and life
Experience:
- Waking at 2 am to rain drumming on roof
- Feeling like prodigal son has returned
- Enjoying comfort of bed while rain falls
- Morning tea on verandah watching rain
- Hearing musical notes in rain: vilamba, madhyama, dhrutha kaalam
- Treating rain like exotic bird, afraid to disturb it
Sense of well-being:
- Deep contentment and peace
- Feeling that world is beautiful again
- Magic of monsoon resonating within
- Rain beckoning into its arms
- Connection with nature and tradition
- Renewal of faith in natural cycles
The monsoon represents not just weather but a complete emotional, cultural, and spiritual experience for the author.
5. Describe this year's monsoon in your words.
Answer:
This year's monsoon was like a disappointing friend who made big promises but didn't keep them.
Characteristics:
- Delayed: Arrived six weeks late, should have come in June
- Unpredictable: Played hide-and-seek, lurked in Maldives
- Teasing: Showed grey skies and thunder but no rain ("kaati-kooti poova")
- Weak: Only minor, reluctant spells of rain
- Irregular: Not following traditional patterns
- Eventually delivering: Finally arrived at 2 am with proper rain
Impact:
- Caused severe summer drought
- Wells and canals dried after two decades
- Water table fell very low
- Disappointed farmers and villagers
- Made people anxious and worried
- Created water scarcity
Different from past:
- Traditional monsoons were heavy and continuous
- Made everything damp and green
- Arrived on time during Karkitakam
- More reliable and predictable
This year's monsoon reflects climate change and environmental degradation affecting Kerala's weather patterns.
Important Words and Meanings
- Turbulence - Violent movement of air causing airplane to shake
- Myriad - Countless, very many
- Incessantly - Continuously, without stopping
- Vivid - Clear, bright, easy to remember
- Manifested - Showed clearly, appeared
- Reined-in - Controlled, held back
- Uneventful - Nothing special or exciting happened
- Loomed - Appeared in a threatening way
- Gunmetal grey - Dark grey color like metal
- Reluctant - Unwilling, hesitant
- Menacing - Threatening, dangerous
- Blanched - Pale, lacking color
- Diffidence - Lack of confidence, shyness
- Coax - Gently persuade
- Escalated - Increased, intensified
- Lurking - Waiting hidden
- Drought - Long period without rain
- Water table - Underground water level
- Monstrosities - Ugly, unpleasant things
- Trickle - Small, slow flow
- Borewell - Deep well drilled into ground
- Penury - Extreme poverty
- Clammy - Damp and sticky
- Mustiness - Stale, moldy smell
- Mossy - Covered with moss
- Anti-climax - Disappointing end
- Impending - About to happen
- Prodigal son - Someone who left and returns after long time (Biblical reference)
- Gamaka - Decorative musical notes (Carnatic music term)
- Decibels - Unit of sound volume
- Vilamba kaalam - Slow tempo in Carnatic music
- Madhyama kaalam - Medium tempo in Carnatic music
- Dhrutha kaalam - Fast tempo in Carnatic music
- Resonates - Creates echo, deeply affects
Important References
- 2018 Kerala floods: Devastating floods that affected Kerala, creating fear among people
- Karkitakam month: Malayalam calendar month (July-August), traditionally monsoon peak
- Southwest monsoon: Main rainy season in Kerala (June-September)
- Mundakkottukurissi: Author's village in Kerala
- Bangalore: City in Karnataka where author lives
- Carnatic music terms: South Indian classical music terminology used to describe rain sounds
Themes of the Passage
- Human-Nature Relationship: Deep emotional and cultural connection between people and nature
- Climate Change: Changing monsoon patterns and environmental concerns
- Environmental Degradation: Impact of human activities on nature
- Hope and Patience: Waiting for good things with faith
- Cultural Identity: Monsoon as part of Kerala's cultural heritage
- Well-being: Nature's role in human happiness and peace
- Tradition vs Modernity: How development affects natural cycles
- Water Crisis: Warning about future water scarcity
Writing Style
Anita Nair uses:
- Descriptive language: Vivid imagery of weather and emotions
- Sensory details: Sounds, sights, touch, atmosphere
- Musical metaphors: Comparing rain to Carnatic music
- Personal narrative: First-person storytelling
- Cultural references: Malayalam terms, local traditions
- Emotional depth: Showing deep feelings and reflections
- Environmental message: Subtle warning about climate change