Welcome to Kerala: A Land of Football and Volleyball

When I hear the word Kerala, what comes to mind? For many, it isn't just a state in India but a symbol of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and passionate love for sports, particularly football and volleyball. To a sports enthusiast, it's as if Kerala is the Brazil of India, celebrated for its football legends and rising volleyball stars.

The Excitement of Football

Football is more than a game—it's a way of life in Kerala. Every nook and corner reverberates with the thunderous chants of fans and the sound of the ball flying through the air. Kerala’s football fields are like arteries, pulsating with energy and passion. Keralaites, especially, take pride in their football talent, and their love for the game knows no bounds. The state has produced some of the most iconic football players in India, including Rony John, Mani van Cappellen, and Marina Chopra.

A Rising Star in Volleyball

While football is the main sport in the spotlight, Kerala is equally proud of its volleyball prowess. The sport has gained significant traction in recent years, with the state contributing valuable players to the Indian men's national volleyball team. The physical attributes of Keralite volleyball players set them apart, and their spectacular jumps are a testament to their agility and skill. The state has a vibrant volleyball culture, with numerous local tournaments and competitions fostering talent.

Urban Living with High-Rise Constraints

Life in Kerala doesn’t just revolve around sports but also urban development. My own experience is a case in point. When we moved into our apartment, it was a bright and airy space surrounded by land. However, over six years, surrounding areas have transformed into high-rise buildings, blocking sunlight and creating a claustrophobic environment.

Imagine your living surroundings being squeezed into a tight space. Over time, the plots that seemed ample now house six-story buildings. Our apartment, on the 4th floor, now faces a suffocating reality with no natural light in our balconies and bedroom windows. The buildings seem like vertical matchboxes, built close together with no room for a single gap. Even two-story houses are being converted into five-story structures, leaving little space for a breather.

Living in Kerala's urban villages is a blend of tradition and modernity. The challenge is balancing the joy of living in a closely-knit community with the drawbacks of encroaching high-rise buildings. The construction pace is rapid, with seemingly no regard for safety or compliance.

Community and Adversity

Despite the physical pressures, the community spirit remains strong. Neighbors with common walls share spaces for earthquake reinforcement, and there’s a sense of unity. People start drying their clothes in the balconies within weeks of moving in, and the whole area feels like a vertical forest of concrete and steel.

Final Thoughts

So, which memories and experiences do you associate with Kerala? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What does Kerala mean to you?

Thank you for reading, and here's to more vibrant discussions about the beautiful and dynamic state of Kerala!