Yesterday in Tirunelveli: Courtesy, Care, and Too Much Good Food

Yesterday was one of those days that quietly reminds you why real-life experiences beat all stereotypes.

I travelled to Tirunelveli to meet the Mayor, to personally invite him for an event we are organising. The meeting itself was smooth, respectful, and reassuring. He was warm, courteous, and graciously accepted the invitation to honour the occasion.

But what followed after the meeting stayed with me far more deeply.

The Mayor asked one of his friends to accompany us — not just to guide us around Tirunelveli, but also to Ambasamudram, where we were to meet another friend. What I assumed would be a simple courtesy turned into an unexpected lesson in hospitality.

From the moment we stepped out, we were no longer “guests” — we were looked after.

Lunch was arranged without fuss. Evening snacks appeared almost magically. Conversations flowed easily, without agendas or urgency. At some point, I realised something important had happened.

I had to break my diet — not out of temptation, but out of respect.

And strangely, I felt no guilt.

There is something about the southern districts of Tamil Nadu — a quiet, unspoken culture of care. No loud displays. No forced politeness. Just a natural instinct to ensure that the person with you is comfortable, fed, and at ease.

What struck me most was that no one made a big deal of what they were doing. There were no announcements, no expectations of return favours. Hospitality wasn’t a performance — it was a reflex.

In a world where meetings are rushed, calories are counted, and kindness is often transactional, this felt refreshing. Almost old-fashioned. Almost sacred.

Some places don’t just welcome you.
They take responsibility for you, even if only for a day.

And Tirunelveli, yesterday, did exactly that.