CHAPTER 38

Summary

• The man who would later be known as 'Uplift Master' arrives in Parambil along with his wife, Shoshamma, after unexpectedly inheriting property there.
• Uplift Master and Shoshamma consult Big Ammachi, an influential woman in the community, and meet her son, Philipose, who she dreams will study medicine.
• Uplift Master manages to get a loan to refurbish their new property and successfully appeals his property tax assessment, resulting in lower taxes for the community. The neighbours who initially ridiculed him now seek his help.
• With the increased literacy and the news of the British opposition, social changes are afoot, something Uplift Master sees as progress.
• Uplift Master champions literacy and social causes, and the youngsters in the village, including Philipose, are enamored by him. He helps in setting up the YMCA, YWCA, and the Parambil Lending Library and Reading Room.
• Uplift Master's office sees him fervently writing petitions for improvements in the village, using tactical measures in his letters to secure grants, such as carbon copies to officials higher up the chain.
• Uplift Master manages to invite the maharajah to inaugurate a village exhibition. Despite doubts, the maharajah accepts and his visit is an immense success, ushering Uplift Master into the community's good graces and earning him his enduring nickname.
• Uplift Master suggests that if they could tally all the families and resources in Parambil, it might qualify as a "district village," bringing with it more funds and resources. Big Ammachi backs the idea.
• After many trips, petitions, and time, Parambil is finally declared a "district village," and the improvements that come with it silence any doubters.
• The inauguration of the village post office, Parambil P.O., is led by Big Ammachi and is a proud moment for her and the entire community. That night, Big Ammachi feels that her late husband's vision has been realized.