The Covenant of Water
by Abraham Verghese
Contents
CHAPTER 44
Overview
Famine reaches Parambil, prompting Philipose and Uplift Master to open a Feeding Center that inspires others across Travancore. Philipose’s Unfictions win acclaim and stir controversy, sharpening his public voice. As Joppan marries and electrification finally arrives, the radio vindicates Philipose’s purchase. He closes by asking for Broker Aniyan, signaling readiness for marriage.
Summary
In 1943, with Burma fallen and rice seized for troops, famine reaches Parambil. Starving families beg at Parambil’s gate, and Philipose responds first with discreet gruel packets. Shamed by suffering and by Manager Kora’s jibe about his idle radio, he seeks a larger remedy.
Philipose and Uplift Master build a thatched shed by the boat jetty, recruit the famed cook Sultan Pattar, and open a Feeding Center serving kappa with beans and pickle. Press coverage brings donations, volunteers, and more hungry mouths, and their example spurs similar centers across Travancore.
Listening to stories at the shed, Philipose writes “Unfictions.” His tale “The Plavu Man” wins first prize and publication, drawing both praise and charges of blasphemy. He places more pieces under “The Ordinary Man Column,” then ignites an uproar with a satirical attack on Secretariat indolence; public attention grows despite union protests.
Joppan returns briefly, lauding Philipose’s actions and calling him a revolutionary, then unexpectedly marries Ammini. The newlyweds visit with Shamuel and Sara; Big Ammachi blesses them with gifts and quietly grants a house plot to secure their start.
After a long campaign, electricity reaches four Parambil homes. Baby Mol exults under the bulbs, the radio finally speaks, and even skeptics gather, awed. Big Ammachi keeps her oil lamp, yet watches her son’s wonder. That night, energized by voices from afar, Philipose turns to her and asks to summon Broker Aniyan—he is ready to seek a match.
Who Appears
- V. PhiliposeOrganizes a Feeding Center, publishes prizewinning and controversial Unfictions, helps bring electricity, revels in the radio, and asks for Broker Aniyan.
- Uplift MasterPartners in the Feeding Center and leads the successful campaign to electrify Parambil P.O.
- Big AmmachiSupports relief efforts, dotes on family, gifts Joppan a house plot, prefers her oil lamp, hears Philipose’s request to call the broker.
- Sultan PattarLegendary cook who runs the Feeding Center kitchen, energizing village children and drawing press attention.
- JoppanReturns praising Philipose, attends Party meetings, then quickly marries Ammini and visits for blessings.
- Manager KoraMocks Philipose’s radio, is corrected about electrification, and departs deflated; devoted to his admired wife.
- Odat KochammaMistakes the radio’s disembodied voice for God, adding humor to the electrification debut.
- Baby MolDelights in the new electric light and dances to the radio’s music.
- ShamuelProud father of the groom; presents his son and new bride for blessings; receives a house plot offer.
- AmminiJoppan’s shy bride, visits Parambil after the sudden wedding to receive gifts and blessings.
- Lizziamma (Lizzi)Kora’s beloved, modest wife; cherished by Big Ammachi and often in the Parambil kitchen.
- Decency KochammaDisapproves of “The Plavu Man,” calling it blasphemous.
- GeorgieJokes at Kora’s expense during the electrification discussion.
- Manorama editorPublishes and titles Philipose’s column, rejecting some pieces and printing others.
- Broker AniyanMatchmaker whom Philipose asks to summon, signaling readiness for marriage.