Casting Nets of Hope: A Morning with a Father-Son Fishing Duo in Kanyakumari

“Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters; 
they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep.” 
~ Psalm 107:23-24 (NRSV)

EARLY this morning -- 24.10.'24, we visited the Sunrise Viewpoint in Kanyakumari, joining a large crowd eagerly awaiting the sunrise. After over an hour of waiting, the weather took a disappointing turn -- clouds rolled in, obscuring the view. Disheartened and subdued, we decided to leave...

On our way back, we passed by an open fish market bustling with activity. Fishermen and potential buyers haggled over prices, their animated conversations filling the air. We lingered there for a while, observing the variety of fish on display -- Some species I had never seen before. Women sat with large pans, showcasing their catch, while others brought in fresh fish of varying sizes. These were the fruits of their hard work throughout the night, spent battling the sea’s unpredictability.

While sipping tea from a roadside vendor, an older man and his young companion, likely his son in his early twenties, joined us. The older man looked weary, his face lined with exhaustion, while the younger one appeared somber. Through the tea seller, who kindly translated their words, I learned that their night at sea had been unfruitful -- they had caught only a few fish. Their disappointment was palpable. The old man remarked, “We depend on luck. Sometimes, we catch plenty; other times, we return empty-handed.”

The old man shared that they rest during the day and begin their work again around 6 p.m., returning to the same spot by the next morning, around 6 or 7 a.m. They spend over 12 hours on the vast waters, often braving strong waves and tempests. Their lives are marked by hardship and struggle, sustained by the care and blessings of heaven.

As he finished his cup of tea, the young man shared that he had not attended school during his teenage years, as he chose to help his father with fishing. He mentioned having two younger sisters who are currently studying in high school, with their mother staying home to care for them while he and his father are out at sea.

We bid them goodbye after I paid for the tea (three cups for all of us). Initially, they hesitated to acknowledge it. However, the tea vendor explained that it was a gesture of goodwill and good wishes for their next trip. Upon hearing this, they accepted it graciously. The father, moved by the gesture, immediately pulled out a fish and tried to give it to me!

Here are some photographs you might enjoy. 

As you look through them, 
let your imagination take you to the heart of the scene. 
Take a moment to explore and enjoy!

THE ROAD ENDS!

From the fishermen father and son, we learn resilience,
A life of hard work shaped by persistence and patience.
Their bond reflects sacrifice and shared devotion,
A reminder to face life’s waves with unwavering motion.

🙏 May God bless this father-son duo! 🙏

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal 

KANYAKUMARI

IFE-KKD | 24.10.2024

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