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There are couple of incidents in the life of one of our most prodigious Grandfathers, Shekaran Channar otherwise known as “Kuthakakkaran Appooppan”, that show his resourcefulness as well as brilliance. In his time, the most luxurious travel was of course by “kettuvallam”. Thoppil was the boat marina as well as the boat maintenance facilities. While Appooppan was in Kochi for some errands, there was a foreign ship stranded with grains whose intended recipient merchant defaulted on the payment. Upon hearing this news, he immediately went and made an offer which the shipping agents could not refuse. He promptly gave them an advance and subsequently took possession of the grains. Needless to say, he made a handsome profit through the distribution and retail sales of the merchandise.
It was during his reign our family reached its financial apex as well as fame. Appooppan was well known as ‘Kuthakakkaran Achan’ and his word was considered as good as gold. Appooppan not only made many friends and admirers, but made plenty of enemies also.
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