KOCHI: A lot can happen over a cup of coffee and as far as these friends are concerned, it is true. The brotherhood, that began at a coffee table in Bharath Coffee House at Ernakulam Broadway has crossed half century and is still going on. The friends united at the Bharath Coffee House for the first time in 1965, and now even after 50 years, they still visit the place at least once except Sundays.
When Team Express visited the Coffee House last week, four friends of the brotherhood were there. We had gone to the Coffee House without informing them and found them having a casual chat, discussing the political change that has happened in the state.
“Prior to the elections, we were of the opinion that it will be a tough fight between LDF and UDF. But the end results slightly upset our prediction as it turned out to be an easy victory for Left,” said P K Mathew (Mothy).
Mathew, one of the member of the brotherhood, is a mechanical engineer (retired) said that the four friends in the brotherhood, if they are in Town, make sure to meet at the Coffee House except on Sundays. The other members present were B Rajan, the famous handball player and retired Superintendent of Customs, Tony Daniel a retired professor from St Xavier’s College, Aluva and Baby Thattil, former athlete and retired employee of Appolo Tyres.
A Bit of History
The Luiz Hall which was constructed in 1919 houses Bharath Coffee House at Broadway. The coffee house was started in 1955, and was inaugurated on a Republic Day. B Govinda Rao from Uduppi was the founder and later Gopalakrishna Rao came in as his partner.
A Strong Bond
It was in 1965 that the group of friends, from various colleges surrounding Brodway came together at Bharath Coffee House. The first team includes two students from St Albert’s College, P K Mathew and C P William. Later, their friends from Maharajah’s College and Ernakulam Law College too joined the group, there by increasing the strength of the Group to twenty. Even after their studies, marriage and amidst the busy schedules of their respective professions, the friends find time to meet. “We do not have a particular time table. Who ever are there in the city will reach the Coffee House by 11.30 am. Those who cannot make it on that particular day will inform one of the members, who then co-ordinates with others,” added Mathew.
Some of the members of the Group have passed away. Some others have relocated themselves to other cities. “But those who are living in the neighbouring cities, still make it to the shop whenever they are in Kochi,” according to Rajan. “We are also members of the Laughter Club for Senior Citizens.”
Amid the tensions of modern day life, the members of the group said that, their friendly get together, and discussions help them to rejuvenate themselves. The friendship has become stronger even after years. Bharath Coffee House and a cup of coffee makes this bond more special and more stronger,” the friends added.
Quotes:
We do not have a particular time table. Who ever are there in the city will reach the Coffee House by 11.30 am. Those who cannot make it on that particular day will inform one of the members, who then co-ordinates with others.