From the memoir: How religious orthodoxy and poverty shaped freedom fighter TSS Rajan’s childhood

Scroll. in published an excerpt from freedom fighter TSS Rajan's memoir describing his impoverished childhood in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.

• 1The memoir describes a Vaikunta Ekadasi festival held in Srirangam for 20 days each year.
• 2The pattani (roasted green gram) shop's turnover never exceeded one rupee, per the memoir.
• 3The author's aunt would discard all cooked food if the stove was defiled by an ember given to a non-Brahmin shopkeeper, per the memoir.