Mr. Balakrishna Iyengar, uncle of Nandu was fondly called by the village folks as Kicchu Iyer as he was well known on his astrologicall predictions. People of all castes and creed come to him for consulation. He knew the ancient astrology taught by his ancestors. However, he never depends on astrology alone.

He was the local psychiatrist. He has ears to listen. His sessions were interesting to watch. If you ask a frustrated female to address her grievance, she will verbally attack you assuming you are the accused. You should learn to appreciate that otherwise you will be hurt. Nandu in the beginning was bewildered as his uncle being accused of so many complaints. Later Athamma explained to him that it was not his uncle's fault but that was a way of addressing a problem.

In modern psychiatry, if you are frustrated with your manager, the company will provide you with a human size doll of the manager in a private room where you can scold him, hit him, even urinate on him. Nobody bothers as you need to release your frustration. In his uncle's case he will be the doll. Every one will punch on him. He would not react but simply listen. After her frustrations are poured out she would be cool enough to listen to his advice. Kicchu Iyer will put the blame on a distant planet for all her suffering and ask her to visit the near by temple and do some parikar or prayasittam. She would be perfectly...