Sabrimala: A unique reunion is taking place at Sabarimala, where two former classmates of the 1998–99 Chalakkudy Government ITI batch are now serving together, one as the Melsanthi (chief priest) and the other as his personal security officer.

It is the new Sabarimala Melsanthi, E D Prasad Namboothiri, and his personal security guard, MS Shoju, who have reached the hill shrine for a year-long duty together. Shoju is an ASI with the Special Branch of the Thrissur Rural Police.

The government deploys two Kerala Police officers for the security of the Sabarimala Melsanthi. When E D Prasad Namboothiri of Vasupuram Erannur Mana in Mattathurkunnu, Kodakara, Thrissur, was appointed as the new Melsanthi, he suggested two officers as his personal security guards. The first was MS Shoju, his classmate and long-time friend, while the second was AM Devesh, a senior Civil Police Officer, who also serves as a member of the Upasabha (upper committee) of the Yogakshema Sabha along with Prasad Namboothiri himself.

For Shoju, who visits Sabarimala every year both as a pilgrim and on duty, this new assignment feels like destiny. He can now remain at Sabarimala for a full year along with E D Prasad Namboothiri, who will not be leaving the temple premises during this period.