Quantcast
Channel: Kerala News | Kerala Latest News, Breaking News & Much More
Viewing all 838 articles
Browse latest View live

32 Kerala Students Set Up Eatery To Help Friend Pay For Sister’s Kidney Transplant!

0
0

From December 4-18, 32 students of the Sree Gokulam SNGM Catering College in Thuravoor, Kerala, opened up a temporary eatery on the side of the National Highway. They all took turns to run it—from cooking the food to maintaining the temporary establishment.

What’s so unique about this, you ask? Well, the students are not doing this for profit, but to help save a life.


This smart health monitor tracks and analyzes your heart health, respiration, sleep quality, stress levels and more with a medical-grade accuracy of 98.4%.


Their classmate KS Aromal’s sister, Aiswarya, has serious renal issues, and the eatery was opened as an effort to raise money for the kidney transplant, that she desperately needs.

“I’m so happy that my friends made serious efforts to help my family. Their contribution has been invaluable, and I can’t thank them enough. While they have managed to raise Rs 1.35 lakh, Aiswarya needs a kidney transplant that will cost Rs 8 lakh. Doctors say that it is the only hope for her,” says Aromal to The Better India.

When Aiswarya first fell ill, she underwent treatment at the Kottayam Medical College. For her treatment, their father sold 15 cents of land, which was all he had at Thalanadu village in Kottayam district, Kerala.

However, the treatment did not have the desired effect, and soon, they shifted her to a private hospital in Ernakulam.

For the story.
Friends helping out at the roadside eatery. (Source: KS Aromal)

“While the Rs 8 lakh will only cover the cost of the kidney transplant and post-transplant treatment—the entire cost of Aiswarya’s treatment—right from when she first fell ill—will be Rs 20 lakh. People from her village offered their help as well, but it wasn’t enough,” says Aromal.

For the eatery, meanwhile, each of the 32 students contributed Rs 700 each to set up shop, buy ingredients and purchase utensils. There, they had served everything from dosa, parotta, omelette and chicken curry, among other items.

(Source: KS Aromal)

Speaking to The New Indian Express, Aswin, one of those who helped the running of this eatery, said, “It was after coming to know about their situation, we, the fifth-semester students, decided to generate money for Aiswarya’s treatment. And we decided to start the thattukada (roadside eatery). Looking back, it was a good decision as we’ve been able to make Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000 as profit daily.”

For the story
Cooking for a purpose. (Source: KS Aromal)

For the transplant, one of the family friends has come forward to donate a kidney.

If 32 students can come together to help a batchmate’s sister in need, what’s stopping us from helping out? You can contribute too!

Account no: 38166231198

IFSC: SBIN0070111

Bank: SBI

Branch: MEDICAL COLLEGE, KOTTAYAM, KERALA

NAME: AISWARYA KS


Also Read: Kerala School Dropout Stirs Rice Revolution, Empowers 500 Village Women!


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.


IIT Engineer Switches Career, Upcycles Waste Into Toys to Teach ‘Ahimsa’ to Kids!

0
0

Getting into teaching children how to upcycle waste seemed too far fetched back when Subid Ahimsa was a student at IIT in 2003, where he was pursuing a post-graduation course in Industrial Design. Multiple job offers followed and till 2011, Subid worked in several firms before quitting engineering.

“Something was missing and was not right. Despite having the knowledge and skills, there was nothing concrete that I was contributing. I saw my friends struggling to keep up with the pace of life, jobs and responsibilities. I kept going back to my years at IIT where I worked on several meaningful projects,” Subid from Kerala tells The Better India.


Promote upcycling, recycling and reuse. Check out this range of innovative upcycled clothes, containers and accessories created from discarded materials.


In 2011, Subid started a movement called ‘Ahimsa Toys’ (Non-Violence toys) that aims to change the way students learn in school. The IITian conducts workshops on how to make toys from waste materials in government and private schools across India.

So far, Subid has conducted 600 sessions across the ccountry.

How the Workshop on Upcycling Waste Works

The workshops start with Subid showing the toys he had made with waste materials to attract the attention of the young learners.

He then asks the students to deposit all the waste items they have brought from home. He mixes them before throwing the box open for common use. Sharing is one of the crucial values that Subid tries to teach the young ones.

Once the students let their minds take the creative route, they make their own toys from waste items like ball pens, old CDs, plastic bottles, plastic straws, etc.

Subid allows them to explore and intervenes only when needed.

Instead of preaching the kids about why waste should be repurposed and recycled, Subid ensures children see waste through a different lens. He does this by showing the innovative toys he made from materials that are usually considered useless.

The workshop lasts for 3-4 hours and he prefers paying for his own travel and accommodation.

“Self-confidence, sharing, teamwork and realising that nothing is waste are some of the takeaways from the workshops,’ adds Subid.

How it all began

Even as a young boy, Subid Ahimsa did not agree with certain methods of teaching like following only textbooks. But he never dismissed or took his education for granted.

Like millions, he too strived hard and successfully got admitted to one of India’s premier institutes, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in 2003

His tryst with waste management had already began at home. Subid had always lived a very simple and sustainable lifestyle in Thrissur. Reusing things before discarding them was a norm while growing up. No wonder then that Subid’s first project in IIT was on the lowest rung of the society and how they handled waste in Delhi.

Image may contain: 4 people

“I couldn’t ever throw away anything just like that. I always tried to utilise it in some form or another. During the project, I wondered, what if every person repurposed the waste. It would certainly be a huge favour on the waste pickers and environment. But the thought never translated into anything until 2011,” he says.

As for the education part, Subid realised the problem when he joined IIT.

He saw how the education environment there was very different. The teachers considered students as equals. They sat around a table without hierarchy and discussed life experiences. The professors would know every student’s pulse and would guide them accordingly.

“From mugging to only sticking to textbooks, school students in India are mostly deprived of critical thinking. Instead of questioning, they blindly accept what is taught to them. Our education system only encourages individual growth and competition. This is the exact cross-section of how our civil society works. We don’t give space for children to learn. We take away their self- confidence. My workshops are, in a way, a movement for justice, self-reliance and sustainable development. I called it “Toy-Swaraj” (Swaraj: self-rule). It gives a message that our world is built by ourselves,” Subid explains.

Subid’s turning point in life came in 2011, when he met Padma Shri Arvind Gupta, a toy inventor. He was invited to translate one of Gupta’s toy-making short films in Malayalam.

“His videos opened my eyes and guided me toward the aim of my life. He breathed new life into waste by developing exciting toys for children. Taking a leaf out of his life, I ventured into Ahimsa toys.”

For someone who went through an existential crisis, desperately finding the purpose of life, it is commendable to see how Subid is now changing the face of education, one workshop at a time.

“More than teaching, I focus on how students are learning,” shares Subid.

Check out some of the creative works of children during the workshops:

Image may contain: shoes and outdoor

Image may contain: indoor

No photo description available.

Image may contain: 2 people, people standing


Also Read: Indore Man Makes 100 Stunning Artworks From 3000 Kgs of Scrap, Wins Global Fame!


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala Professor’s Ingenious Innovation Makes Plucking Fruits Pain & Strain Free

0
0

Dr A M Ranjith, a resident of Kerala, only wanted to make a device to make plucking fruits from trees easier. What he did invent and has a patent for, is a tool that has multiple uses.

“It can be used to cut branches, the fire department can use it to douse fires in very high places and even save someone who is drowning – there are multiple uses for it,” says the former professor at Kerala Agricultural University.


Ceylon Cinnamon is very beneficial with very trace amounts of Coumarin. If you are using cinnamon and honey for weight loss purposes or as a health supplement, then it’s best to use the Ceylon Cinnamon! Click here  for more details.


The device uses a fulcrum which helps to rotate it 360 degrees and makes plucking fruits easier and less stressful for the back, shoulders and arms.

The seed of the idea

Dr Ranjith’s innovation

“The idea of making something that would aid in plucking the jackfruit from the trees in my backyard is how the ‘tool’ came into being,” informs Ranjith.

Ranjith adds that plucking jackfruits is not that simple. At times the fruit can also fall on one’s head, which could be a painful experience.

“There have been times when my attempts to pluck the fruit has led to it falling on my head. In fact, a colleague of mine actually sustained some bruises when the jackfruit fell on her,” he says.

Ranjith shares that there is usually a lot of pressure on the shoulder and back when a person plucks fruits – be it mango, coconut or even jackfruits. The heavyweight of the pole falls directly on the shoulder and the back.

“Moreover, the weight of the pole or stick also prevents one from being accurate,” he adds.

The continuous struggle of  plucking the jackfruits and the ensuing back plain frustrated Ranjith to the extent that he decided to come up with a device which may aid him in the process.

The device and how it works

The pole

Dr Ranjith wanted to design a device that puts the least pressure on the shoulder, back and hands.

“A device that even a small child would be able to use comfortably without the fear of any aches or pain,” he says.

The tool is created on the principle of dynamic fulcrum, which is essentially the point at which the pole balances in such a manner that it can be moved 360 degrees. “It is a small device that can be attached to a pole or a stick with a hook. This can then be directed to the fruit without causing any pressure to the hand or shoulder. The hook can also be rotated a full circle,” explains Ranjith.

After developing the prototype and running tests, Ranjith did his own research to ascertain that what he had built was one of its kind. he now has a patent for the device.

Plans for the tool

When asked if he would like to start manufacturing and selling his device commercially, he says, “I am an academician and my expertise does not lie in marketing and selling. I am more than happy to collaborate with those who can take this forward. I can continue making it in a small way but that doesn’t really solve the purpose for which I developed it.”

As for the cost of production, he informs, “If you want a small device for only plucking fruits, it will cost you between Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. It can be locally made but you should be cautious about the materials you use to avoid being electrocuted. The device should be made using only non-conductor material.”

“The same device, if made on a large scale, is likely to cost less,” says Ranjith.

If you are keen on reaching out to Ranjith then you can call at: +91-9446453588.


Also Read: Kerala’s Water Bell Reaches K’taka, TN & Odisha: Do It In Your Daily Lives Too!


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

This 47-YO Mom Who Donated Her Kidney to a Kerala Orphan Is a Real Hero!

0
0

47-year-old Seetha Dileep Thampi is a resident of Kerala who earlier this month donated one of her kidneys. The reason why we are telling you her story is because she donated her kidney to 19-year-old Jayakrishnan, a complete stranger.

I asked her reason for the decisions and her practical reply surprised me, “He needed a kidney to live on and I had one to give, it was as simple as that.”


Brace yourself for the winters with this eco-friendly hemp scarf


Seetha lived in Mumbai for almost three decades where she worked in a private firm. With her husband working in Abu Dhabi, the mother of two girls decided to take a break when the work started becoming too much to handle.

“My daughters and I moved to Kerala about 11 years ago.”

How did Jayakrishnan approach the trust?

Jayakrishnan with Seetha who donated her kidney to him.

Jayakrishnan is a resident of Kottayi, a village in Palakkad district. Here, Byju MS, a member of Daya Charitable Trust met him for the first time. The Trust provides medical assistance to the underpriviliged, among other things.

“Jayakrishnan’s condition was critical and we were informed that if the transplant did not come through the chances of his survival would be really low.”

Seetha has been part of the Trust since its inception 6 years ago.

“For almost two years, the organisation has been trying to help Jayakrishnan who has been on dialysis since then,” informs Seetha.

The trust was trying to find a suitable donor for Jayakrishnan and the first step in that direction was to find someone from his family but Jayakrishnan is an orphan who has no family to speak of.

“He is just 18 years old and the thought of losing such a young life was weighing very heavily on all of us. In an attempt to get donors to come forward, we were also willing to provide them with a job and shelter for life but even then we did not find any suitable donor.”

“A video shot by the Trust to find donors for Jayakrishnan arrested my attention. I felt very bad and the fact that no one was coming forward to help him was frustrating and depressing,” she shares.

That experience moved her to consider becoming a donor herself.

When asked how her family reacted, she answers instantly, “During the time I was thinking about becoming a donor, my husband was in town. He only said one thing to me –‘whatever you decide, ensure that it is the final decision. It will be unfair to give that boy hope and then turn away.’ It was with this support that I decided to go ahead.”

Seetha’s entire family stood behind her like a wall. Her sister took a leave and flew in to be with her during and after the surgery.

Was she afraid?

Seetha who heard the voice of her conscience and donated her kidney to Jayakrishnan

“I am often asked that but I don’t seem to understand why. There was no fear whatsoever – on the contrary, the wait and the amount of paperwork was more frustrating.”

Given that Seetha was a third-party donor, the process was even longer and it took almost six months to come through. “I even appeared before an ethics committee and was interviewed to verify my intentions before the go-ahead was given.”

How did they raise funds?

The team

Once the donor problem was solved, Jayakrishnan had to raise the funds needed for the surgery.

“These procedures are not cheap and we all came together to raise funds. In one day itself, thanks to the people who are part of the Kottayi panchayat, we were able to collect Rs 15 lakhs. The rest came via friends and family.”

About 2 lakh patients in India are waiting for organ donation with a mere 15,000 donors available, says this report. The Ministry of Health says that the annual requirement for kidneys could range between 2-3 Lakh with a mere 6,000 transplants occurring in reality.

With people like Seetha coming forward to donate their organs, hope remains alive for many.


Also Read: Antiperspirants/Deodorants Play an Active Role in Breast Cancer: Is It Just a Myth?


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Rainwater Harvesting & Zero Energy Costs: Kerala Architect Builds Perfect Home!

0
0

Exposed brick architecture possesses a distinctive aesthetic quality. On the outside, it invokes a feeling of both familiarity and warmth. And this is precisely what Srijit Srinivas (45), a Thiruvananthapuram-based architect, envisioned when constructing ‘The Brickhaus’ for his client in the city. Covering an area of 4,250 square feet, this modern home stands out for not only its imaginative design, intelligent utilisation of space and natural light, but also the eco-friendly features embedded into the structure.

Commissioned in 2017, the structure was completed earlier this year.


This water-saving adaptor converts normal water flow to a gentle mist and saves around 95% water compared to a conventional aerator. 


“Brick in itself is a beautiful material. Each brick is different too. Usually people make houses with bricks and plaster them to cover up their imperfections. They go for polluting primers and several coats of paints that pollute the environment. Why should we pollute the environment? We wanted the house itself to become a piece of art in brick. Only a very well designed house having form, scale and proportion would look good in exposed brick,” says Srijit Srinivas in conversation with The Better India (TBI).

For the story.
The BRICKHAUS- the modern home (Source: Srijit Srinivas)

Laurie Baker, a pioneer of conservation (green) architecture in India, was a keen proponent of exposed brickwork who once said “such unique and characterful creations should not be covered with plaster.”

Although Baker’s structures did have some construction-related issues because of certain detailing and execution concerns, what he did was inspire a generation of architects to utilise not just exposed brick but link it to more substantial ideas, philosophies and principles of sustainable architecture.

“Growing up, I studied at the Loyola School in Thiruvananthapuram. On campus, Laurie Baker had built the beautiful Loyola Chapel, which remains a wonderful example of brick construction. I would go there often with a few of my friends during break time just to get a feel of the space even at an age we knew nothing about the technicalities of architecture,” he recalls.

For the story.
Ar. Srijit Srinivas

Brick Structures

Despite its soothing texture, warmth and character, brick structures come with their own set of concerns. The primary being the potential for water seepage through the mortar joints.

“Srinivas and his team added Pidicrete, a waterproof compound to the cement mortar to prevent any seepage. Even during construction, there were heavy rains. But The Brickhaus still did not experience any seepage. Another important construction practice was applying Stone Clear (done usually over stone, granite, etc.in temples) on brick and over pointed mortar joints instead of paint for sheen and to prevent any probable seepage,” says this detailed description in the Architectural Digest publication.

“Stone Clear is applied so that brick will retain its look. This is a clear coat protecting it from rain,” Srinivas tells TBI.

For the story.
Interiors of The Brickhaus—a home with eco-friendly features. (Source: Srijit Srinivas)

“The Brickhaus is filled with several nooks, corners and jali designs that allow plenty of sunlight inside the home. The gardens and the lotus pond too work together to bring in light as well as open up the building to glimpses of the world outside. Additionally, the skylight creates an ever-changing pattern of light throughout the day which gives the inmates, a unique experience at different times of the day,” adds Architectural Digest.

For the story.
The BRICKHAUS (Source: Srijit Srinivas)

However, the standout element of this structure remains its adherence to the environment.

“This is a Net Zero Energy building where the total amount of power consumed by the house’s inmates for various activities is equal to the power produced by the house. This is thanks to the ‘Grid Tied’ power system we helped set up with a 5 kWp of installed on-site solar capacity that produces 20 units of electricity per day. The surplus is fed into Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) main power grid. At night, power is supplied to the house by the KSEB mains power grid. The owner pays nothing at all for electricity in the house,” says Srinivas to TBI.

For the story.
Solar panel on the terrace.

Meanwhile, rainwater from the roof and rear terrace is filtered and let into the well to replenish the underground water table. However, this water is also treated, according to Srinivas.

“Turbidity is removed with pressure sand filter. Iron is removed with an iron removal filter. Odour, however, is taken care of by an activated carbon filter. In many cities, the public water supply cannot always be trusted. So, we need other sources. Well water can dry up, and that’s why we set up this rainwater recharge system as well. In a city like Thiruvananthapuram, the groundwater contains chemicals and isn’t suitable for drinking. So, we went for the purification system as explained earlier,” he claims.

For the story.
Water purification – Pressure sand filter – Iron removal filter – Activated Carbon Filter

There is also a biogas unit located in the backyard. The organic waste is converted into biogas and used in cooking.


Also Read: Pune Couple Builds Cement-Free Breathable Homes That Don’t Need ACs or Fans!


“The owner was very particular about needing eco-friendly elements in his home. In fact his ideas for solar net zero energy, biogas and water recharge requirements needs to be well appreciated by the larger society,” he says.

Moreover, it’s good practice and realistically reduces the running cost of the house. Who doesn’t want that?

(You can reach Srijit Srinivas here.)

(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala Cable Operator Takes up Organic Farming, Grows Record-Setting Tapioca, Okra

0
0

A single piece of tapioca that weighs 130 kg; colocasia which measures 9 feet; 28.5-inch long lady’s finger. No, we are not making this up—this is the actual weight of produce from Reji Joseph’s farm in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Having made it to Limca Book of Records several times, Joseph, a cable operator by profession,  is now a household name in the state for his incredible crops.


Bengaluru folks, now learn the art of aquaponics at this workshop!


Joseph has been practising organic farming as a hobby for the past fifteen years. With no background in agriculture, he learnt the tricks of the trade from farmers’ expos and exhibitions at his hometown.

Today, his fellow cultivators regard him as a ‘soil magician’ who can churn out enormous vegetables and fruits from his two-acre leased plot.

His vegetables have clinched national records three times —in 2012, 2014 and again in 2016, for the colocasia as mentioned earlier, lady’s finger and tapioca respectively. All of these vegetables were adjudged to be India’s largest or longest in record.

Reji Joseph
Reji Joseph with his family and his latest harvest of a giant tapioca

Joseph latest achievement happens to be a tapioca of the ‘kanthari padappan’ variety which weighs around 50 kg. The tapioca was recently displayed at the Changanacherry agricultural fair. A few months ago, he grew a 7-foot-long yam that roughly weighed a hundred kilograms!

The record-breaking crops

“Other than paddy and rubber, I grow nearly 120 native varieties of vegetables in my plot. Most of these are tubers and root vegetables. The requirement for each vegetable is different. It takes a lot of hard work to prepare the ground beforehand, sometimes months ahead of the sowing season,” states Joseph in a conversation with The Better India.

Other than the common tapioca and colocasia, Joseph also grows the Peruvalathil yam—a tribal favourite—elephant yam, blue yam, African yam as well as banana, ginger and turmeric.

The man has traversed the length and breadth of Kerala looking for rare indigenous varieties of vegetable seeds.

“Even right now I am heading to Alappuzha to collect a few native plants,” he laughs.

Reji Joseph
Joseph with the giant colocasia plant

Joseph’s secret methods

Growing giant vegetables involves incredible amounts of hard work and dedication. Besides the pests, wild boars, rats and other underground rodents also pose a challenge. However, the organic farmer has never resorted to any chemical means to keep them away.

Rather he has devised one-of-a-kind organic concoctions and strategical cultivation tactics to prevent them from ruining his crops.

“I  season the soil thoroughly with precise amounts of homemade compost and organic manure like jeevamrutham and veppina pinnakku (neem cake). A month before sowing the seeds, I mix cow dung and goat dung in proportionate amounts, which is sprayed on the soil bed,” he adds.

He also follows several other meticulous procedures to grow such large vegetables time and again but chooses to maintain secrecy about them.

“The one tip I will share is that the middle seeds of a pod or fruit produce the best yield, while the seeds at the top or bottom often fail to sprout properly. So, I prefer to use the seeds from the centre of a ripe fruit,” he mentions.

Despite such extraordinary expertise in organic farming, Joseph continues to attend agricultural expos regularly to learn from other farmers. He is a true inspiration for organic farming enthusiasts all over India.



(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala Auto Driver Treks 1 Km Daily So His Daughter With Cerebral Palsy Can Study

0
0

Niya is a 7-year-old class 1 student. Every morning is the same for her. Holding a toothbrush, glass of milk, buttoning her shirt, things that should come easily to a child her age, are difficult to do. The struggle to walk and talk due to restricted muscle movement. But, each morning brings the excitement of another day at school. The little girl living with Cerebral Palsy may struggle with her speech and movements, but her eagerness to meet her friends and favourite teacher is always palpable.


Give your children the gift of imagination. Click here to buy beautifully illustrated children’s books


It is her joy at learning new things that makes life less stressful for Nishanth and his wife.

Each day, this ever-smiling, and doting father from Kerala’s Wayanad district, carries his daughter on his back and treks for about 1 KM to be able to drop her at school.

The loving father who carries his daughter on his shoulders each day so she can have an education

A Daughter’s Struggles and a Father’s Efforts

“Since the terrain is very rocky and villagers are not financially well-off, they prefer walking even to cover long distances. My monthly income is very inconsistent but enough to arrange for three meals and medicines that Niya requires regularly,” Nishanth tells The Better India (TBI).

Nishanth drives an auto-rickshaw in the neighbourhood of Chenguthaya forest near Kuravu colony. He left other menial jobs and started driving only to have the means to take Niya to other places instead of confining her to the house. His 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with (CP) when she was barely 2 years old.

When the couple began searching for a school for their daughter, they found out that the nearest one was about 5 KM away. But Nishanth does not mind the distance as long as his daughter is getting formal education.

The father-daughter duo leaves the house at around 8.30 AM. His house is located in close proximity to the forest and the motorable road starts around 1 KM from where he lives. So he has no other choice but to park his rickshaw from where the roads begins.

Niya was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of 2

Very carefully, Nishanth hoists Niya on his back and walks for a kilometre till the rickshaw and then drives to St Joseph’s Primary School near Ambayathode. After dropping her off, he rides in the neighbourhood in search of passengers who are rare to come by in this remote area. On good days, he manages to get around six passengers.

At 4.30 PM he picks up Niya and rides back home.

But, his day doesn’t end there as Nishanth treks back one kilometre and rides his rickshaw till 6 in the evening.

“Wild animal attacks are very common in the region after-sunset. I try not to put my life in danger for some extra money.”

Life is Never Easy but Help Comes in Many Ways

“Giving a better life to my daughter is my priority and most of my income goes in physiotherapy sessions. I took a loan of Rs 1.5 lakhs for my wedding. And now, repaying it is difficult. Though the bank has agreed to relax the interest rate after putting in a lot of requests, the amount is very huge for me,” he shares.

Seeing his plight and Niya’s condition, her school headmaster Jisha Johny started an online petition of crowdfunding to help the family.

“Hats off to Nishanth for not treating his child any less. In fact, the love and care he provides to Niya is unmatchable. We are using social media to draw people’s attention. There have been small donations but we have a long way to go,” Johny tells TBI.

One donor recently agreed to donate five cents of land to Nishanth near the school to build their house and make things less difficult. But the family does not want to spend money on building the house.

“I want to give my daughter the best of education and healthcare. Only a couple of months ago Niya underwent a muscle operation. The doctors have said Niya’s condition can improve significantly provided she gets regular physiotherapy and surgeries till she turns 18. It is very hard to manage the expenses but I refuse to bow down. I will fight for my daughter and make sure to give her a life that she will be proud of,” he signs off.

Help Niya get better and qualitative healthcare. You can make donations to the following bank account:

M/S Niya Nishanth Sahaya Nidhi
Kerala Gramin Bank (Branch: Neendunokki)
Account Number: 40489101033740
IFSC: KLGB0040489


Also Read: Meet India’s First Adoptive Mom With Cerebral Palsy Who Overcame Huge Odds!


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

This Kerala Panchayat Wants Your Plastic Waste. Here’s Why

0
0

Statistics show that Kerala generates 480 tonnes of plastic waste a day. This amounts to a family in the state producing 60 grams of plastic waste each day. Over the last two years, the state government has been utilising money and concentrated efforts on awareness campaigns. Coming forward to help is this Kerala panchayat whose efforts in managing its plastic waste are commendable.


Looking to learn a new skill? Try this soap-making workshop and equip yourself today!


Two years ago, the Adimali Panchayat in Idukki district set up a plastic shredding unit to deal with plastic waste. Not only has the Panchayat shredded close to 20,000 kgs of plastics till date, it also generates revenue by selling the output.

In this conversation with The Better India (TBI), Adimali Panchayat Secretary, K N Sahajan, explains why and how this project came about.

Inception of The Project

Collected plastic

“This project was conceptualised in association with Clean Kerala Company and Suchitwa Mission. The aim was to find ways of reusing the plastic waste being generated in the village,” begins Sahajan.

To bring this about, Adimali Panchayat along with the local self-help groups, set up a plastic shredding plant which comprises of a plastic shredding unit, an extruder (which helps melt the plastic) and an agglomerator (used to make plastic granules).

Sahajan explains that to ensure maximum participation, the panchayat has also been talking to various educational institutions who have started contributing to the project. Under the My Plastic Scheme, the panchayat collects plastic waste at regular intervals from various educational institutions around the village.

“It is financially a huge task to set up these units and therefore not every panchayat is able to set it up and run it successfully. Therefore when we did the same at the Adimali panchayat, we offered to take in and process plastic waste from other panchayats as well,” informs Sahajan.

How does the Panchayat use the Shredded Plastic?

Ready for shredding

“The shredded plastic waste is used for the tarring of roads by mixing the plastic with bitumen. As for the plastic granules, they are sold to factories to make hose and pipes,” says Sahajan.

The panchayat sells the shredded plastic at Rs 21/kg and have so far sold about 260 quintals. The panchayat sells the plastic granules at Rs 45/kg. Part of these revenues go toward meeting the labour expenses at the shredding units.

Currently, ten other panchayats contribute plastic toward this project.

Kerala is a small state but with high population density. Thus, to develop engineered landfills, the state faces serious issues with the availability of land. To address this concern, the government resorts to the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

The year 2019 saw Kerala at the forefront of many initiatives aimed to improve health and the environment. From introducing a water bell in school to encourage students to drink water, using shredded plastic to pave roads, and recycling plastic granules to make hose pipes, among others, people in Kerala is indeed showing the way forward for the rest of the country to catch up.

Those interested in availing the shredding facility or buying shredded plastic waste or granule mixture, may contact the panchayat office at 04864-222160.


Also Read: 5000+ Dehradun School Kids Collect 555 Kgs of Waste For Plastic Wapsi Abhiyaan!


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.


AIR 139 to 48: IAS Officer Divya Iyer Shares Golden Tips to Crack UPSC

0
0

This is Dr Divya S Iyer’s bio on Twitter: Mother/IAS Officer/Doctor/Writer/Singer/Actor.

Packs quite a punch, doesn’t it?

We think so too, and in this article, the doctor-turned-IAS officer shares some valuable tips that led her to acquire the coveted post of an IAS officer.

Dr Iyer has appeared for the Civil Service Examination twice—in 2012 and 2014.

The first time, she got through the Indian Revenue Service with an AIR 139. Not content with the result, she attempted the exam again in 2014 and secured an All India Rank of 48. She is currently posted in Kerala as the Mission Director of the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

So, what did she do differently the second time around?

The book authored by Dr Iyer

“Between my first attempt in 2012 and the second in 2014, the syllabus had changed, in both the preliminary and the main examination. Because of this, no one really knew how to tackle them, so in the process of searching for books and resources; I ended up writing a book for aspirants titled ‘Pathfinder.’ The rigorous and detailed process of writing the book greatly strengthened my preparatory process,” she adds.

Nonetheless, she does mentions that writing a book cannot be the answer for every aspirant. So, here are some practical tips that can be followed.

1) Be very clear of what you want to do and work consistently towards achieving that.

“You must remember that every line in the syllabus is important, so pay good attention to during the preparatory stage.”

2) Speak to people who have cleared the examinations and understand from them what worked and what did not. While all the tips they provide may or may not help, it is certainly reassuring to know that the tough exam can be cracked.

3) While preparing for the CSE, there will be a sea of information in front of you. Remember to cover the syllabus in greater breadth than depth. This means that instead of focusing on one topic and exploring it fully, work on acquiring the full span of knowledge of a subject.

4) The importance of self-discipline cannot be emphasised enough. The greatest struggle is always within ourselves, and if you are serious about cracking the exam, you have to stick to the strategy you have worked out and follow it through in a systematic manner.

5) In the preparatory phase, find like-minded people to study with and make notes. Covering the vast syllabus with all the prescribed texts is quite challenging, so getting all the help possible, is a good idea.

“This was especially helpful for me. There were four of us, all doctors, who wanted to crack the CSE. We sat together with the syllabus and divided the task on hand such that each of us made notes on a particular topic/subject,” mentions Dr Iyer.

The notes that were made were not just in points but comprehensive, she says.

What’s interesting is that all four aspirants who studied together managed to crack the examinations and are placed at various services across the country.

How does one come back on track after faltering?

Dr Divya S Iyer

“It’s a long drawn process and not like other major examinations that conclude in a day,” begins Dr Iyer.

“The CSE is a three-step process and spans over six months, while the entire preparation itself takes up almost one year. Aspirants can’t continue the momentum with the same kind of energy levels or even spirit, so it is essential to accept the fact that energy levels might dip from time to time,” she adds.

Was there anything that helped her through her difficult phases?

“Absolutely, and here they are,” she says before sharing her list.

  • Familial support
  • Good teachers who kept encouraging and motivating
  • Yoga and meditation
  • Good food and music
  • Books other than the prescribed list, from time to time.

Also Read: UPSC Must-Read: IAS Officers Share How To Tackle ‘Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity’


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Inspiring! 500 Women In Kerala Village Switch to Menstrual Cups For a Green Future

0
0

In a praiseworthy move, close to 700 women in Muhamma, a village in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, have publicly renounced the use of synthetic sanitary napkins during menstruation. What’s more, 500 of them have switched to safer options like menstrual cups or cloth pads, while the rest are in the process.


Want a hassle-free period? Check out a range of menstrual hygiene products, from eco-friendly pads to low-cost menstrual cups, here.


The best part?

It took less than a year for the Muhamma Gram Panchayat to achieve this extraordinary feat under a menstrual hygiene project called ‘Muhammodayam.’

The project was started in March last year by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), a non-profit organisation in collaboration with the gram panchayat.

The final goal is to make Muhamma India’s first synthetic sanitary pad-free gram panchayat in the next six months.

There are about 6,000 menstruating women in 16 wards of the panchayat. So far, three wards have successfully gone synthetic pad-free.

What makes this initiative remarkable is that it is being achieved in a region where 25 per cent of the menstruating women still use old clothes when bleeding and menstruation remains a taboo topic.

How it All Began

Bengaluru-based ATREE predominantly works towards restoring ecology in areas where water pollution is rampant.

As part of their work, they learnt about water clogging in Muhamma in March last year and reached the place to lend a helping hand.

The not-for-profit organisation assessed the deplorable plight of water bodies and kickstarted a canal rejuvenation project in Muhamma.

“We found heaps of diapers and sanitary pads accumulated in the canal that is connected to Kerala’s longest lake, Vembanad. As per our survey, approximately one lakh pads are generated every month. Instead of putting our focus on the systematic disposal of pads, we decided to get rid of them altogether,” Reema Anand, Program Officer, ATREE tells The Better India.

When ATREE approached Panchayat President J Jayalal offering a solution to the waste problem, he immediately came on board.

“Seeing all the sanitary pads in the canal during the cleaning process was our wake up call to the extent of damage that one sanitary pad is capable of. They are not only bad for the environment but also for animals who chew on them. Giving necessary funds and permission was the least we could do to bring about a change,” Jayalal tells TBI.

The panchayat donated one lakh and ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix bore the rest of the cost. The money was used to purchase menstrual cups and cloth bags and distribute them as subsidised rates.

While the cloth pad packets are being given at Rs 80 instead of Rs 250, the cups come at 1/6th of the actual cost.

Representative image

Breaking The Taboo

More than making eco-friendly menstrual hygiene options accessible at affordable prices, it was changing the behavioural pattern that was challenging.

Instead of giving the menstrual cups and cloth pads for free and expecting them to adapt, ATREE first organised an awareness workshop with 30 local ASHA workers and local women in March last year.

The workshop turned out to be eye-opening for both Reema and the local women.

“I was shocked to know the extent of ignorance that prevailed in the region. To begin with, no one openly spoke about periods. After much persuasion, some cleared their doubts. Inserting an object inside the vagina did not go down well with a few women,” Reema shares.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Binisha, a resident who attended the workshop, tried raising her hand several times to clear doubts on using a menstrual cup but the social stigma around menstruation silenced her.

As anticipated, the workshop was not enough to bring the change.

So, the ASHA workers and ATREE volunteers went from to door-to-door for a one-on-one conversation with women.

“Even after knowing the benefits of the menstrual cup, I lacked the courage to make the switch. When the ASHA workers knocked on my door, it was like serendipity,” Binisha, a homemaker, tells The Better India.

This time, Binisha did not shy away from raising her doubts. “Right from the insertion method to removing it, I wanted to be sure about everything. On learning about how safe and convenient it is, I volunteered to try a sample product,” she mentions.

Interestingly, this happened when she was menstruating!

By the end of her period, Binisha was a convert and thus, became the first woman in the panchayat to use a menstrual cup.

Sharing her experience of using the cup, she says, “I would develop skin rashes from using the regular pads. Finding a hygienic toilet to change pads every six hours was another headache. Besides being cost-effective and environment-friendly, the cup is very convenient and easy to use. My sister-in-law also switched to a cup after learning about my verdict.”

Maya, a homemaker, also followed suit and was instrumental in making two of her cousins make the shift.

Like Binisha and Maya, close to 700 women stepped out of generation-old societal customs, filled up the form and ordered cloth pads or cups for a greener future.

Giving examples of women like Binisha and Maya, ATREE is now aggressively conducting educational workshops in schools and Mahila Mandals.

Fantastic initiatives like these are an answer to the rising problem of environmental degradation and regions like Muhamma prove that efforts at the individual level can go a long way in bringing about a big difference.

Still need some inspiration to switch to cups? Read this article and embark on menstrual hygiene journey.


Also Read: Swimmers to Dancers, 5 Women Who Will Convince You to Get a Menstrual Cup ASAP!


 

(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

80,000 Songs, Many Languages, 60 Years: Here is Why KJ Yesudas is Known as ‘Celestial Singer’

0
0

Eight national awards, over 80,000 songs recorded in languages ranging from Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi to Latin and Arabic, and three Padma awards—KJ Yesudas is an inspiration to millions of singers and composers and is undoubtedly one of, if not the greatest, Indian singers of all time.

There is a reason why he is often referred to as the ‘Ganagandharvan’ (Celestial Singer) because that perfection in his singing could have only come down from the heavens.

“I have always said that no singer can match what a composer has in mind. If there is one singer who, very often, came close to the original creation and, at times, even enhanced it, it is Yesu. No other singer can sing with such bhava, such laya. And his pronunciation is perfect. In the case of other singers, there is only one style in which they can be slotted. In Yesu’s case, he can be moulded into any form. The essence of his voice will stay as a diamond even if you chip off the sides,” says MK Arjunan, a Malayalam music composer, speaking to The Hindu.

As he turns 80 today, we look back at a remarkable career in music that touched the souls of millions across regional, vernacular and communal divides.

For the story.
KJ Yesudas (Source: Flickr/Rakesh S/Wikimedia Commons)

Born in Kochi to a Latin Catholic Christian family, Yesudas grew up in a household that breathed music. His father, Augustine Joseph, was a well known Malayalam classical musician and stage actor, besides being his first teacher.

Yesudas first made his mark in the Malayalam film industry with the movie Bharya in 1962 but soon transitioned into the Tamil just two years later in the film Bommai.

More than a decade after traversing through the film industries in the South, Yesudas got his big break in Bollywood singing for the 1976 movie Chhoti Si Baat, particularly the hit song Jaaneman Jaaneman.

However, it was the film Chitchor released in the same year, when he left a significant impression on Hindi audiences with evergreen songs like ‘Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyara,’ ‘Jab Deep Jale’ and ‘Aaj Se Phele Aaj Se.’

Having worked with every film composer and singer worth his/her salt in India over nearly six decades, the sheer diversity in his body of work is genuinely mind-boggling.

While many argue that his most exceptional performances on wax are in Malayalam—’Oru Pushpam Mathramen,’ a romantic ballad from the 1967 film ‘Pareksha,’ or ‘Harimuralaeeravam’ from the 1997 film ‘Aaram Thampuran,’—one can even make the same argument for Tamil as well, particularly songs in which he teamed up with the legendary composer Illaiyaraja.

There is a reason why so many composers have opted for his voice.

As a music aficionado, who may not always understand the meaning behind the lyrics, what stands out is his ability to elevate a song beyond the words and music.

There is an undeniable soul in his singing, which resonates across different music genres, languages and moods. His flexibility, particularly when it comes to range, is out of this world and music composers have often said that he can enhance an original composition like no other singer.

He has the natural ability to impart just the right amount of emotion into any song, and the tonality of his voice is unmatched. Whether he is reaching for high or low octaves, what’s undeniable is the clarity in his voice.

This is not just a product of natural talent, but years of training, discipline, and continuously working on his craft.

A master of Carnatic music, Yesudas is also famous for his devotional songs. Despite being a practising Christian, he has sung songs like Harivarasanam, a devotional song from the 1975 film Swami Ayyapan.

Composed by G Devarajan, the song is recited at the Sabarimala shrine every single day before the gates close.

Yesudas has also proven to be a genuine cultural ambassador for India.

“In 1965, he was invited by the Soviet Union government to perform at music concerts in various cities in the USSR and also sang a Russian song over Radio Kazakhstan. In 2001 he sang for album Ahimsa in Sanskrit, Latin and English and a mix of styles including New-Age and Carnatic]. In his music concerts in the Middle East he sings Arabic songs in the Carnatic style,” says journalist-turned-writer Kiran Ravindran.

For the story.
Former President Pranab Mukherjee presenting Padma Vibhushan Award to Dr. KJ Yesudas. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

But the true mark of any great is longevity. Through the decades, music has changed in a myriad of ways in terms of sound, aesthetic and most importantly, technology.

Yesudas, however, continues to stand out because of his willingness to adapt, but not at the cost of authenticity.

There is a reason why AR Rahman said that Yesudas is “one of my most favourite voices’ ever in the world.” There is a reason why Bappi Lahri refers to his voice as the one “touched by God.”

If you ever listened to him sing, you would understand why.


Also Read: Inka Time Aayega: Liked Gully Boy? Then Check Out Northeast’s thriving Hip Hop Scene!


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala Electrician Starts Organic Paddy Farming; Opens India’s First ‘Rice Park’

0
0

In Kozhikode, Kerala, everyone recognises Jayakrishnan Thaazhathuveettil as the pioneer of organic paddy farming in the state. Partnering with his friend Leneesh K, Jayakrishnan has helped revive 118 traditional, rare and exotic varieties of paddy, many of which hold excellent medicinal properties.

The former electrician has an interesting story about the starting point of his organic journey.

Thirteen years ago, his son, Bhagath was just one year old, when he suffered from a bout of chronic sickness. When the prescribed medicines failed to provide relief, a worried Jayakrishnan observed the consumption habits of his family, and realised that the chemical-laden food in their diet was possibly responsible for recurring health issues.

Jayakrishnan decided to return to his ancestral vocation of farming. He leased a 7-acre plot of land in Kozhikode and named it Anadha Farms to grow paddy. However, unlike most around him, he opted for organic farming which was quite a revolutionary concept at the time.

Black rice growing at Jayakrishnan’s farm


“My son is now a healthy 14-year-old! My family and I have given up using chemicals like soaps, toothpaste, refined sugar, dishwashing bars etc., and opted for all-natural alternatives like coconut cake, burnt rice husk (for washing). I absolutely feel that we—my mother Janaki, wife Reshma, and children, Bhagath and Rudra—are leading a much healthier and happier life now,” shares Jayakrishnan.

An electrician who became organic farmer

Jayakrishnan had heard about long-lost varieties like Mullan Kayama, Rakthashali, Valkya Chennel or KalaMalli Phula—which once fulfilled several medicinal requirements for the community. He wished to revive these varieties and bring them back on people’s plates. 

Drawing inspiration from Subhas Palekar’s zero-budget spiritual farming and Fukuoka’s natural farming methods, before formulating his own methodology. Today, aside from over a hundred varieties of paddy, the Kerala farmer also cultivates over 50 varieties of traditional tubers and 20 varieties of native vegetables. 

“I collect diverse varieties of paddy seeds by travelling all across the country, including indigenous communities in obscure hamlets of India. I  procure the remaining seeds through an extensive network of rice farmers spread across continents. I even have a few varieties sourced from Pakistan and Thailand!” says the electrician-turned-farmer.

The golden rice variety

The prized varieties of rice

While the revenue from farming does not earn him a fortune, his annual harvest of 20 tonnes of exotic rice is nearly enough to sustain his passion for exploring and discovering newer paddy species.

Speaking with The Better India, he enthusiastically explains the incredible health benefits of some of his prized paddy varieties. 

The Mullan Kayama is an aromatic medicinal variety, once consumed by royalty, while Rakhthashaali is red rice, which is deemed to have anti-cancerous properties, as well as antioxidant benefits. He procured the Kalabhatti paddy from remote parts of Odisha, which is a dark purple variety enriched with calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins B & E and zinc, and also has blood purifying properties. The Kanaka Choorna, proven to have a high content of gold as a micronutrient, is another exceptional find. The Valkya Chennel rice is known to boost energy levels while the KalaMalli Phula is rich in antioxidants. Basmati Nagni, Assam Black, Mapillai Chemba and Rakhta Choodi are four of his other best varieties. 

Folk Rice Park & Knowledge Centre

Jayakrishnan works in partnership with Leneesh, who runs a similar paddy farm in Wayanad. Leneesh, a former journalist, had been growing paddy using organic methods for the past few years, ever since he participated in the Save Our Rice campaign by NGO Thanal. 

Jayakrishnan and Leneesh at the Folk Rice Park


“I met Jayakrishnan at a paddy seed festival and was deeply intrigued by his passion. For a while, we exchanged seeds regularly and supported each other’s efforts. In 2018, we joined hands and decided to pursue paddy farming together as a joint venture,” Leneesh shares. 

The duo has recently opened the Folk Rice Centre & Knowledge Centre, on Leenesh’s 13-acre rice farm in Wayanad. The park attracts visitors from all over Kerala, as well as tourists from other states. Interestingly, such a rice park is perhaps the first-of-its-kind in India. With their exhibition of lost indigenous rice varieties, a guided walk through the park is an enriching experience for any visitor. 

The two friends also conduct extensive awareness campaigns among the public. Jayakrishnan himself regularly visits schools and colleges, conducting workshops on organic farming and rice varieties. He also actively advocates the ideas on social media. 

Jayakrishnan explaining his farming methods


Jayakrishnan and Leneesh, also run ‘Paithrugam,’ a chain of organic superfoods concocted from their fresh farm produce. For example, their all-organic baby food mixture Shishu Bhojan – made with traditional rice varieties, pulses and nuts – is one of the local bestsellers. Shaali Paani (organic health drink from powdered black rice), Glypor (food mixture to regulate insulin levels in diabetic patients) and Oushadha Kootu (porridge mix from rice, pulses and medicinal herbs) – are some of the other consumer favourites. 

“I started farming for selfish reasons”

To ensure the proliferation of his efforts, Jayakrishnan regularly offers his seeds to interested farmers and educates them about the A to Z of his methodology. Jayakrishnan ardently wishes the people of Kerala to switch back to their older consumption habits, sans any harmful chemicals or hybrid cultivars. 

Jayakrishnan’s rice varieties on display at a local exhibition


Winding up the conversation, Jayakrishnan mentions that while he is a staunch advocate of organic farming and zero-waste lifestyle, he is not averse to technology. Rather, he believes that modern technology and traditional habits should go hand in hand to foster a perfect society and environment. In fact, he has also implemented unique machines in his fields to help in sowing, watering of saplings or conserving the seeds after harvest.

“I started farming for selfish reasons (you can say). But, it’s all good now since the outcome has been great.”


Also Read: Kerala Cable Operator Takes up Organic Farming, Grows Record-Setting Tapioca, Okra


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Beds to Homes, Kerala Doctor Has Been Providing Free Palliative Care for 16 Years

0
0

For Dr Johny Gabriel from Cherthala, Kerala, serving the society as a regular government doctor was not enough. He has always felt the constant need to go beyond his job. After graduating from T.B. Medical College, Alappuzha, and completing his Master’s from Trivandrum Medical College, Gabriel got his first posting at the Karuvatta Primary Health Centre in Harippad.

“I didn’t have any major surgeries to start with, as it was a primary health centre, but I still managed to do deliveries and minor surgeries” explains Gabriel.

In a few months, not only did he become the hospital’s favourite doctor, but also the go-to person for any organisations conducting medical camps. The camps were helpful for the people in and around the village, but many of the bed-ridden and elderly patients could not attend them.

With a majority of Harippad’s population being geriatric patients, Gabriel decided to attend to these patients individually and also started a geriatric clinic at the primary health centre for patients to get their sugar and blood pressure checked at a minimal cost.

With help from his colleagues, he took the initiative to begin the Rotary Club in Harippad in 2003. Although his hometown was almost two hours away, he decided to spare the first Sunday of every month for these patients.

And for the past 16 years, he has not missed a single Sunday. He has constantly been in touch with over 25 houses, providing them with the medical and emotional support they need.

He shares, “Geriatrics is a very sensitive area to work in. Most of my patients struggle with depression, anxiety and psychotic disorders. I came to realise that behind those doors, there were individuals in dire need of help.”

He speaks of one instance where he found an 80-year-old lady lying on the cold hard ground without any source of income or even food. Both her children had abandoned her in the house, and she was unable to move.

He adds, “Some of my patients can move around but refrain from stepping outside because they don’t want to be seen by others. In many cases, this has even led to Vitamin D deficiency. This was the real challenge that I faced–breaking the emotional barrier and helping the patients to accept that they need help.”

A few months into his Sunday visits, Gabriel decided to take children along with him to help him break the ice with his patients. To his surprise, this technique worked wonders.

“My patients were so happy to see children. I saw that they felt a sense of purpose with the kids around. The children would tell my patients to take their medicines and food, and I saw their eyes light up, something that had never happened before.”

For his Sunday visits, he carries as many kinds of supplies as he can. These often include medicines, food, bedsheets, towels, to meet any unforeseen needs of the patients.

He recalls, “Five years ago, we had a patient who had a neurological disorder. The 40-year old man’s mother was struggling to carry him to the bathroom and she had no option but to drag him on the floor. The Rotary helped us get an electric bed for the family which had all the necessary functions.”

Over these 16 years, Gabriel has dealt with a range of geriatric patients with chronic illnesses and cared for them, almost like a son. He continues to cater to many elderly families and has even built houses for six families.

“The rotary has funded over Rs 70,000 for these geriatric patients and we were able to find sponsors for building homes for them.”

Retiring from his government service in 2011 with his last posting in Palakkad district, he is currently the Rotary district chairman and has extended his services to the nearby districts.

When asked about his family, Gabriel is filled with pride to say that both his children, Dr Jerry Gabriel John and Dr Lisiya Mary have taken on his profession and are currently in the Government service.

Although his own house is in Kumbalangi, Kochi, he has rented a house in Harippad to care for his patients.


Also Read: Kerala Electrician Starts Organic Paddy Farming; Opens India’s First ‘Rice Park’


“I would have never been able to accomplish all this without the support of my wife, Rufina. She has never complained even once about me not being at home and I’m so grateful to her for that.”

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Days After Mother’s Death, 14-YO Kerala Boy’s Painting on Moms Wins Global Award

0
0

Dressed in a white top and red skirt, a woman sweeps the verandah of her house, while another, a few miles away, struggles to get a hold of her cattle. In another part of the same village, two women can be seen grazing their land, all on the canvas of an award-winning painting.

The painting titled ‘My mother and neighbouring mothers’ is set against a rural landscape and portrays mundane life. The burst of colours brings out a sense of certain beauty in everyday chores undertaken by the painter’s mother and other rural women.

Four years ago, when Anujath Sindhu Vinaylal from Kunduvara town in Kerala’s Thrissur district, had started painting it, little did he know that it would, one day, go on to win the first prize at an international competition.

Then nine-years-old, Anujath completed the painting with no intentions of submitting it for any competitions. He had done it purely out of love for his mother.

However, last year, his father, Vinaylal, decided to participate in an international drawing competition conducted by Shankar’s Academy of Art and Book Publishing in Delhi. The result was announced when his mother, Sindhu, was alive. However, by the time certificate and medal arrived, she had passed away from a heart condition.

Today, the medal lies on her photo-frame, with Anujath’s passion for painting becoming stronger.

“My mother was my biggest cheerleader, and she would always encourage me to make each painting better than the previous one. With her faith and my father’s support, I hope to pursue this professionally after I complete my studies,” Anujath, now 14, tells The Better India.

Winning Is Not The Goal

Anujnath Sindhu Vinaylal

Anujath started painting when he was barely four, and it was his mother who identified his talent.

Like his father, he too had a keen interest in observing his surroundings and articulating them through his drawings. His subjects vary from something as simple as an ant crawling near the basin to a book lying on a shelf.

Vinaylal, a graphic designer, nurtured Anujath’s art in a very different manner. He did not send him to any classes as he believed that an institution would limit his curious mind with guidelines and rules. So, Anujath started participating in various competitions through the insistence of his school, Devamatha CMI Public School.

In 2013, he was judged as the best outstanding artist of the year in Asia’s largest children’s painting competition; it was organised by the Kerala Disaster Management Authority, YMCAs, and Balarama.

Anujath was barely nine when he won the Clint Memorial International Painting Competition conducted by Kerala Tourism in 2014.

A year later, the United Nations honoured him for his painting on ‘We Have the Power’ in an international competition held for children from countries in the Asia-Pacific Region.

In the same year, he participated in the ‘Art for Mehac’ Exhibition at the India International Centre in Delhi and won the India-Africa Forum Summit 2015 National Award from the Minister of External Affairs.

However, the proudest moment for the family was the honour bestowed on him from India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee. The family flew to Delhi to collect the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement on Children’s Day in 2016.

“He won Rs 10,000 and books worth Rs 3,000, a silver medal, a certificate, and a memento. It was an honour for us to meet our President. We always knew Anujath was talented but accomplishing this at such a tender age was beyond our imaginations,” Vinaylal tells The Better India.

This was Anujath’s last participation, after which he took a break for three years.

During this time, Anujath painted only for himself, “Painting gives me peace. I am transported to a different world every time I paint, and the best part is I can create my own rules and break the conventional routine,” says Ajunath.

“With competitions, there is the pressure to perform and win. We did not want to impose this on him. His real happiness lies in drawing without any expectations. It was only after he convinced us that he loved the spirit of participation because it made him a better artist, that we returned to it,” adds Vinaylal.

In 2019, when Vinaylal heard about the Shankar Academy competition, instead of asking Ajunath to make a new painting, he submitted one that was lying in the house. And the rest is history.

Inspired by the response from his ‘Mother’ painting, the father-duo is working on an exhibition titled ‘Such Wondrous Sights Around Me’ that will be held in April 2020 at the Kerala Lalithakala Academy in Thrissur.


Also Read: School Dropout Designs Striking Textbook Covers, Gets Hired by TN State Board!


It is commendable how Anujath did not let the loss of his mother affect his drawing. The boy, instead, used his mother’s faith as his strength for his creative expressions.

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

All images are sourced from Vinaylal.

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

“Food Is Everyone’s Right”: 66-YO Kerala Man Sets up Food Bank for Homeless, Serves Free Lunch Daily

0
0

‘Food Bank, Visakkunnavarkkoru Virunnu (a feast for the hungry)’, reads a hoarding above a counter of food packets. Kept behind metal-glass doors at 12.30 each afternoon, these packets are accessible to all.

The best part? The packet is free!

A set of tables and chairs is also kept in the compound for people who wish to sit and eat.

The food counter outside a house in Iranjilikuda road in Kerala’s Thrissur belongs to Gulf-returned Abdul Khadar and his wife, Sunitha. A staunch supporter of Gandhian philosophy, Khadar started this noble initiative on October 2 last year when he returned from Oman after 38 years.

Knowing what it is like to go days without food, Khadar migrated to Oman in search of a job three decades ago in 1979. Feeding the poor was a trait he learnt from his parents, and wanted to start a food initiative for them after retirement.

“Food is everyone’s right. The needy and poor should not come to us begging. As everyone’s responsibility, we must introduce a mechanism where people can access food for free. As soon as we moved back, we opened the bank,” Khadar tells The Better India.

Khadar and his wife, Sunitha

The 66-year-old continues, “We had space in our verandah, so we installed an enclosed counter that will protect the food from the sun and rains. We have also arranged for a drinking water facility for visitors.”

The food is prepared by Sunitha with the help of their domestic servants. Whatever the family eats is served to the strangers. On most days, the menu is plain rice, gravy and pickle as these are healthiest and easiest meals to prepare.

When Khadar discussed his plans for opening a free food vending machine, many people advised him otherwise, “They said anything could happen with the food if kept in the open, and I could be held accountable. That seemed like a small risk against the fact that numerous people crave for a single grain of rice. Hunger is our worst enemy, it can make you do things you never imagined.”

To ensure that the packets are not misused, Khadar has placed surveillance cameras around the bank, and a domestic help always guards the gate in the afternoon. The real-time camera also helps Sunitha prevent food waste. The first ten packets are kept in the counter at 12.30 p.m., and then based on the requirement of more visitors, the family adds more packets until 1.30 p.m.

He hosts an average of 15 visitors daily, most of whom are homeless people, including children and the elderly. Some curious people also stop by seeing the board and take the packages, but Khadar does not mind.


Also Read: 70-YO Trichy Man Helps Install 1 Lakh Water-Less Toilets, Provides Manure For Free


After leading a hectic life of struggles and challenges, very few people have the strength and patience to dedicate themselves to a social cause post-retirement. Thanks to people like Khadar who are setting an example to humanity and reminding us to do our bit for our fellow humans.

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.


60-YO Kerala Woman Wakes Up At 2 AM to Make Healthy Breakfast For The Elderly

0
0

Vinaya Pai from Kerala’s Thrissur district is not like any other senior citizen. This 60-year-old has pledged the rest of her life to looking after the well-being of other elderly and convalescing patients in her village.

A woman with a huge heart, oodles of determination and capacity for hard work, Vinaya is a proficient multi-tasker.

For the last couple of years, her schedule has been constant. She wakes up every day at 2 AM and heads straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for 50 people. She consults with the doctors in case of recovering patients and depending on the dietary needs, prepares low-salt, low-cholesterol, oil-free food with healthy ingredients like ragi, oats, millets.

Dishes like roasted gooseberry rice, green mango rice, mint rice, eggplant rice bay leaf tea, green tea, oats Idli and wheat dosa among others, form a part of her menu.

“My mind and body is working fine and all I have to do is put my culinary knowledge to use. Two helpers assist me in preparing food. Waking up early in the morning is a very small price for this noble deed,” she tells The Better India.

Vinaya puts in an equal amount of love and effort while cooking the food for she believes that food shouldn’t be just another mass production activity.

“I serve people who have asthma, joint pains, digestion problems. A couple of them are in their 80s with no teeth. I have been doing this for a while and I remember my customer’s needs, I have to be very careful while preparing food. I maintain a diary where I write my notes and every morning I go through them,” she shares.

She has the breakfast ready anywhere between 7.30 AM to 8 AM. Most of the families pick up the food from her doorstep. For those who cannot, she doesn’t mind home-delivering the food. She charges minimal rates for the breakfast as she believes anything that comes for free will not be valued.

The Indigenous Ingredient

During the conversation, Vinaya also reveals her secret ingredient indigenous to Kerala and a very healthy supplement. It is Bilimbi (Averrhoa bilimbi), a healthy yellow-green sour fruit.

It is native to the Moluccas area in Indonesia and Kerala is probably the only state in the country where it grows. It goes by the name ‘Irumban Puli’.

The fleshy and juicy fruit has many medicinal properties and is often used to treat cough, ulcers, prevent diabetes and eliminate acne.

“Bilimbi helps in reducing high blood pressure and cough. It can also be used to treat wounds and inflammation. Its leaves can be used to ease the inflammation during skin infections.”

Vinaya uses the fruit as an alternative to tamarind. She adds it to tangy curries, juice and soup.

Living Her ‘Entrepreneur’ Dream

Vinaya’s gastronomic journey began when she was young. As a child, she would often be found in the kitchens of one of the hotels—‘Bharat Hotel Sringeri’—her family owned in Kodungallur in the 1970s.

She grew up observing the chefs and dreaming of owning her own food chain.

Though she graduated in Economics and went on to work in a bank, she also completed her BSc in Home Science. While she worked as an instructor in the plant processing division of Canara Bank, she entered the food processing industry at the age of 25.

She started the sale of chips made with bitter gourd, banana, jackfruit, passion fruit, carrots, beetroots, bilimbi and kumbalanga (winter melon) that became an instant hit in her village. She also got a chance to work with a government programme called ‘Jan Shikshan Sansthan’ for which she quit her bank job. The programme aims to provide vocational training to people from underprivileged backgrounds and school dropouts.

There, she trained approximately 10,000 people to make value-added products like chips, jams, pickles.

“Most of the people I taught were housewives who wanted to use their culinary skills to earn an extra source of income. The programme was a life-changing experience for me too. Back in those days, preparing delicious food was the only purpose of a housewife and it was incredible to see how those rural women were willing to use it to their advantage and form an identity of their own,” she recalls.

Even today, Vinaya makes healthy value-added products using local fruits and vegetables and sells them across the village and some neighbouring villages as well. She claims to earn anything between Rs 2,000-10,000 per day depending on the orders.

Most of the money she earns is directed towards buying food ingredients for the breakfast she prepares for others.

“As a little girl, I wanted to be a businesswoman with my own food company. I am fortunate enough to be living that dream and at the same time helping those in need. I just got lucky,” smiles Vinaya.


Also Read: “Food Is Everyone’s Right”: 66-YO Kerala Man Sets up Food Bank for Homeless, Serves Free Lunch Daily


(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala School on the Verge of Closing Makes Winning Comeback Through Its Farm! Here’s How

0
0

The CMS Lower Primary School in Muhamma, a town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, has earned several awards from the state government and other organizations for its spectacular efforts in the field of education.

The long list includes awards such as ‘The Best Outbound Programmes’, ‘Innovative Learning Techniques,’ and the state award for ‘The Best Teacher’ and ‘The Best Scoutmaster’.

However, 15 years ago, things couldn’t have been more different.

With many of the students and teachers drifting to private schools nearby, the school was on the verge of shutting down.  The authorities and panchayat members had given up and decided to close down the building and use the land for other government purposes.

But when a handful of parents and teachers of the school came together and set up a ‘school farm’ things started to turn around. From a meagre 197 students, today the school strength is 700!

Jolly Thomas has been a teacher at this school for almost 15 years now and is proud to say that she is thrilled to see how far it has come. “I had joined the school at its worst stage and to be part of the team that brought it back to life is truly honourable,” she says.

“The concept of a school farm came to our minds because we wanted to offer something that private schools weren’t focussing on. It was something we’ve all grown up with, and at the same time it was something that our children were losing out on,” she adds.

With help from the Rotary club and the Krishi Bhavan, the school put together a farm which is now home to a variety of flowers, vegetables, fruits, wheat and even rice!

A school farm in Kerala that provides to the entire village

When the final bell rings, the students at this primary school do not rush home—instead, they rush to the flourishing school farm.

“They the farm, and get on with their duties. Be it plucking weeds, watering the plants or even planting a new one, the students truly enjoy getting some soil on their hands!” adds Jolly.

The entire student community is divided into two groups, with ten teachers, to assist each group. The teachers assign the students small tasks on the farm and overlook the entire process.

The farm grows a range of vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, bitter gourd, spinach, snake gourd, beans etc. along with flowers that are used to make pesticides and fertilizers for the farm.

“We’ve also started cultivating rice and wheat so that the students get a better understanding of the process behind it. The age range of our students is between 5 to 10, and we aim to give the best kind of learning to them over those years. For instance, for the tiny tots, we set up quizzes and competitions on the farm where they’ll have to name the maximum number of plants. Such activities will give them a better understanding of the plants around them, and it’ll stay with them for life,” explains Jolly.

Along with the teachers, the parents of these students also play a massive role in the sustenance of the farm.

“Once the children leave school, the parents come to visit after work. While some of them get involved in the physical labour, others provide us with the necessary compost and cow-dung to fertilize the soil. It’s amazing to see this entire community functioning as a family!” says Jolly.

Although the school farm started as a way to get the students to familiarize themselves with farming, today, the harvest is bountiful enough to cover the needs of the school, with lots more leftover.

“Our produce takes care of the students’ lunch, but most of the time we have enough to give out to the parents and the nearby market,” Jolly explains.

When asked about expanding the farm, Jolly laughs and says, “We’ve used up all our space for growing these plants, and we’ve also established a bio-gas plant. There’s no more space left!”

Innovative Learning Techniques

Besides the farm, the school pays a lot of attention to other learning techniques. Recently they came up with an initiative called ‘Open Exams’ where the parents attend the exams instead of the students.

“We began this initiative so that the parents get a better understanding of the curriculum and can easily help the children out with their homework,” Jolly explains.

“We also have other initiatives for parents like ‘Ammayodoppam’ where we encourage stay-at-home mothers to attend one class along with the students so that they can understand the teaching styles adopted by the school and appreciate the efforts that go into it,” Jolly adds.

The school also releases a yearbook at the end of each academic year, but unlike other school yearbooks, this one includes articles, stories and pictures from not just the students but their parents as well.

“There’s no turning back for the school now. I have three more years before I retire and I hope to make the most of it because for me this has been one of the biggest achievements in my life,” Jolly says.


Also Read: Beds to Homes, Kerala Doctor Has Been Providing Free Palliative Care for 16 Years


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

This Kerala Jailer is Helping Millions Attempt The Kerala PSC Exams! Here’s How!

0
0

Mansoor Ali Kappungal, 32, is a name that is close to the hearts of millions of Malayalees. He is the face of the Kerala PSC (Public Service Commission) exams and is helping millions crack it through his YouTube videos and Facebook page.

While he has found tremendous professional success, the journey to the top was anything but easy.

“I come from the village of Edathanattukara in Palakkad District, Kerala. I was 10 when I lost my father and 17 when my mother passed away. Being raised by my elder brothers who were both teachers, influenced me to step into the world of education, and that’s what led me to the PSCs,” shares Mansoor.

After graduating with a Masters in History and a Bachelors in Education, he cleared the Kerala PSC exams without much preparation. He understood that cracking the PSCs was quite easy, with a little bit of hard work and determination.

“It became a sort of craze for me to keep setting goals and achieving them. I kept answering question papers from previous years. I kept practising again and again. From jobs that require a class 7 qualification to the sub-inspector level examinations, I was able to crack them all,“ he adds.

Soon, he went on to write almost 60 PSC Exams in a span of 13 years and cleared 51 of them. Through the PSCs, he has earned eligibility for many posts. Last year, after getting the 9th rank for the position of a high school assistant, he requested the commission to remove his name from the list. “I was aiming for a higher rank, and I didn’t want another person to lose out on an opportunity“ explains Mansoor.

Mansoor has also cleared the NET (National Eligibility Test), SET (State Eligibility Test) and CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) and is waiting for the next set of PSC Examinations for the post of a professor.

With almost over 3 million views, Mansoor’s interactive teaching videos on the ‘Uncademy’ channel and the posts on his Facebook page ‘PSC Thriller’ has helped many clear the PSC and the LDC (Lower District Clerk) examinations.

“I started doing coaching videos because I know there are a lot of people out there who are struggling to afford classes. Many of them are not even aware of the opportunities that PSC holds, and if I can help even one person, I think that’s a big difference I’m making,” says Mansoor.

“Mansoor Ali sir has a unique way of explaining concepts in his videos. You have to watch it once, and it’ll stay in your mind forever. It’s no surprise that he has such a great following,” says Vismaya R, one of his ardent followers.

Mansoor, who is currently posted as a Sub-Jail Superintendent in Kasargod after clearing the exams in 2018, was also called up by the Kerala Police’s Indian Reserve Battalion. After five months of intense training, he decided to quit and return to his PSC dreams.

Although Mansoor ended up back in his Khaki uniform, he is fulfilling his dreams of teaching through his posts and videos online.

“I go back home after work and answer 2-3 PSC question papers every day. In the past 13 years, I’ve published almost 7,000 answered question papers on my Facebook page. In 2017, 70% of the questions that appeared for the PSC Examinations were the ones from my page,” says Mansoor.

Besides answering examination papers, Mansoor also puts out job alerts and examination rules and regulations on his page to keep his followers informed.


Also Read: Kerala School on the Verge of Closing Makes Winning Comeback Through Its Farm! Here’s How


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

‘Soldier Never Retires’: 80-YO Grows Organic Passion Fruit Amidst Rubber Plantations

0
0

Farming is just another way of working for the country,” Joseph Louis, a retired havildar tells me. A conversation with this ex-soldier is peppered with gems like these. Another one soon follows, “For me, serving in the army and growing food for people are the two most noble professions.” A native of Kavalam, in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, Louis’ life is testimony to the fact that a soldier never retires.

Following his retirement from the army, the 80-year-old has picked up farming equipment as a way to serve the nation and be active at the same time.

Interestingly, Louis’ 4.5-acre organic farm is an anomaly. On any day, you will find a farmer or two, trying to understand how he has managed to grow passion fruits amidst his six-year-old rubber plantation!

The Better India (TBI) finds out.

Inspiration Can Strike from anywhere, Just Keep an Eye Out

Having established his successful rubber plantation, Louis was satisfied. But last year, a television programme on a Kerala farmer shook things up for him.

The said farmer grew passion fruit amidst rubber plantations and Louis thought he could do the same kind of intercropping without using any chemicals.

Generally, when farmers opt for intercropping, (a method where two or more crops are cultivated on the same land) they choose plants that complement each other. For instance, spices are planted between trees as they require very less sunlight.

The interesting thing about this combination of intercropping is that where the rubber is a water-intensive crop, excessive water can kill the roots of passion fruit plants. In terms of sunlight too, passion fruit needs 6-8 hours of sunlight every day but tall rubber plantations limit the same.

“I had never heard about passion fruit. I had no idea about its colour, shape, size. All I knew was it provides key nutrients, is rich in antioxidants, boosts the immune system and is a good source of fibre,” informs Louis.

He took notes from the episode and for further guidance, headed straight to the Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK), a public-sector enterprise. Not only did he get enough knowledge to begin the process, he also got 1,000 saplings of passion fruit at subsidised rates.

He began with planting one passion fruit plant between every two rubber trees. Next, he trimmed the branches of the rubber trees to allow the passage of sunlight.

As passion fruit is a pretty aggressive vine, he spread a net across his land by tying ropes to the trees at the height of 7 feet. These ropes help the passion fruit branches climb and spread across the net.

To stop the damage to the crop by excessive water, Louis made small elevated bunds (embankments) on either side of the saplings, “The bunds prevent the water from accumulating in one place and runs off quickly,” he explains.

Louis also installed PVC pipes on the field that provides water directly to the roots of passion fruits.

Finally, for a seamless pollination cycle, he set up 50 beehive boxes. The method worked and in the first season, Louis’ farm produced up to 200 kilos of passion fruits, which he sold at Rs 80 per kilo. He also reaped benefits from the beehives as he was able to collect about 50 litres of honey which he sold at Rs 400 per litre.

Kerala is bananas over passion fruit! And to no one’s surprise, Louis was able to sell off his entire yield. “Due to its healthy properties, passion fruit was an easy sell.”

Life Before Farming

A graduate in Economics and Political Science, Louis began his professional journey as a school teacher in the early 1960s.

“Back in those days, there were very limited jobs for Arts graduates. I enjoyed teaching school children but the pay was not enough to feed my family,” recalls Louis.

The turning point came when he came across a vacancy in the Indian Army in an editorial and decided to go for the test in Ernakulam, “Earning money was my sole motivation but somewhere during the practical tests, I found my true calling.”

As destiny would have it, he cleared the tests in the first attempt and joined the Indian Army as a havildar (sergeant) in 1965. Army life gave him the opportunity to travel extensively across the country for the next 20 years until he retired.

By the time he retired, Louis’ three sons had settled in their respective careers and offered to support him.

Naturally, he was expected to enjoy his retired life.

But the energetic man was having none of it. Six months was the maximum he could sit at home without any work, “Switching from an army to civilian life is not easy. In the army, we are expected to be on our toes all the time. Retirement is not for me.”

After trying his hand at a lot of things, he ventured into aquaponics which he practised for two years but technical difficulties made him abandon the activity.

Though his formative years were spent lending a helping hand on his neighbour’s farm, venturing into the field for a profession was never his plan. He says life came a full circle a few years ago when he decided to reignite the childhood dream.

After giving up aquaponics, Louis purchased a land a few kilometres from his house and started his rubber plantation, “Most of the farmers are into rubber plantation and so it was my first choice in case I needed inputs.”

Six years later, he is harvesting passion fruit along with rubber trees and reaping the benefits.

Probably, it is these very unconventional choices that make Louis’ farming methods popular in the village. Visitors, mostly farmers, from Kavalam and the neighbouring villages are often spotted on his farm studying his eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.

Living life the Way he Wants

Though he has employed 3-4 people to work on his farm, Louis visits his farm every day without fail, “This farm is my fourth child and I want to nurture it properly. In the future, I hope to plant more varieties of fruits and vegetables.”

We can all take lessons from Louis’ life; it’s never too late to learn something new. Who knows, it might end up being fruitful for you!


Also Read: Expert Answers: Ex-Navy Commander Tells Us How to Grow a Hydroponics Farm


Photo Credits: Reshma Thomas

With inputs from Serene Sarah Zachariah

(Edited by Saiqua Sultan)

Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Kerala Farmer Invents New & Improved Grow Bag That Waters Itself! Here’s How

0
0

EK Eyo, 72, from Nedumkunnam, Kottayam has always loved farming and finds a lot of pride in saying that he is a farmer. “I am a fourth-generation farmer, and have been farming ever since my childhood,” he declares.

Eyo was always keen on experimenting with new cultivation techniques and finding effective natural fertilizers and pesticides. It was during one such experiment that he found an innovative grow bag that can water itself.

“I found that cultivating plants in grow bags was quite effective because it prevented it from being affected by fungus and other pests in the soil. But the problem was that the grow bags started decaying in just a few months. I wanted to create something that could last for years, so I converted an existing grow bag to suit my requirements,” he explains.

EK Eyo

Eyo’s grow bag is rectangular in shape, 2 ½ feet in length, 1 ½ foot in width, and 8 inches in height. The grow bag has 3-4 holes on the bottom which allows excess water to pass through. He has made two larger holes on top for the bottles, that serve as the drip irrigation system for the plant.

The plant in the centre of the grow bag will also receive enough space and soil to develop its roots because of its rectangular shape.

Eyo’s Grow Bag / Image Source: Naatupacha

The grow bag made from silpaulin (plastic sheet) can withstand any climate and will provide the necessary support that the plants require. Eyo says that he has received a better harvest through his innovative grow bags.

Unlike the previous times, Eyo saw that there was no infestation of fungus and pests in his plants. Although the numbers remained the same, the quality of the fruits and vegetables have improved extensively.

Learning from Mother Nature

Eyo’s unconventional methods and experiments have always proved the villagers of Nedumkunnam wrong.

“I have a cashew tree on my farm that has been standing strong for ages. Initially, when we planted it, it was quite brittle and was close to falling down but I decided not to give it any support. And just as I thought, the roots of the plant strengthened on its own and it came back to life,” he mentions.

Eyo loves sharing such cultivation techniques with his villagers and although he doesn’t agree with many of the methods adopted by the younger generations, he loves to see a passion for agriculture in them.

“Being one with nature and truly believing in it makes a lot of difference. I see a lot of farming techniques today that the current generation is adopting. While some of them are relevant, most of the techniques nourish the plants way too much. This reduces the resistance power of the plants,” he explains.

Image Source: Naatupacha

He has recently applied for a patent for this unique grow bag and hopes to see it reach great heights once it hits the market. “The whole point of the bag is to make agriculture a simpler process and I hope we develop more techniques like this in the future that can bring the agricultural industry into the forefront,” he concludes.


Also Read: Kerala School on the Verge of Closing Makes Winning Comeback Through Its Farm! Here’s How


(Edited by Gayatri Mishra)

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Viewing all 838 articles
Browse latest View live


Latest Images