The life of 63-year-old Chanthukkutty Kuttiyappuram of Arikkulam-Mavatt, near Koyilandy, is devoted to the care of more than 400 species of medicinal plants that he cultivates in his 52-cent land.He says his interest in medicinal plants grew when his mother told him about the 20-types of grass. "I had passed this information to my children and others," says Mr. Chanthukkutty, who has a collection of nearly 50 rare species of medicinal plants. Though his parents were illiterate, Mr. Chanthukkutty says they have knowledge on medicinal plants and life that even educated men do not have. According to him, every plant has some medicinal properties. He does not cultivate medicinal plants for commercial interests. "I also give seeds, but never gives it for a price," he says. These collection of medicinal plants are a treasure for the entire country, not just for him or his family, he points out.He believes that men could live only by battling against nature. "Even at this age, I did not feel any tiredness, because I work hard nearly 12 hours a day in cultivating medicinal plants and also undertakes paddy cultivation," he says. He was brimming with confidence when he says about paddy cultivation. "Paddy cultivation can never be a loss for me. I only engage 10 workers for two days for planting saplings, the rest of the work before this and after this, is done by me and my wife," says Mr. Chanthukkutty Mr. Chanthukkutty never jots down the details of medicinal plants. One of his son stores all the details of medicinal plants on the computer. Schoolchildren come to him to know more about medicinal plants. He is invited to many schools to inform the students more on medicinal plants and traditional wisdom.Grameena Padana Vedi based in Thiruthiyad, near Balussery, has made a documentary on Chanthukkutty titled 'Along the greenness.' With no government or even local body support, Mr. Chanthukkutty continues his battle to preserve medicinal plants for posterity.
The Hindu, 31st October 2008
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