Being one with nature has been an eclectic subject in the 20th century. We find people flitting from one place to the other while trying to save nature. A lot of ‘nature’ is being expended in order to preserve it. TedTalks, NGO activities, and awareness programs have been taking over the purpose. Air-conditioned seminar halls and energy guzzling modes of transport are used for the purpose of discussing the subject called conservation of nature.

Awareness, exposure, and experience have increased in this regard. However, the actual process of ecological conservation is yet to take a front seat. It is pertinent to ensure that conservation takes place in a frenetic phase. It is important to understand that simple activities and locally available resources coupled with the ability and skills of locals are just enough to conserve nature. This has been brought out through movements like slow food. The socially conscious member of the Coimbatore Verandah Club Chapter, Dharanendra Mommaiya was happy to share the story of the conservationist-cum-craftsperson, Mutthu, from Alangulam District, Tenkasi.

Mutthu happens to be the 27-year-old son of Murugan and Prema. This talented youngster is keen to combine his skill with the conservation of nature. Mutthu has just done his 10th grade but his idea of eco-conservation is splendid. The hard-working Mutthu had been making wire-knit cots from his childhood days. The going had been fine yet the urge to do something new drove Mutthu to pick up additional skills. The opportunity came in the form of the elderly craftsman, Subramani.

Subramani mastered Mutthu over a period of one month. This helped the youngster to produce cots where the relaxing portion was made of palm fiber. The cots of these panai naaru kattil (Palm-fiber cots) is anywhere between Rs. 7500 and Rs. 12,500. Mutthu and his visually challenged assistants take about three days to make a piece which measures 6 feet by 3 feet.

“I purchased palm fiber from the farmers at Panagudi and Esiyanvilai. The purchased material is soaked in water and we separate it later. The separated fiber is about 4mm thick and we use it to weave. Once woven, we fasten the strips to the cot. These cots are sent to our clients in just a day provided they are located in Tamil Nadu. Our clients pay us through Google Pay. If the stocks are not readily available, it would just take 3 more days for the goods to reach the customer. We provide quick and quality service,” stated Mutthu while talking about himself and his products.

The ebullient craftsman goes to Rajavallipuram on successive Panguni Uthiram-s for the purpose of offering his prayers to his Kula-dheivam, Maravudaiyaar Sastha. Muruga/Karthikeya is his ishta devata. Mutthu is very clear. He does not want his photograph published until he succeeds in the mission of popularizing his product. However, he was happy to share the pictures and materials conducted with the products and teammates.

Let us support Mutthu by spreading the good word and also by purchasing the cot made with palm fiber.

Mutthu - +91 96265 18057

Need of the hour:

It would be of great help if someone can help this aspiring conservationist-cum-craftsman entrepreneur, Mutthu, to avail a Mudra Loan.