PUBLIC SECURITY - Human rights amidst terror

A recent consultation on a national policy towards criminal justice reforms witnessed vigorous debates between students, lawyers, rights activists, policemen and heads of security services.

In August 2009 Tehelka ran a series of damning pictures chronicling the killing of Chongkham Sangit by Manipur Police commandos in Imphal in broad daylight, only 500 meters from the state assembly. The haunting images, incorporated in a documentary, were used by Irengbam Arun, Manipur editor and human rights activist to show how pervasive the culture of impunity is in Manipur, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has made a complete mockery of citizens' rights.

Interestingly, just the day earlier Prakash Singh, former Director General of Police (UP, Assam and the Border Security Force) also made an impassioned speech on human rights - those of policemen. Singh, who has spearheaded a campaign for police reforms, said the police worked under almost inhuman conditions, and charged that little mention of human rights was made when Jharkhand police officer Francis Induwar was beheaded by Naxalites.

So what is the difference between violence perpetrated by non-state players and by the state agencies? This was among the gamut of issues raised, discussed and passionately debated at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai where a two-day long consultation on a national policy towards criminal justice reforms took place on 11 and 12 December 2009. The subject of how to address national security along with human rights was vigorously discussed by the students, lawyers, rights activists, policemen and heads of security services.

Time for change

The theme was first touched upon by Upendra Baxi, Professor of Law and Development, University of Warwick, UK in his keynote address. He suggested that there has never been a serious democratic debate on the criminal justice system and how to reform it. The litte action on this front so far has been essentially regime-sponsored and regime-serving. 

Among his list of 'provocations' - gestures of solidarity towards the victims of the present system - Baxi raised the concern of how the state can protect the security and life of ordinary citizens when it is perceived and presented as vulnerable? Was it permissible for the state to suspend basic rights of an indeterminate proportion of its population as in Jammu and Kashmir and several north-eastern states? Should terrorists be dealt with swiftly and sternly without according them and their non-complicit kin any human dignities and basic rights? Should activist interventions be seen as a threat to the future of the Indian state?

The issues, he said, were complex. First, we must ask: what level of threat perception is needed to justify overriding human rights and dignity considerations? Secondly the historic perspective of criminal justice is needed. Baxi reminded the audience that the Indian Constitution was written under the shadow of Partition, as well as concerns for maintaining the nation's territorial integrity. These required the continuation of some colonial security laws (like the Official Secrets Act) and development of preventive detention systems. But has this fragility of the Indian state continued, he asked, or can we do away with laws and systems created in those times?

Moreover, he wondered how much of the state's vulnerability has been created by the degeneration of politics and by subversive political practices that were made for short term gains. These included the attacks on Sikhs in Delhi in 1984, the incidents at Ayodhya and elsewhere later on, and more recently the events in Gujarat in 2002. Answers, he said, may therefore lie not in critiquing extravagant and extraordinary legislation and extra-judicial use of force but in terms of specifically naming the collective responsibility of political parties to reform their way of doing politics.

Baxi emphasized that in these times it was crucial to devise an ethical counter-terror policy and for all constitutionally sincere Indians to contribute to the debate.

Through the official lens

Voicing the state's viewpoint was Dr R K Raghavan, IPS, retired director of the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) and currently SIT chief probing the Gujarat carnage. Stating that terrorism has practically replaced crime in these troubled times and that geo-politically no nation is more vulnerable than India, Raghavan admitted that the big challenge for paramilitary organisations was to mesh with the civil populations they were meant to protect. 

Preserving national security required great sensitivity, he noted, and it was a role for which the state police had not received requisite training or been equipped. He conceded that with the growth of terrorism, more citizens were likely to come under the scanner of intelligence groups. With the army being deployed in J&K and the North-East and increasing need for interaction with the police there were bound to be different perceptions of how to work under civil conditions.  

 

Prakash Singh claimed that it was political leadership that had subverted the role of the police by seeking to keep them under their thumb.

He said some degree of accountability was mandatory when limits were crossed by these agencies and he was happy there was the National Human Rights Commission to address this. Efforts were on to sensitise the law enforcement agencies, he added. While it would be preposterous to expect any major changes there were signs of increment change. With terror attacks likely to continue ("We have not seen the worst of terrorism." he warned) the ferment over different perceptions would continue, he admitted. As in illustration he alluded to the Shopian case where huge differences have come up between the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies over what really happened.

In his speech Prakash Singh claimed that it was political leadership that had subverted the role of the police by seeking to keep them under their thumb. He cited the example of the Delhi riots in 1984 when the police became mute spectators. The roots of armed rebellion against the state - as in the growth of the Naxal movement - lay, he said, in socio-economic issues like tribal alienation from the land, poor governance and extreme poverty. Since the role of the police is merely that of establishing rule it was for the state to bring about the necessary change, he argued.

Later responding to questions, Singh defended the use of strong-arm tactics by the police saying "What else can you expect in a police station?"

Heated exchanges

Professor Pande who currently holds the NHRC Chair on Human Rights at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, during discussion time raised the pertinent question on the need for a policy on terrorism. When does a person become a non person, he wondered (That is when does a terrorist get the category of "beast").Thereby does he get stripped of his rights? 

These questions were examined in greater detail on the second day. Dr Kannamma Raman, a noted human rights champion and Associate Professor in the University of Mumbai observed that the current scenario was such that national security and human rights were being seen as not compatible with one another and she was glad this subject was being debated.

Sounding the patriotic bugle M L Kumawat, IPS, (Retired Director General, BSF and former Special Secretary, Internal Security) said it was the duty of citizens to appreciate the role of the state agencies in maintaining security. He spoke of his own detention by the police when he was a poor, young boy but affirmed his faith in the state which had enabled him to rise to his present high level. Kumawat, who played an important role in the raising of COBRA, the anti-Naxalite forces, spoke emotionally and graphically of how often one had to scoop out mangled remains of BSF personnel killed in landmines planted by the Naxalites and the grief of the families who could not even get to see the bodies.

Presenting the other side of the picture both Irengbam Arun from Manipur and Athili Sapriina of the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights drew a graphic picture of what it is like to live under special legislation like the Armed Forces Special Act. Arun, who screened the documentary, pointed out that the Manipur Police commandos were probably emboldened to kill the Manipur youth because of the culture of impunity offered by the Act and the way the army operated without any restraints.

Sapriina said that under the guise of national security one could even whisk away a youth whose only crime was to protest against the building of a dam. He charged that the army's policy of capturing the hearts and minds of the people was restricted to mere gestures like building a basketball court even as abuses grew.

In his impassioned speech Ravi Nair, Executive Director, South Asia Human Rights was emphatic that preserving national security did not mean giving the state agencies license to kill or commit endemic torture. Any special legislation like the Armed Forces Special Act must be put periodically to legislative and judicial scrutiny. He noted that both Vice President Hamid Ansari and the current minister for law Veerapa Moily had at various times recommended that this law be repealed. 

The question-and-answer session and discussions that followed were extremely animated. Raman noted that the frequent remarks of the home minister and others about imminent terror attacks seemed to be aimed at creating public opinion in favour of reprehensible laws. Shrikanth Bhatt, an advocate interjected to suggest that the existing legislation on evidence were insufficient to convict terrorists. The issue of preventive detention was also brought up with a heated exchange taking place.

Sapriina, on his part, pointed out that in insurgency-affected states the balance of power was heavily weighed in favour of the state and that it was an unequal situation for ordinary citizens.

The rule of law

It was left to Justice Bilal Nazki, former advocate general of Jammu and Kashmir and judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Bombay High Court in his valedictory address to unequivocally spell out the difference between violence perpetrated by non-state agencies and that by the state. Drawing on his rich experiences Nazki spoke of his anguish when a colleague in J&K Jalil Andrabi was taken away and believed to be killed by the army. Till date despite innumerable appeals mystery shrouds the case, with entire files pertaining to an officer being untraceable.

He also spoke of his own abduction by two young terrorists, who shot and wounded him when he tried to escape. So what is the crucial difference between an attempt on his life by terrorists and the extra-judicial killing of Andrabi? Nazki offered that the difference is that the state is expected to adhere to the rule of law, whereas it is vain to expect the same from terrorists. Unlike terrorists, he said, "[the] state is not a terrorist. I expect rule of law by my state." He also reminded the audience that "We are all protecting the state in our own way. The judge who upholds the laws and rights of the citizens is also protecting the state and is every bit as patriotic as the army soldier or BSF personnel who lay down their lives."

INTERNAL SECURITY - Rethink needed in dealing with Naxalite violence

An Expert Group in the Planning Commission calls for a more development-led approach to people's resistance, and a renewed commitment by the State to the democratic system. 

When the Naxalite movement first emerged in the late 1960's, the Research and Policy (R&P) Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) produced a report on the Causes and Nature of Current Agrarian Tensions, which famously said that the green revolution would turn into a red revolution in the absence of far-reaching agrarian reforms. 

The MHA has to play a crucial role in the interpretation and assessment of major social and political conflicts in the country and issue guidelines to state governments. The Intelligence Bureau (IB), an 'attached office' and a large and secretive organisation with tentacles spread all over the country, provides basic inputs and analysis to the Ministry. Unhappy with 'over-classification', the then Union Home Secretary L P Singh set up the R&P Division in the 1960's, giving it freedom to prepare independent studies on conflicts situations across the country. The Division did well and built up an impressive and computerised database on communal violence. 

And so its cautionary note on strengthening agrarian reforms should have been heeded by the government. In the event, the said reforms never took place, with entirely foreseen consequences. Now it is officially reported that Naxalism affects 480 police stations spread over 12 states and covers roughly 125 districts. Moreover, the State has preferred to deal with the phenomenon only as a law-and-order issue, and not in terms of development issues. For instance, the Prime Minister, addressing a conference of Chief Ministers on  the Naxalite Violence in April 2006, used a law-and-order terminology that would have pleased any Director General of Police! 

Addressing the same meet the Union Home Minister offered to place 26 battalions of Central paramilitary forces at the disposal of state governments to deal with the Naxalites. In its annual report, the Union Home Ministry spelt out an elaborate police strategy, along with funds, to deal with Naxalite violence in different states, including the encouragement of 'local resistance groups' such as Salwa Judum in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. 

The government's stance has been consistently myopic. Throughout the country, dalits and adivasis have been displaced in their millions due to development projects, and large numbers of them have joined or support the Naxalites. Further, violence against these communities is increasing, as reported by official agencies themselves. But neither the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment nor the Ministry of Tribal Welfare was invited to the above chief ministers' conference. Nor were the two Commissions on the Scheduled Castes and Tribes. 

Further, neither the Prime Minister nor the Union Home Minister in their addresses, mentioned the special Constitutional responsibility of Governors to provide the central government with detailed reports on the welfare and development of adivasis. Nor did they bring out the special Constitutional responsibility of the Government of India to ensure the protection and welfare of these two deprived and marginalised communities. With the development deficit in these communities totally overlooked, there is little reason to wonder at the continuing growth of the Naxal problem. 

The R&P Division of the MHA, which did much useful work, has now been wound up and a new Policy Planning Division has taken its place. The annual report of the ministry states cryptically that the Division deals with 'counter-terrorism'. No details are given. Further, the Divisions in the ministry dealing with the development of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes have been transferred to new and largely toothless ministries. The Civil Rights Cell set up to prevent 'atrocities' against SC's and ST's no longer exists. The ministry has lost the developmental edge it once had, and has become an increasingly paramilitary agency. 

Development Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas

But this have proven to be of limited value, and so, every once in a while we are forced to look anew at the old, unaddressed development problems. The most recent example of this is a report of the Planning Commission's Expert Group on Development Challenges in Extremist Affected Areas (April 2008). Eschewing the dominant thinking, it delineates a comprehensive developmental response to counter the impact of the Naxalite violence in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Rejecting the security-centric approach, it provides a refreshingly ameliorative approach. 

While its terms of reference are quite general, the Expert Group deals essentially with the causes of discontent among the people, that has led to the spread of Naxalite violence in an increasingly virulent fashion. The introductory chapter goes into the socio-economic and political context; the condition of dalits, adivasis and women; access to basic resources including forests and land; special economic zones and common property resources; labour, employment and wages; displacement and rehabilitation; the process of adjudication; environmental degradation; political marginalisation of the dalits and adivasis; statistical pointers; and governance. 

Further, the report notes, the development paradigm pursued since independence has aggravated the prevailing discontent among marginalised sections of society. This paradigm has been conceived and imposed from above, insensitive to the needs and concerns of the poor causing displacement, destroying social organisation, cultural identity, resource base and has generated multiple conflicts undermining their communal solidarity making them increasingly vulnerable to exploitation. There are different kinds of movements and to call them all 'law and order problems' is to find a rationale for suppression. The tensions must be contextualised in terms of social, economic and political background. The people's right to livelihood and a dignified and honourable existence must be brought back on the agenda.

 

And this can only happen, says the report, if the State itself feels committed to the democratic system, and human rights and humane objectives inscribed in the Preamble, Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Rights of the Constitution. The State has to adhere strictly to the Rule of Law, for it has no other authority to rule. The right to protest, even peacefully, must be recognised by the authorities, who are instead inclined to meet even non-violent agitations with severe repression. What is surprising, given this, is not the fact of unrest itself, but the State's failure to draw the right conclusions from it. 

The rest of the report deals with extension of Panchayati Raj to Scheduled Areas (PESA); investigating people's discontent and support for extremists; the State's response; and finally, recommendations. 

Copies of the report have been sent to all the concerned central and state government establishments, including the MHA. It is not clear what the ministry's response would be, in view of its largely repressive approach to popular resistance. The report must be circulated to all police agencies concerned with Naxalite violence, including the IB, which makes a major contribution to the study of the violence in the ministry. Considering the nature and variety of conflicts in different parts of the country and the absence of meaningful information on them in the ministry, it would be necessary not only to revive the R&P Division but set up several interdisciplinary study-and-action groups, consisting of scholars, civil servants and social activists, to go into conflict situations and produce reports for policy action. 

The entire 'Indian police system' needs to read the Expert Group report and imbibe the essence of its contents to begin to provide a meaningful response to Naxalite violence. There is a need to change the mindset in the ministry, which accord low priority to reports on rural violence emerging from agencies such as the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Rural Development as compared to intelligence reports, which are classified and enjoy a mystique and prestige of their own! Ironically, the various recommendations from the state-security apparatus have not made much of a dent on the Naxal problem, but despite this failure, police action appears to be favoured response of the state to all disturbances. That has to change. 

Indeed, more than merely revising the state-security approach to Naxalism, it would also be hugely helpful if long-overdue police reforms are taken up. The Indian police system is a huge, complex and essentially paramilitary one founded in colonial objectives, and while the British may have been justifiably proud of it, Republican India has failed to either change this organisational model with the concomitant repressive legal structure. Dependence on the Intelligence Bureau, which is a police organisation with a highly state security-centric and not a peoples-security-centric approach, is no longer viable, if it ever was. 

NAXALISM - Social banditry

In their readiness to identify with the oppressed, Naxalites are in contrast to the bureaucrat, the politician and the police officer, but they are not revolutionaries.

The novelist and critic, C S Lewis, said he had no time for those who thought that since they had read a book once, they had no need to read it again. The great works of literature were to read again and again. The urge to go back to a book was prompted sometimes by aesthetics, the desire to savour once more its artful or elegant prose; and, at other times, by the sense that one would learn something new on a second reading. Thus, it is said that War and Peace makes one kind of impression when read while young, quite another when read in middle age. 

My own tastes run in the direction of non-fiction, but at least in this sphere I think I am exempt from C S Lewis's strictures. Among the books I go back to are autobiographies, such as those written by Neville Cardus, G H Hardy, Mahatma Gandhi, Verrier Elwin, Salim Ali and Leonard Woolf. I have also read Tagore's tract on nationalism three or four times, and C L R James's Beyond a Boundary at least once every other year. 

These return journeys have chiefly been undertaken for pleasure. However, I recently reread a book for instruction. Like some other Indians, I have been thinking a great deal recently about the rise of the Maoist movement in the country. Who or what are these Maoists? Are they, as the home ministry tells us, a bunch of thugs and murderers, or are they, as some left-wing intellectuals claim, idealistic and high-minded revolutionaries who shall create a society free of evil and exploitation? 

In search of answers, I went back to a book I had first read some years ago. In the 1980's,  I had read the works of British social historians who had written about lower-class protest in early modern England. Within that vast and once very influential literature, I thought that one study in particular might help clarify my ideas about the Maoists now active in central and in eastern India. This was E J Hobsbawm's book, Bandits. 

 

Hobsbawm observes that in several countries and historical epochs (as for example, early-20th-century Mexico), bandits had joined revolutionary political struggles, "not because they understood the complexities of democratic, socialist or even anarchist theory, but because the cause of the people and the poor was self-evidently just." 

And so I read that book again. I learnt (or learnt afresh) that there is an important distinction to be made between the ordinary criminal and what Hobsbawm calls the "social bandit". Whereas the former is despised by poor and rich equally, the latter "never cease[s] to be part of society in the eyes of the peasants (whatever the authorities say)". "The point about social bandits," writes Hobsbawm, "is that they are peasant outlaws whom the lord and state regard as criminals, but who remain within peasant society, and are considered by their people as champions, avengers, fighters for justice, perhaps even leaders for liberation, and in any case as men to be admired, helped and supported." 

 

Hobsbawm was writing about another continent in another century. Still, his book does seem to speak somewhat to the India of the present. In an evocative passage, he writes of social bandits in medieval Europe that "they lived their wild, free lives in the forest, the mountain caves, or on the wide steppes, armed with the 'rifle as tall as the man', the pair of pistols at the belt?, their tunics laced, gilded and criss-crossed by bandoleers, their moustaches bristling, conscious that fame was their reward among enemies and friends." 

This description, with a word or phrase changed or modified, could fit the current bete noire of the West Bengal state government, the Maoist leader who uses the nom de plume, Kishenji. To be sure, he wears a cloth mask rather than a moustache, while, to broadcast his fame (and notoriety), he uses those very modern devices, the cell-phone and the television camera. However, the way he speaks and the manner he affects bring to mind the swagger and self-regard of the medieval social bandit. Like that character, Kishenji will be wild, and he will be free - and he thinks the police will never catch him. 

Hobsbawm observes that in several countries and historical epochs (as for example, early-20th-century Mexico), bandits had joined revolutionary political struggles, "not because they understood the complexities of democratic, socialist or even anarchist theory, but because the cause of the people and the poor was self-evidently just, and the revolutionaries demonstrated their trustworthiness by unselfishness, self-sacrifice and devotion - in other words by their personal behaviour". Then, he continues, "That is why military service and jail, the places where bandits and modern revolutionaries are most likely to meet in conditions of equality and mutual trust, have seen many political conversions." 

 

Once more, the parallels with the current crop of Naxalites are not hard to detect. What they have going for them is their lifestyle - they can live with, and more crucially, live like the poor peasant and tribal, eating the same food, wearing the same clothes, eschewing the comforts and seductions of the city. In this readiness to identify with the oppressed, they are in contrast to the bureaucrat, the politician and the police officer. And to take Hobsbawm's other point, from the late 1960's onwards, the jail has indeed been a crucial site for the transmission of Maoist ideology in India. 

Historical comparisons are never exact. In some respects, the Indian Maoists are like the social bandits of early modern Europe. They too emerged in response to inequalities in society and the manifest corruptions of the State. With the government indifferent to the needs of the poor, a band of motivated individuals have come forward to identify with their interests. 

Here, the parallels break down. For the Maoists seek not justice for a single individual or village, but a wholesale re-ordering of society. Their ambitions are far larger than, for example, those of the late Koose Muniswamy Veerappan, he of the bristling (and outsize) moustache. Whereas the gang of that Tamil Robin Hood operated in a single hill range, the Maoists have a network stretching across several states. 

Hobsbawm wrote of the bandits he studied that "they are not activists and not ideologists or prophets from whom novel visions or plans of social and political organization are to be expected". The Maoists, on the other hand, see themselves as ideologists and even prophets, although it must be said that their vision and plan are not novel but wholly derivative. They hope that, in time, they will prevail by the force of arms over the Indian State, thus to capture power in New Delhi much as their revered hero, Mao Zedong, had captured power in Beijing 60 years ago. 

This larger aim marks them out from the likes of Veerappan, as, of course, does their access to more deadly weapons such as AK47's, dynamite and land mines, not to speak of their practice of a virtual cult of violence which takes pleasure in blasting transmission lines and railway stations and beheading policemen and alleged informers. As it happens, however, the revolutionary dreams of the Maoists are a fantasy. The Indian State is far more powerful today than the Chinese State was back in the 1940's. And in spite of all its manifest faults and failures, most Indians prefer our current, multi-party democracy to a one-party state to be run by the Maoists. 

For these, and other, reasons, we must withhold from them their own preferred appellation, that of "revolutionaries". They are considerably less than that, but also far more than ordinary criminals. Should we then see them as social bandits for a post-modern age, capable, like their medieval counterparts, of irritating the hell out of the government of the day, if ultimately incapable of overcoming or replacing it?

RAMAKKALMEDU - The playgound of Breeze

Ramakkalmedu is a hill station and a hamlet in the Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located about 15 kms away from Nedumkandom on the Munnar-Thekkady route. It provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu villages and towns. It is the proposed site for power generation using winds. It is believed that or there is a folk-tale that lord 'Sree Rama', the Hindu mythological God had set his foot on this rock and hence the name Rama-Kal-Medu originated (Meaning: Rama's foot imprints). The following are the highlights of this beautiful place:

• One and Only Wind farm in Idukki.
• The Land of Wind.
• Excellent view of Tamil Nadu.
• Great statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthy.
• Amakkallu
• Vilikelkkappara
• Natural Caves
• Biofarms

Getting there: Nearest railway station: Changanacherry, about 93 km. Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu) about 140 km Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, about 190 km.

MAIN FEATURES

• Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist site in Ramakkalmedu.
• Studies have shown that Ramakkalmedu is the most suitable place for setting up the farm, as the area is blessed with uninterrupted and high velocity wind during the season. Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the first wind farm in Idukki, set up at Ramakkalmedu with a private participation, at a function  held in Thookkupalam on 27th April 2008. Seven wind farm units  started supply of power to the KSEB's Kallar sub-station.
• The main feature of this hill is that, tourists can reach there by foot or by vehicle. Parking area is also available here. Vehicles are not allowed to enter in to the statue compound. From this site, we can see the Ramakkalmedu Wind Energy Farm.
•  The wind farm was set up after a survey of the wind path and its velocity. With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally increased. All the units have started supplying power to the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Kallar sub-station, 17 km away from the installed area. 

The main tourist importance of this place is the presence of excellent winds from TamilNadu. Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu an enchanting retreat. The hills top also offers a panoramic view of picturesque villages of Bodi and Cumbum on the Eastern slop of the Western Ghats. You'll have a bird's view of 5 major towns of TN. Its dryness , its brownish ground , its straight roads, and houses looks like a hut from top. You just have to turn back, to see the contrast. A completely green Kerala, with peaks blocking every view of yours. You can leave your vehicle near the Shiva Temple . There should be a few small shops open where you can rejuvenate yourself for the climb. Distance from Munnar is about 56 kilometers.

Kuruvan & Kuruthi statue

        Statue of Kuruvan & Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills is one of the major tourist sites in Ramakkalmedu. C.B. Jinan Shadod of Balaramapuram is the architect of this famous statue. It was launched  in 1st August of 2005. Hundreds of tourists visit here daily. From this hill we can see a certain portion of Tamil Nadu state. Also you can see here two huge statues of 'Kuruvan' and 'Kuruthi', the two historical characters of the local community whose names were given to the rocks between which the Idukki Dam was built. It is believed that Kuruvan and Kuruthi found the place for the famous Idukki Dam.  Tourists are not allowed to climb up the statue at anytime. It's strictly prohibited by rules. From the statue we can see the family of Kuruvan along with a cook. Behind the statue, the authority made up a Mandapam, which serves as a rest house for tourists. From this site, we can see the Ramakkalmedu Wind Energy Farm.

Wind Farm

With more power units to come up in the area, the total power generated will be marginally increased. Seven more units are in under construction. Agencies like Agency for Non-Conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) are keen to launch wind units at Ramakkalmedu, which has been found best suited for generating wind power, sources. Average windspeed here is 30.04 Km/h. The wind farm is an added attraction to Ramakkalmedu, which is known as a major tourism spot that provides a panoramic view of Tamil Nadu. Around 10,000 visitors come to the area each day since the launch of the windmill. Official sources say the cost of installing (excluding the land price) a wind unit is Rs.4.15 crore and the power generated is sold to the KSEB at a rate of Rs.3.15 paise a unit as fixed by the Central Regulatory Authority. Each unit now produces 500 to 600 Kwh electricity and it can reach 1,500 Kwh calculated at a maximum speed of 24 rpm (revolutions per minute). Companies such as Etton World, Sun Star, IBN, Zenith Energy, Eastern and Miton have installed units with technical support of Vestar India, an arm of Vestar Denmark, which at present has 35,000 wind farms the world over.

Rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air make Ramakalmedu and enchanting retreat. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of Tamilnadu towns of Cumbum, Theni, Kombe, Thevaram, Uthamapalayam, Bodinaykannor and Vaiga. The sight is even wonderful if you could stay there till dusk and see all these towns lighted. One story says that Lord Rama kept his feet at the tip of Ramakkalmedu to search Ravana the King of Lanka who abducted his wife Sita.

Ramakalmedu stands tall in the Western Ghats at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. Here you can move upto the tip of the rock where you will feel yourself at the top of the world with a little fear. The eco system of the area largely comprises of grass land Shola forest type which is laced by sporadic bamboo forests. The speciality of the wind flow is another factor which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km per hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time. You will have to experience it to understand how much it will rejuvenate you. Abundant in wind, Ramakkalmedu is the second place in Kerala where a wind energy farm is installed. Currently the capacity is at about 12.5 MW.

Tourism
Although Ramakkalmedu has a good potential for it to become a fine tourist destination, not much is done for the improvement of basic facilities nearby. Since this is a place where one can complete the visit in one day.

The scenic beauty of Ramakkalmedu has attracted thousands of people including Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio. He has reportedly said about this place that "If there is a paradise on earth, it is here".

The hilll slopes covered by green grass carpets and the rocky peaks of the mountains add beauty and adventure to the place..The twin hills here stand closer and as a tourist just feel free to explore them.. The other hill is adjacent where you may climb upto the peak if you are not phobic to huge heights..

If you are a photographer, you are gonna love this place for the great opportunity to test with your panoramic shot skills...But i think the place has to be felt in real than just seeing through photos..

The place is Kerala's second place where a wind energy farm is installed. You really have to feel the freshness of the constantly blowing wind over here..

 You will love watching the cover of mist getting moved quicker with the winds.. You can get a much great view of the vast valley beneath in a sunny day..

Rock Formations in Ramakkalmedu mountain ranges of Kerala

Nature's Study Table!.Watch the Rock books ordered neatly one over the other.There are some peculiar rocks like these here. All of them are having names and i think this one is named Amakkallu, not sure..

The place is truly adventurous, and equally dangerous if you are not watching your steps... You have to be physically a bit sound and a little brave if you wanna explore the place to the extreme, for it involves some walks through the edges..

By the time we visited there it was off season and not much people around.. The place was still developing in the stream of tourism facilities. It's likely to be gone much forward.. hope so!

Mountain peaks in Ramakkalmedu

Hmm.There..At the top...Care to take a flag to mark your presence! Highest peak in the Ramakkalmedu mountains. Snap from Kuravan Mala

One among the twin mountain peaks of Ramakkalmedu.The place has a myth related to it with the Hindu Lord Rama..Its says that when Ravana lofted with Sita, Rama placed his feet on the top of the highest peak here and watched around for Sita..The place got its name from the belief that Rama placed his foot over the rocks here..

There are points where you can stand by the extreme edge. Steep depth below your next step.. This rock is one among such a point..A single step will get your body to Tamil Nadu the neighbouring state beneath and soul to Heaven. At points like this you may not be much able to stand and look down for the winds can be much stronger and the depth may make you nervous.. hmmm it depends...

Had to take this snap for i didn't get a much clear view of the valley down in any other photos.. And we took only a few snaps too, which turned as a great loss.. Hope shall visit the place soon again and get some great photos.

Vallay of Ramakkalmedu Kuravan Mala

What about Walking Down!!..valley beneath Ramakkalmedu mountain ranges

Hey don't judge this photo.. It's a mere limitation of the device.. You may even dare to stand there and look down if you are once there...If you like hiking, and you have a professional training for that, i think you can try out at your own risk..

Highest mountain peak- Huge Rock of Ramakkalmedu

The Top Point over the Layered Big Rock.

If you want to reach the top most point of the place, just climb over that mountain.. There are some huge rocks like The Krishna's Butter Ball at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu over that mountain top.. You can just jump from one to another, again a little risky job for the Rock pieces have a little gap in between...

The place is fun if you are with a group of friends on the adventurous side.. And it will be much refreshing and calm if you are with family and can just sit around and relax enjoying the big valley beneath and continuous cold wind. If you can wait untill dawn it will be much of a scene with electric lamps glowing in the valley below as if the stars have fallen down on earth.

Way to the Highest mountain Peak of Ramakkalmedu

On the Way to Ecstasy

May feel little feary when you climb up and the wind hits you constantly like an enemy..No problem. keep moving..But I insist not to walk alone and go to the ends like this if you have a height phobia..
Hollywood actor Leonardo Di Caprio, after visiting the place commented on it as "Heaven on Earth"..Hmm he may have considered the height. Much closer to the Heaven above ..

Big Rock

The pillar Rock...

It seemed like one doesn't have to look for a great suicide point anywhere else if you are in search for one.. Unlike the suicide points of Kodaikkanal  which is always invisible beneath as it is covered by a strong mist.

Vagamon hills..To be more specific, this place is also known as Kurishumala, one of the three hill ranges in Vagamon...

Vagamon is one of the ideal places in India's eco-tourism projects.. One of the enchanting hill stations of Kerala dotted with tea plantations and with a pleasant cool climate makes it prime among the holiday resorts of Kerala..

The place is having hills at heights of 1100 feet from sea level and attracts hikers... Three mountains comprise the whole place and are named as Thangal hill, Murugan Hill, and Kurishumala..The names are enough to tell you about the religious harmony...

The Christian monks run a huge dairy farm in Kurishumala and is worth a visit..On Good Friday, the Way of Cross in memory of the Crucification of Christ, is done by people along the hill sides of Kurishumala.. The 14 places are marked permanently with crosses along the valleys..

Vagamon:-

The closest town is Erattupetta (25 kms)..You can reach the place from Kottayam through KK Road by taking a turn from Peerumedu.. There are more than 10 tourist spots in and around Vagamon.

Tender coconuts break into corporate offices

It's 'ready to serve' and like a soft drink bottle or tetra pack, you can take it inside any office, drink and then dispose. Sold with the brand name Tender Fresh, 1500 – 2000 tender coconuts every day are reaching a clientele that reads like the who's who of Bangalore's software companies. 

Tender coconut, which was a 'footpath commodity' till recently, has now got a double promotion to posh corporate offices in Bangalore. It's Health Magic Natural Foods, a twenty-one months-old firm that has succeeded in carving an altogether new market slot for tender coconut. 

Interestingly, this is perhaps the only value-adding industry of its type in India. 'In fact', clarifies Yogesh H R, 29, the brain behind this novel enterprise, 'we do only minimum processing. But since ours is a pioneering industry, we had to start from scratch and overcome many challenges.' 

 Today, Health Magic sells 1500 – 2000 tender coconuts every day. Their main clientele reads like a who's who of city's software companies. Employees of giant software companies like Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Accenture, and Honeywell are their regular customers. "They are so satisfied with the product that if we fail to deliver a single day, the phone starts ringing", Yogesh points out. 

Says Francis Pais, Manager, Big Bazaar, Banashankari, Bangalore, "Tender Fresh looks so attractive and is very hygienic unlike what is available on roadside. Everyday they supply fresh stock. We have a regular clientele for that comprises both middle as well as high class. Feedback is very good." 

Recently, for the World Coconut Day celebration organised by the Coconut Development Board (CDB) at New Delhi, this company's tender coconuts were sent by plane from Bangalore. After all, what's the specialty of these tender coconuts? 

 These tender coconuts, even after partial dehusking, retain their natural colour and taste for a long time. About 5-6 days under room temperature and upto three weeks under refrigeration. 

Yogesh, a post-graduate in horticulture, has specialised in post harvest technology of horticultural crops from the University Of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore. For his post graduate thesis, he studied courses related to post harvest technology of many horticultural crops. Work experience in organizations like Xavier Institute of Management and Mother Dairy foods processing Limited, a subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board and a course in Agri clinic and Agri business training program by NABARD has helped him to acquire managerial skills. Sarvesh Kumar, a horticulture graduate hailing from a coconut grower's family of Tiptur (north-west of Bangalore, between Tumkur an Chikmagalur) is his partner. 

How this novel idea struck to these youngsters? "When we were pursuing our course in horticulture, we students were often discussing about increasing the marketing prospects of tender coconut. We strongly believed that being a top health drink, it deserves far better marketing place than footpath. If it is possible to convert it into a form that is very convenient for those working in corporate offices to take it inside and drink it easily in a comfortable atmosphere. But, how to achieve this? This question was there uppermost in my mind since a number of years." 

While surfing through internet, Yogesh was amazed to see that some Thai products perfectly matched his dream. Says he, "This practice is very common. Thailand exports young coconuts to USA, UK, etc., through refrigerated ship consignments. Inside the country also it is commonly available in hotels, restaurants and even in road sides." Thailand's enviable achievement in value-adding tender coconuts inspired these two youngsters to act on those lines. 

But being altogether a new idea to our country, there was nobody to guide them. Very little information was available on 'minimum processing'. For commercial scale marketing, trimming tender coconuts by hand was not enough. Moreover, by this method, getting uniformly shaped products is out of question. As such, the very first challenge was to search for a trimming machine. 

Unfortunately, none were readily available. With no other way left, Yogesh decided to develop one. He started efforts in this line with the help of an engineer. Eight months of research finally succeeded. The machine they have developed has a capacity to trim 350 - 400 tender coconuts in eight hours. 

India is the world's number three producer (22%) of coconuts. It lags slightly behind Indonesia (27%) and Philippines (23%). Thailand, with its negligible 3% production, has captured the number one position in value-adding tender coconuts in various forms.  Generally, tender coconut loses its colour hours after trimming. Within two days, it turns ugly blackish; fungi starts growing over the trimmed surface. So, the next hurdle was to find out a suitable treatment to retain the natural colour. 'After trials with three different chemicals, we arrived at the right choice', recalls Yogesh. The R & D took more than a year, 'without a job and salary'. However, his horticulture education helped him a good deal. "Otherwise", recalls Yogesh, "such an idea would never have flashed in my mind." 

Before starting their venture, these youngsters conducted a market study. Many of their target consumers, i.e., software company employees had expressed that 'if tender coconut is available in neat, 'easy to handle and ready to serve' form, they would prefer to go for the same. This gave them the much-needed confidence.

Health Magic Natural Foods was started in January 2005. Initial capital : 800,000 Rupees. The trimming machines peel out the outer green skin. With this, the tender coconut becomes more attractive and easy to handle. Bottom portion of the nut is cut in such a way as to facilitate the nut to self-stand on tables. Then it is dipped in a solution of potassium metabisulfite and citric acid. This retains the original colour. After drying, the nut is wrapped with food-grade cling film to enhance the shelf life. 

In a way, you may even call all these minimum processing measures as beauty addition too! Forget about the foreign and inland tourists, a look at Tender Fresh would attract even the farmers who grow it. Everyday, Health Magic door - delivers its beauty-added tender coconuts at the software companies. At Bangalore, Hopcoms sells it at their selected outlets. Hopcoms is a co-operative giant running a chain of horticultural produce shops throughout the state. However, a breakthrough was when the leading software company Accenture gave consent to Health Magic to open a retail parlor at their premises. An initial daily sale of 150 nuts here has now risen to an overwhelming 250-300. 

Analyses Yogesh, "consumers in coconut growing area know the natural taste of tender coconut. As such, the preserved tender coconut water doesn't attract them so much. In our 'minimum processing', we don't heat the tender coconut water, nor do we add any additives. Our main thrust here is to think always as to how conveniently and easily we can provide tender coconut water to consumers without altering its natural taste." 

While the roadside tender coconuts are priced Rs.10 in Bangalore, Tender Fresh is priced only at Rs 12 at consumer's door. Health Magic lifts its supply of fresh coconuts directly from farmers of Channapatna area. They have arrangement with about 100 growers who are given training by the firm about selection and harvesting of right kind of tender coconuts. Every week, the Health Magic's factory at Kengeri gests 2-3 loads of fresh tender coconuts. In monsoon, the sales go down by 25%. 

Software companies don't permit the tender coconuts to be cut inside their premises. Most of the clientele buy Tender Fresh for its water. As such, the firm keeps only the sweet water in mind in its selection criteria for raw tender coconuts. Too big and too small sizes are also not preferred. One of the problems that come in the way of tender coconut marketing in city offices is the problem of disposal of the left-over. How does Health Magic tackle this? 

"It's not a big problem. We collect the solid waste and bring it back. Our vehicle, after delivering fresh nuts, picks up previous days left-over and brings it back to our factory. Poor people around happily take it home for future use as fuel," reveals Yogesh. 

Clouds of suspicion on soft drinks has also helped boost up the market for Tender Fresh. "However, to cash on that aspect, you need intensive marketing efforts. Right now, our production and resources are limited. But the potential is vast. We can develop good market in restaurants, star hotels, super markets, trade fairs, conferences, seminars, ceremonies etc," he hopes. 

However, they have plans to bring out a family pack shortly. There will be packs containing two or four nuts that families can easily carry even on two-wheelers. They can take home the pre-cooled pack, keep it in their fridge and drink it whenever they like, just like the bottled drinks. 

"Occasionally we get feedback from our consumers. Many software employees express that they are very happy now. Earlier, they had to come out of their offices and walk down in the streets in search of tender coconuts on the footpath. There are a few who say that they have bid good-bye to coffee or tea and have opted for our product. Health consciousness is increasing." 

 

In fact, this pioneering industry has tremendous potential to scale up in our own country. Years ago, when coconut prices had fallen, Coconut Development Board took lot of initiatives to start tender coconut parlors in and outside Kerala. Some of them were serving a health drink by name coconut lassi is nothing but the tender coconut water blended with its own white meat with the help of a mixie. Coconut lassi, sold at Rs 5 had good takers. The same product, if served in a more attractive and convenient form would have developed an altogether new market segment. Unfortunately, till now, nobody seems to have taken this product to the urban elite in a trend-setting way. 

"Tender coconut is a noble gift of nature; it has to reach the noble clientele in the country," wishes Yogesh, "We would like to sell Tender Fresh like milk sold in milk booths." He has plans to start more retail parlors in more software company's premises. In addition, plans are there to begin retail outlets at railway junctions, bus terminals, big hospitals, shopping complexes, marketing places, government office complexes, private offices etc. One more idea of diversification is to open 'Coco bazaars' that sell fresh and tender coconuts, packed coconut milk, chips and all coconut products at one place. 

Adds Yogesh: "Ideas are abundant. But what limits us are the financial resources. Moreover, our technologies have to be fine-tuned. If Coconut Board sends us on a study tour to Thailand and other countries that are far ahead of us in coconut value-addition, that will help us greatly." 

Coconut Development Board, he mentions, has helped him great deal in this venture. Under the Coconut Technology Mission, CDB has given them financial aid for marketing efforts. Similarly, he acknowledges the co-operation of many officers of horticultural department, professors of UAS Bangalore, Hopcoms top-brass and managements of software companies. 

Looking back, Yogesh is happy. "We are satisfied because we could make headway and success in the field we have been educated and to find out an altogether new market for a product my and many other neighbourhood families are growing." 

Thailand, with its negligible 3% production, has captured the number one position in value-adding tender coconuts in various forms. It exports differently beauty-added & value added tender coconuts to many developed countries like Japan, UK, USA, etc. Two thirds of its 1.119 million coconuts are either consumed fresh or value added and marketed inland or exported. There are some Thai exporters who trade in various coconut products including tender coconuts for which some of the companies claim 3 to 4 months shelf-life under refrigeration. Tourists are attracted to different deserts & coconut preparations. Websites describe the high nutrient value of tender coconut water and have step by step photos and descriptions showing how to open and eat a tender coconut. Of course they call our tender coconut as 'young coconut.' 

The time is right for CDB to study the Thai achievement in coconut value addition and try to promote the same here in our country. Sources at Coconut Development Board express helplessness saying that Thailand's industries and horticulture departments are very secretive about their coconut value-addition techniques. It must still be possible to make progress, because, after all, most of the techniques involved are not very elaborate or complex. In many cases, just beautiful presentation is what sells ordinary products. 

With health consciousness growing among consumers and state governments inclined to act over pesticide residues in bottled drinks, the timing may be perfect to promote our best available natural drink, tender coconut, inside our own country as well as to the overseas consumers. With the changing lifestyle of the urban middle class and more and more 'ready to use' eatable and drinks turning into the 'in thing', tender coconut will also like have an increasing number of takers if it can be provided in comfortable form. 

CONSUMER AWARENESS - What's in a brand name?

In a few seconds, advertisers tell us stories from a fairy-tale world of the strongest, whitest, coolest and simply the best. And alas, like most fairy-tales, advertisements are often false. How can consumers be better informed? The products are everything they are not supposed to be. More complicated still is the case of products like liquor and tobacco, which are banned from being advertised in the mass media. 

The makers of most of these products which are banned from advertisements resort to 'surrogate advertising' – a sort of indirect advertising in which a 'cover product' is made to point towards the actual product, the latter being banned from advertising. For instance, the Ministry of Health (MoH), Government of India, has banned the advertising of tobacco and liquor. But many liquor brands (like McDowell's whisky) initiate other products like sodas in the same name which are then advertised. Similarly, many 'gutkha' brands introduce their pan masala products which indirectly advertise the gutkhas. Another instance of surrogate advertising is 'Four Square Bravery Awards' in the name of Four Square cigarettes.  

And what better advertising than Bollywood hits showing superstars consuming the products in question. Shah Rukh Khan was shown smoking a cigar in 'Devdas'. In the ruffle over this which followed, the MoH indicated to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) that display of smoking in mass media must be banned. The MoIB in turn was pressurized by the film industry against imposition of such a ban. The industry suggested instead that self-regulation be imposed. Of course, no self-regulation was practiced since Amitabh Bachchan was again seen smoking in the film Bunty aur Bubli. 

But one wonders if advertising can indeed influence people's minds to an extent such as inducing them to smoke, drink etc. Yes, says, Parag Paul Choudhury of Voluntary Organisation in Interest of Consumer Education (VOICE), a Delhi-based NGO, also member of Consumer International. Choudhury cites the example of Rajnikant, the popular actor of films in the south, who had a particular style of flipping a cigarette to his lips. Boys in the south unconsciously started trying to flip the cigarette in the same manner and many took to smoking through this playful, imitative initiation. 

Choudhury also talks about the shifting target of the advertising industry. Through the 60's and 70's it was the house-wife but this gave way to youth being the target of the ads. The focus then shifted to children, which continues even today. He says that today, children can be seen in ads which are not at all child-products. He cites the Maruti Esteem ad in which two children compare whose daddy has the bigger car. "In fact, today 84% of parents take their children along when buying products which are not child-products – simply because children have a big say in buying decisions," Choudhury says.

The advertising agencies have formed an association called the Advertising Agencies' Association of India (AAAI) which also has a governing board called the Advertising Standard Council of India. The AAAI is almost like a union with the main function of protecting the rights and interests of the agencies. The governing board on the other hand, forms rules, regulations and guidelines to be followed by AAAI in order to facilitate work in a structured manner. The governing board also represents the agencies before the government.

According to VOICE, both of these organizations are only namesake. Far from performing their watchdog functions, they often succumb to pressure from various corners. For instance, if a client has a problem with one agency member, another agency member takes up the assignment of the client. There is no teeth in the association's or the board's statements or actions, says Choudhury. The most they do is to withdraw ads if there is an uproar over them. 

Choudhury says, tests invariably reveal that products advertised heavily fare very badly compared to the less advertised ones.  What about consumer rights vis-à-vis advertising? According to Choudhury, there is a very strong interface between advertising and consumer rights. First of all, he says, this includes the right to have a transparent system to know about a brand or a product. It includes the right to demand during-sales and after-sales service, right to know how the pricing is arrived at, right to know the terms and conditions which apply – information to which the consumer is typically not privy. These rights are documented and recognised by India's Ministry of Law, and based on international agreements and standards which India adheres to. For instance, in the Hero Honda bike ad, a son escorts his blind father to 'see' the 'super' brand of the bike. But there is hardly anything superior about the 'super' brand. Only cosmetic changes have been made in the non-super variety with no real changes in the body, engine or fuel-consumption of the original product. 

As for VOICE, one of its main activities is product testing, which aims to educate the consumers in order to facilitate informed choices among them. Every month 10-12 different brands of a particular product category are tested. According to Choudhury, these tests invariably reveal that the most advertised products fare very badly as compared to the less advertised ones. For instance, in a latest test of ceiling fans, Usha and Bajaj turned out to be worst while Havell and Orient were the best. In a test of shaving creams, V-John – a product usually rejected by classy urban youth because of very low pricing – turned out to be second best. Also, 6 of the 8 shaving creams tested were found to be underweight by 2-3 gm – this seemingly negligible amount, when stretched over the millions of pieces produced, saves the companies tons of shaving cream. 

These test reports can be bought online at VOICE's website at http://www.consumer-voice.org. 

VOICE says it will soon launch a 24X7 call centre where consumers can call for product complaints. The organisation plans to help by getting in touch with manufacturers and shopkeepers.

From Snow Ball to Coconut Lassi

This Kochi couple's one-year-old enterprise is perhaps the only serious attempt to market snow ball tender coconut so far. And in their response to irregularity of supply, they introduced the coconut lassi. 

Tender coconut is a natural health supplement that has considerable nutrients. The white meat of fairly grown up tender coconut is a mini meal in itself. A glass of coconut lassi, a drink made by churning out the tender coconut juice and the white meat would easily keep the hunger away for 4 - 5 hours.

Thailand, a small country with only 6.73 per cent of world's coconut production is in the forefront of tender coconut value addition today. It is providing livelihood for thousands of families. Though we in India produce 27.08 per cent of world's coconuts, except for selling tender coconut as it is, we haven't achieved value additions worth the name and scale. 

Snow Ball Tender Coconut or STBC, ready to eat. Customers drink the inner juice first by piercing a straw. Later, with the help of a fork and knife, the ball is made into small pieces to eat. 

Snow Ball Tender Coconut - SBTC -- is a promising value addition of tender coconut. It is nothing but the soft white ball obtained after neatly removing the outer shell. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) based at Kasaragod, Kerala has developed a machine to help produce SBTC. A food cum drink, this product has good potential to attract tourists and visitors who have not experienced the taste of tender coconut. 

How to eat, nay, drink snowball tender coconut? It is served in a cup or wrapped in a tissue paper. Customers drink the inner juice first by piercing a straw. Later, with the help of a fork and knife, the ball is made into small pieces to eat. 

Biju Balakrishnan's (31) one year old small enterprise, Kairali Snowball Tender Coconut at Kochi is perhaps the only serious attempt to market SBTC so far. Operating from his house, Biju has been supplying SBTC to a regular clientele he has built up including some city hospitals. 

The SBTC cutting machine he has bought from Mangalore on CPCRI's recommendation has cost Biju Rs.19,000. It has a half HP electricity motor and a circular blade. By carefully handling this machine, skilled workers can the coconut shell without damaging the inner meat portion. 

Biju Balakrishnan and wife Deepa are graduates. Initially, to get twenty finished products, he had to use fifty raw tender coconuts. Now, he dehusks the nut and cuts the shell with the machine's help. Wife Deepa does the rest. Peeling the ball out and removing the testa (brown outer layer) is her responsibility. "If you are experienced, starting from dehusking to snowball, it takes only five minutes."says he.

Practical issues

Soon Biju realised that there are many hurdles in his path. The first one was non-availability is the right kind of tender coconut. To make SBTC, seven month old tender coconut is just right. If it's still tender, the ball can't be removed intact. Even if this is achieved, it won't stand transportation. Grown up ones won't be tasty, the inner juice would be sourish. 

The CRPCRI literature claims that snowball tender coconuts 'can be used till 10-15 days if kept inside fridge.' "But in reality, its taste changes", points out Biju, "from the very next day." Even with utmost care, certain amount of breakage of balls can't be avoided. 

                                                        Biju's tender coconut products. 

 

To use the broken balls productively, Biju started a product - Tender coconut lassi - what he calls as Elaneer juice. Blended with a dash of cardamom, this was instantly accepted by his customers. He sells 200 ml hand-sealed packet of this drink for Rs.10. As production of SBTC turned irregular, he made Elaneer Juice his main product. 

Whenever the right type of raw tender coconuts are available, he makes SBTC. Neatly packed in plastic bags, it is sold to the canteens of three leading hospitals for Rs.17. The canteens sell it for Rs.25. "There are a few doctors who are regular customers of my snowball, but I'm sorry that I can't keep up the supply regularly. As getting raw material is uncertain, I'm not in a position to accept advance orders. In fact, if regular supply can be maintained, good market can be developed for SBTC." 

After packing, Biju keeps the Elaneer juice in his freezer. Hours later it's transferred into thermocol cooler box for transportation. After reaching the hospital canteens, the packets are transferred to their fridge. "If kept in fridge, it remains for three days", he points out, "in fact, this product is better accepted than SBTC." 

"It is the north Indians who like the snowball more. Cardamom flavor of the juice as a special attraction for most of them", says he.  

Coconut lassi

Everyday, this couple produces 50 to 100 Elaneer juice packets. As it is a home product, they haven't put a brand name to it. "Neither can I afford media advertisements. Yet once in a while, we get orders for functions and marriages", says Deepa proudly. 

One such memorable occasion was when they were asked to serve this natural drink for the two day All India Physicians meet held at Kochi last year. Each day, they had to supply 750 packets. "It was a great occasion", Biju recalls, "Good number of doctors drank two packets." Marriage order means a market for 500 drinks at one stretch. 

Ernakulam Lake Shore Hospital, Ernakulam Medical Centre and Wellcare Hosiptal are the three big customers for Elaneer juice. Doctors, nurses and members of patients' households who stay with them are its regular buyers. "The main virtue of our products", according to Balakrishnan, "is that it's natural; I think that's why the customers like it." One north Indian doctor was so impressed that he took a few snowball tender coconuts in a cool box in the plane to share with his family members. 

Another big break was two small stints he got to sell his products in city's water park Veegaland. He could sell 150 juices each day on average. Whenever raw material was there, 50-60 snowballs as well. 

Kerala's agriculture department has given an incentive of Rs.20,000 to Biju to start this home industry. The biggest challenge to this business is rain. Kerala has 4-5 months of rain. As such to cling on to this profession in monsoon is not possible. "Practically, this is only half years business. I'm able to save something only because it's a low investment enterprise. I'm raking up my brain to explore the possibilities of earning money from the same raw material in monsoon too. " 

                                                         Deepa and Biju Balakrishnan. 

Tender coconut ice-cream is a product Balakrishna has set his mind to. But, again, it can't be produced and sold in rainy season. "Carbonated tender coconut water is a possibility. This technology is there in the state. But major problem is that it requires huge investment", he explains. Biju hopes that if good quality bottled tender coconut can be produced, there may be a market worth exploring in bars which will be less impacted during rainy days. Summer rains and unexpected rainy days - like this year's - too cause him considerable loss. 

This couple had very high hopes on marketing SBTC. "Even now as and when I get right raw material, we keep doing it. Say about 750 in a month in the season." If only a regular supply network can be built up to send snowball to the nearby famous boat house centres of Aleppey and tourist centres like Kumarakam and Munnar, this product would click among the northern and offshore tourists. 

Though the returns aren't very attractive, the couple have not given up hope. "However, this income is not suffice us to make a living. As such, I deal a little bit with real estate and share business to make both ends meet", says Biju. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of US has reportedly developed a technology by which tender coconut juice can be preserved and sold for three weeks in a specially built mobile can. Such technologies would help such home scale industries.