Using the power of stories to inspire change.
Living miracles that exist around us, trees shower beauty and goodness in a million different ways. We used to appreciate this intuitively. But things changed as our lives gained speed. With the awesome power to connect with the world, we lost connection with wonders nearer. We see fine trees in neglect everywhere in Palakkad; their premises strewn with trash, toxic plastics burnt at their bases, branches lopped off, trunks nailed with billboards. It’s a state that pains so many of us.
Where do we begin making a change?
‘Marangalum Nattile Kathakalum’ starts with stories. This unique project finds and celebrates the trees that feature in the myths, memories and great moments of our villages.
By honouring these ‘Nattumarams’ and making their premises clean and lively through the joint efforts of citizens and local bodies, the project seeks to make our trees an important part of our lives again.
Conducted by the Palakkad Chapter of the nationwide volunteer organization in heritage conservation, INTACH, this project is supported by BEML Limited as a Swachh Bharat initiative.
Join hands with us by sharing your stories of your local ‘Nattumaramas’!
Bringing together on-ground and online efforts…
1. Finding tree stories
Project volunteers visit villages across Palakkad to find trees with stories. 3-8 minute videos are made. You can also make videos of ‘Nattumarams’ in your area.
2. Shared online
Video-stories along with photos and location details are uploaded on www.naattumaram.com. You can do it too. These are shared widely over social media.
3. Cleaning & Tagging
Team of volunteers and botany experts clean premises of each tree. Special ‘Nattumaram’ tags with abridged tree story is tied
4. Events under tress
Bring more people to trees. Make it a great place for anything from music and dance events to conversations or quiet contemplation.
Project Partners
EXECUTION PARTNERS
The project is executed by the Palakkad Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) with the support of the Palakkad Complex of the Public Sector Undertaking BEML Limited under it Swachh Bharat initiatives.
KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS
Botany Departments of three prestigious colleges provide knowledge support for tree identfication and tree health evaluation. These are the Government College Chittur, Mercy College Palakkad and the NSS College Ottapalam
MEDIA PARTNERS
The Palakkad Unit of the Malayala Manorama supports through features in its channels
Advisors
Dr Pramod P
Sr. Principal Scientist Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore
Dr. P Indiradevi
Emeritus ProfessorIndian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
J G Menon
Chief Gen Manager (Retd) NABARD
“The trees encountered on a country stroll reveal a lot about that country’s soul… A culture is no better than its woods”
– W H AUDEN –