Introducing Padmashree Lakshmikutty Amma
We wanted a very very special person for the launch of the inaugural forest magazine and we really wanted someone who is a “ true tree hugger’ and our search ended in the doorsteps of Lakshmikutty Amma, whom people fondly call Vanamuthassi.Lakshmikutty Ammaresides in Kallar one of the most naturalistic densely, populated forest, located 45 kilometres from the Capital City of Kerala.
The forest widens to 1509 a host of different medicinal species and distinctive perennial plant and trees. Amidst these jungles, there is a lady who belongs to the tribal family that one’s ruled the forest. Lakshmikutty Amma is still there as a guardian for the Kallar forest, protecting the biodiversity for decades. She received her fourth-highest civilian award in the year 2018 for her uninterrupted services to the society in the field of study in traditional medicine and also for the work towards forest conservation. She was born in the year of 1943, a pre-independent era where traditional medicine was still of great significance. She belongs to the Kaani tribe, since her young age, she has gained knowledge of wild medicines from her grandfather and through her 46 years of continuous research while she travels inside to the dense forest. She welcomed us with a warm hug and spent almost her quarter of her day with us answering our questions and advising us how to advocate forest conservation in this period.
1. Amma, how do you spend your normal day?
“I usually wake up at 5:00 AM and have a bath from a nearby water stream. Then I offer prayers to my gods and do my household chores. About 9:00 AM a long queue of patients will be there for consulting, coming from different parts of the country ranging from different ailments to poison healing. At about 1:00 PM my consulting will be over. I have my lunch and rest I spend for the public in attending interviews and helping delegates clarifying their doubts regarding research works and treatment methods. By evening I have my private time researching my treatment methods and go to bed by 9:00 PM.”
2. You have been in the forest for seven decades. Aren’t you afraid to live alone?
Absolutely not. I belong to the forest. It’s a misconception that forest is dangerous. Instead, it is our God, our protector. Until we harm nature, nature won’t harm us.
3. Is it possible for forest conservation in this era?
Forest is now depleting at a drastic rate. Our life’s sources inception is from the wilderness. Hence, conserving the forest should be the top priority and you should come back to where you belong.
4. Even if a group or an individual comes, what all advice do you give in nature conservation?
Never try to plant a foreign species in an area. It will destroy its ecosystem. Try to plant as indigenous species as possible since it is the only way we could maintain the distinctive biodiversity. Try studying the region and its soil.Never alter the nature according to your wish. Let the plants and trees grow naturally.The forest gods will take care of it.
5. We have lost a lot of species especially medicinal plants and some wild animals in this era. Is it possible that we can bring them back?
Of course. Everything is intertwined. One is dependent onthe other that if one ceases to its existence the other will be affected. If they are endangered, we cannot do anything. To some extent, we can bring them back by simply planting and nurturing the forest ecosystem.
6. Amma, according to you, which tree should grow in our homes?
I don’t think it’s possible due to the limitation of space and soil quality in cities. We can grow trees in public places such as parks, pavements and gardens. If you have soil space, I prefer Banyan, Guava, and Eucalyptus and also plant trees and plants which have a medicinal value such as Tulsi, Neem and Tamarind.
7. As a forest conserving NGO run by women, what all advice would you like to give to us in general?
I am delighted to know that such an organisation is running in my district sharing the ideology I believe in. Perseverance and sustainability are the two key qualities that should be followed in the work and strive for the protection of Mother Earth. She is the only source and existence of life. Do not disturb the equilibrium of natural processes; instead, give a little space to thrive what she has stored for us.
8. When did you receive Padma Shree and how do you feel?
I have received this prestigious award for the work which I have been doing for decades, it is not an accolade for the individual I am. I consider this is my duty as a practitioner which is bestowed by my forefathers. The award has also made a lot of changes in the lives of the tribal community. The award is a recognition not just for me, but to all the tree huggers of our country.
9. Comparing the forest in your childhood what all changes have you noticed now?
I have noticed a lot of changes in the past seven decades. Most of the forest trees are now cut down and instead trees that are planted have not worth to the ecosystem such as Mahagani, Manchiyam. We used to prepare the land for agriculture without affecting the forest. But now nobody has time to do things organically, which is affecting our ecosystem.
10. Which is your favourite tree?
I don’t have any preference, but if you insist, I would reckon its Arjun tree. It is used for cardiovascular diseases and anaemia treatments.
11. You once said in an interview that you only take what is required from the forest. What do you mean by that?
Now everything is limited. We should conserve it for future generations. When we consume it all, coming generations would not get the benefit of it. So, sustainability is important. Never waste anything. Take only what is required.
12. Women’s day is nearby. As a woman, what is the advice you can give to womanhood?
Everything has changed now. The presence of women is now everywhere. I believe, women should always be at the forefront. Coming from a tribal family, I was taught to stand for good deeds. Women should never be secluded within the four walls of the homes. She should be capable of tackling all situations and empower herself with utmost dignity.
13. It is seen that valuable trees and plants are comparatively low in the present situation. Why is it so and what is the solution forit?
Every tree or plant has a purpose forits corporeality.Due to globalisation, everything has changed. Even shrubs are now being destroyed. My ethics is that we should preserve it the way itis.
14. You have participated in many tree-hugging activities. What all problems have you faced?
The problems faced in such activities are immense. The main problem is, convincing the authorities. We always come as a group when a tree is cut. They see us as a hindrance to developmental projects. One time when we went for a peaceful protest, they called the police. We were devastated. We were doing our duty as nature conservationists. I am not an avaricious person. I am a true tree hugger. It’s still very tough to act as a protector of nature.
15. What is your opinion on the concept “for each tree cut, plant 10 saplings”?
I don’t know whether it is practical because if we cut a tree, we need to find space for 10 trees. So, act diligently and plan accordingly. The best way is to never cut a tree. But we can never act accordingly. Some must be cut for infrastructural development. But I prefer to plan accordingly and safeguard those trees.
16. What is your judgement on planting mahogany and teak in the forest?
I am not in support of the tree harvesting technique because forest area has to be cleared to plant such trees. I know they are needed for furniture’s and other stuff but my advice is to plant and grow these in other locations, not in forest areas. They are of no use to the forest ecosystem. So, my idea is to make space for such trees in other locations.
17. How do you protect yourself from wild animals?
It’s a misconception that wild animals always attack us. They never attack us until they are threatened. They may come for food, but I usually keep food and water outside my home. They are also the creation of God. God has created us in such a way that we all live in harmony. If we understand them and provide them with things that they need they won’t attack us or enter our territory. We have heard of animals entering our settlements. The main reason is due to the unavailability of food and water. They enter human settlements and eat crops because they don’t find food in their forest.
18. I have heard that you are a good archer. From whom did you learn it?
I learned it from my parents. They taught me as a self-defence mechanism to protect ourselves from wild animals and other life-threatening situations.
19. Amma How do you find yourself in cities?
I am not a fan of cities. It makes me suffocate. I prefer to stay in the forest. It is my birthplace. I would never leave the forest. When I received Padma Shri, I was given a large room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan, I felt uncomfortable within the large space. These concrete walls and artificial architecture always put me in discomfort. I prefer to stay in huts and eat fruits and vegetables grown on my premises.
20. Is it possible to plant foreign species in our local forests?
To an extent it is possible. But an ecosystem is designed for certain species only. You can’t plant a tree from an Arab country in an Indian forest. It may sometimes grow but may affect the local ecosystem. The best would be to introduce the present species only. Let them grow freely. If you are a true forest conservator, you will understand. When a tree grows, we shouldn’t prune its branches for the sake of its appearance. It’s wild, trees should be left on their own.
21. What about foreign animals?
Not possible. Haven’t you heard of the food chain? If one species is removed or a new species is introduced, it may disrupt the entire chain. So, don’t do it. It’s dangerous. If you plant trees and nurture them, they will grow and multiply themselves. We can’t do anything regarding lost species. At present what we can do is to protect and conserve the threatened or endangered species.
22. How do you welcome changes?
Changes are necessary. Progress only happens if good changes happen. I would prefer to have good changes unless and until it won’t affect our mother earth. Think of the case of electricity. I used to study using kerosene lamps, but things have changed. We can’t survive without electricity now. Similarly, newer advancement regarding forest conservation is always an astonishing thing to me. I always put an ear to scientists and other scholars regarding new techniques for forest conservations. Our old ideas won’t work in these present scenarios. So I am open to new ideas and methods.
23. How do you feel yourselves now after winning this prestigious award?
I don’t feel anything special. I received it for my diligent work and perseverance. My happiest achievement is that my community is now recognised. Now we always have an upper hand when we approach anything. Our Kaani tribe is now recognised. a lot of people started to come and look for our welfare. Our roads are now tarred and a small clinic just came up. There are still a lot of things that we still need such as a proper transportation system. I believe they will all come and it requires time.
24. Is it true that Indian forests are now in the hands of government officials and private estate owners?
To an extent, yes. Tribes who are the actual guardians of the forest are now being restricted. All are occupied or controlled by private estate owners. The sanctity of the forest is now being interrupted. They just clear the forest for the sake of planting money-oriented trees and fruits like teak, mahogany, pineapple, coffee etc. I am always against it. The forest should always be in the hand of people who conserve it.
25. Could you tell me about our region’s threatened and endangered fauna and flora?
Some of the endangered species that I know are Anamalai Flying Frog, Sispara day gecko and Buchanania Barberi Gamble. These were there during my childhood but now not to be found. I fear that a lot of species will be extinct soon. The only thing we can do now is to identify them and provide surrounding so that they can survive. It’s unfair to discriminate against a species created by god.
26. It is seen that valuable trees and plants are comparatively low in the present situation. Why is it so and what is the solution for it?
Every tree or plant has a purpose for its corporeality. Due to globalisation, everything has changed. Even shrubs are now being destroyed. My ethics is that we should preserve it the way it is.
