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Showing posts with the label Kerala’s 1st book village

Pusthakagramam: A Village of Stories Waiting to Be Discovered!

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Perumkulam, widely known as Pusthakagramam (Book Village), offers a unique blend of literary, cultural, and natural experiences. Located on the historic Veluthampi Dalawa Road (Kottarakkara-Mannadi Road), just 5 km from Kottarakkara, this village in Kerala is a beacon of knowledge and heritage. The community’s love for books and its dedication to preserving cultural traditions make it a distinctive destination for travelers. Pusthakappura – India’s Largest Book Sculpture A visit to Pusthakagramam would be incomplete without seeing Pusthakappura, India’s largest book sculpture. This monumental work of art stands as a testament to the power of books and knowledge. The sculpture embodies the village’s identity as a place where literature thrives, attracting both locals and tourists passionate about reading and learning. The Pusthakappura’s intricate design features stacks of books, capturing the essence of Pusthakagramam’s mission to make knowledge accessible to all. Open Book Kiosks (Pus

From Garden to Glass: Unlock the Incredible Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower

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The Incredible Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower (ശംഖുപുഷ്പം) In the world of natural remedies and wellness, few plants have garnered as much attention as the butterfly pea flower. Known for its striking blue color, this unique flower (Clitoria ternatea), called ശംഖുപുഷ്പം (Shankhupushpam) in Malayalam, has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian medicine. Whether sipped as a tea or applied in beauty products, its potent health benefits are drawing more interest across the globe. The Origins of Butterfly Pea Flower The butterfly pea flower is native to Southeast Asia, particularly countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. For centuries, it has been cherished in these regions for its medicinal properties and vibrant blue color, often used in cooking and herbal remedies. Its use has been deeply integrated into the traditional knowledge of these cultures. From Southeast Asia, the butterfly pea plant spread to other tropical and subtropical regions, includ

Open Book Kiosks Creating a Community of Readers | Pusthakagramam

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Discover the Literary Haven of Kerala Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Pusthakagramam is a testament to the region's rich literary culture and commitment to community learning. This unique village, spearheaded by the Bappuji Smaraka Vayanasala library, is home to  14 charming book kiosks  known as Pusthakakkodu,  Five Reading Parks  and the magnificent Pusthakappura,  India's largest book sculpture . Pusthakakkodu: Open Book Kiosks for All   The true gems of Pusthakagramam are the Pusthakakkodu. These open book kiosks are strategically placed throughout the village, inviting everyone to indulge in the joy of reading. Operating on a simple yet profound principle, anyone can come, take a book, read, and return it. The most fascinating aspect of these kiosks is that they are not locked and no one is monitoring them. This trust-based system not only promotes literacy but also fosters a sense of community and shared knowledge. Each kiosk is thoughtfully designed to be accessible and

Wings of Change: A Butterfly Marks KOKO’s Leap Towards Sustainable Harmony

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check out video  Imagine a place where every page turn in a book echoes the rhythm of nature, where the whispers of the forest blend with the stories of old. This is the vision of KOKO, nestled in the heart of Perumkulam, Kerala's first book village (Pusthakagramam). Here, a butterfly flutters in, its wings painted with splashes of orange and black—a spontaneous mascot for this eco-adventure. Prakash Varma, the mind behind KOKO, dreams of a world where creativity blooms alongside nature's wonders. The butterfly's arrival seems to say, "Yes, this is the place!" It's a sign that here, life will thrive, even as we shape our dreams into reality. This snapshot, with the butterfly perched so trustingly on Prakash, is a snapshot of hope. It tells us that KOKO is on the right path—a path that respects the rustle of leaves and the buzz of bees as much as the buildings we raise. The butterfly isn't just a fleeting visitor; it's a key player in the KOKO story. It

Seeds of Unity: Kairali Cultivates Tradition in Perumkulam

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Kairali, situated in the picturesque village of Perumkulam ( Pusthakagramam) , is boldly spearheading a transformative initiative to resurrect the richness of 'agri-based village culture.' This visionary endeavor aims to cultivate a comprehensive living environment for the villagers. Through the organization of annual agri festivals, the entire community actively engages in chemical-free cultivation, celebrating the bounty of the land. Beyond the agricultural realm, Kairali fosters a vibrant cultural tapestry by hosting various village cultural programs during these festivals. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the heritage and traditions of Perumkulam are not only preserved but also joyously celebrated. A notable aspect of Kairali's endeavor is the construction of 'Sora Varampu' park, strategically placed amidst the verdant paddy fields at the center of Perumkulam village. This park serves as a nostalgic ode to the old practice of evening gatherings and chit-

Care Beyond Boundaries: Karuthal's Humanitarian Endeavors Unveiled

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Founded in 2015, Karuthal is an inspiring NGO with a mission that resonates in today's era of widespread self-care: 'Care for others.' Bucking the trend of self-centeredness, Karuthal relies on limited crowdfunding to provide vital financial assistance to individuals battling cancer, kidney, and cardiac diseases. The organization proudly boasts a track record of disbursing over 50 lakhs in aid to deserving recipients. In a groundbreaking move to address societal disparities, Karuthal has launched 'Kuppaayakkoodu,' a revolutionary dress-sharing initiative. Positioned prominently in a public space, this unique dress box allows individuals to contribute or acquire clothing freely. 'Kuppaayakkoodu' is accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, embodying Karuthal's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the less fortunate. Karuthal Charitable Society | Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam  Content support: Madanakumar Sasidharan Branding: Satv

Perumkulam Kerala's 1st Book Village

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Perumkulam, situated in the scenic landscape of Kerala, proudly holds the title of being the state's inaugural "Pusthakagramam (village of books)." This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon it on June 19, a date commemorated as National Reading Day. On June 19, Perumkulam, nestled in Kerala's Kollam district, achieved the prestigious distinction of being declared a "Pusthaka Gramam" (village of books) by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. This noteworthy declaration, made on National Reading Day, marks Perumkulam as Kerala's inaugural village of books, with its literary nucleus being the Bapuji Smaraka Vayanasala. ​​​​​​​ The conceptualization of Perumkulam as a village of books was initially articulated in June 2020 by the renowned writer MT Vasudevan Nair. The inspiration behind this visionary initiative was drawn from Bhilar, a village in Maharashtra's Satara district, which was accorded the title of "Pustakanch Gaav" (village of