Nadum Nattarivum

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

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

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with   KOKO ! This exciting new project is set to redefine sustainable tourism and community connection in the heart of Kerala. While still a work in progress, KOKO promises to be a beacon of eco-friendly travel and cultural preservation. Connecting to My Village Nestled amidst lush greenery, my village in Kerala has always been a source of inspiration. The simplicity, resilience, and harmony with nature that define village life have shaped my vision for KOKO. This project aims to bring the charm and values of my village to the forefront of sustainable tourism. Pusthakagramam : Perumkulam in Kottarakkara Mannadi Road ( Dalawa Road) , known as "Pusthakagramam", holds the distinction of being Kerala's first and India's second book village. This unique initiative has fostered a love for reading and community engagement, further enriching the cultural fabric of our village. What to Expect from KOKO 1.  Eco-friendly Homestays

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

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

In the heart of every flourishing garden, a tiny yet bustling hub of activity thrives, often unnoticed by the casual observer. This hub is the insect hotel, a sanctuary crafted by eco-conscious gardeners to support the unsung heroes of our ecosystems. Let's delve into the world of these fascinating structures and discover how they not only benefit our gardens but also serve as a testament to sustainable living. What is an Insect Hotel? An insect hotel is a man-made structure designed to provide shelter for beneficial insects. It is constructed using a variety of natural materials that mimic the insects' habitats in the wild. These hotels are often filled with an assortment of organic materials such as straw, wood, bamboo, and pine cones, creating a mosaic of nooks and crannies that cater to different species. The Architectural Marvel of Insect Hotels Creating an insect hotel is akin to building a miniature ecological condominium. Each section serves a specific purpose and cater

  Nature's Gift to KOKO: A Harmony of Life and Land in Perumkulam In the verdant heart of Kerala's first book village, Pusthakagramam, lies the village tourism project KOKO, a place where the whispers of nature and the wisdom of books converge. The recent discovery of two animals, a tortoise and a rabbit, naturally sculpted by the landscape itself, is a testament to the beauty and wonder that the natural world holds. The tortoise, with its solid shell and deliberate pace, symbolizes the enduring spirit of KOKO. It reflects the project's commitment to sustainability and the protection of nature. This creature, shaped by the very rocks of KOKO, serves as a guardian of the land, reminding us of the importance of a slow and steady approach to conservation. The rabbit, agile and alert, represents the dynamic energy of life that pulses through KOKO. Its presence on the right-hand rock is a playful nod from nature, an embodiment of the joy and vitality that visitors can experience

In the golden hour of the evening, when the world seemed to pause and the air held a breath of tranquility, a small yet profound drama unfolded in the sanctuary of my backyard. There, amidst the verdant blades of grass, lay a sparrow, her feathers dulled not by age but by an unexpected descent. Tiny adversaries, a band of ants, had found her before I did, adding to her plight. Yet, this was not to be a tale of defeat. As I approached, the sparrow's eyes met mine, a silent plea within their depths. Initially, she was a portrait of discomfort, wary of the intentions of this looming giant. But as I reached out and gently removed the first ant from her eye, her demeanor shifted. A sense of relief seemed to wash over her, and in that moment, a bond was formed. With hands guided by an impulse of compassion, I continued to tend to her, removing each ant with care. My younger son stood by, his eyes wide with wonder, bearing witness to this tender exchange between man and nature. In those m

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-

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, 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

The Kuravar artists were under the patronage and guidance of the tutelage of the Kuravarkulam Urali, who belonged to a dravidian tribe. They saw the universe as the all  eternal and ultimate truth. They worshipped and revered natural elements such as  sun, moon, water, air, and trees. They gave wild food as offerings to the Gods who protected them in their times of  happiness and sadness. They pleased the gods through their dancing and singing in circular movements. Their belief is that the deities who are pleased with this will bestow them with their blessings for the prosperity of  their tribe and their lands. As a clan ritual art of Kurams, Kuram games are still being performed in Kavus and temples. The places where such games are played are called kalari or kalams. The instruments required for these are Maddalam, Kutty, Kuzhal (bamboo), and Kaimani. All these three beats, in rhythm, wake up the mountain gods and  the kalam. Urali prostrates and prays for the prosperity, unity, and