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From ‘The Indian Dates’ to Taste Harbor: Tamarind’s Culinary and Cultural Resonance

Tamarind, scientifically known as Tamarindus indica, is a sweet and sour fruit originating from a tall shade tree native to Asia and northern Africa, thriving in tropical regions such as India. The term 'tamarind' is derived from the Arabic "tamar" (date) and the Hindi "ind" (India), earning it the poignant label 'the Indian Date.' Beyond its culinary role, tamarind trees, belonging to the Leguminosae family, offer medicinal properties, and their wood serves carpentry purposes. In my research for the "Taste Harbor" project, delving into Tamarind Barding Communication, I discovered intriguing facets. Tamarind, beyond enhancing culinary experiences, weaves a cultural narrative. Its tropical habitat, preference for dry climates, and multifaceted contributions make it a captivating subject. The leguminous tree yields edible pod-shaped fruits and leaves used in diverse cuisines. With medicinal qualities and utility in timber and carpentry, tamar

Omkaranathan, Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam

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Incorporating conceptual opulence and inspired by the grandeur of Kailasa, Amarnath and Kedarnath, comes an awe-evoking brilliance of the Shiva sanctity and its humble submission, in Kerala. Satva Scapes, through its uniquely hand-crafted creative concept “OMKARANATHAN”, helps you arrive at a truth-seeking journey’s destination, at Perumkulam, also reputed as the first book village of Kerala aka Pustaka Gramam. Celebrating the convergence of art with devotion, Satva Scapes’ OMKARANATHAN, a majestic 15 feet tall impressive crown and torso of the Lord, helps you re-discover your inner self in complete resonance with the divine grace. This statue is installed in the vicinity of the footsteps, which folklore maintains, were imprinted, when Lord Kozhikottappan granted His holy vision to Velu Thampi Dalawa. Besides boasting of a naturally landscaped flowing water stream, the statue is resplendent with over a thousand Om Karam inscriptions on the hair locks of the Lord, reverently scripted by

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

Kuravar Kali (Bharata Kali), Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam

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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

ബാപ്പുജി സ്മാരക വായനശാല | Pusthakagramam | Perumkulam

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 ശ്വാസഗതി പോലും കഥകളിമേളത്തിന്റെ താളമൊരുക്കുന്ന കൊട്ടാരക്കര നിന്നും അഞ്ചുകിലോമീറ്ററോളം വടക്കോട്ടു പോയാൽ കുന്നുകളും അടിവാരങ്ങളും തിരശ്ശീല പിടിക്കുന്ന മനോഹരമായ ഒരു ഗ്രാമമുണ്ട് പെരുംകുളം. നാടിന്റെ നടുവിൽ കത്തിച്ചുവെച്ച കഥകളിവിളക്കുപോലെ തെളിഞ്ഞു നീണ്ടുകിടക്കുന്ന കൊട്ടാരക്കര മണ്ണടി റോഡ്. ഇസ്ലാം - ക്രിസ്ത്യൻ മതദേവാലയങ്ങൾ അതിരിടുന്നതും ഹിന്ദുക്ഷേത്രങ്ങളാൽ സമൃദ്ധമായതുമായ മതസ്വച്ഛതയുടെ കൂടാരം. അവിടെ നൂറ്റാണ്ടുകൾ പഴക്കമുള്ള ഭഗവതിക്ഷേത്രത്തിനു സമീപം മനുഷ്യസ്നേഹത്തിന്റെ പര്യായമായ ഭാരതരാഷ്ട്രത്തിന്റെ അച്ഛൻ മഹാത്മാഗാന്ധിയുടെ നാമധേയത്താൽ കേൾവികേട്ട അക്ഷരദേവാലയം "ബാപ്പുജി സ്മാരക വായനശാല". ​​​​​​​പെരുംകുളം ഗ്രാമത്തെ ഇന്ത്യയിലെ രണ്ടാമത്തേയും കേരളത്തിലെ ആദ്യത്തേയും പുസ്തകഗ്രാമമാക്കി മാറ്റിയ ലോകത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച ഗ്രാമീണലൈബ്രറി.  Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam https://bappuji.com/