My first weekend in Perumathura started with a series of engaging activities, making it a truly eventful Saturday. Beginning the day with a hearty breakfast of Porottas, I then went for my teaching commitments , especially since the students had no regular school classes. Beginning at Eduspot, I interacted with 8th-grade students, emphasizing the importance of dedication to studies, exploring higher education opportunities, and nurturing skills, talents, and positive habits. Shifting focus to the 6th grade, we covered topics like skill development and revisited the previous day’s material. During the class, I had the pleasure of meeting Prof. Anu Joy from TISS Hyderabad, who had come to assist Educare with their curriculum design.
After a fulfilling lunch, a call from Educare convenor Sajid brought about a delightful turn of events. He invited me for a short exploration in Anjuthengu, the nearby village and I was happy to see Prof. Anu Joy in the car. On the way, we passed a house wrecked by sea waves, and Anu shared how climate change is a real and pressing issue affecting the poor and marginalized. Our first stop was Anjuthengu fort, followed by a visit to the lighthouse. Climbing the lighthouse was a bit tiring, but the spectacular view from the top made it worthwhile. The bird's eye view showcased the backwater with rowing boats on one side and a beautiful seascape with fishing boats on the other. In the distance, the Western Ghats added to the serene visual treat.
Our next adventure was a ferry boat ridein the kadinamkulam backwater of Perumathura. The boatman, equipped with a long bamboo to push and move the boat, arrived in just 10 minutes, setting the stage for a relaxing and memorable experience. The silent movement of the wooden boat cutting through the waters allowed us to observe cranes, fishes peeping, and capture some beautiful pictures. The sunset through the coconut trees resembled a typical Hawaiian picture, adding to the enchantment. Afterward, we enjoyed a cup of tea from a local stall in town, engaging in a lengthy conversation with Anu Joy. She encouraged me to focus on the livelihood patterns of the community, highlighting how climate change is impacting them, and suggested collaboration with their broader project. The day concluded with a profound sense of fulfillment and new insights gained from a day well spent in Perumathura.
Comments