A Spicy Mission with an Official Vision!

"Hey! It’s a young lady”.  “No, it’s not. It is the profile of an aged woman”. “How could that be? Can’t you see it with your eyes?”  “Okay then, explain to us the grey hairs. How can a young lady have grey hairs?” A fiery discussion was brewing up in the tent on top of the chilly hill top of Sooryanelli early in the morning. The Sun has just started to hit the crest of the Earth in full swing. Realizing that the conversation might not reach at a consensus between the two groups, the facilitator, the one who was leading the discussion, slowly stepped in. What would be his viewpoint? “The portrait is both an aged woman and a young lady”, said he. The whole group was wonder-struck at the statement. As an answer to the raised eyebrows of the onlookers, Commander Madhusoodanan, the head-trainer of the Kalypso Adventures continued. “This was a small test on your perception. The whole group was divided into two with a distinct purpose. The test makes you realize how an external influence could sway your ideas even in seconds”.  So that was just a start to the Outbound Training Programme for Spices Board India staff in Kalypso Adventures at Sooryanelli, Munnar.

As excited as it was before the start of the journey, there was also a set of pre-conceived notions about the training that the group took with them. But none thought that all these notions would be mere castles built upon a set of cards. It would not take much, but a gentle breeze to blow away the cards. The 19^th Batch of the OBT programme, exclusively women brigade, was thus no exception to the other male counterparts who had attended the training so far at Sooryanelli. The whole exercise was undertaken as a part of enhancing the capacities and capabilities of the individuals in Spices Board. Neither the hierarchical difference nor the discrepancies in the age mattered.  Right from the top cadre to the bottom, everyone was being taken for the training programme. Importance of each individual in the organization was realized and not the designation as such. So the Training Programme was organized in such a way to wipe off the inhibitions, to shed the ego and to seek the hidden talents in the employees. In batches of 20-30 it was a chance for the employees to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Western Ghats. So this time it was our chance to breathe fresh air and indulge ourselves in the mystic beauty of Sooryanelli in Munnar hills.

The journey started from the Spices Board head office around 2 in the after noon and the group boarded the vehicle for a remarkable experience that would remain one to be cherished throughout their lives. Everyone bid adieu to the artificialities of the city for a life entwined with nature at least for a couple of days. It was a journey to dwell in perfect harmony with nature that is pristine and waiting to be explored. The long winding and curvy roads with hills on one side and seemingly unending, steep precipices on the other created the picture of a charming romantic location. With the hues and cues of flowers wafting its way through the roadsides, the lush green vegetation all around caught the sight of everyone passing by. Giving a feast to the eyes, ‘the dancing waterfalls’ also added freshness to the whole trip. The journey continued and the vehicle sniveled away through the dense forests. As if worried for the safety of the travellers, the moon in his full bloom lighted up the paths. The stars, being too shy to dress themselves up for the occasion chose to stay behind the doors. Giving a picture perfect shot in each and every angle, the whole journey was sure to be a memoir. It is true that with Nature at proximity, man gets all the more natural; he would be able to think afresh and feel anew.

The long journey ended before the entrance of the Kalypso Adventures. From the clues gathered from hither and thither, it was sure to be days of adventures. Somehow I was reminded of the lines by Jason Mraz: “Here’s to freedom, cheers to art. Here’s to having an excellent adventure and may the stopping never start”. So before immersing ourselves fully into adventure, we took a glance at the surroundings. Although pitch dark the beauty of the place needed no mention! But it was no time to get immersed in that enchanting beauty. To beat the cold air everyone rushed to the fire as if “flies to a taper”. After dinner, everyone parted ways to their make-shift tents set for the stay. The rest of the sights were reserved for the day break. The morning started quite early at 6. The cold climate was new to many and it took time to get attuned to the atmosphere. With the sun making its way down, the cold climate could do nothing but to make a coy exit through the back door. It was time for camera flashes and even the basic of cameras and the worst photographers could walk away with brilliant images.

The facilitator, Commander Madhu, started off with his succinct introduction on the purpose of the Corporate Outbound Training Programme. To get into the swing of things and to ward off inhibitions the Ice Breaking session was the best. Next the group was split into three. The group with a leader at the forefront geared up for their maiden task. The task was to make a Five-pointed star with a rope. What’s the big deal, right? But it was not so easy keeping in mind the rules and regulations of the game! Innovation- that was the only way out… The team worked as a whole and within seconds the task was completed. It was just a beginning and the rest of the activities were following suit. On the mark, set, go! All were charged up and now there was a goal to finish off the task in time. It was amazing how people of different age-groups could get along this well. Balancing the Ball in a String’, ‘Rolling the Stone’, ‘Difference in Perception’, ‘Cross-Over’ etc tested each one’s caliber on innovation, team synergy, adapting, crisis management, co-operation, communication, team management, co-ordination and planning. 

The lush waterways in an unbroken canopy of forests- I am not sure whether I am any way near to describing the beauty of the place with these words… but that was how I felt it when the team was escorted to Anayirangal reservoir, the place where the next activity was going to take place. Bamboo sticks, rubber tyres and ropes were the only things in the vicinity. Of course we knew that we were rowing rafts here. But where were the rafts and why are all these things on the ground? Gradually the picture became clear. There were no ready-made rafts, but instead new ones should be made with available resources. With no designs and guidelines, it was a challenge but everyone was fully steamed up and there was no stopping now, although none had seen a real raft before! The task to make a raft with limited resources, without compromising on quality and safety was a hectic job. Since everyone’s life is at stake, it was also a task of utmost importance to ensure safety. The hierarchical difference in official designations of each member did not in any way hinder the activities. The group proved that in unity laid the strength and there is nothing as impossible if there is determination and will power. When it came to the testing time, none in the group stayed behind and all of them experienced their first rowing expedition. 

From all the previous batches, the one thing that was oft-quoted was the Trekking expedition to Phantom head hill top. So it was with great excitement we had set out for this Herculean task. The biggest and hardest of activities was thus reserved for the last day. It was a belief that older women could not undertake this task but it was just a belief that was topsy-turvied. Though a very few stayed back due to health woes, the rest continued with their mission although given an option to choose. So one thing was clear; it would definitely be not that easy. But the team was ready for the conquest. The steep heights and narrow paths were challenging. After a long climb of more than two hours there was a sense of satisfaction in each one’s mind which showed how much that meant to them.  With our mind in place nothing would be able to stop us. The physical problems for an extent could be kept at bay if our mind is willing. The valley told, “The hill is too high for you!” But half way through, we could feel the confidence building in each one of us. At the top of the hill, I replied, “You would have been right if I were alone but we are a team. We have conquered” 

With trekking the three day activity full of fun and adventure came to an end. The OBT training programme is nearing the fag end of its journey in Spices Board. Almost 450 employees of the Board has undergone training by now in separate batches. So one would wonder as to what the purpose of this training programme is! Definitely there should be a purpose if Spices Board spends this much of time and effort on this training programme. The Big Picture is clear. It is not solely about fun. All the activities are specifically chosen. The learner centered activities are a chance given to review oneself. For some, it is a revelation, for others it is a reminder and for the rest it is a realization. The whole experience, one would say, is as beautiful as a dream. As Eleanor Roosevelt rightly said, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” What is life without adventure? But this journey was a sojourn; to recollect, contemplate and take to heart the experiences that are worth living for.

Revathy

THE PROMISE  

 They belonged to a rural tribal colony in the ‘catchment areas of Idukki dam’.  Away from the city their settlement lacked every nuance of development and growth. They didn’t posses the land in which they toil and live in.  They didn’t have good roads and transportation facilities. They were unaware of the urbane lifestyle and they didn’t even know what sophistication meant. Yet they were happy with life …!!

Geethu and Radhika with their wooden horse

 “Chechi penne... (elder sister)”, they called me to their side. Moved by their love and innocence I slowly walked to them.   It has been long since I was called so affectionately. The two little angels, Geethu and Radhika, smiled at me lovingly and it was an invitation into their world. Surprised by the unusual visitors and although a bit shy and reticent, it took only a few moments to shed off the veil of strangeness between us.

It was during one of the official visits to Idukki that I met the two little girls at an ‘Anganawadi’ (courtyard shelter – an initiative by the Government of India as a part of the Integrated Child Development Services). It was really sad to see the ruined building, a place where these tiny tots marked their entrance into the world of letters and wisdom; Anganawadis are in a way equal to the ‘Lower and Upper kindergarten’ in rural India.

Anganawadi

Our attempt was to find out innovative renovations which can catalyze the metamorphosis of these kids; to equip them in better ways to meet the challenges of the modern world. Children are the key to happiness and as Paulo Coelho rightly said “A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.”  

 It was time to bid adieu to the little ones.  But it was not a farewell forever. I am looking forward to a return journey to this beautiful world to keep the promise made to them. When children fill our world with love and joy the best thing we can provide them is an atmosphere for their blossoming into a good Human being.

.

Aneena

‘Pichippoo Ladies’ who walked ahead of me!

She loved to see the morning rays reflecting on the dew drops. Day dreamer- she liked every sight on the way. Sometimes she assisted the news paper boy to distribute the newspapers and was late for her class. When it rained, she loved the rain drops and played in the rain.  The cool breeze of the dawn was her companion and she never missed to say hello to the tea shop guy who was always busy making tea as she passed by his small shop.  But she was more fascinated by something else!

What else could be a more beautiful picture than a group of ‘Pichippoo ladies’ on their way to cardamom plantations amidst the morning rays peeping through the mist? Attired in ‘saree’ they always adorned their neatly tied hair with Rose and Jasmine flowers. As they pass the junction and curves their number slowly increased. A few waited for them in front of the tea shop where the elder folks of the village had tea and made conference on the top news of the day.

Though they worked at cardamom plantations their lives were never as fragrant as cardamom, nor were they the ‘queens’. They earned between Rs.60-70 per day and there too discrimination surfaced to the fore- men were paid higher for the same work... Carefully knitting the torn and worn out sarees, the Pichippoo ladies saved their money to feed the mouths of the near and dear ones in her family.

The most innocent as well as interesting fact about them was that there were no secrets. When they had something confidential to share, they murmured to each other which eventually turned out to a big commotion. In fact their secrets were never secrets and nothing was personal too. Sometimes they moaned about their lazy, drunkard husbands and non obedient kids, sometimes about their responsibilities and shortage of money. They even made public where they ‘hide’ the keys. They needed money not to lock it off in vaults but to fulfill their basic necessities. They had very little gold but nobody took advantage of this.

She used to meet them on her way to school. It was a sheer coincidence that their work timings and her school timing were exactly the same. Every morning she followed them. She was keen to listen to their conversations and most of the time they spoke in an alien language which was beyond the comprehension of a school kid. Their conversations were not about the root nodules, least common multiples, or how water formed out of hydrogen and oxygen and hence she understood very little. Nevertheless she followed the ‘Pichippoo’ fragrance. In the evenings when they returned from the plantations; with a bundle of firewood and groceries in their lunch bag, their face would be as dry as the flower on their hair.

Even after so many years I still remember the girl who silently waited for them on the lonely school ground and it always brings a melancholic smile on my face just because the girl who waited for them was me. It has been more than 13 years and things have changed. The misty climate no more exists and so are the ‘pichippoo’ ladies. No school kid walks to school today; instead they wait for their school bus. Plantations are mechanized as they find it difficult to get the labour force and the existing labourers are often given vehicle facilities also. Though I could understand the development and growth, I felt sorry. I missed something nostalgic for ever…

The Pichippoo Ladies’ represented an era, when women in high ranges had to struggle to make a living.  They worked hard to make both ends meet and life made them stronger. They symbolize a culture and the movement wherein the selfless women in the high ranges flung opened their doors and went out to the plantations in search of job.  Limited were their dreams. All  that they wished was a piece of land, a shelter, better food and education to their children- their dreams always confined to the four walls of their home.

It was a really tough to live in such a world with an ‘economically poor’ label. The climate is hard and harsh and so is the geography. The day starts at 4o’ clock in the morning and it most always ends by mid night. One needed to walk miles as there were no proper roads and transportation facilities. There wasn’t time to rest and relax and days were busy with work. Nutritious food was out of question for them and days were spent starving. No electricity, tele-communications and transportation facilities, and during monsoon and winter, when life becomes impossible, and cold wind becomes the most spiteful enemy as it freezes the bones- but still there were no complaints. 

Many a time I imagined my self in their place. How hard it is when you are made to sit down on bare floors continuing to work without even a small break for more than 8 hrs a day!  They always complained about the persisting back pain and ill health. As I followed them silently listening to their worries and turmoil, I really wished –‘may all their dreams come true’ and dreamt of their kids growing up, learning well and getting better jobs. I fancied about their happy and prosperous old days.

I am greatly indebted to them for teaching me- how important it is to study well and find a job. The deep rooted sense of independence came from their sufferings; perseverance and hard work were their ‘success mantra’ and they made me think about the society, the people and their welfare. They inspired me to go out and find my horizon. I respect their courage and sense of duty.  And the successful generation which followed is the result of their sweat and toil.

Though the Pichippo ladies were a sight of the past, I salute them for they walked ahead in their life, leaving the imprints behind, and I just followed their footsteps…

Aneena

Tamarind Leaves

Little tiny leaves neatly arranged in rows on a main stalk. The majestic tree in its might looks fresh and magnificent. Yes it is Tamarind, a major spice grown in India.

In a land like India with rich cultural heritage there are umpteen number of legends related to the daily life and routine. Trees, animals, birds and all living beings are part of the grandmother’s tales. It includes legendary heroes and Gods. Here is a story behind the beautiful tiny little leaves of Tamarind tree.

Bhasmasura was a demon and the chief of the Asuras. One day he challenged Lord Shiva, the God of destruction. He agreed and it was said that the winner would become the ruler of the Earth.  The fierce fight began and Bhasmasura was badly wounded. Finally all he wanted was his life and was desperately fleeing through the forest in search of a place to hide. He saw a Tamarind tree which had wide canopy, huge branches and giant leaves. Bhasmasura hastily climbed up the tree. Lord Shiva found that the demon had vanished. As he passed by the tamarind tree Bhasmasura nervously shifted from branch to branch and the leaves rustled. Lord Shiva looked up. Though he did not find Bhasmasura he knew his rival was up the tree. However he tried, he couldn’t see his rival as the leaves of the tree hid the demon. With a roar of rage, Lord Shiva opened his magical third eye in the centre of his forehead. Each leaf disintegrated into small leaves. From there on leaves of the tamarind tree remained small.

Dhanya 

Curry Leaf Miracles! 

Curry leaves!! Does anyone have a feeling that the leaf, an essential part of spicing up the dishes, is insignificant in any way? If so, shed off your thoughts right now. You were living a life of ignorance. Granny was always right. Curry leaves were put in curries not as a part of mere garnishing. The leaves are rich in medicinal, nutritional and it has even cosmetic value! It can do wonders. Hey, I’m not kidding. Take a look…

• Hair has a tendency to lose its natural colour with advancing age and turn grey, but premature greying is a morbid condition and it makes even the young look older. Include curry leaves in your daily diet. Add a teaspoon full of curry leaf paste into butter milk, stir it well before drinking. This is one of the best home remedies for the problem.

• I don’t think anybody would have a dislike for lush, luxuriant black hair. Put some curry leaves in coconut oil and boil it. Strain the oil and let it cool down. Apply it over the scalp and give it a good massage. See the miracle it can do to your hair. Not only does it enhances hair growth, but also helps to increase the blackness of your hair.

• Mix lime juice, honey or sugar crystals to the juice of curry leaf and drink it. This prevents nausea and dry vomiting.

• Mix curry leaf with finely chopped ginger. Mix it with rice and take it early in the morning instead of water which will reduce dizziness, stomach disorders and constipation.

• Have a glass of buttermilk mixed with asafoetida and curry leaves after meal for good digestion.

• Curry leaves are anti-oxidants and protect us from various diseases cutting the risk of cancer plus lowering the risk of diabetes.

• To combat nausea during pregnancy, consume one teaspoon of curry leaf juice extract, mixed with one teaspoon of honey, or half a teaspoon of lime juice and watch the miracles it can work!

• Consuming curry leaves during pregnancy period will help the new born babies to have healthy and thick black hair.

Revathy

A Dream World for Tiny Tots...

Brightly painted walls in blue and yellow, cartoon images, toys, a huge LCD TV, music systems and smiling faces… From where can you expect all this? Don’t try to guess, you are sure to go wrong. The name board tells you that you are in “Milestones” but this is a name you will least expect for a clinic meant for children. But yes… in a glance these are sure to catch your attention in Dr. Anand’s clinic for children in Kakkanad, Cochin. Dr. Anand is sure to have done a lot of home work before coming up with this idea. His expertise in the field reflects in the settings that he has created to woo children. Usually in clinics for children, a lot of whining and screaming take place. But here the scenario is different. The laughter of innocent minds itself is a testimony for this. Surely a different place, I thought. 

The pathway to ‘Milestones’ are filled with cartoon characters that capture your attention all the way up to the clinic. Once inside, we feel all charged up and fresh. That’s the kind of ambience Milestones provide. The notice board, “Milestone Masalas”, is worth taking note of.  The board contains paintings by small children and they are neatly pinned up. On seeing our doubting faces, Dr. Anand came up with the answer with a smiling face. “Usually in clinics children get bored. To ward off their boredom, painting is a solution. Children love to paint and when their creations are displayed, it makes them proud which will inspire them to do productive things in future.” One corner of the room has floors with a foam mat where toys are kept. The floor has images of the heroes and heroines of children like Snow White, Rose Red, Cindrella, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and toys like Winnie-the Pooh, Scooby Doo, Tweety, Teddy Bears and many more stuffed toys which I know not, were kept in the corner. He mentioned that the toys were specially selected and that children would be absolutely safe playing with them.  Way to go Doctor…

Hey… the adventures are not done with. Dr. Anand took us through each and every facility that his clinic provides. The room, where injections are taken- a room where usually the screaming happens- is hardly a room that makes you cry. The latest hit of the time ‘Kolaveri’ played in the lap top diverts children’s attention and while immersed in the song the doctor gets ample time to inject the medicine or take blood for medication or whatever. Technology helps a lot, says the Doctor. He took us to the consulting room and for a minute we thought that we are in some kindergarten and not in a clinic. The first thing I noticed is the ‘Tweety clock’ on the wall. The ‘hanging fishes’ danced in the gentle breeze that came in through the windows. All were imported, he said. Next he showed us the BP apparatus with a ‘teddy’ hand bulb. Even the thermometer looked like a play thing and it was hard to imagine that all those were real instruments and not toys for children. In between he pointed towards a cylindrical hollow structure in a stand. He challenged us to guess what that is and we tried hard but we did not reach any close to the right option, the fan!! Yes…it was a leafless fan made in China.

Heading on with the conversation, Dr. PSS Thampi, Deputy Director,Publicity, Spices Board opened up his mind as to why we were there. Actually there is no much connection with Public Relations and a clinic for children. But here we are the team of three, Revathy, Dhanya and Aneena from the Publicity section of Spices Board India, together with Dr PSS Thampi in Milestones, a clinic for children. Actually it was to get guidance from Dr Anand to develop Anganawadis to state-of-art organizations. Spices Board has plans to take up Anganawadis in remote areas of Kerala and Karnataka. So to get expert guidance from a doctor who is into the field is the best thing that could be done as the first step into the venture. The doctor who has innovative ideas to bring in cartoon characters to even the ceiling fans will be able to understand the needs of the children better than anybody else.

Revathy

 All the way from Kutch to Kochi...

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore". Doing business involves a lot of risks. But there are instances that make you feel that the risks are worth taking. After all no pain, no gain! Here is the story of Shamji Narshi Kuruwa and his son Kishor Shamji who have a lot to speak about their experiences and pains they have gone through to attain their present glory in spice business.   The stories described were enough to inspire young minds in doubt. 

Shamji Narshi Kuruwa

The dedication and hard work of a number of individuals like Shamji Narshi and his son Kishor Shamji have made an impact in the history of spice trade in India. Yachts followed the stars and the wind safely anchored the traders to ‘God’s own country’. It was to make use of this immense opportunity that Shamji Narshi Kuruwa too left Kutch (Gujarat) for Kerala way back in 1945. Kerala, at that time was famous for coir and copra business. But the growing demand for spices in the international arena prompted people in to spice trade. Shamji Narshi Kuruwa also decided to try his fortune in the spice trade.  He was offered the Manager post of the spice trade section of Nenshy Devshy in Kerala. On the advice of his brother, Mr Shamji took a plunge and slowly began to master the tricks of the trade. Business was in his blood and he was destined to be a success. The business flourished. By 1955 he decided to take a break from the company he had been working for. It is natural to face a lot of challenges at the beginning all alone, for he was not a native of the land. But soon the challenges were met and by 1968 he was confident enough to guide the business on his own and it paved the way for the birth of the famous Kishor Spices Company in Mattancherry.

Later in 1975, Shamji’s son Kishor Shamji took over the company and since then there was no turning back. The company prospered and flourished with all its might and today, it is accountable for 7-15 percent of the total pepper export from the country. Even in the midst of growing worries of stringent quality standards imposed by the foreign countries, Kishor Spices continues to remain at the pinnacle of pepper trade. Some of the country’s exports are being rejected in the global front, unable to meet the quality criteria set by the importing countries. But to Kishor, it is not at all a worry. The company had always maintained top quality and never had there been an occasion where the export materials from Kishor Spices were returned.

Kishor Shamji

To provide variety and vibrancy to the trade, now the younger generation has joined hands with their father. Kishor’s two sons- Hemanth and Anand- have chosen the same path set to them by their father. Instead of spending their time in playgrounds, Anand and Hemanth as young boys, chose to be with their father and tried to learn more from him. Trained to shoulder responsibilities right from their childhood days, the boys showed an inclination towards their father’s business. At the forefront of activities Hemanth and Anand now try to bring in innovative ideas that can bolster up their spice business.  The company, currently into diversification, has gradually widened the focus from pepper to other spices like nutmeg, ginger and cardamom. To meet the challenges of present day they also try to adopt the latest machineries and processing techniques. The commitment and adherence to quality have earned them the trust of lakhs of customers. 

Today Kishor and his sons are more like the natives of the land and they swear they have not felt alienation of any kind here. Anand says, "We know more Malayalam than Kutchi and we can't think of a homeland other than Kochi". 

Revathy