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

Live Long- a blessing!!

'Liv Long' -a blessing!!

Live Long! Kneel down to capture in full the saintly wish transcending down the body for a great life ahead with all positive elements of life. This blessing airs goodness and affection.  These thoughts would have lent the reasoning to name a brand of products from natural plants including Indian spices and herbs which guarantees a healthy life.  That's how the Natural dietary supplements from the India based company, Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd (ANEL) is named 'Liv Long' with the exception of an 'e'. As the inspiration for the blessing goes, the brand building of 'Liv Long' leaves behind the success story, the determination of an aspiring mind in his youthful days.

Mr Kunjachan, as a young boy walked through dusty days braving the hot sun and pedaled in misty and rainy mornings, quenching the thirst of the news craving people dropping newspapers at door steps to earn for his purse.  Kunjachan may not be an appealing name in the modern stylish Kerala society or a name easy to capture the attention in the corporate circles. But his burning desire to innovate and invest made him a self built man leading him to handle the mantle of a very curious business of natural dietary supplements. He always wanted to be different in his own way where there are not many to run the race in his  track. As he grew to his manhood, he was longingly waiting to fulfill his dreams. And now he is the Managing Director of Arjuna Natural Extracts, one of the leading companies in India doing very focused export of Neutraceuticals.

A company started by him and his brother in law, Dr Benny in 1992, Arjuna now has around 300 employees with a composition of 40 scientists who work full time in research and monitoring clinical studies. He chose the spice industry and his affinity for the 'to-be-different-attitude' made him think about natural dietary supplements and neutraceuticals. With their products being used in more than 40 countries, Mr. P J Kunjachan has won accolades which includes National award for the successful commercialization of indigenously developed technology based production of plant based active compounds and Omega 3 Fatty acids. 

One day, the three of us travelled  to meet this great personality in his office at Alwaye. Dr P.S. Sreekantan Thampi, Deputy Director Publicity led us there on time. Amidst the criss-crossings of Alwaye, stood the impressive White building of Arjuna.  Mr Kunjachan was expecting our arrival. The chit chat started over a cup of coffee and he shared with us the story of Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd.  It wasn't an easy road to glory. He had to overcome hurdles and hardships. There were strong competitors too.

To come up with such a new idea and to find out reliable customers abroad wasn't an easy job. In the initial days even language was a problem as he had to deal with many foreign customers. Finding a prospective market for the products in countries abroad was even more challenging.  But his attitude and the desire to succeed some how, but specifically with a focus led him all the way to glory. Kunjachan and Dr Benny shouldered the "risk" by setting up a firm that could extract mustard oil. With a sparkling glow of his youthful days he said, in those days his company was the second one  after IIF to do this in the world. 

Gradually with continuous efforts and Research & Development programmes new opportunities opened up.  To clear our doubt he explained, " Neutraceuticals are the active ingredients isolated from food or herb and given in dosage form for an array of physiological properties apart from its nutritive value.” Amlamax, Akbamax, Zepufa, organic green tea extract, Ashwamax are just a few names to be quoted from his wide variety of products. Out of this, Biocurcumin, the turmeric extract is the one that attracted our attention, turmeric being a spice. The grand success of Biocurcumax (BCM-95) and 11 international patents already awarded to ANEL, as is his company known now, is a proof of its innovating technology in the manufacturing of plant extracts and its constant effort in maximizing the pharmacological benefits of the product.

The true value of a product lies in its core.  The team of Kunjachan pierced down to the very core of many natural products like herbs and spices. The selling point of many of the herbs and spices is its intrinsic properties.  The Indian wisdom speaks of all these virtues through the classic literatures.  Though these facts are known for reference, the changing modern world insists for bare facts based on science only.  As the developed world goes in for microscopic  studies to trace out and find the structures and properties they achieve in isolating values and take credit through patents.  It is sad that the wisdom of traditional societies like India become someone else’s property.  The Kunjachan brothers anchored in to carve their position out. Without complicating much, he has its easy scientific explanations for the value of his products from various herbs and spices.  Academics combined in its right proportion for business.

                      
Today ANEL is making every effort to identify Indian plants that are traditionally recognized as having therapeutic properties. Scientifically planned clinical researches are used to prove pharmacological value of the plant-based principles. Again, different from his counterparts in the industry, Kunjachan's company invests 15 to 16 percentage of the income on research and development activities. No wonder, they are in the forefront!

Now he also has his son with him in his industry. Taking after his father, his son too is treading the father’s path with still more vigour.  He is on a new mission to innovate further to widen the global acceptance.

Kunjachan, we feel, personifies Shiv Khera's Success Mantra "Winners don't do different things but they do things differently." The Indian Spices Industry is proud to have innovators and investors like them.

……

 http://www.arjunanatural.com/ 

Dhanya

Gama Junior scouting for spices in Indian coast

Bright red and pure white garments. There were caps and head gears and even a sword and a gun. One of them was an apt costume for a Portuguese man, the other a farmer, next a trader and finally the costume for a King and his attendant. Even the make up man with a Marathi moustache was ready on his chair to get his prey metamorphosed. But we were yet to decide who the characters were! The time left for the show was just an hour.

 

On Feb 10, 2012, the Revel Room of Hotel Westin Koregaon Park in Pune, India had strikingly contrasting elements in it – computers, pamphlets, documents and costumes for a drama. The age old proverb says, Actions speak louder than words. No wonder there is so much fascination for movies and theatre even in today’s busy life. Here, a serious conference is going on – the World Spice Congress 2012 and the venue is Hotel Westin, Pune. There is not even a single person among the officials who is not busy. But they decided to choose the genre drama to pass on a message related to the theme of the Congress “Sustainability and Food Safety”.

 

Finally the actors were pinpointed. Mr Palanichami ( Editor )– who brought up the idea of doing a skit, Dr P.S.S. Thampi ( Deputy Director, Publicity),  Mt Devananda Shenoy (Assistant Director), Mr VS Naresh [ Assistant Director) and Mr Ranganathan. Now that the actors to play the roles were decided they needed to know what they had to do on stage. But none of them could assemble together as all of them were busy with the various assignments of the Congress.

 

The outline of the skit was anyhow planned and discussed earlier but the script was not yet ready. There were three girls who were part of the department of Publicity as PR trainees. They constantly got stuffs to write including press releases. This time it is the script for a play. The young minds were thrilled to do the task at hand especially when they heard that the officials from Spices Board were to be seen on stage role-playing characters who were on their mission to spread the theme of the Congress.

 

They sat together and began, “ Darbar of the King His Highness Veerendra Varma. The attendant came running announcing the arrival of a Portuguese visitor to the Palace..” The event manager, Mohan was watching this and he, a veteran in theatre joined them. Powerful dialogues found expression in the paper. Yes, now the script was ready. But a glance at the clock made them panic. It was already 6.30. This has to be staged at 7.00 pm. The main character, Dr. Thampi was nowhere to be seen. The others started changing themselves to the character.

 

Three of the trainees started explaining the context and the read out the dialogues while the make up man was at work. With cornered eyes and stiff countenance facing the groomer the ‘actors’ obediently listened to the script like children shaping ears to a story. Fifteen minutes left for the performance. Making his presence known Dr. Thampi finally in the Revel Room keeping aside all other matters for the time being. One of the trainees explained the whole story to him. He had the naughty expression as if wild thoughts were roaming around his head which were to be spurted out soon.

 

It was done. All the five characters were now in their costumes and they knew the story and the contexts. Whether the performance would be a success was still a question among the spectators who witnessed the 11^th hour preparation. But the team was quite confident except an unavoidable anxiety as to how it would be like. 

 

We were waiting behind the stage, as a beautiful dance form of Punjab was being performed. We arranged the chairs for the King and the visitor to sit. The funniest part is that we had to borrow the dancers’ costumes to decorate the King’s Chair. Finally, impromptu, it was time to stage the play. 

Vasco da Gama's grandson visits India to attend the World Spice Congress. On seeing the variety of spices and feeling the aroma, he decides to source spices from the local State. The King was informed of his visit by the courtier and as the Gama get escorted to the Royal court, discussions span on the variety of spices and its qualities.  Gama got introduced to a farmer and a trader. Their expressions dismay Gama since they could  speak only the local dialect. However the interpretation by the King in English makes the facts clear. The King makes Gama understand about the varieties, value additions, quality certifications and website etc.  Gama was not happy with that and insists on identification of farmer and the trader and the processor who handles the merchandise.  The King assures that it could be done. 

The climax.

Moved by the diversity and the colour of India, Gama expresses his desire to marry from India. But the King retorts and ask for his traceability, to ascertain whether he  has a wife already in Portugal.

Dhanya

  

World Spice Congress 2012

An unforgettable experience in our life, it was! The World Spice Congress… We joined this institution just one month back but were fortunate enough to be a part of the prestigious event of the world spice industry. It was our first official tour on rail. Even though it was a tedious journey of almost 30 hours, we three had a gala time in train.  There was one thought that added on to our excitement. All the previous Congresses were ‘all-men’ and it was for the first time the women-power came to the   fore:) . Yes, we were a part of it and that did make a difference this time.

We reached the great city of Pune on the 8^th of February at 5.15am. The cold weather greeted us with all its might. Like Frost said, “the city had withdrawn into itself” and was still sleeping when we reached. After settling the issues with porters we walked slowly to our bus. The floor was really slippery and it was Dhanya who first bowed the city. I had to pull her up at the same time watch my luggage from fumbling down. Laughter came from all sides and poor Dhanya made her presence felt in Pune. Next it was my turn. It happened while I was about to enter the bus. Once inside the bus who would reckon there would be a step? I didn’t, and I fell. But luckily nobody saw that except Dhanya and Aneena.  By 6.15 we reached Hyatt Regency, the hotel where we would stay for the next four days. The grandeur of the hotel by itself was a treat to our eyes.

On our way to Hotel Westin, venue of the Congress

We were to be ready by 9 to go to Hotel Westin, the venue of the Congress. The city haunted me to a great extent. It showcased the two extremes of Indian life which was a real contrast and I wondered how the other areas of Pune are like! The whole city was busy, it seemed. People were rushing hither and thither in search of some thing. 

Within minutes we reached the grand Westin hotel.

The sheer opulence and magnanimity of the hotel fascinated us here too. But there was no time to let ourselves plunge deep in this wonderland as we were right into action preparing to unfurl the curtains of the 11^th World Spice Congress.

I was in the  registration desk for the Indian delegates and was naturally responsible to get everything ready for the next day. Ms Indra, Mr.Bibek Jyothi Roy, Mr.Naresh, and Mr. Biju Shenoy all joined hands together which made our jobs easy. Next it was our turn to get the kits for the delegates ready. All our officers worked in unison, without bothering about their designations to get everything packed. It felt like we were a family on a get together for a family function. Although a bit strenuous, it was a pleasure and a privilege at the same time. Each one in the team was given specific duties to perform the next day and without hesitation everybody happily shouldered their responsibilities. Satisfactorily we went back to our hotel making sure that everything was set for the big event. 

Dr. A Jayathilak IAS, Chairman Spices Board inaugurating WSC

The red letter day finally arrived. The celebrations and deliberations were on! Registration started early that day. With me were Mr.Viren Khora of AISEF, Mr Bibek Jyothi Roy of Spices Board, Mumbai and Dhanya. Everything was in order and the delegates started to pour in. It was with great satisfaction that we enjoyed each and every work that came our way. By afternoon Dhanya and I had to leave the desk as we had to get the stage ready for the inaugural ceremony and to ensure everything was in proper order before the function. The inauguration started exactly on time. Dhanya was the compere for the inaugural session and she did a brilliant job that everyone praised her for her effort. Dr. A Jayathilak IAS, Chairman , Spices Board India inaugurated the ceremony in the absence of Dr. M S Swaminathan who couldn’t turn up due to indisposition. A microcosm of the globe witnessed the ceremony.  There was a record participation of over 200 international delegates from 40 countries and over 300 Indian delegates to make this biennial event a success. The crowd included farmers, traders, processors, exporters and scientists.

The inaugural ceremony was followed by a musical feast. The beautiful blend of Indian classical music, folk song and the western rhythm was so mesmerizing that it took the listeners to a completely different realm of serenity. It was followed by a grand dinner that highlighted Indian spice delicacies. It was also an opportunity for the guests to discuss the future of the industry. After a great time we returned to our hotel.

The second day started off with the business sessions and with that the Congress was in its full swing. Eminent speakers and experts from different parts of the world spoke on topics related to the theme; “Sustainability and Food Safety- Global Initiatives”. They were representatives from Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Germany, UK, the Netherlands, USA and Canada.  Need for harmonizing standards, regulatory issues, issues of low productivity and shortage of labour were discussed. The deliberations also highlighted the urgent measures to be taken in the sector so as to empower farmers and encourage better agricultural practices. 

 Dhanya and I felt happy for our roles as links between the listeners and the speakers. We passed on the queries from the audience to the speakers. Meanwhile Aneena was fully engaged with the exhibition. We three could not even meet at the dinner session. Supposed to be with others, talking and mingling with them  our chance to share our experiences for the day got shattered. Thus the urge to pass on the chit-chats gradually subsided and it was reserved for the night when at last we’d be together.

This was the most important day of the Congress as far as we were concerned. Days before the Congress Mr Palanichamy showed the three of us photos of a previous Congress where they performed a skit. We were really amused and wonder stricken at the transformation each official got in their costumes and together urged Mr Palanichamy to do it this time too. But he was not so sure as to how it’d eventually turn out. It was solely with the interest of Mr P S S Thampi (DD, Publicity) and Mr Palanichamy (Editor) that our skit became a reality, a real surprise addition. At 6 o’clock in the evening the makeup man came with the costumes and the drama, if it was to happen, must begin in between the cultural programme that’d start at 7. We were left with just one and a half hour to do the final preparation. The script was not ready, and so was the make up. The only thing that was finalized was the five characters. They did not even know their dialogues let alone the roles they had to act out. But for us it was not at all a problem. Dhanya, the ‘lead director’ was super confident and we three sat together and with the help of a theater person got the dialogues and script ready.

The impromptu skit on stage

The story line gave importance to the role of an effective supply chain in the spice industry with special reference to the theme of the Congress. The play portrayed Vasco da Gama’s great, great grandson’s visit to India for the World Spice Congress and how he got astonished at the transformation that had undergone in the spices sector and the involvement of the Spices Board in it. None of the characters knew their dialogues before hand and they got the ‘idea’ of the dialogues while they were dressing up for drama. The real talent of all these people came up on stage. To be frank Aneena and I were a bit scared as we had no previous experience with all these stuffs. But Dhanya handled everything really well and all confusions were erased. And the ‘just one and half hour preparation’ turned out a success on stage. With instant and extempore dialogues and stage presence the message was well conveyed by the ‘actors’. But then nobody could even guess that it happened on the spot with absolutely no preparation!! The guests really enjoyed the short entertainment and the three of us felt proud to be a part of it.

Now came the last day of the Congress. The business sessions were still on and that meant our duties like the previous day remained. The sessions got over by afternoon and with that an eventful Congress came to an end. The Congress culminated in taking multifarious decisions which were also subscribed by delegates from other spice producing countries. 

Three of us with Mr. Thampi, the organizing secretary and the head of the drama team :)

It was time to bid adieu to the 11^th World Spice Congress. But we (Aneena, Dhanya and I ) have a special satisfaction. Success of the event happened not just in a day but it was the result of days and months of  effort of many who chose to stay behind the curtains.

Revathy

Listen to Grandma

Granny at Indian homes always guide the younger generation with adorable advices and traditional knowledge. Even grown-ups gain so much information passed on orally from them. Here are a few spice tips from grandma.

• Sneezing on and on and on?? Try out biting one or two pepper seeds and that’s all  you have to do . You wouldn’t know where it has vanished!

• Worried about a throw out?? Pepper is the remedy. You needn’t feel embarrassed anymore for throwing out in bus while travelling. Keep a handful of pepper with you and bite one or two before you start suspecting yourself of the tendency- throwing up in bus!! Not anymore when you have pepper 

•  Pepper leaves when boiled and inhaled with garlic helps  to alleviate sinusitis head ache

• Come in cumin…goodbye to gas trouble – heat up a pinch of cumin till it changes its colour. Pour water in the hot pan. Drink the water that has turned into brown colour and say goodbye to gas trouble.  

Dhanya

A moonless night…heavy downpour…and the sea at length all around. Flashes of lightening gave him glimpses of the vastness of the sea. Adding to the terror of darkness the sky roared and the ship swayed in the violent waves. Solitude was his only companion and all the others who had accompanied him were already devoured by the angry sea. All he could do was to prepare his mind for a fearless death. Completely exhausted and unaware whether he would live to see his dreams fulfilled, the young mariner sailed along.. the description might have brought to your mind Tom Hanks'  in the movie 'Cast away'. But this is not the majestic sophisticated ship that we see today. These were the simple vessels that sailed in uncharted waters taking an adventurous journey in quest of glory, fame and wealth.

Like this mariner there were men in the past, centuries back, who crossed the seas aiming the oriental shores for spices which were a royal luxury then. The mystical fragrance and the vibrant colors that once made India the central hub of trade was nothing else but spices! Being the inspiration behind trade and exploration, spices were priceless luxuries that made India a center of attraction. Foreigners were lured by the richness of this land. Merchants from Greece, Egypt, Arabia, Mesopotamia, Portugal and many other countries traveled to this wonderland exploring perilous paths, even risking their lives for want of Indian spices.

                                                                                          

Centuries passed, but even today India is a unique name when spices are considered. We continue to be the largest producer, consumer and exporter of spices in the world. These aromatic substances are not just an item of trade or a source of revenue but a part of Indian culture and tradition.

Part of a proud legacy, there is one organization in India under the Ministry of Commerce that works for the development and worldwide promotion of spices - Spices Board of India. And here, three of us, Aneena, Dhanya and Revathy have become a part of the spices industry.

Aneena

Indian Spices: Adding colours to history and flavours to culture...