Madhavan is an artisan at Uravu, the institute for study of ethnic knowledge. This institute produces and markets 17 varieties of bamboo saplings and a host of bamboo handicrafts. Although he had attended many programmes explaining the different uses of bamboos, Madhavan decided to plant the saplings on the river bank without the prompting from anyone. The saplings were from Uravu. After 1½-years, the bamboos that he planted have started yielding raw material for the handicraft work and at the same time are acting as a protection against soil erosion.

One can see that while the banks of the Thodu are damaged at other places, the stretch where he has planted the bamboos, shows no sign of damage.

Scientists at the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi were in the forefront to give him support.

Visitors to the Nursery usually visit the eloquent example created by Madhavan, who is a leading presence at Uravu.