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| Ayyaramma, Anakkatty, Attappady, Palakkad |
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Clad in a frayed sari and living alone in a small house in Anakkatty in Attappady, 52-year-old Ayyaramma has taken upon herself the responsibility to see that the poor and illiterate adivasi women are not denied justice. Her effort has resulted in at least 156 cases being brought to the courts, seeking justice for the trampled women of the area.
So does she correctly say: “I have contributed to sending about 100-150 offenders to the prison”. Ayyaramma came to Attappady 24 years ago when she and her mother migrated to the area after death of her father. And once in the area, she has been devoting her time for agriculture and for strengthening the arm of justice.
It was the plight of 18-year-old Nanchi that brought her the activist’s role. When Nanchi’s tiny hut and land were forcibly occupied by a settler, she sought shelter in the small house of Ayyaramma. It was the beginning of an epic legal struggle. Though police at first washed their hands off the matter, they were forced to start take steps once a case was filed in the court and the RDO was brought into the picture. Those were the days of threats and fears. Though the accused managed to stone her house and set fire to her pumpset, she did not bow down. At the end of a few months, justice finally came Nanchi’s way.
That was followed by a series of interventions without accepting any remuneration. Slowly her effort came to the attention of the world. She was nominated as a member of the taluk-level justice committee by the District Collector. She is a life member of the NGO, People’s Council for Social Justice. Living in the small house with just 2 dogs as companions, does Ayyaramma fear the retaliation of those whom she sent to jail? She doesn’t allow one to complete the question but says: “we will share good words and part!”
Courtesy: Manoj Mathew, Sree, Malayala Manorama, September 5, 2004
Contributed by: Administrator
