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| Andrews, Vadi beach, Kollam |
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His educational qualification is only 5th standard and his profession angling in the sea, and yet, the writing of Andrews has been translated into English and both BBC and National Geographic Channel have telecast documentaries on him.
Starting from the age of 15, Andrews spent a major part of the next 40 years in the sea, fishing as well as observing the secrets that the sea condescends to reveal only to an earnest seeker. His diary of observations was published as ‘Kadal Muthu’, which was later translated into English by Prof. Elma Joseph of Government Women’s College, Thiruvananthapuram.
Not only did he write his personal observations but he even went to the extent of mapping the bottom of the sea close to the shore, between Varkala and Kovilthottam. His ‘map’ depicts changing fish resources, 250 varieties of fish, sand heaps, sand ditches, rocks and corals beneath the surface. This submarine geographical information has been handed over to the authorities.
It was the desire of his parents to provide him good education. However, boyhood love of football rendered academic pursuits secondary. His father and elder brothers then tried to shield him from the harsh life of a fisherman by sending him for a job on the shore. After brief stint as headload worker and welder he had to fall back on the family occupation.
At least half a dozen times he had come face to face with death in the sea. And every such time, the Unseen Hand had come to save him at the last moment.
Now leading a retired life from the sea, he however, is active as the General Secretary of Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Union.
Courtesy:
V.R.Jyothish (text),
Shihab (photo), Vanitha,
July 15-31, 2005
Contributed by: Administrator
