| Raju, Nedunkayam adivasi settlement, Malappuram |
At a time when many adivasi young men end their dreams in a bottle of liquor in the evenings, Raju, son of Karuppan Mooppan and Chinnamani of Nedunkayam adivasi settlement is different. 36-year-old Raju is the owner of two tractors, a lorry, jeep and bike.
About five years ago, when Raju joined as a headload worker at the Nedunkayam forest, his aim was to go up in life. Later it became a passion with him and in five years he became the owner of five vehicles.
“This is the price of the sweat of my brow,” when Raju says so, pointing towards the vehicles in front of his house, he wants to highlight the cost hardwork. Though he had the desire to study, he had to cut short his student life by the 4th standard. A period of struggle and depravity followed. He worked as a labourer. But whatever wages he got, he utilized to increase his assets. When many of his friends turned to the lure of intoxicants, Raju turned against the practice.
First he purchased a bullock cart for Rs.10000. He sold it and purchased a tractor. Later another tractor too came into his possession. In due course, he purchased a lorry, jeep and bike.
Although he is different from the colony inhabitants in many aspects, he is an active participant in their welfare measures. The colony inhabitants too feel that he is a breadwinner for the community.
“Improve the forest and improve yourself,” says Raju, who is also the convenor of Forest Protection Samithi.
Courtesy:
Rajesh George (text), Mathrubhumi, July 12, 2008
Contributed by: Administrator
