 |
| Velayudhan, Palappuram Colony, Ottappalam, Palakkad |
When he stands under tall coconut trees with the intention of plucking nuts, he does not look up to assess the height of the trees. For he is blind. But 68-year-old Velayudhan, who has been plucking coconuts for a living since the age of 13, assesses the serpentine path up the tree, based on his inner vision.
His wife too has failed eyesight. According to her, both of them lost their external vision during youth.
Velayudhan’s other occupation is paying utility bills for others at offices in Ottappalam and earning a small commission from his customers. Navigating the busy streets of Ottappalam too comes to him out of an inner vision.
Earlier he used to climb upto 100 trees a day. Now with advancing age, he can manage only 15. But even then he is happy to earn a living for himself and the family.
Courtesy:
Radhakrishnan Mannannoor (text), Kerala Kaumudi, July 14, 2008
Contributed by: Administrator
