5 DECADES OF SERVICE IN APPLYING AYRVEDIC EYE OINTMENT
|
| Balakrishnanan, Chertala, Alappuzha |
|
Download Database of featured talents. (Excel file) |
71-year-old Balakrishnan’s unique service is applying traditional ayrvedic salve to the eye. Called ‘sururma’ in Malayalam, this ointment is used to clean and cool the eyes.
Balakrishnanan,
Chertala, who learned the art 60 years ago, moves about with his
medicine chest, offering his services to the needy.
He used to practice the art even while working in an Aluminium
company in Aluva. After the
company downed its shutters, applying ‘suruma’ has been his profession
all these years.
His
regular customers include drama artists, orchestra troupes, welders,
grinders, saw mill workers, coir factory employees etc.
While in the earlier days he used to charge 2 ‘chakrams’ as
fee, he now collects Rs.10 per person.
Apart
from festival grounds and conference venues, he goes to companies and
houses on request. Earlier he
used to visit colleges too, but stopped it owing to the teasing by girls.
On
an average he applies the soothing balm to 15 persons in a day. He
has visited Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar and Delhi in connection with
his profession.
Courtesy: Jose Makkeel, Kerala Kaumudi, August 6, 2002
Contributed by: Administrator
|
|