The interplay between the human culture and the environment that it exists is the fundamental concept behind Ecoculture. This provides a platform to implement various methods to sustain both the environment and the human culture, such as food cultivation within an ecological framework. The eco culture framework considers human diversity (both cultural and psychological) to be a set of collective and individual adaptations.
We at Kanakampallam Farm, Nallepilly work to create an ecosystem that respects nature and simultaneously triggers a sense of cultural awakening in the people involved. We follow the concept of Ecoculture and realise that this concept is deeply rooted in our Dharma. We understand that nature and people are both projections of the Divine energy that we worship and hence respect them both equally.
Late Parashurama Iyer bought the Kanakampallam Farm in the 19xx , and was looked after by his son Late Venkatasubramanian. Kanakampallam Farm roughly translates to “The Golden Valley”. The land is primarily filled with paddy fields lined by coconut trees – inherent to the Palghat pass. Agriculture is not just the cultivation of grains, exploiting the land, for feeding people. This holy practise is closely knitted to the sociological and cultural traditions of the locality. It involves the selfless involvement of a lot of individuals who work to maintain proximity to nature. We realise these implications and work to conserve this rich tradition by judiciously evolving as per the needs of the present times. Apart from paddy and coconut, we also grow local and exotic fruits, vegetables and the most priced rice variety according to Ayurveda – Shashtika Shali
Cow or Gau is an animal which has been given great significance in our Indian culture. The four Purushārthas, namely, Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Moksha can be acquired by serving the cow. While praising the cow, the principal Deities, namely, Bramha, Vishṇu and Shiva have narrated the following shloka:
त्वं माता सर्व देवानां त्वं च यज्ञस्य कारणम् । त्वं तीर्थ सर्वतीर्थानां नमस्तेस्तु सदानधे ।
Meaning: O Destroyer of sins! You are the mother of all Deities. You are the reason for yadnya (sacrificial fire). Among all Tirthas (Holy places), you are the holiest. I pay my obeisance to you.
At Kanakampallam Farm, we recognise this rich tradition by maintaining a cow shed in front of our traditional house which presently accommodates 6 cows. The cows can be seen grazing from the hospital accommodation and the walkways during the day. Moreover, we try to utilize the milk from our cows for kitchen and medicine preparation. We would recommend the patients at AHCC Nallepily visit our cowshed at least once during their stay. It is widely known that spending time with these peaceful creatures creates a sense of mindfulness within us.
The element water is that which binds all other elements and gives rise to life. Few lines from Apah suktam are:
आपो हि ष्ठा मयोभुवस्था न ऊर्जे दधातन । महे रणाथ चक्षसे ॥१॥
O Water, because of your presence, the Atmosphere is so refreshing, and imparts us with vigour and strength. We revere you who gladdens us by your Pure essence.
यो वः शिवतमो रसस्तस्य भाजयतेह नः । उशतीरिव मातरः ॥२॥
O Water, this auspicious Sap of yours, please share with us, Like a Mother desiring (to share her best possession with her children).
तस्मा अरं गमाम वो यस्य क्षयाय जिन्वथ । आपो जनयथा च नः ॥३॥
O Water, when your invigorating essence goes to one affected by weakness, it enlivens him, O Water, you are the source of our lives.
Palakkad eventhough is the biggest district in Kerala, the major part of it has a slightly varied climate. Rains could continue well past the monsoon and the summers can be hot and dry. This means that, water can become scarce during the hot summers. At Kanakampallam Farm, we are trying to enliven the ecosystem, by maintaining the ground water level by constructing artificial ponds. By planting shrubs and trees, we try to reduce the direct exposure of sunlight over the ground and water, preventing moisture loss by evaporation.
This has given rise to an environment favourable for all kinds of birds, animals and bugs. Sparrows, peacocks, cuckoos, kingfishers, woodpeckers are few of the birds that can be spotted here. Summers are marked by the arrival of a few migratory storks. Don’t be shocked if you find yourself face to face with a snake or some bugs in the night. We are all part of the whole.
At Kanakampallam Farm, we are focussed on sustainable living. We are a part of Mother nature and it is wrong to hurt it. With this idea in our mind, we have implemented Solar power grid in our campus to power our hospital and kitchen. Presently, around 40% of the power utilized is generated by the Solar panels. This helps us in reducing our carbon footprint and maintaining a pollution free,calm and cool environment.