River Nila
When we saw the Bharatapuzha (River Nila) in Kerala, India, eroding, we began the project in December 2003. Kerala's lifeline is now a dying river. The programme was created to protect River Nila from erosion, cultural dilution, neglect, and resource depletion. We intended to unite river advocates, especially River Nila advocates. We collaborated with local musicians, folklorists, ritualists, and craftspeople to document unique rites, art forms, and handicrafts and generate income. This effort has received over 15 national and international awards.
Musical Trail
In conjunction with Njaralathu Hari Govindan, the Musical Trail programme highlighted marginalised musicians in Mulayankaavu, Kerala, in 2006. The River Nila backdrop and media attention from Deccan Herald, The Hindu, and BBC World raised these musicians' social status and job prospects. Hari Govindan founded a music campus to promote inclusivity in music instruction across castes and religions after the success. As a tourist attraction, the initiative supports over 150 students and has spread to Pondicherry, supporting over 250 people and musicians.
Folk Expressions
Starting in 2006 with Arangottukkara's Vayali folk group, the initiative aimed to revive and promote local folk arts. It has grown into a significant digital archive of folk music and traditions from Malappuram, Thrissur, and Palakkad, with over 40 volunteers, including a junior team. Through responsible tourism, Vayali not only enhances the income of local artists but also offers authentic cultural experiences to tourists. The success of this model has enabled the replication of other community-focused projects, including palliative care, sustainable waste management, and ecological restoration with indigenous tree planting, known as the Travellers' forest.
Mudiyettu
Mudiyettu is a ritualistic dance drama that has been declared by UNESCO as an 'intangible heritage of humanity'. However, like many other struggling performing arts and rituals in India, this art form is also practised by only a handful of people/families. Varanath Asan is one of the most reputed living performers of MudiyettU, a ritualistic art form from Kerala dating back more than a 1000 years. We are publishing a book by Varanath Asan and supporting his school through small grants.
Travellers can visit the school and have interactive lecture demonstrations.
