By Bharath Ajith Sreenivasan
A Valley Waiting to Be Heard
Far beyond Kerala’s backwaters and famed houseboats, nestled high in the forested mist of Idukki district, lies a lesser-known treasure – the Anjunadu Valley. With its five quaint villages – Marayoor, Keezhanthoor, Kanthaloor, Karayoor, and Kottakudi -it is a land where ragi grows wild, Marayoor jaggery sweetens every home, and tribal wisdom flows quietly through generations.
But for decades, this rich cultural landscape remained untouched by meaningful development. Women, especially from tribal communities, lived in the shadows -economically marginalized, culturally underrepresented, and socially invisible.
Then came my opportunity to change that reality.
Discovering My Purpose
After completing my college education, I felt a growing restlessness. While many of my peers moved into the corporate world, I was drawn to something more human -more grounded. I wanted to work with people, in places where progress was not measured in profits, but in purpose.
I joined hands with like-minded individuals -people whose passion for development matched mine. We travelled across rural Kerala, visiting communities that were often forgotten by mainstream development. And then we found Anjunadu.
The Seed of Transformation
Anjunadu was captivating in every way -natural beauty, vibrant tribal culture, and a distinct heritage. Yet, the local people had little to do with the tourism that occasionally passed through. It struck me then: what if tourism could be the bridge between culture and commerce, tradition and transformation?
With that idea, we initiated the Community Skill Development Programme. My role was to coordinate this initiative and work closely with the women of Anjunadu, guiding them step by step into a new world of opportunity.
Empowering Through Enterprise
We began with simple, practical training – how to prepare ethnic foods, maintain hygiene, market products, and manage money. Women from a Tribal Colony were the first to step forward. They began a small snacks unit producing banana fries, Marayoor jaggery laddus, and millet cutlets.
These were not just dishes – they were identity on a plate. Tourists loved them. The women earned income, yes -but more importantly, they earned self-respect.
From Cottage Kitchen to Community Brand
Encouraged by early success, we formed a larger group – The Blue Birds. Twelve women took charge of production and sales. They introduced new items like Millet Biryani, Thulasi Vada, and the now-famous Marayoor Jaggery Tea. Soon, tourists weren’t just visiting for views -they came for these experiences.
The women became entrepreneurs. Their monthly income grew. But the most powerful change was internal – their belief in themselves. They were leaders now, not just labourers.
Reviving Agriculture and Heritage
Beyond food, we helped revive millet and ragi cultivation. These crops – once dismissed as old-fashioned – were now in high demand. Women grew, harvested, and cooked what they served. It was a complete, sustainable cycle.
They also started documenting traditional recipes passed down from elders. Their dream now is to publish a heritage cookbook and preserve their culinary wisdom for future generations.
Lessons I Carry
My experience in Anjunadu taught me that real change doesn’t arrive from outside. It grows from within. The women didn’t just need skills – they needed someone to believe in them until they believed in themselves.
We faced challenges, of course – logistics, market access, initial hesitation. But with patience and partnership, we built something lasting. Today, these women are confident, capable, and community leaders in their own right.
Epilogue: A Cup of Tea and a Legacy
If you ever find yourself in Anjunadu Valley, I urge you to sip a cup of Marayoor Jaggery Tea served by one of these remarkable women. That tea holds more than flavour. It holds stories, dreams, and dignity.
As for me, this journey transformed me as much as it did them. Empowering others is not just about helping. It’s about walking with them -step by step, valley by valley. And in Anjunadu, we found the way together.
(Mr. Bharath Ajith Sreenivasan is a law graduate from the prestigious National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS), Kolkata, and works passionately at the intersection of food, law, and innovation. Bharath is also committed to community development and serves as a mentor for the Flyingdisc Development Foundation (Y-Ultimate), promoting youth engagement and leadership through sport..)
