: ‘Smruthivanam’ at Pazhayarikandam in Idukki district is a garden with a difference — it’s a tribute to the late Kesavan of Kochuveettil by his seven children.
What more, it has intrinsic star value. Ganagandharvan K.J Yesudas planted the first sapling of jackfruit on the one-acre plot on Monday. Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Kanam Rajendran and former MP P.T. Thomas planted Ayurvedic herbs. The function was attended by students who were the main guests.
One would wonder what is Yesudas’ bond with the Kochuveettil family. Kochuveettil Suresh, the youngest son of Kesavan, is Yesudas’ hairdresser.
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A host of film personalities, including directors Blessy, and Joshy, and leaders of political parties are expected to arrive at this little-known village in the High Ranges to plant saplings.
Mr. Suresh says Smruthivanam would be nurtured as a meeting place for children, where seminars, competitions, and symposiums would be held under the shade of trees. The plan is to make it a mini-forest with due importance to Ayurvedic plants. The area is being developed without cutting or removing the existing trees there. “The Smruthivanam should not be disturbed by cutting or removing the existing plants,” says Mr. Suresh adding that man and nature have a close link that should continue even after one’s death. The Smruthivanam became a reality when the seven children of Kesavan decided not to claim their ancestral property. “We should give something to our ancestors and plants are nature’s gift that can be offered to a peaceful soul.” Let it be flowered and echo with the sounds of children, he adds.
Smruthivanam has been nurtured by seven children in memory of their father