There is no better way to understand nature and its magic than by being with it. Ponnakudam Kavu located roughly 4 km from the College reveals its magic in about 4 acres of land, right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. 300 year old Ponnakudam Kavu managed by Thevakkal Ponnakudam family is truly a paradise. It is home to hundreds of rare species of plants, trees, shrubs, insects, small animals and birds; many of which are under the threat of extinction. It is also home to migratory birds and about 62 varieties of birds have been identified at the Kavu.
Nature club decided to take its student members to this wonderland of biodiversity. Mr. P K Ramachandran, a member of the Ponnakudam family explained how the concept of Kavu or sacred groves came into being. He showed us the rare species of plants and trees and explained their use. He also shared some interesting stories regarding the rituals and practices of olden days and how these practices came to be associated with religion. Most of them can be reasoned to be having nature conservation as the ultimate aim. The fact is, if a practise is linked to religion, people are likely to follow it without questioning.
About 14 students accompanied by Asst Professor Shania Mary Jose and Dr. Rose P Ignatius visited the Ponnakudam Kavu. We also visited the Ettu kettu next to the Kavu and got to experience how this form of construction makes us feel cooler even during the hottest days.
