Shanmughan, or as we fondly call him Shanmughannan, is a 58-year-old farmer who lives in the picturesque heights of the Marayoor mountains. A brief walk from Earth’s Own Farm lead by my friend Aman took us to his farm.
We could see heavy smoke rising from a part of his land as we were about to arrive — but knowing that it was a controlled fire set by him, we weren’t worried and on the contrary, it acted as an indicator to spot where he was!
Shanmughannan, strikes a post amidst setting fire to clear a portion of his farm, a step in preparing the land before passing it on to his son-in-law.
Shoutout to Aman for helping me with the lighting in this shot and the next — used a reflector to bounce the evening light.
One of Shanmughannan’s prized possessions: a pair of golden studs bought years ago when prices were just Rs. 150/- for 1 gram!
A handful of freshly plucked guavas. I was stunned to watch him climb and swing effortlessly between branches — a testament to his energy and enthusiasm even at this age!
A portrait of Shanmughannan, with details of hard work etched on his face, all hidden under a gentle smile.
Annan, aiming with his custom-made stone bow, primarily made to ward off and protect crops from wild animals. The precision in its usage comes only as a result of sheer practice.
Shanmughannan, at the entrance of his hut at the farm, searches through the phone gallery to show us pictures of his humongous old cow that’s long gone. He lives a few meters away from this hut with his family, surrounded by nature and wilderness.
A man of experience and wisdom.