Revolutionary Seeds : The Children of the Kurichiya Community by Amira Altamimi

The Hume Center for Ecology was the third major stop on our trip, it was a somewhat "unplanned" one (in terms of the original determination of sites) but still a welcome change from the rainforest of GBS. The Hume center offered a fresh perspective on environmentalism, one that centered people along with nature. On our second day there, the program facilitators brought us to meet a tribal community in India: the Kurichiya community of Wayanad. The Kurichiya community is an indigenous community from the Wayanad district of Kerala. Traditionally, they are a matriarchal community known for their deep connection to the land around them. They have a rich culture that includes unique traditions, knowledge of local flora and fauna, and so much more.

The beautiful land where the Kurichiya community live.
Photo by Anna Guevarra

Walking to the house, we were immediately greeted by several curious children, notably all girls. They were incredibly friendly, even bringing a ball over to us and initiating a game of what I can only describe as a mashup of kickball, soccer, and catch. Our impromptu game quickly brought us to the side of the house to a volleyball net, its size dwarfing most of the children. This did not deter them from launching the ball over the net and starting the most intense game of catch I’ve ever played. The children were incredibly adaptive. Every time we introduced a new twist or variation to our game, they would immediately catch on, seamlessly incorporating it into the game. They were eager and excited to be playing with us and they never let the language barrier get in the way. We communicated in hand signs and high-fives.

The "game" of catch.
Photo by Anna Guevarra

Eventually the game came to the end as we all went indoors for lunch, a delicious meal of fresh jackfruit curry, pickled peppers, and flavorful side dishes served on a banana leaf in place of a plate.

A home cooked meal by one of the Kurichiya women.
Photo by Anna Guevarra

As we finished eating, we noticed the children outside doing something with the plants growing in front of their homes in hushed voices. After a while, they presented us with necklaces made of leaves and bouquets of hibiscus, one of which I kept and pressed into a book.This just showcased the innovation and connection to the land the people of the Kurichiya tribe had. The children understood their land intimately, they realized which plants would be the best for creating jewelry, they picked hibiscus and presented us with the most fragrant ones, they even figured out how to blow bubbles simply by using the stem of a certain plant. The land around them was intertwined with their lives, going beyond mere observation to become an integral part of their identity. They embodied the concept of people not being separated from nature, as we all are. They understood it because it was part of their livelihood. It was not only how they got their food, but also their entertainment and knowledge. Spending the day with them taught me that the land is a major part of the Kurichiya community, as it should be to ours.