Tribesmen get a glimpse of city life

KOCHI: Not many among us will be surprised to see an aircraft. But seeing a man-made machine take off was an unforgettable experience for 33 tribesmen from Edamalakudy, the first tribal panchayat in the country, visiting Nedumbassery  on an invitation from the Forest Department and  Vana Samrakshana Samithi.The Forest Department and Vana Samrakshana Samithi, under a  five-day programme, ‘Nagara Darshanam’, have brought the tribesmen to Ernakulam to give them a glimpse of life outside forest. “It was a first for most of them,” Munnar Divisional Forest Officer N C Indrachudan said.  “The group walked 18 kilometres from their village on foot to reach Munnar on day one. They reached Nedumbassery on Sunday, where they viewed airport and airplane for the first time in their life. They were surprised to see such big flying machines and some wanted similar machines in their village too,” he said.On Monday, the tribesmen will visit Vazhachal and Athirapilly water falls, where they will be given training in entrepreneurial skills. “These people are experts in bamboo crafting. But most often they are cheated by middlemen. “We will give them training to carry out businesses on their own,” he said.  “They faced heavy debts and relied on illegal activities like ganja cultivation and brewing illicit liquor. We gave them funds and waived off all their debts. Now they are given vocational training to earn more money,” Indrachudan said.The tribesmen will also be given a chance to travel by train. “They will travel from Ernakulam South to Angamaly on Tuesday.  “Later, they will be taken to Cherai beach. We are planning to arrange such tour programmes on a regular basis,” Indrachudan said.