Eechan Kani, Kerala tribal man who introduced ‘Arogyapacha’ to the world, found dead in forest

Kuttichal (Thiruvananthapuram): Eechan Kani (57), a respected tribal man from Chonampara, who played a crucial role in introducing the medicinal plant Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus), to the world, was found dead deep inside the Kottur Agasthyavanam forest. Authorities suspect he consumed poison.

Eechan Kani had been missing since Sunday. Following an extensive search by fellow tribals and his relatives, his body was discovered inside a cave near a rocky outcrop the previous day. A foul smell emanating from the cave led to the tragic finding. Neyyar Dam Police was immediately informed, and Forensic experts arrived at the scene to collect evidence. With the assistance of the forest protection team and tribal members, his body was retrieved and sent to the medical college hospital for further examination. Neyyar Dam Police suspect poisoning as the cause of death.

Eechan Kani was one of the key figures who introduced Arogyapacha, which literally means the green that gives strength, a rare medicinal plant from the Agasthya forest region, to researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode (JNTBGRI). Along with his fellow tribesmen, Kuttimathan Kani and Mallan Kani, he guided scientists in understanding the plant’s potential. This led to a collaboration between JNTBGRI and Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, resulting in the development of the herbal medicine ‘Jeevani’. In recognition of their contribution, the profits from the medicine were shared with the Kani tribal community.

The Arogyapacha plant was cultivated under the guidance of the ‘Kani Samudaya Kshema Trust’, an organisation established for the welfare of the Kani tribe. 

Eechan Kani served as a lifelong executive member of this trust, dedicating himself to preserving traditional tribal knowledge and ensuring his community’s welfare. 

His sudden and tragic demise has left the tribal community in deep mourning.