This Onam, Mathrubhumi paid tribute to people whose lives reflect values associated with the legend of Maveli — compassion, equality, knowledge, service and a commitment to the community.

Lakshmikutty: forest knowledge passed through generations

Lakshmikutty grew up accompanying her mother through the forests while learning about medicinal plants and traditional tribal medicine.

Her knowledge eventually developed into expertise in preparing hundreds of rare traditional medicines, including remedies used for snakebites.

She was later honoured with the Padma Shri for her contribution.

Mathrubhumi described its tribute to Lakshmikutty as an acknowledgement of a life deeply connected with the forest and its traditional knowledge.

“What to say, so happy. Many people approach seeking the precious medicinal concoctions of the tribe. This is a great recognition for my activities.”

 

Devakiyamma: turning barren land into a forest

For Alappuzha's Devakiyamma, agriculture remained central to her life despite a serious accident that left her bedridden when she was 40.

She began planting trees at the age of 45.

Over the years, she transformed around four-and-a-half acres of land in Kayamkulam into a forest containing more than 3,000 rare trees.

Now 92, Devakiyamma has received the Padma Shri in recognition of her contribution to environmental conservation.

“This is God's gift for the work I did. I am now 92 years old. At the age of 40, I was bedridden due to a car accident. Starting tree planting at the age of 45, it is a joy to see it reach this level.”

Meenakshiyamma: taking Kalaripayattu to girls

At the age of seven, Meenakshiyamma began learning Kalaripayattu.

The 84-year-old Padma Shri awardee from Vadakara dedicated much of her life to the martial art and encouraged thousands of girls to take it up.

Her story became another part of Mathrubhumi's Onam tribute celebrating people who challenged traditional boundaries and created opportunities for others.

“Being 84 years old, I started practicing Kalaripayattu at the age of 7. This loving tribute from Mathrubhumi is a recognition received by all girls.”

 

Devan and Devika: technology for farmers

Kochi-based siblings Devan Chandrashekharan and Devika Chandrashekharan turned their attention to agricultural technology after witnessing the difficulties faced by farmers during the 2018 floods.

Through Fuselage Innovations, they have worked on drone technology and other solutions designed to support farmers and improve agricultural practices.

Their work is also rooted in their family background, with Devan recalling that his mother was a farmer.

“My mother was a farmer. That is precisely why, in those memories, I developed technology known to me for the farmers. I am extremely happy and proud to receive Mathrubhumi's loving tribute for it.”

The idea behind the tribute

Mathrubhumi's Onam initiative centred on people whose work reflects the ideals traditionally associated with Maveli's Kerala — a society imagined as one based on equality, happiness and the absence of deceit.

Devika MS, Director (Operations) at Mathrubhumi, said the initiative sought to identify and honour people who continue to live by similar values through their work and contributions to society.

The tribute brings together traditional knowledge, environmental conservation, women's empowerment and agricultural innovation, presenting their individual journeys as examples of service and perseverance.