Legacy of Tribal Farmer Cheruvayal Raman

Ramdas’s five -year journey resulted in a 42 -minute documentary. At the 71st National Film Awards, he received a special word in the non -feature film category. Portrait of a man as well as a meditation on the fragile relationship between people, people, land and inheritance.

A farmer in the shadow of tradition

Raman, known as the father of domestic paddy species, belongs to the Kurichya tribe, the oldest land of Wayad. Over the years, Raman quietly protected more than 60 kinds of domestic paddy seeds along with a rich tree, grass and spices in his three -acre farm. Representing one of the latest generations of Kurichya tribes, who have knowledge about the types of native seeds, Raman believes that the seeds are sacred, that they will never be owned or sold, but from generation to generation. This unique philosophy is Nekal’s heartbeat.

Patiently shooting, not a scenario

Ramdas’s approach to documenting Raman’s life reflected the slow rhythms of farming. “We didn’t shoot like a regular documentary, Ram says Ramdas. “Raman does not plant seeds every day. Then we went. We waited for the right seasons, the right moments.”

Ramdas has long been for a long time, and its dedication has resulted in a sincere, unhurried film following Raman’s October, cultivation and harvesting cycles. The frames not only caught the job, but their silence, pause and deep connection between the farmer and the field.

‘Meaning of Nekal

Nekal in the Kurichya dialect is a variation of Nizhal, that is, “shadow”. For the community, it symbolizes the heritage – walks in the shadow of one’s ancestors, protects traditions as they move forward. Ramdas chose to quietly maintain the biological diversity and agricultural practices of modern industrial agriculture, reflecting the role of Raman as custody of agricultural heritage.

More than a personal story

Although Nekal is based on the life of a single farmer, he carries a political message. Ramdas sees the control of seeds sliding from farmers to companies as a fundamental threat to food sovereignty.

“Previously, farmers have controlled the seeds and gave their products directly to people. Now, companies are checking this cycle. This change is what we want to document,” he says.

Describing Raman’s story, the film becomes a resistance action – reminding that sustainable agriculture, seed protection and ecological administration are not only nostalgic ideals, but also emergency needs.

Recognition and access

Interestingly, he was rejected at the Kerala State Film Awards without necal scanning. At the national level, Ramdas says not only the film, but also the values he supports. “The special word belongs not only to me, but to everyone who supports this project and Raman himself, or he says.

The film now attracts the attention of the audience in Kerala and screenings are planned in several regions. In addition, he was chosen for competition at many international film festivals, and he carries the voice of a farmer who continues to walk in the shadow of his anterior feet – literally – literally – literally.

For Ramdas, Nekal’s real success will not be in the cups, but in the ability to influence how people think of food, soil and protection stories. “If even a few viewers start to value the seeds as Raman does,” he says, “The film will do its job.”