Nedumkunnam: Independence Day celebrations were celebrated in Alchuvattil, which has become a part of Indian Independence Day.
At midnight on the fourteenth of August 1947, a group of youths decided to welcome the dawn of Independence Day with four Arayal saplings planted on the wall of Nedumkunnam Devi Temple.
Accompanied by chendamelas, they reached Nedumkunnam market ground with shouts. The group carried a small radio to receive information about the Independence Day celebrations in Delhi.
At 12 o'clock in the night, Sekharan Nair came down from Anappuram with saplings. He planted one in the pit prepared earlier. The Sangh members also planted the rest in the nearby areas. The banyan tree planted by Sekharan Nair has survived the times and is still growing at the age of 77.
In Nedumkunnam Market, Al Muthassi is standing there remembering the stories of 77 years, giving life to all and giving shade to the birds among the people who love nature. A banyan tree is growing and waving at Nedum Kunnam as a symbol of Independence Day, renewing memories. Several years ago, the Youth Arts, Literature and Culture Association had honored Sekharan Nair at the foot of the Arayal.
Sekharan Nair died on the 9th of January 2014. On that day, under the guidance of K. Binu, an environmentalist and arborist, he had picked the leaves of the alder plant and made a wreath and dedicated it. It has been a decade since Sekharan Nair passed away. As part of sharing the memories of Independence Day with the new generation, under the leadership of Tree Environment Protection Committee, on August 15, Sekharan Nair commemoration and Arayal's honoring ceremony was held at 11 am by the children and environmentalists of Vazhoor Ullayam UP School.
Gopakumar Kangasha, State Coordinator of Tree Environment Protection Committee, presided over the function. K. B., teacher and arborist, opened the meeting by reminiscing.
