Opening the exhibition.
In a poignant tribute to history and resilience, the Folkland International Centre for Folklore and Culture, with the CSR support of Dorf Ketal in collaboration with the Munnar GVHSS Old Students Association, orchestrated a profound series of events commemorating the centenary of the 1924 Great Flood. Amidst the verdant hills of Munnar, where whispers of the past echo through generations, this three-day homage unfolded from July 17 to 19, 2024.
Originally slated for the Munnar College of Engineering, the events found a fitting sanctuary in the hallowed halls of the Munnar Minor Basilica's Parish Hall, a poignant coincidence as this very space once provided refuge to survivors fleeing the deluge a century ago. Among those brave souls was Crowley Boyd, whose journey through floodwaters to reach the church stands testament to the harrowing ordeal faced by the community.
Traditional art form related to rain.
Central to the commemoration was an evocative exhibition at the Parish Hall, curated with meticulous care. Displayed were early photographs captured by Paramjyothi Naidu, offering glimpses of Munnar's history and natural disasters like the Pettimudi tragedy. The collection, which included poignant images from the flood era and the July 1924 edition of Nasrani Deepika, served as a time capsule, bridging the gap between past and present.
The commemorative timeline, carefully aligned with the historical dates of destruction – the fateful days of July 17th, 18th, and 19th – was marked by solemn ceremonies and scholarly discourse. The exhibition's inauguration by Devikulam Sub-Collector Mr. V. M. Jayakrishnan set the tone, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Pragati Rajkumar, illuminating traditional ecological knowledge and weather lore once cherished by local communities.
Dr. Pragathi Raj Kumar delivering the keynote address.
Evening skies witnessed a stirring spectacle as 100 lamps illuminated the old railway station junction, each flame symbolizing a life lost, and reigniting memories of a century-old tragedy amidst the gentle monsoon rains. This gesture, led by local luminaries such as G. Mohan Kumar and community leaders, underscored the enduring spirit of remembrance and solidarity. On the second day, a seminar was hosted by the organizers for academic paper presentations and discussions. Dr. Pragati Rajkumar delivered the keynote address, followed by the paper presentation of Ms. Neenu Sukumaran (Kannur) Ms. Najmul Husna (Kozhikode), and Ar. Soorya (Thrissur).
The subsequent days unfolded with scholarly vigor, featuring seminars on "Natural Disasters and Folklore," where academics and local voices like Ashokan Marayoor and Pradeep Kumar shared profound insights. Notably, the cultural tapestry of Munnar came alive with a spellbinding Theyyam performance, an ode to local traditions seldom witnessed in these verdant hills.
As the event drew to a close, a forward-looking roundtable envisioned "Munnar in 2030," animated by passionate discussions on environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, and educational empowerment. Here, community leaders and youth alike pledged to safeguard their homeland against future adversities, echoing a resilient spirit forged through collective memory and shared vision.
At the poignant closing ceremony, luminaries including MLA Adv. A. Raja and Warehousing Corporation Chairman P. Muthupandi honored local achievers and affirmed their commitment to preserving Munnar's legacy. Amidst accolades and reflections on the flood's enduring impact, the community departed with renewed resolve, mindful of their ancestors' trials and steadfast in their stewardship of Munnar's future.
Lighting the 100 lamps
This commemoration, resonant with cultural richness and community spirit, stands not only as a testament to historical memory but also as a beacon amidst the global challenges posed by climate change. In Munnar, where the hills echo with stories of resilience and reverence for the land, these events reaffirmed the timeless bond between heritage, humanity, and hope.
Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and efforts by various international organizations to combat climate change, this commemoration echoes the global call to action. By reflecting on past adversities and fostering community-driven initiatives, the event underscores the vital role of local traditions and collective memory in forging a sustainable and resilient future. This tribute to Munnar's legacy and the proactive steps towards climate action resonate with global movements, emphasizing the interconnectedness of heritage preservation and environmental stewardship in the face of evolving challenges.
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Contributed by Dr. V. Jayarajan, who is currently a distinguished member of the Culture Masters International Advisory Board. He is the Founder and Chairman of Folkland, International Centre for Folklore and Culture based in Kerala (https://folkland.org/), and is presently serving as the Secretary-General of ICCN.
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