In an idyllic setting

Away from the din of the city, in the suburbs of Chennai, is an ideal picnic spot that would also make one think. SAVITHA PADMANABHAN pays a visit to the twin hamlets of Chunambed and Illeedu and writes...

Are you looking for a little retreat from the dust and noise of the city? Do you love being one with Nature? Do ancient temples interest you? Are you an avid horticultural buff? Do you enjoy sessions with school children? Then one weekend trip that you could seriously consider is to the twin hamlets of Chunambed and Illeedu.

Cool coconut and mango groves. An ancient temple that abounds in legends. Acres and acres of farm land. A crystal clear atmosphere and to top it all, simple people with high thinking.

All these would never have become a reality had it not been for the sheer dedication and determination of one man - C. Ramakrishnan. For him, undertaking farming projects at Illeedu and Chunambed stemmed from the need to help the underprivileged and understand their cultural ethos.

The villages of Chunambed and Illeedu can be accessed through the old Pondicherry road. The Panchayat Union Middle School, the Prasad Gardens and the Illeedu Farm are the pet projects of Ramakrishnan, for whom they are collectively "a reaction to the chaos outside."

Of special importance is the Panchayat Union Middle School, that sits on a five-acre land. A visit to the school is really inspiring, for it is heartening to see so many children, their eyes filled with enthusiasm, sitting under trees (their classrooms are not properly furnished) and learning mathematical tables and English alphabets. here are about 850 students and 19 teachers who make up the school. The school at present holds classes for students from the first to the eighth standard. But someday, the members hope to include ninth and tenth standards too.

What is amazing here is the standard of teaching and learning. But like most Government-run schools, this school survives more on donations. (In fact, the International Women's Association recently presented them with blackboards). This institution is a ray of hope for several children who long to open the windows of knowledge.

For those who love Nature's bounty, Prasad Gardens is an ideal place. Rows and rows of mango and coconut trees, with luscious fruits hanging off the branches, and definitely a sight to behold. However, there is nothing about the place to justify the word 'garden'. It is a 26-acre plot of land that produces coconuts and about 13 varieties of mangoes, including the world famous Banganapalli.

The farm is completely managed by the local villagers, whose have a keen sense for agriculture and take pride in what they are doing. These people have indepth knowledge of such details as soil quality, methods to protect the saplings and prevent pests. And mind you, most of them have never attended college!

But if you happen to be a connoisseur of trees, the Illeedu farm is the place to be in. This 29-acre plot of land was as dry as a bone about ten years ago. But that is something of the past, for the neatly lined up coconut trees, the mahogany saplings and the arboretum, have a different tale to tell.

Three acres of the land was converted into an arboretum. Among the nearly 70-odd rare varieties of trees, 203 in number, found in the arboretum are Cresentia (not found in Tamil Nadu), Acacia, Avocado, Bahunia, Camumbola, Karia (the flower is a pretty sight in shades of pink), Casuarina, Singapore cherry, Annanagar cherry, and Astonia (with most delicately shaped leaves). Also sitting there pretty are the familiar 'vilvam', gooseberry, banyan, peepul and neem trees. The focus of the rest of the farm is on coconut, mahogany and mango. Here too, the inputs come from the workers, who have literally changed the face of the village and the farm. Says Ramakrishnan, "You make a worker proud by making him feel it is his product. You need patience and understanding of human nature to embark on such projects. They help improve one's values, consciousness and intelligence, too." Incidentally,ly, nearly 80 per cent of the produce (especially of food grains like rice) are used to feed the workers.

The farm has a kitchen where trained cooks (again from the village) take great pleasure in feeding guests, and a well- furnished guest-house with attached bathrooms that sparkle. There is a little cottage for Ramakrishnan who visits the place most weekends. He has a vision - of making this a centre for excellence in the field of agriculture. Says he, "It is necessary for more and more people who are in better circumstances to set up such establishments in villages. The whole village benefits from it." About ten minutes away from Chunambed is the village of Villivakkam, and here one can take a walk down the corridors of history. For the Agastiswarar temple that is situated here is believed to be nearly 1,500 years old. Tucked away in one corner of the village, the temple nestles peacefully among thick foliage. Two things that strike you immediately as you enter the temple are the 'deafening' silence and the incredible cleanliness. As you walk about, a strange sense of peace envelops you! The temple itself is not too large. Built completely in stone, the little structure is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been gifted to the Chunambed zamindars by King Karikala Chozhan-II. (The temple was till some time back maintained by the late C. Vedachalam without whose vision, these structures would have stayed in a neglected state).

The roof is supported by pillars, nearly 70 in all, with some engravings on them and has several slabs with inscriptions in ancient Tamil. An archaeologist's delight, indeed! The temple still retains its old-world charm. Except for a couple of electric wires here and there, nothing has really changed much here.

The other temple that deserves a visit is the Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple in Chunambed. Though only a 100 odd years old, this temple is another example of cleanliness that seems to be the hallmark of the village. A beautiful bronze idol of Lord Krishna holds the pride of place. The unique idol here is that of Lord Kankonda Perumal. It is believed that a couple of babies born into the zamindar family were blind. And after worshipping the Lord here, the next child was born with perfect vision!

So next time you are at a loose end during weekends and are looking for a short break off the beaten track, Chunambed and Illeedu are definitely worth the while. These places also inspire you to do something for the less fortunate in society, in your own little way.

How to get there

Illeedu is about 110 km from Chennai and takes about two and a half hours by car. To reach the place, go up to Madurantakam and take the old Pondicherry road from there. From Madurantakam, it is about 27 km. Chunambed is about 3 km further away from Illeedu village. The villagers are extremely cordial and friendly and will guide you to these places.

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