Chennai youngster on a mission to save palm trees

It’s been two years since Sathishkumar Pichandi came to know about the umpteen benefits of a palm tree. An IT professional from Chennai, he started researching about various types of palm trees and benefits — the findings led the youngster to spread awareness about the importance of palm trees. Recently, he went on a cycling rally with a group of friends to create awareness about palm trees. In a chat with us, the youngster opens up about the need to save palm trees. Because of his craze for palm trees, he introduces himself as ‘Panai’ Sathish.

“Every part of a palm tree — from roots to its tender leaves — is beneficial. We can make food products and also create different handicrafts from a palm tree. It’s one of the sustainable alternatives for plastic. But sadly, people are forgetting its significance,” he says.

Sathish says that palm sugar (karupatti) was the commonly used staple sweetener by many in Tamil Nadu. “Since it is an unrefined sugar, it is rich in vitamins and minerals and is the best substitute to white and brown sugar. There should be more awareness on this. I think the only way to protect the trees is by creating awareness about the benefits of palm products,” he adds.

If used sensibly, products from palm trees can easily replace plastic. For example, plastic baskets can be replaced with baskets made of palm leaves. Sathish’s motive is to create awareness about palm trees and bring back people to our traditional way of healthy living. “If you go to villages you can see many thaatha’s and paati’s actively running around in their farmland. If you ask them their secret drink they will say, karupatti kaapi. Some even followed the habit of eating palm sugar in an empty stomach. Karupatti is an active cleanser and rich in natural nutrients. Consuming this healthy drink is one of the reasons for their amazing health,” stresses Sathish.

The youngster along with a group of friends went on a cycling rally from Chennai to Vanagam in Karur district. “I decided to go for a cycling rally on the death memorial day (December 31) of green crusader and agricultural scientist Nammalvar. Instead of taking the easy and direct route, we visited the villages and spoke to the people about palm trees and how it is going to benefit the next generation. We also distributed pamphlets along the way. We cycled for almost nine days covering 550 km,” shares the youngster.