Youngsters wield sickles, harvest paddy under scorching sun

Rajesh Tamang could not stop smiling as he stood hip-deep in the muddy water with a sickle harvesting ripe pokkali stalks at Pizhala, one of the 14 islands that made up the idyllic Kadamakkudy panchay

Rajesh Tamang could not stop smiling as he stood hip-deep in the muddy water with a sickle harvesting ripe pokkali stalks at Pizhala, one of the 14 islands that made up the idyllic Kadamakkudy panchayat.

The youngster hailing from Nepal had joined the Master of Social Work (MSW) course at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences last year but could hardly explore the new place because of the pandemic.

“This is unlike anything I have experienced back in Nepal. The workers engaged in harvesting were singing all along as they enjoyed their work. That is something I would love to take back home telling my people how it is possible to enjoy hard work,” said Rajesh.