Kerala Kaumudi report brings relief to Padma Shri winner Cheruvayal Raman

KALPETTA: Cheruvayal Raman, the tribal farmer and conservator of traditional organic rice seeds, has finally received a reprieve from his struggles. Through the intervention of Acharyasri Rajesh, a prominent Vedic scholar and head of the Kashyapa Veda Research Foundation in Kozhikode, Raman will receive a monthly financial aid of Rs 11,000. The first check will be handed over today.

Moved by the article 'Padma Shri won't help make ends meet' published in Kerala Kaumudi, highlighting Raman's plight, Acharyasri reached out to the MDH Mahashay Dharampal Trust based in Delhi for assistance. The trust has agreed to provide financial aid to Raman.

Cheruvayal Raman, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023, lives in a dilapidated house in Kammana, Mananthavady, Wayanad, with his wife Geetha. Although he receives a pension of Rs 1,600 from the state government, the amount is insufficient even for medical expenses.

Acharyasri Rajesh emphasised that Vedic philosophy promotes a way of life that respects and depends on agricultural traditions. He reiterated the foundation's commitment to providing assistance in such circumstances.

The Kashyapa Veda Research Foundation, based in Kozhikode, is dedicated to Vedic teachings and organizes Vedic classes both in India and abroad.