Embracing the Future, Honoring the Past: The Sustainable Legacy of Daisugi

In the verdant forests of Japan, a time-honored technique known as "daisugi" offers a sustainable and inspiring approach to forestry. Perfected since the 14th century, this method transforms the cedar trees into fountains of life, allowing them to flourish and provide wood multiple times without the need to fell them.

Through careful and skilled pruning, these majestic cedars are encouraged to sprout new, upward shoots. These shoots grow into uniform, straight timbers, free of knots, embodying strength and durability. This wood, revered for its quality, becomes the perfect material for construction and fine carpentry, cherished by artisans and builders alike.

Moreover, this wood boasts a natural resistance to insects and is remarkably easy to work with, making it a favored choice for those who seek harmony with nature in their creations.

Plant Trees, Plant Hope—this philosophy resonates deeply, reminding us that in each seed and every careful cut, there lies the potential for renewal and endless possibility. As we embrace these ancient practices, we not only honor the past but also pave the way for a future where nature and humanity thrive together. Let us be inspired by the wisdom of "daisugi," nurturing our world with every tree we plant, every forest we preserve. For in these acts of stewardship, we find hope for our planet and for generations to come.

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From Concept to Community: Cultural Milestones in Perumkulam’s Evolution

Presenting some of the projects I’ve ideated and executed in my native village, Perumkulam (Pusthakagramam), Kerala’s first and India’s second book village. These initiatives reflect a deep connection to my roots, blending creativity with a vision to uplift the cultural identity of the community. A creator’s life attains true significance when their work contributes to the greater good of their homeland. The journey becomes even more fulfilling when they get the opportunity to accelerate their community’s cultural legacy. 1. Radio Park Kiosk - The concept of reviving the radio broadcasts that once echoed through the Perumkulam Radio Junction was presented to the Bappuji Memorial Library. With their support in funding and logistics, a miniature version of the old, forgotten radio pavilion was created, restoring the lost voices and precious memories of the village. #radio #park #kiosk #radiojunction 2. Pusthakappura – A symbol of pride for Pusthakagramam, Pusthakappura arose from a sugge...

Case Study: Perumkulam - Kerala's First Book Village

Introduction Perumkulam, a serene village in Kerala, has earned the unique distinction of being the state’s first book village. Recognized for its deep-rooted literary culture, Perumkulam (also known as Pusthakagramam) stands as a testament to the power of books and the transformative potential of literature in community development. M. T. Vasudevan Nair, a legendary Malayalam writer, acknowledged this remarkable transformation, further cementing its place in Kerala’s cultural landscape. Perumkulam was officially declared as Kerala’s first book village by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in 2021. Background Situated 5 km from Kottarakkara, Perumkulam is located along the historic Veluthampi Dalawa Road. It was once a typical Kerala village, thriving on agriculture and traditional livelihoods. However, a collective vision to integrate books into everyday life has redefined its identity. The idea was simple yet powerful: make books accessible to all, instilling a culture of r...

Pusthakappura: The Ideation Journey of India’s Largest Book Sculpture

A Tribute to Books, Knowledge, and Perumkulam’s Identity One evening, Team Bappuji called me for a discussion about planning a year-long program following the announcement of Perumkulam as Pusthakagramam . The idea was to organize one event or program each month, leading up to a significant milestone in the 12th month—an installation that would symbolize the identity of Pusthakagramam . As we brainstormed, I instinctively reached for books from the library and began stacking them, shaping a basic structure right in the middle of our discussion. It was an unplanned moment, but the symbolism was undeniable—books, knowledge, and a shelter of wisdom. The team immediately resonated with the concept, and we decided to move forward with it. That night, I returned home and used books from my father’s collection—Dr. K Ravi Varma, an avid reader—to refine the first look of what would eventually become Pusthakappura . It was a deeply personal process, and in many ways, it felt like I was ca...

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