Photo Show on ‘Indigenous People’s Day’ Features Padma Awardee Lakshmikutty Amma

KOCHI:
Padma Shri awardee Lakshmikutty Amma’s efforts to conserve, practice and propagate indigenous medicinal system are well known. But not many know that the 75-year-old tribal woman from Kerala is also a poet and an invitee to reputed institutions to give lectures on ethnic medicine.
Her multi-faceted personality was on full display at a photo exhibition organised by Sahapedia, an open online resource on arts, culture and heritage of India, at the Kerala History Museum on the “International day of World’s indigenous people” here today. The exhibition of photographs by A J Joji , aptly titled as “Unheard Stories”, elicited keen viewer interest.
Hailing from a family of Kaani tribe in Kallar in Thiruvananthapuram district, Lakshmikutty Amma lives in a small house in the deep forest, where hundreds visit her seeking medical aid. The exhibition featured 27 frames, capturing the personality of Laksmikutty Amma, known for her dedication, compassion and untiring efforts to preserve traditional knowledge, to be of use to generations to come.
An acclaimed photographer, Joji said the pictures on display at the exhibition were clicked by him during his several visits to Lakshmikutty Amma, after the nation honoured her with Padma shri.
“Awards have not altered her personality a bit. She has not made any change to her way of living or outlook after receiving the coveted national honour. Only that, there has been a spurt in people coming to her home seeking medical help”, Joji said.
With over 25 years of experience in media and film industry, Joji was chief photographer of Kochi Biennale Foundation and has done still photos for numerous films and documentaries.