At 75, Raghavan Nambiar of Kannur shows why helmets belong beyond roads

Karivelloor: While helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists, no such rule exists for those climbing coconut trees. Yet, 75-year-old Raghavan Nambiar of Alappadambu insists on wearing one every time he scales a coconut. For, it not just protects him against falls, but also to shield his head from honey bees and crows.

Nambiar began wearing helmets during his early years as a coconut plucker in Kasargod, where bee and eagle attacks were frequent. The habit proved lifesaving in 2013 when he fell from a tree, which also forced him to take a break from work. During that time, he worked as a security staffer in Ernakulam and Kasargod before returning to coconut climbing.

“I started working at 15 and will continue as long as my body permits,” says Nambiar, who, despite his age, remains undeterred by the physical demands of his profession.

Beyond coconut climbing, Nambiar has performed in several plays and authored six plays on his own. He even served a jail term during the Emergency period. He is married to V Madhavi, and the couple has three daughters: Reena, Sheeba and Shyna.

Nambiar emphasises that helmets should be mandatory for anyone working at heights, not just for motorcyclists or coconut tree climbers.