Over a cup of tea, Alappuzha collective revives Kerala's tea-talk culture

Alappuzha: Marking International Tea Day on December 15, a group of residents in Mavelikkara launched 'Chaaya Vartamaanam' (Tea Talks), an initiative aimed at reviving face-to-face conversations among people.

The organisers said the platform seeks to bring back the culture of open discussions on a wide range of topics that once thrived in tea shops, before the widespread use of mobile phones shifted most interactions to the digital space.

While several countries, including India, observe International Tea Day on December 15, the occasion is marked on May 21 in some nations.

Chaaya Vartamaanam was inaugurated at the Sowmya Tea Stall at Laha Junction in Punnamoodu. Somadasan, who runs the tea shop, formally launched the initiative by handing over a cup of tea to Viswan Padanilam, the organisation’s president.

Nearly a century old, Sowmya Tea Stall was set up by one Velutha Kunju. Later, his nephew Kunju Panicker took over its ownership and the tea stall is currently managed jointly by Panicker’s son Somadasan of Ponakam, Parumalasseril, Ramani, wife of Somadasan’s elder brother Sasi and Mukesh, Somadasan’s son.

K Mohanan Unnithan presided over the inauguration of Chaaya Vartamaanam. Those who spoke at the function included Dr A V Anand Raj, Dr Pradeep Eravankara, Gopan Anjilipra, Girivanam Mohanan, Sam Painummoodu, Prasad Doraiswamy, Shyam Kumar, K Karuthakkutty and Reji Parappuram.