Govt employee in Thrissur who turned office compounds into 'mini-farms' retires

Thrissur: Having balanced files in one hand and saplings in the other, District Employment Officer Shaju Lonappan is stepping down today after a 27-year career in public service. His farewell leaves behind a quiet reminder that work is not only about struggle and earning, but about affection, care, commitment and compassion. The clearest expression of that philosophy stands right where he served, the District Employment Exchange and Employability Centre itself.

As if welcoming visitors, mango saplings in full bloom line the office’s outer wall, alongside fruit-bearing sapota trees. Inside the compound, a lush mix of native and exotic hybrid varieties thrives. This vary from jackfruit to bunches of bananas, guava, papaya, rambutan, sweet lime, passion fruit, jujube, rose apple, gooseberry, neem, lemon and even a climbing pepper vine, all growing side by side. The guiding principle for Shaju Lonappan, a native of Vainthala near Kadukutti has been that the fruits should be enjoyed by everyone.

Shaju began his service in 1998 as a clerk at the Thalappilly Employment Office. Though his postings took him to Shoranur, Balussery, Koyilandy and Mannuthy, the greater part of his official life was spent at the Thrissur office.

When the District Employment Office in the city was renovated, a boundary wall was built after vacating the space where the old building had stood close to the road. To prevent encroachment and the dumping of waste, Shaju planted mango saplings along the outer wall in 2020, taking the first step towards greening the workplace. After his transfer, the plants were cared for by Sunil, a native of Ancheri, who was then working at the office as a watchman.

From preparing the soil for cultivation to growing bougainvillea in pots to brighten up the office, Shaju often dipped into his own pocket. He also practises farming at his residence in Chiyyaram and on the terrace. His wife, Mini, is a teacher at St Mary’s School, Chiyyaram. Their children are Shan Maria, a research scholar at the University of Florida; Tina Maris, who has completed Plus Two and is preparing for entrance examinations; and Chris Susaine, a Class 10 student.