Nestled between lush green fields and human dwellings is a large tract of green where animals, birds and fishes sans any prey-predator distinction share homes. In this land, trees of various species look heavenwards, nodding their heads as if saying a silent thanks to the one man who has spent 15 years of his life patiently nurturing the flora and fauna of his land in Potta in Chalakudy. Never mind the hardships Varkey Veliyath faced financially or the people including his kith and kin who called him eccentric, this pre-degree holder has embarked on a single-man crusade of transforming his ancestral property of an acre and a quarter into a safe and protected haven for all living beings naming it Kauthuka Park or the Park of Intrigue.
Varkey Veliyath
And yes, it is absolutely intriguing to see small rivulets, manmade caves, natural and artificial tree houses, ponds with crystal clear waters where big, fishes swim languidly sharing a peaceful co-existence with geese, white turkeys, exotic furry legged pigeons, guinea pigs and an emu that stands at the park gate like a sentinel. It is a testimony to Varkey’s never-say-die attitude that his ancestral and agricultural property has now been elevated to the status of an eco-tourism hotspot recognised by the Tourism Department of both the Central and State Governments visited by schoolchildren, foreigners and the local crowd. Varkey is the architect behind all the manmade shelters and art works on the land.
As one enters the park, the emu comes to investigate. None of the birds here are caged but are left free to come and go of their own free will. Varkey, who bid goodbye to 10 years of professional life in the Gulf to start the park, says, “Right from my childhood, I had an avid love for arts, culture, farming, animals, birds and plants. But I had to keep all that love bundled up to earn a living in the Gulf. After returning, I wanted to do something for the conservation of nature and that is how Kauthuka Park took birth. From initially taking care of sick animals that did not leave, I created this eco-system.
Man thinks that by building concrete jungles, he is heading towards a better quality of life, but he does not realise that he is destroying himself in the long run. Trees are being destroyed but we can build homes without destroying nature, incorporating them into the dwellings. Whatever trees are being destroyed needs to be replanted back to create healthy ecosystems. Monetary profit is not important to me and I strongly believe that all creatures that God created are equal and have equal rights to this earth that we, so callously claim as ours.” Varkey does not believe in caging any animals and one can see rabbits, hens, doves, guinea pigs and geese sharing the same cage.
He mentions, “I believe in the importance of co-existence. Where man has encroached, we can build artificial ecosystems to support nature and bring back biodiversity. There are a lot of animals that depend on trees for their survival; by cutting down trees, we are also removing the dwelling places of various fauna. Here, all the animals have shelters to protect them but they are free to come and go as they please and leave if they don’t want to stay here.” He points out beehives, snake holes and dwellings for rats along with various rare medicinal plants.
Another point that Varkey makes is, “In our homes, we have only our family but in these shelters, a variety of species live in harmony and that is a valuable lesson they teach us. I have understood the habits of each species of animals and made arrangements. I am also a farmer so I have implemented multi-farming here.” It is not just about giving the animals shelter and food — it is also about an integration of various streams of science to get an understanding of the habits and needs of the flora and fauna. Varkey explains, “I have integrated culture, art, nature, poetry, science, environment, etiology and responsible tourism to spread awareness about this project.” He points to some artistically placed clay pots and unused pipes, empty bottles, mud pots, bamboo, driftwood and even wild vines that are recycled into useful products.
The bridges that pass over ponds are his handiwork. He has also recreated some ancient architecture like the muniyara which is a small cave where the saints use to meditate as also an open museum that houses various implements and artefacts of yore, burial domes and an artificial mountain. Also a poet, Varkey’s various poems are displayed in the park Varkey states that innovations should be made to pass on to the next generation instead of just passing by without leaving an individual mark. Varkey is also into tree sculpting where he bends and twists stems of aerial plants that have found a place in the Limca record books for creating eight different accomplishments using the roots and stems of the same tree. He also has another record for his single-man crusade and is the recipient of 29 awards.
