Kannur coconut plucker turns lifelong trade into journey across Asia and Gulf at 62

KANNUR : Purushothaman T V, a resident of Velloor in Payyannur, has turned his humble livelihood of coconut plucking into a ticket to see the world. With the firm belief thengu chadikkilla (coconut tree never cheats), the 62-year-old built his life around the trade, and in return, coconuts rewarded him with opportunities he never imagined. Once convinced that he would never step beyond the country, Purushothaman has now travelled to countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and several Arab nations. His journey stands as a testament to how dedication and faith in ones work can open doors to experiences far beyond expectations. Currently, he is preparing for his next trip, to Vietnam. I have always had a passion for travelling and exploring new places, Purushothaman tells TNIE . But during my childhood, financial limitations stood in the way. And being the eldest of three children, I had to start working at a young age, which also affected my education. His travels began with visits to temples like Sabarimala and Kollur Mookambika. I often visit these temples multiple times a year. Accompanying other devotees on these trips gave me the chance to explore not only the temples but also the places around them. These experiences brought me immense joy, not just in exploring new places but also in meeting and interacting with new people, he says. For Purushothaman, coconut palms are more than just a livelihood, they are a way of life. New places surprise me with their beauty While he earns his bread by plucking coconuts, he goes a step further by renting palm farms, harvesting the yield, and selling it himself. To supplement his income, he also supplies tender coconuts and coconut flowers for weddings, a demand that never seems to fade. What drives him most, however, is his deep faith in the trees he tends to. He believes coconut palms will always give generously if cared for with attention. Purushothaman says he works every day, believing that consistent hard work always brings the desired results. Each time he visits a new country, he feels it is the greatest one he has seen, only to realise that every country holds its own charm. New places continue to surprise me with their beauty, he says. Families for whom he works have also supported him in pursuing his travels. Though his wife, Sarojini, has little interest in travelling, she joined him on trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To fund his passion, Purushothaman contributes to various small chit schemes, which help make his journeys possible. The couple has two children.