Karthumbi Umbrellas Of Kerala Mentioned By PM Modi In Mann Ki Baat
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned a special type of umbrella, ‘Karthumbi Umbrellas’ of Kerala, during Mann ki Baat. He discussed the Karthumbi Umbrella manufacturing unit at Attapadi in Palakkad District in Kerala and are in high demand in the market.
Discussing the specialty of the Karthumbi Umbrella, PM Modi said, “Umbrellas are a part of Kerala’s tradition and culture however, the colorful and vibrant Karthumi Umbrellas are distinct for their uniqueness. They are prepared in Attapady in Kerala. These umbrellas are specially prepared by the Tribal women in the Kerral under the supervision of the ‘Vattalukki Cooperative Agriculture Society’. This society is run and administered by the women”.
Karthumbi umbrellas of Kerala are special… Here’s why#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/ghSI3yB175
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 30, 2024
Karthumbi Umbrellas is a product of the Muduga, Irula, and Kurmba tribes of Palakkad district in Kerala. The manufacturing of this umbrella starts two months before the monsoon. These tribal women make them in their tribal huts after receiving raw materials.
Read also: India And Monsoon: A Saga Explained
In 2017, the then minister of the welfare of SC/STs and backward classes A K Balan inaugurated the distribution of Karthumbi umbrellas, as an initiative to promote social security for tribal families in Attapaddi. The Karthumbi brand umbrellas emerged as a symbol of resilience and community support for the tribal women.
With the assistance of progressive technology and a socio-cultural group, these umbrellas are marketed and distributed to expand their reach from the Infopark serving as the designated collection point. It is also available online.
The Karthumbi umbrella manufacturing unit at Attappadi in Palakkad District in #Kerala, was mentioned by the Prime Minister today in #MannKiBaat.
These umbrellas are manufactured here by a group of tribal women. Karthumbi umbrellas are in high demand on the market.… pic.twitter.com/3tcq1uiSyU
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 30, 2024
The manufacturing of Karthumbi Umbrellas provided social security to the women and children in Attapaddy where the rate of infant deaths has remained reportedly high due to poverty and malnutrition.
Notably, Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio program initiated by the PM Narendra Modi, where he interacts with citizens on themes and issues that matter to the Nation.
