For those who celebrate- Happy Dipawali. For those who don’t, read this link: (http://www.indialife.com/festivals/)

For an interesting article on how India uses technology read this:(http://www.tutorvista.com).

As in other old Tamil caste such as Devars, Paravars are also are very proud about their caste heritage. There are many historic reasons for the closer relations with the Pandiyan kingdom of Madurai. Tuticorin the port city of the Pandiyan kingdom, has always been a stronghold of the Paravars. The Paravars were the chiefs of the coastal region and they ruled their areas as subordinates of the Pandyas of the Sangam age.

The Paravars head quarter was Korkai harbour during the regime of Pandiyan Kingdom and they all spread into 22 fishing hamlets namely Rajackal Mangalam, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Kumari muttam, Kootapuli, Perumanal, Idinthakarai, Kuthenkuly, Uvari, Periathalai, Pudukarai, Manapad, Alanthalai, Thiruchendur, Virapandianpatnam, Thalambuli, Punnaikayal, Palayakayal, Tuticorin, Vaippar, Chethupar, Vembar & Mookur in the pearl fishery coast of Gulf of Mannar and adjacent Comerin coast.

The paravas once a very powerful people and no doubt derived much of their ascendancy over other tribes from their knowledge of navigation and pearl fishery. They had a succession of kings among them, distinguished by the title Adiarasen Some of these chiefs seem to have resided at Uttara Kosmangay near Ramnad. The story of this city itself is clear evidence to this fact. Later, the leaders were called by names Thalaivan, Pattankattiyars, and Adappannars. Kumarimuttom can be considered as the western boundary for the community as the people are inhabitants of also Muttom and Pillaithoppu.
For the Tamil version go to (http://www.kootapuli.com/index.php) .

If you want to read an article about an interesting way that technology is used to help poor people read this. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/technology/30poor.html)  In India, Poverty Inspires Technology Workers to Altruism 

Welcome to Kootapuli

Kootapuli village is located in Tirunelveli District of Tamilnadu, South India. It is situated about 30 Kilometers from Kanyakumari which is a famous tourist place of Tamilnadu. Kootapuli village is a coastal village. It is situated the north side of Indian ocean. Kootapuli village is around 40 kilometers from Nagercoil City. 75 Kilometers from Tirunelveli District. Kootapuli village is in edge of the Tamilnadu.

The main occupation and source of income here is fishing (75%). The whole population of Kootapuli belongs to one caste and one religion. The caste is Paravar and the religion is Roman Catholics. People have migrated to different parts of costal India and Sri Lanka. They have a rich culture before converting to Christianity as well as after conversion.

Paravas were the first whole community in India to convert to Christianity in the mid 16th century. St. Francis Xavier who had travelled through out the southern costal region of India, who had converted the Paravars to christianity.

Parava or Paravas, also known as Bharathar, Paravar is one of the oldest Tamil castes.

Traditionally the Paravars had sea based professions including pearl diving, fishing, navigating, and salt making. They were excellent ship-builders. Their catamarans were the first type of ship encountered by the English with two hulls; the Tamil word for it was adopted into the English language as a loanword. Additionally, the Paravars grew palms and other dry plantation crops.

The Paravars have a long tradition of learning and are one of the earliest communities to have a high literacy rate. This is attributed to their traditional profession of navigator and the influence of Christian missionaries. The riches brought through sea trips were incorporated into houses, including expensive woods such as teak.

I often read about political candidates holding fund raising dinners, where they charge huge amounts for plate- from $100-$1,000.  Somebody would really have  to dig very deep into their pockets to get that money, and for one person!

How many hungry people could be fed with that money? It doesn’t have to be in a developing country.  Even the more developed countries have more than their share of hunger and poverty.  Yet, some people would rather spend money on a political candidate than donate it to a charity or ngo. This inspite the fact that candidates rarely do much for their communities. Even though they promise alot.

Nothing more than empty words and false promises… while the rest of the world struggles.

At this writing, the evening school has been running for 3 months. This has been made possible by donations and the assistance of volunteers. A school however needs to be able to sustain itself.  Teachers, students and parents shouldn’t have to worry about whether there are enough funds to continue. 

We are presently looking into micro finance , but until we’re able to start some sort of income generating activity, we still depend on donations… which are running low.

I’d hate to be a student in a school and have to be told that I can’t continue, because the school doesn’t have enough funds.   What a predicament…..

In the meantime, a cultural event has been held by the students, progress has been made in thier studies.  One full meal is provided for each student.  A lot, yes, hopefully we’ll be able to continue.  With a little help from our friends. Are you one of them? If so, go to (http://www.helptrust.com) and make a donation.  Even a small one, anything you can afford.  Your assistance, will be greatly appreciated.

At this writing, many districts in India, Bangladesh and Nepal have been flooded by the monsoon rains.  Many people are homeless, some have lost loved ones.  It is possible that Kootapuli has also been affected, since it is in the south.  The fate of the children, as well as many other residents of the village is unknown.