Munnar Strike - Power of Women

Hill stations are undoubtedly the best places to relax. Anyone visiting there would wonder how beautiful the life of natives would be! Oxygen in its purest form, serene weather and absolute exquisiteness around… it is the same that tempts people to acquire land in these areas. But truth is different. Days of folks living out there are absolutely horrible except high class.

Among the hill stations in India, Munnar is considered as one of the perfect destinations for honeymooners as well as other tourists. Any user who browses this name will find picturesque places. Every nook and corner of Munnar is wonderful. Whether it is river, hill, town, resorts or eateries, all serve as places of tourist attraction.

For past one week, Munnar is quiet without tourists. Reason behind it was a strike. Here are a few features of the iconic attempt:

• Conducted by plantation workers of Kannan Devan Plantation
• Ladies in the forefront
• No leader or political parties to lead
• Around 5000 females took part
• Demands were salary hike and increase in bonus
• Politicians were not encouraged
• Venue was National Highway from Kochi to Dhanushkodi
• Protestors blocked NH for nine days
• Most of the participants were Tamilians

On Sunday, opposition leader of Kerala legislative assembly, VS Achuthanandan joined the camp. He announced he’d be there till the problem is solved. A man of 90’s sat for the whole day with protestors. By night, their demands were agreed. Usually they were paid only a minimum of Rs. 232. They had to pluck 21 kilos of tea leaves per day. Even if they give an outcome of 100 kilos, they are paid just Rs. 308. So they went on with a strike for minimum pay of Rs. 500. They also wanted bonus of 20%.

Womenfolk didn’t entertain participation of men in the strike as they feared males can be easily influenced by management. Only person whom they trusted was VS Achuthanandan.

It must be admitted that this is one of the historic effort with no banners of any political or social organization. Sadly the credits of this fight back don’t belong to women of Keralites. Malayali females love to live cozy life. Albeit they wish to oppose for a social cause, their family won’t allow. There will be a few exceptions. Yet most of the family setup in Kerala thinks a woman who raises her voice is a burden. So Malayali female community is covered up with ‘emotional shatters’. Apart from household jobs and office works, she’d seldom have a world. 

Spotting a lady dancing in a procession in Kerala might be a tedious task. Happiness, sorrow and anger has its limit when it comes to Malayali ladies and the boundary won’t go beyond the four walls of her house. Way to go Tamil ladies… You showed the world what’s female power. Salute for your courage and effort!