CHENNAI: Mannvasanai, an organic store-cum-organisation, has been creating ripples across the city, thanks to its late founder Thilakrajan. “He wanted to help farmers and trace the traditional rice varieties. Four months back, he passed away in an accident and it was a huge loss for the organic community and the farmers community,” says Menaka Thilakrajan.
In an attempt to celebrate the work of Thilakrajan and to create awareness around the traditional rice varieties, Mannvasanai is hosting a record attempt by cooking 100 varieties of traditional rice at the same time at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya on November 25. “People these days are not aware of the traditional varieties of rice available here. There are more than 100-plus varieties. Thilak wanted this information to reach everyone worldwide and in fact he had planned such an event. But, things didn’t go as planned. So, I have taken the step to do it,” shares Menaka.
About 60 women, 15 transgenders and 25 men will be coming together to cook the 100 varieties of rice, which were collected by Thilak. “He went around the country for eight years, tracing and spotting these different varieties. This will be on display at the venue. Some of the varieties are very rare,” she says pointing to Kotaranchemba, a rice variety cultivated by only one farmer in the state. “The farmer has been cultivating it for 50 years. It’s a periodic rice that increases immunity in children,” she shares.
The invites for the record attempt has been sent to farmers and organic stores across Tamil Nadu. “I should thank everyone who has been supporting me to achieve this. This will bring everyone’s focus to what the country is producing. Many of these rice varieties are good for people with diabetes, pregnant women and even people with cancer. It’s not polished rice we consume in the city; it does not induce obesity,” she elucidates.
J Raman of Save the rice, Madhumathi (IAS) and Ananthu, Organic Farmers Market, will be part of the event. “We are expecting a large crowd and are hoping to set the record!” she adds.
Mannvasanai will be conducting the record attempt at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya, T Nagar,
on November 25 from 10.30 am onwards