00:00For centuries, people in Tamil Nadu have been climbing up the majestic palmyra trees, towering
00:07up to 30 meters high. While the flower spike sap is harvested for its sugar or jaggery,
00:13the leaves can be turned into bags and hats, like those bought by Godsend Samuel.
00:20But what's often missing is sufficient knowledge about the tree, as the pastor regularly notices
00:25in his talks at schools. He's a long-time campaigner for palm trees.
00:30Have you ever tasted palm fruit? One, two, raise your hands. Let me ask you, how many
00:37of you have not tasted palm fruit, and why not?
00:43Godsend Samuel's passion for palm trees dates back 30 years. He's from the Kanyakumari district
00:49in the extreme south of Tamil Nadu. People here know that palmyras are sturdy enough
00:54to withstand cyclones, and that their roots are deep enough to access water even during
00:59those seemingly unending drought periods. More reasons why Godsend Samuel appreciates
01:05the trees.
01:08In my book, I wrote that the palm trees should not be cut down, and that if you do cut one
01:13down, you need to get special permission. I also mentioned that palm jaggery should
01:17be provided in ration shops. These two things have been officially declared by the government.
01:24But Godsend Samuel wants to see further action, and for people to understand the importance
01:28of preserving the trees as a precious commodity, which is why he invests time in talking to
01:34villagers.
01:36I have conducted a palm leaves portrait exhibition. We make handicrafts and designs made of palm
01:42leaves. This is my own idea.
01:48The travelling exhibition has taken him to the state capital Chennai, but also to Bangalore
01:53and Kolkata, and even abroad to Sri Lanka and Cambodia. And there's a far bigger dimension
01:58to the importance of his efforts.
02:03I have known Father Godsend Samuel for over four years now. We used to discuss how to
02:07replace plastic with palm products in an innovative way that can be easily accepted by people.
02:13And as a result, the table that we use now in our church, together with our money box
02:18and even our donation collecting bowl, are made of palm leaves. And our palm workshop
02:26has helped to create job opportunities and livelihoods for many people.
02:33Among those who've taken that opportunity is Grace Juliet Diana. The toys she sells
02:38are supplied by a wide range of craftspeople, all of them substituting items that would
02:43normally be made in factories and from plastic. But do palm leaves actually have the makings
02:49of replacing plastics? Godsend Samuel takes a realistic approach.
02:59Palm products are of high quality and the durability depends on the manufacturer and
03:04the use. But in the case of plastics, we are all aware of the massive destructive impact
03:11it has. Palm products are not a direct alternative. But if we use more palm products in our daily
03:22life, it would probably reduce demand for plastics.
03:28Godsend Samuel still has a long road ahead of him. He dreams of greater recognition for
03:33the palmyra, also through a college teaching people about the tree. With the palmyra having
03:39benefited the region and its inhabitants for so long, he says it's time to give something
03:44back.
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