The Village That Learned To Listen To The Sea

 

There was a small village on the coast of Karnataka called Kadaluru. It was not on any tourist map. If you went there, you would only smell salt, fish, and wet nets drying in the sun.

For 200 years the people of Kadaluru lived only on one thing - the sea.

Every morning at 4 AM before the sun woke up the sound of boats would fill the air. Men would push their wooden boats into the dark water. Women would wait on the shore with baskets. Children would run behind them, hoping for a small fish to play with.

The sea gave them everything. Food, money, marriage, festivals. When the catch was good, the whole village would celebrate. When the catch was bad, the whole village would go hungry together.

Sagar was one of those fishermen. He was 32 years old, tall, dark from the sun, with hands as rough as rope. His father was a fisherman. His grandfather was a fisherman. He thought his son would also be a fisherman.

But in the last five years, something changed in Kadaluru.

Sagar would go to sea at 4 AM and come back at 12 noon with a net that was almost empty. Earlier, one trip would bring 100 kilos of fish. Now it brought 10 kilos. And most of those were small baby fish, no bigger than his finger.

Sagar was angry. He bought a bigger net with smaller holes, so even the baby fish could not escape. Other fishermen did the same. They bought bigger engines, bigger lights to attract fish at night. For a few months, they got more fish again. They thought they had solved the problem; yet the next year it became worse. Much worse.

There was a day when Sagar went to sea and came back with nothing. Zero. Not even one fish for his own dinner. That night, his wife Sunita cooked only rice and pickle. His 6-year-old daughter, Anu, asked, "Appa, where is the fish?" Sagar had no answer. He sat outside his house and looked at the sea. For the first time in his life, he felt the sea was angry with him.

The same thing was happening to everyone. Lakshmi Amma, who was 60 years old, used to sell dried fish in the market. Now she had no fish to dry. Prakash, who was 25 wanted to leave the village and go to Bangalore to work as a security guard. Many young boys had already left.

The village was dying.

Then, one monsoon morning, a girl came to Kadaluru. Her name was Meena. She was not from the village. She came from an organization that worked on something called "Sustainable Coastal Livelihoods." Nobody in the village understood that big English word. They thought she was a government officer who had come to give them a loan.

Meena did not give them money. She gave them something else - a new way to look at the sea.

She sat with the fishermen under the big banyan tree and asked one simple question:

"For 200 years you have taken from the sea. What have you ever given back to the sea?"

Everyone became silent. Sagar laughed. "Give back to the sea? The sea is not a person. We just take fish."

Meena smiled and said, "If you take all the eggs from a hen every day and also kill the hen, tomorrow you will have no eggs. The sea is the same. You are catching the baby fish before they can become mothers. You are killing the sea."

That night, Sagar could not sleep. He remembered his grandfather's words. His grandfather used to say, "The sea rests on Amavasya. Don't disturb her that day." Now they fished 30 days a month, even on Amavasya. His grandfather used to throw back small fish. Now they kept everything.

Meena did not force anyone. She just started three small experiments in the village.

First, she went to Sagar. She said, "Sagar, can you try one thing for three months? Use a net with bigger holes. Let the small fish escape. And don't go fishing for two days a week. Give the sea a holiday."

Sagar said, "If I do that, my family will starve."

Meena said, "If you don't do that your family will starve forever after two years."

Sagar agreed, but only because he had no other option.

Second, she went to Lakshmi Amma. Lakshmi Amma used to sit on the beach and collect seaweed that washed ashore. She used to throw it away. Meena told her, "This seaweed is gold. You can make soap, pickles, and health powder from it. People in cities pay a lot for it."

Lakshmi Amma laughed. "Seaweed soap? Who will buy it?" Meena helped her make 20 soaps. They sold all 20 in one day at the Mangalore market. Lakshmi Amma's eyes filled with tears. For the first time she had earned money without depending on fish.

Third, she went to Prakash. Prakash knew how to dive. He knew every coral, every rock under the sea. Meena said, "Prakash, don't catch fish. Show people the fish. Tourists will pay to see the octopus, the coral, and the dugong - the sea cow."

Prakash said, "No one will come to Kadaluru."  Meena put one photo of a dugong from Kadaluru on the internet. Within one month 30 tourists came. They paid Prakash 2000 rupees each just to see the dugong alive. Prakash earned more in one week than he had earned in one month of fishing.

Slowly, the whole village started changing.

The fishermen made a rule together - no fishing on Tuesday and Friday. No catching fish smaller than their palm. No fishing near the seagrass area, because that is where baby fish grow. They called it "The Sea's Nursery."

In the beginning, it was very hard. Sagar's income fell even more. Some fishermen called him a fool. His own brother stopped talking to him. Sagar remembered Meena's words, "If you kill it, you get money once. If you save it, you get money for life."

After six months, a miracle started happening.

Sagar went to sea and his net was heavier. The fish were bigger. He caught a big pomfret, a seer fish, and a lot of prawns. He had not seen such big fish in five years.

After one year, the sea came back to life. The seagrass grew thick again. Crabs returned. The dugong that had disappeared for three years came back with a baby dugong. Tourists started calling Kadaluru "The Dugong Village."

Lakshmi Amma now leads a group of 40 women. They make seaweed soap, dried seaweed snacks, and shell jewellery. They don't need to wait for their husbands to bring fish anymore. They earn their own money. They send their daughters to college.

Prakash now runs a small eco-tourism center. He does not allow plastic on his boat. He teaches tourists, "Don't touch the coral. Don't chase the dugong. Just watch."

And Sagar? Sagar is now the leader of the fishermen's committee. He teaches other villages. He says, "Earlier we were looting the sea. Now the sea is feeding us. We just had to learn to listen."

Today, Kadaluru is not a rich village. They don't have big buildings or fancy cars but they have something more important - they have a future. Their children will also have fish to catch. Their sea will not die.

That is what Sustainable Coastal Livelihood means. It means the sea should live, and we should live. Not one person, but everyone - fishermen, women, children, even tourists. Everyone together. That is called an Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy.

As Meena said on her last day in the village before she left:

"Don't ask what the sea can give you. Ask what you can give back to the sea. If you protect the sea, the sea will protect you for 200 more years."

Apeksha R. Tandel 

True Friendship Never Ends

 

Book Review: The Girl and the Mermaid

Authors:  Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini

Publisher: Bloomsbury in 2024

About the Book:

This is a beautiful story about a little girl who loves the sea, and her friendship with a mermaid.

One day the girl meets a lonely mermaid under the water. They become best friends. They swim, play, and explore the magical underwater world together but the mermaid has to go away... and the girl learns that true friendship never really ends even if we are far apart.

Truly magical - and it really is. A book that makes children dream, and also makes adults a little emotional.

What I loved:

- Illustrations: Sarah Massini's pictures are truly magical. The sea looks so dreamy and colourful. Kids will love to just look at the pages.

- Language: The words are simple, poetic and very easy to read aloud. Perfect for teaching English reading and pronunciation.

- Message: It teaches about friendship, kindness, letting go, and loving nature.

Good For Teaching:

You can use this book to teach kids:

- Sea animals: fish, coral, shell, mermaid

- Feelings: happy, lonely, brave, sad

- Verbs: swim, dive, play, explore

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Apeksha R. Tandel

Why is there no Fisherman in a children's book?

 

For a small child, the first book is not just a book, it is their first world. In that itself, they learn letters, animals, fruits, colours, everything. The book I recently saw, "My First Board Book - All in One", is also one such good book. It is Manoj Publication of 2018.

This book is a board book. Even if children tear it or bite it, it will not get spoiled. It can be wiped and cleaned. It has English ABC, Hindi Varnamala, animals, fruits, vegetables - everything. Because it has real photos, children can recognise things quickly. That is why it is called "All in One".

On page 26 of this book, there is a page called "Our Helpers". In it there are Doctor, Teacher, Postman, Policeman, Soldier, Watchman, Sweeper, Mechanic, Milkman, Fireman, Barber, Tailor, Carpenter, Mason, Cobbler, Electrician, Farmer, Potter - a total of 20 helpers.

This is a very good thing. From this, a child learns to respect every worker. The child understands that everyone is important in our life - Doctor when we are sick, Teacher who teaches us, Policeman who protects us, Farmer who gives us food, Sweeper who keeps our town clean.

But here a big question arises. In this list, why is there no Fisherman?

In the coastal region of Karnataka, a fisherman is not just a person, he is the one who gives food to thousands of families. Without caring for rain, wind, or storm, he goes to the sea, risking his life, and brings fish. The respect given to a farmer should also be given to a fisherman.

The makers of the book remembered the Potter and the Cobbler, but forgot the fisherman. This is probably a big mistake. In the next edition, the fisherman should be added. Only then will this book truly become "All in One".

My Rating: 3.5 / 5

If you want to prepare a book like this in the future, add a picture of a fisherman. Only then will this book become an all-in-one book.

Apeksha R. Tandel

The Star of the Sea - Starfish

Starfish is not a fish at all! It is a sea animal that looks like a star. That is why we call it a starfish, or a sea star.

It usually has 05 arms but some starfish have more than 40 arms! It has no brain and no blood. It lives in the sea, on rocks and in coral.

What does it eat?

Starfish loves to eat small shell animals, clams and snails. It eats in a very strange way. It pushes its stomach out of its body, eats the food outside, and then pulls its stomach back in!

Magic Power

If a starfish loses one arm, it can grow a new one. Some starfish can even grow a whole new body from just one arm. Isn't that magic?

Why is it special?

Starfish cannot live outside water. It breathes through its skin. It moves very slowly using hundreds of tiny feet under its arms.

Starfish teaches us one thing: you don't need to be fast to be beautiful. You just need to shine like a star, even under the sea.

Apeksha R. Tandel

My Beloved School - Unforgettable Children's Day Memories

Games are going on in our school for the Children's Day program. When I saw these little children standing carefully in a line, balancing a book on their heads without letting it fall my mind suddenly flew back to the old days.

That ground, that shouting, that laughter, that celebration... everything feels like it happened just yesterday; right in front of my eyes.

I learned a lot in this H.P.S Mallukurva School, Tonka, Kasarkod, Honavar. Not just the lessons in the books. I learned life's biggest lessons right here.

While walking with a book on our head, we understood - in life too, no matter how many difficulties come, we should not lose our balance.

While standing in a line, we understood - how important discipline is.

We learned here how to laugh when we win, how to get up again when we lose, and how to clap for our friends.

Our teachers did not just teach us lessons. They taught us how to become good human beings. Our friends did not just play with us. They made our childhood beautiful.

And now... those days are far away. Those games, that Children's Day celebration, those moments of running around in the ground... I miss all of them so much.

Only after leaving school do we understand how big a treasure school is. Even the homework that bored us then, brings a smile now when we remember it. The words of teachers that felt strict then, now sound like blessings.

Those days will never come back but those memories will always stay alive in my heart.

My school is not just a building. It is my childhood, my laughter, the beginning of my dreams. It is my second home.

Looking at these children, I have only one wish - enjoy these days fully because one day, like me, you too will remember these days, smile, and miss them.

Happy Children's Day to everyone!

Apeksha R. Tandel

---

Stop, Sit On The Sand, And Listen To The Sea

 

Title: Amália and the Shell Beach

Story: Escola Básica J.B. Maria Alberta Meneses Students

Illustrations : Auxilium High School Students

Publishers : COMMUNICARE(community publication Goa

Year of Publications: not mentioned

About the Book

Amália lives near a beach full of shells. This book follows her small, everyday journey - collecting shells, watching fishermen, talking to the sea.

Theme

The main theme is Empathy and Humanity. Amália doesn't just see the beach as beautiful, she sees the people who depend on it. It teaches us that nature is not something to use, it's something to respect.

Why this book is special?

Usually books are written by one famous author. But this book is written and drawn by students. That is why it feels real. It is a story from children, for children, and for all of us who have forgotten to be children.

Conclusion

In a world where we are always running, Amália teaches us to stop, sit on the sand, and listen to the sea. A small book with a big heart.

Apeksha R. Tandel

Journalist - The Guardian of Truth

 

Introduction:

Journalism is one of the important pillars of democracy. And the one who holds that pillar firmly is the journalist. A journalist is not just someone who writes news, he is the eyes, ears and voice of society.

To convey impartially to the people what is happening in a country, in a town, who is facing injustice, and how the administrative system is functioning - is the main objective of journalism.

Role of a Journalist:

Behind every news we see on our mobile today, there is the relentless hard work of a journalist. Without caring about rain, sun, cold or danger, he visits the spot, meets the victims, collects the facts and presents them before the people.

Raising voice against corruption, injustice and illegal activities happening in society is the duty of a journalist. His pen does not write with ink alone, it writes with truth, justice and humanity.

Modern Challenges:

Today journalism is facing a big change. After the arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media, fake news is spreading very fast. In this era where anyone can write and share anything, the responsibility of a true journalist has increased even more because his job is to search for the pearl of truth in the ocean of lies and bring it out.

Qualities of a Good Journalist:

The main qualities that an ideal journalist must have are:

1. Courage - The courage to speak the truth without bowing to any pressure.

2. Honesty - The quality of writing impartially without siding with any party, caste or religion.

3. Humanity - Understanding people's pain and suffering as if experiencing it oneself.

4. Patience - The patience to wait until the complete truth is known.

Conclusion

Finally, a journalist is not just a profession, it is a great responsibility. In his writing lies the power to awaken society, to question, and to bring change. We should not forget that if a journalist's pen stops, the voice of society itself will stop.

Therefore, the next generation of journalists must believe in truth, live for truth, and write for truth. That itself is true journalism.

Apeksha R. Tandel

Businessman And The Fisherman By The Sea

In a small yet beautiful village by the sea, there lived a fisherman named Ranga. His house was small; made of mud and coconut leaves but his heart was very big.

Every morning before the sun rose Ranga would wake up. He would drink a cup of black tea made by his wife Kamala, kiss his two children on their foreheads, and walk to the seashore with his small wooden boat and his old fishing net.

The sea was his best friend. He knew when the waves would be calm and when they would be angry. He knew where the fish would be hiding. He never used a big net. He always caught only as much fish as his family needed for the day and a few extra to sell in the market.

He would return home by noon. He would sell the fish, buy rice, vegetables, and sometimes a small sweet for his children. Then the whole family would sit together, eat, laugh, and tell stories. In the evening, Ranga would sit under the coconut tree, look at the sunset, and feel completely happy. He had no big house, no car, no bank balance but he had time, peace and love. For him that was everything.

One day, a rich businessman from the city came to the village for a holiday. He was wearing an expensive watch, sunglasses, and shiny shoes. He saw Ranga sitting peacefully on the beach, mending his net, and he became curious.

He walked up to him and asked, "Why are you sitting here doing nothing? Why did you come back so early from fishing?"

Ranga smiled and said, "I have already caught enough fish for today. My family has eaten. Now I am resting."

The businessman laughed. "You are wasting your time! If you work harder, you can catch more fish. If you catch more fish, you can earn more money. With that money, you can buy a bigger boat. With a bigger boat, you can go deeper into the sea and catch even more fish. Then you can buy two boats, then three boats, then start a big company!"

Ranga listened calmly and asked, "And then what will happen?"

The businessman said excitedly, "Then you will become very rich! You will become a millionaire! You will have a big house, a big car, and servants. And after 20 or 25 years of hard work, you can finally retire, come back to this village, sit peacefully on this beach, and enjoy your life with your family!"

Ranga looked at the sea, then looked at the businessman, and smiled a big, peaceful smile.

He said, "Sir, but I am already doing that right now. I am sitting on this same beach, peacefully, with my family waiting for me at home. Why should I work for 25 years, suffer, and run behind money, just to come back to the place where I am already happy today?"

The businessman stood silent. For the first time in his life, he had no answer. He had spent his whole life running behind money, working day and night, missing his children's birthdays, missing peaceful evenings, thinking that one day he would be happy. But this poor fisherman, with no money, was already living the life he was dreaming of.

That evening, the businessman did not go back to his expensive hotel. He sat with Ranga on the beach, watched the sunset, and for the first time in many years, he felt truly calm.

Moral: Don't spend your whole life running behind happiness. Sometimes, happiness is already sitting right beside you.

Apeksha R. Tandel

Coastal Karnataka: Where The Rivers Meets The Sea

Coastal Karnataka, or Karavali is not just a place. It is a feeling. From Mangaluru to Udupi, Kundapura to Honnavar, Karwar to Bhatkal - this 340 km long coastline is where the Western Ghats come down to touch the Arabian Sea. And where the Sharavathi, Netravathi, and Kollur rivers meet the sea, stories are born.

1. The People

Karavali people are simple, but strong. Fishermen wake up at 3 AM. Farmers grow paddy in the rain. Women run small hotels, make pickles, and keep the family together.

They speak Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Beary - sometimes all in one sentence! But their language of love is food and respect.

2. The Food

If you have not eaten in Karavali, you have not lived.

- Mangaluru Fish Curry with hot rice

- Neer Dosa and Chicken Curry

- Goli Baje and Buns in Udupi

- Honnavar's special fish fry and Sharavathi fish

Here, food is not just food. It is a blessing.

3. The Culture

Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, Kambala, Temple festivals - Karavali is full of art.

In Honnavar, you can see the Sharavathi river meeting the sea at Kasarkod beach. In Udupi, you can see Krishna Matha. In Murudeshwara, you can see the giant Shiva statue looking at the sea.

Every village has a temple, a mosque, a church - all living together.

4. The Pain Behind The Beauty

But Karavali is not only beautiful. It has pain too.

Fishermen risk their life every day. When the sea is angry, families wait on the shore all night. Young people leave to Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gulf for jobs. Villages become empty.

Still, they never leave their roots. Wherever they go, they carry Karavali in their heart.

5. Why Karavali Stories Matter

Today everyone writes about cities but the real India lives in places like Honnavar, Malpe, and Kundapura.

These stories need to be told because if we don't tell them, they will be lost in the sea.

Karavali is not just a coast. It is our mother. It gives us food, it gives us life, and it gives us stories.

If you ever feel lost in life, come to Karavali. Sit on the beach. Listen to the waves. You will find your answer.

Apeksha R. Tandel

The Untold Story of Wular Lake

Fisherfolk recall the lost glory of a once-bountiful Wetland to Naseer Ahmad Dar 

Through the memories of three elderly fisherfolk, the story of Wular Lake reveals a world of abundance, biodiversity, traditional livelihoods and a deep connection between people and nature.

There are stories hidden in the memories of those who have spent their entire lives beside Wular Lake. Stories that are rarely written in history books, stories that cannot be fully understood through government reports or scientific surveys, and stories that deserve to be heard before they disappear with the passing of generations.

For Abdul Aziz Malla (65), Abdul Samad Dar (62) and Sunmali Begum (60) Wular Lake is not merely a water body. It is a living memory of their childhood, their culture, their struggles and a time when the lake provided almost everything a fishing family needed to survive.

As they recall the past their words paint a picture of a Wular that was once extraordinarily rich in aquatic biodiversity and natural resources. They remember a lake that supported more than 40 species of fish, sustained thousands of fishing families and provided an abundance of water chestnuts, lotus stems, fodder and other wetland resources.

A lake that fed thousands!

According to their recollections, Wular Lake was once among the most productive inland water bodies in the region. Historical accounts and community memories speak of annual fish production reaching approximately 10,000 metric tonnes during its more prosperous years. Water chestnut and lotus stem production, together with other wetland resources, was also estimated by the community at around 4,000 metric tonnes.

For fisherfolk, these were not simply production figures. They represented food security, employment, dignity and economic independence.

Fish was the main source of livelihood for thousands of households. Water chestnuts (Gaer) and lotus stems (Nadru) provided additional income, while wetland vegetation and fodder supported livestock and agricultural activities. Every part of the lake had its importance, and almost nothing went to waste.
Abdul Aziz Malla recalls a time when fishing was not merely an occupation but a way of life passed from one generation to another. The lake was generous, and families could depend on its resources throughout different seasons. Fishing grounds were productive, traditional knowledge guided fishing practices, and people understood the seasonal rhythms of the water.

Abdul Samad Dar remembers the diversity of fish that once inhabited the lake. Different varieties were commonly found, and fishing communities had a close understanding of their habitats, breeding seasons and movements. The abundance of fish made it possible for families to earn their livelihoods without travelling long distances in search of productive fishing grounds.

Sunmali Begum: The forgotten contribution of women

For Sunmali Begum, the memories of Wular are closely connected with the contribution of women. Women were not simply members of fishing households; they were active participants in the wetland economy. From collecting and processing water chestnuts to preparing and selling lotus stems and fish, women played an important role in sustaining household incomes. Their work often began early in the morning and continued throughout the day.

The lake provided women with opportunities to contribute financially to their families while preserving traditional knowledge and practices. Today, as natural resources decline, these opportunities have also become increasingly uncertain.

Her recollections remind us that the degradation of Wular Lake is not only an environmental issue. It is also a matter of women's economic independence, community identity and social justice.

From abundance to uncertainty

The three elderly fisherfolk express concern about the transformation they have witnessed over the decades. The lake that once supported diverse fish populations and abundant wetland produce is now facing serious ecological challenges.

Siltation, shrinking water channels, degradation of aquatic habitats, pollution, changes in water flow and the decline of natural vegetation have affected the lake's productivity. Traditional fishing communities are among the first to experience these changes because their livelihoods depend directly on the health of the ecosystem.

The declining availability of fish and other wetland resources has created economic uncertainty. Younger generations are increasingly reluctant to enter fishing because they see fewer opportunities and greater financial hardships.

Many traditional fishing families are struggling to maintain their livelihoods, while valuable indigenous knowledge is gradually disappearing.

Listening to those who know the lake

The memories of Abdul Aziz Malla, Abdul Samad Dar and Sunmali Begum are more than personal recollections. They represent an important form of community knowledge that can contribute to the restoration and sustainable management of Wular Lake.

Their experiences offer valuable insights into historical fish diversity, seasonal fishing patterns, traditional resource management and the interconnected relationship between the lake and its dependent communities.

If Wular Lake is to be restored, the voices of its traditional inhabitants must become part of the conservation process. Scientific research and government interventions are important, but they must be complemented by the experiences and knowledge of those who have lived with the lake for generations.
Conservation cannot succeed by treating fisherfolk merely as beneficiaries of development schemes. They must be recognised as stakeholders, rightsholders, knowledge-holders and active partners in lake restoration.

Saving Wular means saving its people

The story of Wular Lake is a reminder that wetlands are not simply geographical features or reservoirs of water. They are ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, livelihoods, food systems and cultural traditions.
The memories shared by these three elderly fisherfolk raise an important question: If Wular once supported such remarkable biodiversity and provided so much to local communities, what can we do today to restore its ecological health and revive its traditional livelihood systems?

Their stories should be documented, their knowledge should be respected, and their concerns should guide future conservation strategies.

Perhaps the greatest lesson from their memories is that the restoration of Wular Lake cannot be measured only by the quantity of water it holds or the infrastructure developed around it. Its success must also be measured by the return of fish, the revival of water chestnuts and lotus stems, the restoration of habitats and, above all, the dignity and prosperity of the communities that depend on it.

Wular Lake is not just a lake. It is a history of livelihoods, a treasury of biodiversity and a home to generations of fisherfolk. If we lose their stories today, we risk losing an essential part of Wular's living heritage tomorrow.

Save Water! Save Fish! Save Fisher People!

Save Wular Lake Campaign

Naseer Ahmad Dar 
is a practicing fisherman, an activist and member National Federation of Small-Scale Fishworkers (NFSF) working committee based in Kashmir.