Making lamp wicks sheds some glow in lives of grandmas

"Ammoomas", as Malayalis fondly call their grandmothers, rolling out 'thiries' (thread wicks) to light lamps was once a never-miss sight in Hindu homes in Kerala.
Though this has become a scene of yore in times of nuclear families, the wicks, made by unknown grandmas, have become a symbol of struggle for self-reliance and self-esteem in Kerala.
'Ammooma thiri', a new brand of thread wicks made by women inmates living in some old-age homes and orphanages, have become a popular product in the market in and outside the state.
But not many know, even those who prefer this brand because of its quality, that they are the products of elderly women destined to live in charity homes rejected by their near and dear ones.

A charity trust at Kanjiramattom in Ernakulam district, initially launched the concept as a pastime for the inmates of old-age homes in the state some time back.
But, it has now turned out to be a productive mean for many inmates to earn a small monthly income on their own, said Lakshmi Menon, who pioneered the concept.

"I grew up seeing my grandmother rolling out 'thiri' to light lamps (nilavilakku) every day, often in wee hours and during dusk."
"When she grew older, it had become a hobby for her to do work to kill time. I got the concept of 'ammooma thiri' from her," Lakshmi, a member of the trust, told PTI.

She said the 'job' brought immense changes in the life and outlook of many hapless women, forced to live like orphans in the twilight of their lives.
"When we started the project in an old-age home in Kochi on experimental basis, many inmates showed keen interest in the job. Because, all of them had done this in their life," Lakshmi, a designer by profession, said.
Now, over 40 inmates of various old-age homes, above 70 years, are earning an average of Rs 2500-3000 a month through the venture.