“I was only 12 when I learned to climb palm and date trees. I went on to become a full-fledged toddy tapper and seller by the age of 15. Since then, for the last 55 years, my world has revolved around three things: Kallu Kundalu (an earthen pot to collect toddy and palm sap); thati/ eetha chetlu (toddy/ palm trees), and polalu (farmlands). The extraction of the palm/ toddy sap happens between March and June. For the rest of the year, I work in the fields.

People think that climbing up a tree and extracting toddy is an easy job. That’s not true. Many people lost their lives falling from the top of toddy trees. It takes an incredible amount of hard work and focus but over the years, I mastered the skill as nothing comes easy in life.

It is sad that today’s generation only wishes to consume imported drinks and wine. Nobody wants to try this organic wine which is nature’s gift. I don’t promote liquor but toddy certainly helps to get rid of some diseases if consumed in the right manner and amount.

I do not have to go to any market to sell this wine. All the stock will be sold off fresh within a few hours. Selling thati kallu should be no crime. It is our traditional profession and represents the culture of our state. After all, what are palm trees for?

I wish to teach toddy tapping to as many youngsters as possible but no one is showing interest to learn this skill. Sadly, my family’s toddy tapping profession will end with me as my children do not even come near palm trees. They have their own businesses. I have two grandchildren and I love to play with them during my free time.”

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