News in Frames: Back to the roots

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Kurma Gramam, a serene village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, offers a compelling portrait of a self-sustained and tradition-oriented way of life.

Far from the influence of urban life, the village embraces a simple way of living, guided by age-old practices and traditions aimed at sustainability.

Daily life in the village follows a structured and mindful routine. The day begins in the early hours with prayers in a dedicated hall illuminated by the gentle glow of castor oil lamps, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. This is followed by a group yoga practice, where villagers, including children, join to improve physical well-being and mental discipline. Education is imparted through a traditional gurukulam, where children are taught Vedic texts, scriptures, and languages such as Sanskrit and Telugu, ensuring the preservation of ancient knowledge and values.

A striking feature of the village is its strong sense of self-reliance. Houses are constructed by the residents themselves using natural materials such as mud, clay, and wood. Kitchens are equipped with traditional firewood stoves for cooking, while garments are woven locally on handlooms rather than sourced from outside. Water is manually drawn from wells, and everyday tasks are carried out with a deep connection to nature.

Community living lies at the heart of Kurma Gramam. Collective food preparation in social kitchens and the practice of serving meals to visitors highlight the village’s spirit of cooperation and hospitality. The village attracts nearly 400 visitors every weekend, drawn by its unique lifestyle. The village stands as a model of simplicity, discipline, and cultural continuity. Agriculture forms the backbone of the community, with residents cultivating their own crops and relying largely on locally available resources for sustenance. As evening sets in, devotional rituals, music, and prayer bring the community together once again.

(Text by Harish Gilai)

Photo: V. Raju

A woman prepares food in a traditional kitchen in Kurma Gramam village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. The kitchen, built using earthen clay and mud, reflects the indigenous style of rural housing in the region. She cooks over a firewood stove, highlighting the continued reliance on age-old methods rather than LPG for daily cooking.

Photo: V. Raju

Villagers draw and collect water from a traditional well in Kurma Gramam village of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.

Photo: V. Raju

Residents at Kurma Gramam seen preparing food in large vessels over firewood in their kitchen in Srikakulam district. The method involves using wood-fired stoves instead of modern cooking fuels, reflecting the village’s commitment to preserving sustainable way of life.

Photo: V. Raju

Dressed in traditional attire, children from Kurma Gramam head to school in Srikakulam district. In the background, a signboard urges visitors not to dump plastic, reflecting the village’s strict ban on plastic use and its commitment to an eco-friendly way of life.

Photo: V. Raju

Villagers, including children, participate in yogasanas as part of their daily morning routine in Kurma Gramam, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.

Photo: V. Raju

Dressed in traditional attire, children from Kurma Gramam head to school in Srikakulam district. A signage board is seen to facilitate visitors in the picture.

Photo: V. Raju

A young boy plays freely with a cow, reflecting a carefree childhood deeply rooted in rural life in Kurma Gramam in Srikakulam district.

Photo: V. Raju

A teacher named Srikanth instructs a group of young boys at a Gurukulam in Kurma Gramam village of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Seated in a simple setting, the students attentively learn Vedic teachings, reciting verses under the guidance of their guru.

Photo: V. Raju

A man is engaged in carpentry work in Kurma Gramam village, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, shaping wood with simple tools as part of everyday craftsmanship. The residents build their own homes using natural materials such as mud, clay, and wood, highlighting the community’s indigenous knowledge and sustainable way of living.