The chairman, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, N. Sundaradevan, addressing the John Sullivan Birth Anniversary celebrations at Kannerimukku, near Kotagiri, on Friday.
Udhagamandalam: The Nilgiris is now considered to be the Queen among horticultural districts, thanks to the strong foundation laid by the founder of Ooty, John Sullivan, during the early 1800s. This observation was shared by many who participated in the birth anniversary celebrations of Mr.Sullivan organised under the aegis of the Save Nilgiris Campaign (SNC) at the Sullivan Memorial in Kannerimukku near Kotagiri on Friday. Pointing out that the entry of Mr.Sullivan (the then Collector of Coimbatore) into the Nilgiris brought about a transformation in the primitive system of agriculture which was in vogue then, the chairman, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board N.Sundaradevan said that from practicing barter sales farmers became better organised.Stating that it was Mr.Sullivan who introduced farm implements here,he said that he possessed the ability to identify things which could contribute to the development of different areas.
The renowned ‘Ooty vegetables’ owe their genesis to the Englishman. His achievements notwithstanding, he was pulled up because of shortcomings like
espousing the cause of the natives at the cost of the government.
The Deputy General Manager, Indian Bank, P.N.Patel, said that development and conservation should go hand-in-hand. Since the inflow of tourists cannot be stopped and deforestation has become a source of concern, non governmental organisations like the SNC should help protect nature by bringing about a change in the mindset of the people.
Pointing out that the Indian Bank was keen on ensuring the economic well being of the people of the Nilgiris, he said that it was playing a key role in implementing the Kundah Tea Revival Programme and also promoting floriculture.
To help the district and civic administrations protect the ecology of the Nilgiris it sponsored 10,000 eco-friendly bags and 5000 tree guards.
The Assistant Director of Horticulture, P.Ganesh Murthy, said that some of the farms run by the Department of Horticulture owe their existence to Mr.Sullivan. Tea is now grown over about 58,000 hectares in the Nilgiris.
The Director, Tribal Research Centre, Jakka Parthasarathy said that Mr. Sullivan was a visionary and thanks to his far sightedness the Nilgiris is what it is today.
Civil servants can learn a great deal from his contribution to the development of the Nilgiris. While reports abound about Englishmen looting land in many places, Mr. Sullivan was different. He promoted sustainable development.
The coordinator, SNC Dharmalingam Venugopal, said that the Sullivan memorial would, in a phased manner, be converted into a Nilgiris History Museum. It will encourage literary and research activities.
On the occasion Mr. Patel inaugurated a photo section on ‘Mountain Communication and Transport’ sponsored by the Indian Bank. The Field Coordinator, SNC Kakki Shanmugham, proposed a vote of thanks.