Palakkunnu recounts merchant navy adventures

KANNUR: Full of adventure and long voyages to exotic places have made merchant navy a hot career in recent years. However in the northern tip of Kerala, in Kasargod, there is a village known as Palakunnu near Uduma where one can find families with many generations opted for a career in seafaring for decades. With over 600 merchant navy officers Uduma and nearby areas have turned into a merchant navy village. Kottikulam Merchant Navy Club established in 1992 here is one of the oldest in the state.

"For many years, the sea trade is active in Kasargod with Bombay and other port cities. This connection opened the door of a career for many from older generations. Following their footsteps, the successive generations also got into merchant navy," said Palakkunnil Kutty, its president. Their presence has also made the place financially sound compared to other parts of the district.

"It provides adequate opportunities to see the world, and also good salaries. As a result, financial institutions in the area are plush with money," he said. "Though there are merchant navy clubs across the country, those are largely functioning under the Shipping Ministry. “Ours is the first club to form locally with facilities like building and many welfare projects for the members as well as for society." The club is also having a youth wing and is planning to celebrate its silver jubilee with many development projects.