An artistic approach
He is into the manufacturing of traditional lighting lamps, which are commonly used in temples and also at homes in Kerala. The lamp usually called ‘ Nilavilakku’ has made its presence felt in most of the auspicious occasions, marriages, inaugural functions, and other public functions. Hindus made it a practice to light the lamp in the evenings at home. However, irrespective of caste, religion or faith, people in Kerala developed an affection for the Nilavilakku. Apart from this fast moving items, he also produces other utensils called Uruli and Kolambi.Manufacturing these utensils is an art for which he got specialized training from his father. Over the years he sharpened his skill which resulted in the design and production of modern and attractive utensils.

Mode of operation
The core raw material used for the production is bronze, a hard metal that is an alloy of copper and tin. The raw material (used bronze utensils) has been sourced from the shops in Palakkad and other neighboring areas. Burning coal or using electricity, the metal is melted in a pot specially prepared for it. Melting is a time-consuming activity and also consumes more power. In one and half hour a limited quantity of 10 kg raw materials can be melted. The melted metal will go into the moulds which have been made from a combination of clay, cow dung, wax and wooden pieces.
Lamps and utensils can be manufactured in different sizes from 10 to 18 inches.The next stage is to dry it up placing the products in a machine called ‘ Seema Moosa’. Finally it goes to the polishing section and gets the final touches. At present he has the installed capacity to produce 25 pieces per month.
According to Ramachandran, ”During the seasons of Sabarimala, Vishu, temple festivals, and marriages, we are working overnights.” However he admitted the fact that this traditional income generation activity is likely to wind up with this generation. His two sons have already shown their preference for other professions. So he doubts, sooner or later this traditional art form will come to an end.
Shalom’s timely aid
His wife, Kamalam is a member of Shalom’s SHG at Pathiripala, PLA-1.She is also actively involved in the manufacturing activities and shoulder the responsibility to bring the products on time.
Shalom’s timely financial assistance has helped them to enhance the production. With the financial assistance from Shalom, they could expand their activities to allied products. Ramachandran said, ”I invested the loan from Shalom to purchase more raw materials, and encouraged me to bring out more varieties of products.” According to Kamalam, “Micro finance institutions like Shalom should come forward with adequate financial assistance to the small scale industries like us.”
She was, in fact, reluctant to join the Shalom Group. However, she was impressed by the objectives of the group – helping the poor and the downtrodden.
It is pertinent to note that her family’s only source of income is from the business. They have two sons and one daughter and the income from the business is sufficient to meet the household expenses and the education of their children.
However, across the industry there has been a thrust on improving cost efficiencies which in turn will make the activity more profitable. To achieve this objective they have to acquire low-cost manufacturing abilities.