Lakshmikutty | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1943 (age 81–82) |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Awards | Padma Shri 2018 |
Lakshmikutty (born 1943) is a tribal woman from Kallar forest area atVithura inKerala,India who received the India's fourth highest civilian honourPadma Shri for her breakthrough in practicing traditional medicine.[1]
Lakshmikutty is a famous poison healer practicing traditional medicine. She also receivedKerala Government's Naattu Vaidya Ratna award in 1995. She is practicing traditional medicine for over 50 years.[2]
She belongs to Kaani tribe and can remember more than 500 varieties of medicine.[3] She has attained the education of 3rd forum and knowsSanskrit.[4] She also writes poems, dramas and is a teacher inKerala Folklore Academy.[2]
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi spoke about Lakshmikutty's contributions in his monthlyMann Ki Baat radio programme. People fondly refer to her as ‘Vanamuthassi’ (Grandmother of the jungle in Malayalam) and she gives lectures on natural medicine at various institutions across the southern states.[5]