Neerody
Neerody is a village at the southern-most coastal tip of Tamilnadu. It has the Arabian Sea on one side and and the A. V. M. Canal on the other. A road cuts the village into two.
Historical background Until 1956, Neerody formed a part of the Travancore princely state , which became part of Kerala later. When Kerala was declared a state in 1956, Kanyakumary went to Tamilnadu and Malabar went to Kerala. Thus, Neerody became a part of Tamilnadu from 1956 onward. Even now, half of its young people are educated in Malayalam. Neerody is completely Christian. Christianity in these parts dates from the time of the arrival of the Portuguese in India; and perhaps earlier. With the arrival of the Portuguese but especially with the advent of the pioneer missionary, St. Francis Xavier, Christianity spread far and wide in these parts with the result that by the close of the sixteenth century there were well-established Christian communities all along the coast. It is believed that St. Xavier spread Christianity in Neerody.
Socio-economic background 95% of the population is in the fishing field. Only about 5% are educated or salaried class. Hence, the whole community depends on sea. Neerody fishermen are much known for their migration-oriented fishing. They go whereever the fish go. They have accurate knowledge of seasonal fishing. In Ani-Adi season, they flock aroung Vizhinjam. In other seasons, they go to Mangalapuram, Pallikara, Neendakara, Katpadi, Kaapu, Ejamadi, etc. Almost all the families are in lower class income. Though poor, these fishermen spend the lion-share of their income on drink.
Educational scenario Neerody has one middle school and two nursery schools. More than enough for this little village. But 95% of the students drop out after completing eighth standard. From very tender age, they assist their family. Author: Selvaraj V
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