Help this Toddy Tapper Family

Occupation of collecting palm wine – Risking it all on the tree!!!


Risking it all on a tree 50 to 60 ft. above ground, a toddy tapper collects the palm wine to make his livelihood.  “Toddy Tapping” is an occupation that feeds many families in India. For many generations this was and is a family source of income. Most newer generations and children of Toddy Tappers are venturing into professional careers slowly as they get better education. The risk is high in this profession and income to feed a family is going down in this traditional occupation. However, the source of livelihood for many is still toddy tapping in villages across India. Tragedies to the sole bread winner in this occupation could make the whole family suffer long lasting consequences.

a 42 year old man named Rampelli Sambaiah from Gudur (Mahbubabad District,  Telangana India) goes to work like a normal day to collect palm wine on the morning of June 7th, 2018.  It was drizzling on this day and days before that day it was pouring rain heavily for few days. Tragedy struck and he was found dangling on the tree.

This unfortunate incident was caused by slipping at the very top of the tree because of rain. His whole body turned upside down. There was a close by mechanic shed near the tree where this happened and apparently, they heard him say “Amma” as it unfolded. By the time they could reach and help him he was unconscious and dead. Supposedly, he got a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Talking to some people in the same profession I found that when people are upside down, it is nearly impossible to help them. Since toddy tappers carry very sharp knives on their back, the person helping could risk getting hurt themselves. According to someone this profession, these kinds of incidents happens more when it rains.

The profession itself is so laborious and intensive work that most people working in this job has less chance of having heart problems. However, in incidents like where slips cause body dangling upside down sends the body into shock and eventually leading to cardiac arrest.


(Family of the Deceased - Rampelli Sambaiah getting some contribution from my family. But lot more help needed)

I appeal to the Government of Telangana to help this family and also appeal local leaders to provide some financial help and relief to this family from Chief Minister relief fund. A whole family lost its livelihood, two kids lost a father and a wife lost her husband who is their only source of income.  They live in a small house which is 50 to 60 yards.   I humbly request the Govt. of Telangana to provide the following financial support/exgratia ,  provide job opportunity for one in the family, bear educational costs for kids, provide pension for the wife of the deceased, allot a double bedroom house for the family so the family can survive in this turbulent times. Most dangerous jobs pay well in the current world whereas in this profession pay is shrinking and risk stays the same which is very high risk.

Every day is a new day and the toddy tapper wakes up, climbs palm trees and collects palm wine to put dinner on the plate for his family. This tradition continues until new generation opts out.

Please visit this Go Fund Me page to contribute – (Every little bit counts)

FAMILY DETAILS:
Rampelli Sambaiah (Age 42 Years) – Deceased
Rampelli Manjula (Age 40 Years – Wife)
Rampelli Sumanth (Age 19 - Son  - BSC. Maths Physics Chemistry– Final  Year) 
Rampelli Sumanasri (Age 16 – Daughter – Bsc. BZC Botany Zoology Chemistry 1st year – Narsampet )

For questions reach out to me:

– Avinash Puli

Automation Developer/Architect

Indianapolis, USA

937-321-4666