New home for Kerala's victorious snake boat

UST Global, the biggest employer of IT professionals in Kerala, will be the proud owner of the prestigious "Chambakulam Chundan" snake boat, winner of numerous boat races.

The 120-foot-long snake boat, more than four decades old, can accommodate 110 oarsmen and won the prized Nehru Boat race in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998 and 2009, held at the famed Alappuzha backwaters.

Owners Chambakulam Boat Club gave charge of the boat to UST Global at a ceremony held here Sunday, with district panchayat member Jacob Abraham giving the ownership documents to UST Global's official Harish Parameswaran.

UST Global president Joe Nalkara said their new campus (on the Technopark campus in Trivandrum) will be an apt home for "Chambakulam Chundan" for several reasons.

"This boat and UST Global share something - both have impressive stories to tell. Our new campus is designed in an indigenous fashion, a fitting tribute to the heritage and culture of Kerala while this snake boat is a proud symbol of the state's traditional ethos and will enhance the ethnic aura of our campus," said Nalkara.

The snake boat will reach the campus Dec 30.

"The snake boat will not be just a showpiece, but an inspiration for all the employees," said Parameswaran.

The boat will join the Virgin Racing Formula One (F1) racing car, currently displayed at the Technopark Bhavani Atrium.

The acquisition of the boat is part of UST Global's efforts to preserve rich traditions of Kerala.