“We Live Like Refugees”: The Untold Story of Kerala’s Tamil Tea Workers

Who built Munnar’s world-famous tea industry?

For over 150 years, thousands of Tamil workers have plucked the tea that made Kerala famous. But even after five generations, many say they are still treated as outsiders.

In this ground report, South First travels to Munnar to investigate the lives of Tamil plantation workers who allege they face delays in getting caste certificates, have no land rights, receive no pension after decades of work, and can even lose their homes after retirement.

The Kerala government says the certificate issue is due to legal and technical reasons, not discrimination. But workers argue that their century-long struggle for dignity and recognition continues.

This is the story behind every cup of tea.