“Poo-hoy!”—the clam collectors call out to one another at dawn, their voices carryingacross the still waters of Vembanad Lake. The vast expanse, a canvas of deep indigoagainst the waking sky, stirs to life with the ripples of their canoes. For these hard-working folks, the day begins as early as 4 in the morning. They navigate the labyrinth of canals criss-crossing the banks of Vembanad, steering small boats fitted with outboard motors, often converging in groups as they head towards the lake.