The benefits of focusing attention on nature go beyond our basic needs for survival as species. It can also help us tap into a sense of self that is uplifting, and actually promotes the internal happiness we all seek. DNA finds out how to be in tune with your natural surroundings.
Gardening has made me realise that plants also have feelings
I stay in touch with nature through my morning walks, gardening and occasionally, as time permits, by travelling to hill stations. My regular morning walk is like a cup of coffee for me, which I eagerly look forward to every day. Especially during the rainy season I have observed that the trees and plants look beautiful; it is very soothing to see greenery everywhere. I have my own garden, where I spend time watering the plants and watch them grow and bloom. Being in close touch with them has made me realise that plants also have feelings.
I always insist that one should never pluck flowers, because they look much better on plants and bloom longer. Life becomes very monotonous when we are just stuck in our day-to-day mundane activities. Relating to nature is the best way to escape from worldly pressures and at the same time it has a healing effect.
—SK Jain, vice-president, MCCIA
In the rush for development, nature is sidetracked
I originally hail from Satara. It is one of the places that has managed to remain very close to nature despite development. The nearby places like Kaas plateau, Thoseghar, Vasota, Mahabaleshwar and Koyana are truly inspiring. It is because of these places that my interest in the field of wildlife developed.
Field visits are the best way to stay in touch with nature. Practical knowledge gives you that extra edge while working in the field of wildlife. Visiting nearby places like Katraj, Tamhini and Waghapur boosts my spirit and keeps me going in life. Our lifestyle has become very luxurious and we have forgotten the importance of forest and nature. In the mad rush for development, nature is side tracked and hampered in many ways. It is our duty to conserve our mother nature, but very few people work towards preserving it.
—Harshal Bhosale, student
Humanity would be at a risk if we lose wildlife
Our aim is to impart environmental education to youths through wildlife tours. Today, the conservation of biodiversity is getting immense importance. We are aware of the environmental problems that are plaguing our planet today. However, most of us are still unable to understand the links between various actors on the huge theatre called Earth. Little did we know that there would be famines if we tampered with nature. Even today many don’t realise that by killing tigers, we would actually face severe water crisis. Humanity would itself be at a risk if we lose our tigers as they maintain the ecological balance of the forest. We must help children explore wilderness. Giving them an exposure to wilderness will generate a passion in them to conserve nature. Kids will later become eco-sensitive citizens when they have to decide about the paper stationery required in their workplace or conservation of electricity, water and other resources. These children will also start educating their parents about practicing conservation at home.
—Anirudh Chaoji, director, Pugmarks
Insects, plants and birds are unique components of nature
We have to appreciate the beauty of nature and at the same time value and conserve it. It is important to understand the relationship between nature and us. Insects, plants and birds are unique components of nature. Through tours we highlight the characteristics of the biologically diverse country like India. Nature camps give the message of ecological importance. We carry out such events outside India also. Through these camps, we try to make people understand that how destroying nature affects climatic changes across the globe, which then later affects human beings.
—Hrishikesh Talwalkar, founder-head, Aranyavaak
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