AMI-RTI’s Nature Walk: A Symphony of Laughter, Learning, and Leaves
Step into the soulful journey of the AMI-RTI BATCH 2023-2024 as we unveil a surprising twist in our academic escapades—an unexpected date with nature that left us all buzzing with excitement.
Guiding us through this meditative experience was Uncle Madhav, a retired army official turned nature devotee. In the heart of what felt like a live podcast, he painted a 360-degree panorama of our human tendencies—revealing the selfish side we often overlook and our general disregard for our fellow Earthlings. Our adventure kicked off at the iconic Boot House, Hanging Garden—the meeting point that set the stage for what was to come.
Now, brace yourself for the comic relief: none of us boasted a background in botany, turning our attempts at a profound discussion into a delightful comedy. Uncle Madhav threw us a simple question, “What is the importance of nature?” The answers we fumbled through had Uncle Madhav a burst of great laughter. Little did we know, he was correcting us without breaking our bubble of enthusiasm. His wealth of knowledge about these species gave deeper insights, preparing us for the mindful journey ahead.
During our nature walk, we encountered a variety of trees that had been part of our daily surroundings, yet their true essence and medicinal properties often went unnoticed. Take the Neem tree, for example. Uncle Madhav shared insights into its medicinal properties and how their significance goes beyond providing shade. The Neem tree is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a key player in traditional medicine. The tree’s leaves, in particular, are known for their role in promoting overall well-being. This served as a reminder that our everyday environment is teeming with hidden treasures.
Canon Ball Tree Crushed and given leaves with jaggery to cure jaundice: Nelli
The walk was not about a destination; but about being present, one step at a time. Halting to closely inspect the trees, flowers, rocks, and leaves became more than an academic exercise; it was a spiritual recharge. Our spirits rejuvenated – reducing any stress or anxiety that we were experiencing at the moment.