Overall, it was a truly enriching and memorable week in Ahmedabad.
On July 14th, we had our first trip in the city, visiting the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). The area resembled a forest—lush and green—but included a hall where we could sit and enjoy a meal. We walked as a group through the forested area, and the experience was both peaceful and educational. I learned about various plant species and, more importantly, had the opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. Later that day, we had a session in the hall focused on climate change. We discussed practical actions we can take to adapt to and mitigate its effects. The session included fun and engaging activities. It was also the first time I heard about “green skills”—concepts I was already somewhat familiar with, though I hadn’t known the term. Overall, it was a great start to our time in Ahmedabad—Majama!
Our second trip was quite similar. We visited The Serenity Trust Library and Botanical Garden – A Seat of Learning. This place, too, emphasized nature and education. We explored various types of trees and learned that plants can be more intelligent than we often assume. One of the most eye-opening lessons was understanding the importance of bees—they are, in fact, one of the most vital species on Earth. During the visit, we attempted an exercise where we were encouraged to “communicate” with the trees. Personally, I found this a bit challenging, as I didn’t feel an immediate connection. However, the peaceful surroundings made the experience worthwhile.
On July 16th, we traveled to the Polo Forest, where we saw an ancient temple believed to be over four centuries old. The team went hiking, which was both exciting and slightly risky—I nearly injured my ankle! But upon reaching the top of the mountain, the breathtaking view made everything worth it. The experience was deeply calming and serene.
On July 17th, we took part in a heritage walk through old Ahmedabad. I was fascinated by the architecture—how the houses are built so close together and the cultural and practical reasons behind it. Each gate we passed had its own pillar or small temple, each with distinct symbolism, purpose, and meaning. It was a powerful reminder of the city’s rich history.
Our final trip was to a small forested area. We explored the jungle by riding in the back of a tractor, which was a unique experience. During the ride, we had the incredible opportunity to witness snake rescuers in action. We were even allowed to gently touch one of the rescued snakes, which was an unforgettable experience. We then visited a Goshala, a shelter for both healthy and sick cows, run purely out of compassion and without profit.
To conclude the day—and the week—we visited a local school in a nearby village. There, we played and interacted with the children, giving them a chance to meet and engage with international visitors. This was done in honor of Mandela Day, and it felt like a meaningful way to celebrate the legacy of uTata Nelson Mandela.
All in all, it was a very special and transformative week in Ahmedabad.
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