On the very first day of my visit to the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) in Ahmedabad, I had a truly enriching experience. Early in the morning, I went for a nature walk where I came across many trees that were also found in my locality. This made me feel connected to my hometown and the environment around me.
After the walk, we had insightful workshops focused on climate change and biodiversity loss. I learned how biodiversity is rapidly declining due to human activities and environmental challenges. One of the most interesting activities I participated in was about how different elements of nature are interconnected—such as wind, trees, water, sunlight, birds, and snakes. I truly enjoyed this activity because it allowed me to understand the interdependence in nature and how everything is connected in an ecosystem.
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Day Two: Exploring the Sabarmati River and the Botanical Garden
On the second day, I visited the Sabarmati Bridge just to roam around and observe the surroundings. Later, we explored the Botanical Garden, which was an eye-opening experience. I learned about many unique and rare plant species that I had never heard of before.
Some of the fascinating plants I encountered include:
Alligator Flag – A plant native to the United States.
Pelican Flower – This unique plant is known for attracting male insects for pollination.
Orchid – I discovered that orchids can grow both on trees and on the ground. Some orchids live for only a week and complete their entire life cycle within two weeks!
We also discussed dragonflies, which was very interesting. I learned that:
Dragonflies can move and change direction very quickly.
They begin their life underground before emerging.
These were some of the things I made sure to remember, as they gave me a deeper appreciation of biodiversity.
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Evening at Sabarmati Garden
In the evening, I visited the Sabarmati Garden, which was beautiful and refreshing. I saw many colorful flowers, animals, flowing water, and greenery, which reminded me of my village. It felt like a home away from home.
We also had a team-building activity, followed by a group meditation session. This was one of the most peaceful and memorable moments of my life. While meditating, many thoughts came to my mind, and I felt truly relaxed and deeply connected with nature.
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Hiking Experience – My Favorite Part
Another unforgettable experience was hiking. Although it was challenging at first, once I reached the eco-point, I felt a great sense of achievement and calm. The view from the top was breathtaking, and I felt completely at peace, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
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This journey to Ahmedabad and CEE has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It taught me the value of the environment, the power of teamwork, and the importance of connecting with nature. I will carry these memories and lessons with me forever.