Under the trees, in the deep and cool forest and between animals and foresters, when Mother Nature embraces one, the soul experiences the glory of the nature that has no bounds and limits.

In the midst of February, we, the students of Grade VII and Grade IX were taken on an educational excursion to experience the harmonious lifestyle in the laps of Mother Nature in the forests of Vasda near Navsari. We bade the school goodbye early in the morning looking forward to reach the dense woodland and meet the tribal inhabitants.

Reaching Vasda, we were served with delicious refreshments. The food and timely service that the kind-hearted people rendered, filled our tummies and hearts with satisfaction.

Passing through the natural treks with thorny bushes and wild plants was an adventurous experience. The walking track indicated years of treading by the tribals. We could not help ourselves from trekking the treasure box of nature – ‘The deep forest’. Under the shelter of the beautiful houses made of mud and a cowshed, we quenched our thirst with the cool water of rocky mountain well. Coming back, the Bamboo Restaurant served us with sumptuous lunch.

To gain further insights into the lives of these tribals and their rich natural surroundings, we visited ‘Janki Van’ near Vasda, a forest garden created and maintained by Gujarat Government. Along with beautiful estates and historical statues, it is enriched with a bird sanctuary and a cultural heritage section. It had displays of traditional costumes, ancient farming tools, photos of local inhabitants and local wild animals. It also depicted the incomparable medicinal knowledge of Indian Ayurveda that relies on the remedial trees and plants.

The dinner in Bardoli surprised us with tasty and contenting Dosas. We then returned to school with ripples of these memories in our hearts for life! We all have been touched by this experience and unanimously look forward to promote the Indian culture.

Gaurav Kawedia and Taarak Trivedi (Class 9)