Be a keeper of nature: This environment session at Rani Baug seeds the love for nature among the young

This weekend, a walk in Rani Baug and a talk by environmentalist Bittu Sahgal will help the youth identify their responsibility in preserving Mumbai’s natural heritage

Walking in green spaces can never disappoint. Before we cogently list out the many ways in which it can shape the states of the mind, just the sensorial experience of being surrounded by trees has us in an instant. But is it enough to associate with our natural reserves in recreational terms? Drawing from such a concern, two interactive sessions organised by the Mumbai Research Centre, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai hopes to build an active interest in the city’s bioreserves and their keen conservationists.

Jarul blossoms

Dr Shehernaz Nalwalla, vice-president of the society, says, “For our people-centric initiatives, we were focussing on topics such as architecture, history and culture for the last two years. But now, we have taken a conscious decision to incorporate nature in our monthly programmes.” She adds that the inaugural leg had to be about Dr Salim Ali, the legendary ornithologist who has extensively contributed to Mumbai’s green narratives. On Saturday morning, attendees will walk through Rani Baug, learning about its journey from being to becoming. This walk will be hosted by children’s author and lover of the environment, Katie Bagli. “The garden in Byculla is a gem amid the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. Once you are in the middle of the garden that has such a wide variety of plants, you would be surprised to find that the sounds of a busy city can’t reach you. I am looking forward to introducing participants to the mighty baobab tree — although it sheds its leaves around this time, there’s so much character to it,” she shares. Spanning over 60 acres, Rani Baug is home to some 800 species of herbs, shrubs and trees. Walkers can spot jarul, guest tree, bakul, kalamb, phanas and amba, among other species.

Bittu Sahgal (far right) with Dr Salim Ali (centre). Pic Courtesy/TNA Perumal, Sanctuary Asia

Interested candidates will again gather on Saturday evening for a talk on birder Dr Salim Ali by writer-environmentalist Bittu Sahgal, who is the founder of Sanctuary Nature Foundation. “The objective of this discussion is to familiarise young people with Ali, who’s been a giant in the realm of conservation. His life is an example for the youth because long before we did, he understood that the real infrastructure of life are the trees, animals, birds, reefs, coasts and mangroves. I will be in conversation with Dr Erach Bharucha, Dilnavaz Variava and Tara Gandhi — all of whom have known Ali very well,” Sahgal revealed. 

Katie Bagli

On: November 12; 9 am (walk); 5 pm (talk)
At: Rani Baug, Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla East (walk); Durbar Hall, The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Fort (talk)
Cost: Rs 500 for the walk 
Log on to: @asiaticsocietymumbai on Instagram

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