SLC31-W3 | THE GREEN JOURNEY | Earth Stewardship|

What a great topic that touches my heart and soul, and trust me, being an earth steward myself, I believe that nature generously provides everything we need. I should name a few examples like clean air, the food, and serene spaces for reflection, but you're right; yet, it demands our tender care in return.

What you saw

I live in a lush green area surrounded by greenery and I often visit my neighborhood places by exploring them carefully. Today, I visited a government campus Pallavpuram Irrigation Office, Modipuram, close to my house and sat there for a while.

I walk through local parks almost every day, hills or riverbanks as and when possible, listening to the singing birds and trees, their leaves, with my eyes closed. That's right, you can hear and see nature with your closed eyes.

I saw a lot with my eyes open: the lawns, the green leaves, and birds, although the sunlight was a bit harsh, but the place where I was sitting was under the shadow of thick trees.

When I closed my eyes, I felt sun on my skin, but the sound of leaves, the whispering wind, and the earthy scent coming through the gentle wind were bringing an inner peace to my mind.

What small action you took

Today I carried roasted grams with me, and I fed a couple of monkeys sitting on the ground. That perfectly matches my nature with plants and animals and my bond with Mother Earth.

I watch everything curiously without disturbing the ecosystem the nature has provided us yet try as much as I can to support it by my humble efforts, like I took the hosepipe and watered a couple of plants.

I believe that the protection of nature is not a show business but comes through our daily actions. I no longer use plastic bags for shopping but carry cloth bags. I make compost using kitchen waste to make soil stronger.

In fact, I do everything that helps cut my carbon footprint while inspiring family and neighbors. By the way, I met a boy, son of an employee of this department living on these premises, and talked to him, who is preparing to be a civil engineer, and encouraged him to take care of this campus. Incidentally, I stopped short of taking his picture, though.

How it made you feel

I trust in no littering, so when I visit such a spot, I carry a small trash bag. If I find something unwanted, I pick it up and throw in the bin.

I come to the respect angle of nature by listening to nature's songs. You know I have studied a lot about animal breeding seasons and how to support them, which are very much part of our ecosystem.

I believe in preservation, so I join community clean-ups, and I repeat it once again: don't do it for show business, but try to help the local community by keeping it green via social work. I have learned this with my long experience and tried to teach it to my children.

In all this, I find a purpose. See, I have nothing much to do being a senior citizen, so nature isn't just a place to enjoy, but it's kind of a family to me. Therefore, when I read your contest about stewarding, I decided to work on it. I am sure tomorrow's generations are going to be wiser and more mindful to save nature and the environment by adding their share.

In the end I am quoting you

Remember: Even a very small action can make a big difference.