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Connecting Young Minds to Nature
In the heart of Delhi's Kidwai Nagar, a transformative initiative is reshaping how urban children engage with the environment. Rohit Mehra, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, alongside his wife Geetanjali, has launched the School of Trees, a free, open-air learning space that encourages children to reconnect with nature and understand ecological concepts through direct, hands-on experiences.
A Vision Grows from Personal Passion
The idea for the School of Trees emerged not from structured funding or elaborate plans, but from a deep-rooted concern observed during family walks. Rohit noticed that city kids could name car brands but struggled to identify native trees like neem or peepal. This disparity ignited a passion within him to foster a conscious respect for nature among the younger generation. "If they can grasp what’s trending, they can undoubtedly cultivate the same curiosity for trees and the environment," he states emphatically.
Learning Beyond Textbooks
Every weekend, children aged 7 to 17 gather in the park to participate in engaging “tree parties.” This innovative setup allows them to learn biology through exploration rather than traditional methods. Activities include crafting seed balls and engaging in friendly competitions that cement their knowledge viscerally. “We turn knowledge into play,” Rohit explains, combining principles of science with joyful interaction with the environment.
Growing A Movement for Sustainability
Though Rohit started the School of Trees in 2025, it now serves as a vibrant community hub, attracting families and children from across neighborhoods. No fees, no formal registrations—just the wonders of nature at their fingertips. The success of this initiative not only fosters environmental stewardship but also inspires children to adopt sustainable practices at home, such as gardening and reducing plastic waste.
Broader Impact and Future Aspirations
The reach of the School of Trees extends beyond immediate learning experiences. As students absorb these lessons at the park, they take newfound knowledge home. They begin teaching their families about recycling and planting, creating a ripple effect of ecological consciousness. Rohit and Geetanjali have witnessed nearly 200 saplings planted as a result of these lessons, encouraging broader community involvement in sustainability efforts. Their vision includes scaling the initiative nationwide, hoping for every school in India to incorporate environmental learning into their curricula.
Empowering Future Generations
As children leave the School of Trees with soil-stained hands and smiles, they carry a message beyond leaf anatomy or photosynthesis; they carry a sense of purpose. Their experiences here foster a generation prepared to battle environmental challenges head-on. With Rohit’s dreams of a greener future, the School of Trees is not merely a project; it signifies a movement towards sustained ecological appreciation and action.
In a world where technology often distracts from nature, the School of Trees stands as a beacon of hope, nurturing environmental stewards through engagement and play.
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