Our visit to the Arayankavu paddy field was more than just a farming activity. It was an encounter with a lifestyle unfamiliar to us as individuals raised in urban jungles. Working in the fields brought us closer to understanding the elemental connection between humans, land, and labour. The act of touching the soil with our bare hands reminded us of our humility and our reliance on nature. It gave us a glimpse of the dignity inherent in manual work, which is often overlooked otherwise. The experience showed us the rural foundation that sustains society. Farming appeared not merely as a work of labour but as a shared activity built on teamwork, rhythm and mutual responsibility. The paddy field became a live classroom where social hierarchies diminished, and differences in background faded during the joint effort of cultivation. The day created a profound sense of togetherness. While dancing and playing in the mud, we experienced joy not as individuals but as a community bound by shared work and laughter. In that muddy field, we rediscovered the strength of togetherness, where belonging comes from participation, and community grows through shared experiences. The agricultural experience left us with a renewed understanding of the subtle wisdom embedded in rural life. It showed us that true progress lies not in trying to distance ourselves from the land but in honouring our roots and origin. Hence, we became rooted in soil and spirit.

Anushka Banerji

First Year BSC Botany