Tag: nature

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Naturally connect kids with nature

It will help sharpen their observation skills. Don’t encourage children to pluck flowers or leaves as that would undermine the process of teaching them to respect the environment…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe.

Lockdown life for kids is truly difficult for parents too. Urban lifestyles and heavy dependence on digital technology means children are spending less time with nature, which can affect their mental and physical wellbeing. Children flourish best when allowed to spend more time with nature. Nurturing their love for nature can make them happier because it helps them create a bond of adventure, discovery and beauty with nature. It also makes them sharp thinkers and better innovators by enhancing their observation skills and fuelling their curiosity. Ekta Ohri, founder, Litjoys, shares some life hacks on how to connect children to nature in simple ways:

At Home: Get younger children to help you to water plants, or feed birds. Let them observe the different plants in the house, or the birds that come to visit. Get them to observe not just flora and fauna but even the environment around. Let them see the shape of the clouds, sunrise, sunsets as well as the moon and stars. We might be locked at home right now, but these simple tasks are possible and very enjoyable for young children.

Outdoors: Young children love to collect things and enjoy the tactility of different shapes and textures. Nature offers a rich treasure trove of discovery for them, which can be a wonderful way to begin to introduce them to nature. Let them collect flowers, pebbles, twigs, or even leaves from the ground, and observe the different shapes and textures of these. It will help sharpen their observation skills. Don’t encourage children to pluck flowers or leaves as that would undermine the process of teaching them to respect the environment.

Identifying textures and shapes like this is also good for brain development. As they grow a bit older, take them for nature walks in your complex or parks, where they can observe the different colours and shapes of the trees, point out birds, insects and small animals to them. ‘My Gulmohar Tree’ is a story with real-life photographs that will make children fall in love with trees and greens and inculcate values of respecting nature and protecting our environment. Let them have respect for all living things, from chameleons for their beauty of changing colour to the butterflies and bees.

Travel and Visits: Travel is a great way to get to know nature, whether it’s other cities, beaches or visits to Sanctuaries and Parks closer to your home. Encourage visits to the National Parks, as opposed to only the Zoo. The former lets children observe animals and nature in their natural environment as opposed to behind a cage. Many cities have Butterfly Gardens and Nature Sanctuaries as well as Botanical Gardens, so do plan trips accordingly. Even on the beach, there are many things to observe from the colours of the sea and sky, as well as shells and small sea creatures. By doing small activities children learn better.

For this Litjoys has a Little Collector’s Passport travel game, which is an innovative kids travel scrapbook with stamps and flags stickers booklet through which parents can keep their children constructively engaged in different locations (flights/trains, restaurants, etc) while on holiday. It also helps in keeping kids engaged at home through learning about symbols of 48 countries across the world in a fun way! A great way for parents to develop their children’s observation, cognitive thinking and creative writing skills.

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Environment India News Lite Blogs

Telangana MP’s green challenge making a difference

Prabhakar Reddy accepted the challenge, planted saplings, posted the pictures to lend support Santosh Kumar’s cause…reports Mohammed Shafeeq.

Planting saplings on birthdays by politicians and celebrities in Telangana seems to have become the new fashion these days.

Their followers and fans also prefer to do something meaningful by presenting them saplings instead of bouquets or garlands.

Green India Challenge, an initiative of Member of Parliament J. Santosh Kumar, is credited with bringing this change.

The Rajya Sabha member’s Twitter timeline is flooded with pictures of political leaders, actors, sportspersons and other eminent people planting saplings to celebrate their birthdays by accepting his Green India Challenge (GIC).

While greeting other MPs, ministers, legislators, leaders and celebrities on their birthdays, the MP belonging to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) urge them to plant a few saplings to mark the occasion. They respond by posting photographs clicked while planting the saplings.

“Hope you would plant few saplings to mark the special day of your life and see that your followers to do the same in order to achieve the dream of our CM KCR Sir’s HarithaTelangana,” Santosh Kumar tweeted tagging K. Prabhakar Reddy, the MP from Medak on his birthday on June 6.

Prabhakar Reddy accepted the challenge, planted saplings, posted the pictures to lend support Santosh Kumar’s cause.

Though looks symbolic, this initiative has helped in bringing a silent transformation. The MP’s passion about GIC and his continuous efforts to rope in top celebrities have helped the cause and so far led to planting of more than 10 crore trees in Telangana and other parts of the country.

It was on July 17, 2018 that Santosh Kumar launched GIC with the slogan ‘Hara Hai Toh Bhara Hai’ (If it is green, it is complete). “I was inspired by our Chief Minister’s Haritha Haram programme which is aimed at improving the green cover,” he said.

Started in 2015, Haritha Haram is one of the world’s largest plantation programme with an aim to increase the forest cover in the state from 24 per cent to 33 per cent. Every year, crores of saplings are being planted across the state under Haritha Haram, a brainchild of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR.

“Haritha Haram is a testimony of KCR garu’s vision for the overall development state and its citizens. The logic behind is simple. The thick, dense forest cover ensures timely arrival of seasons, rains, which in turn increases the agricultural productivity, reduces environmental pollution, instills healthy living and the list of benefits goes on,” says Santosh, a relative of the chief minister.

Keen to do his bit in promoting green cover, the MP came with the idea of GIC, inviting people from all walks of life to plant saplings.

The challenge gained momentum with people sending in images, videos, responses, positive opinions about taking part in GIC.

Several eminent personalities have responded to his call. Celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgun, Shruthi Haasan, Shraddha Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Prabhas, Krishna, Pawan Kalyan, Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli, Samanta, Pullela Gopichand, P V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza have participated in GIC.

Going beyond the symbolic gesture, Santosh Kumar adopted 2,042 acres of Keesara Reserve Forest on the occasion of state minister and TRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao’s birthday. This was in response to ‘Gift a smile challenge’ of Rama Rao, who wanted his supporters to do something meaningful for the society on his birthday. It is believed to be the first instance of an individual adopting a forest for its protection.

This idea of adopting and pledging care for reserve forests motivated others. Actor Prabhas of ‘Baahubali’ fame came forward for protection and development of 1,650 acres of Kazipally Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The actor gave Rs 2 crore to the forest department for the purpose.

Santosh’s call to industrialists to come forward to participate in the green movement also started evoking good response. Hetero Pharma agreed to shield the greenery and life in 2,543 acres of Mumbapur-Nallavelli Reserve Forest.

On the Chief Minister’s birthday on February 17, the MP gave a call for ‘Koti Vrukshaarchana’ or planting of 1 crore saplings. He appealed to everyone to plant at least three saplings wherever possible.

“This idea was instantly liked and lapped up. I spoke to various individuals, professionals, employed, self-employed including public representatives both at central and state levels and it became a hit in a jiffy,” he said.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Santosh Kumar’s initiative. In a letter to the MP, Modi congratulated him for undertaking ‘this noble initiative to preserve a cleaner, greener environment.’

The MP recently brought out the book ‘Vruksha Vedam’ which has the shlokas highlighting the importance of trees and forests as depicted in the Indian literature. It also explains the importance, medicinal and therapeutic properties of various plants, trees as mentioned in vedas for creating awareness among the general public.

GIC representatives Raghava and Karunakar Reddy say the GIC is for everyone. Anybody can plant 3 saplings in his/her house, park, balcony or any other place and WhatsApp selfie pictures to 9000365000. He will receive a message to download an App, where he can upload selgies. GIC also post the images its social media pages.

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Environment World News

Now, a handbook to help nations tackle ocean acidification

Tackling this challenge requires technical expertise and capacity that are often not available in Commonwealth countries…reports Asian Lite News.

A new policy handbook will help Commonwealth governments put in place strategies to tackle ocean acidification — a key aspect of climate change.

Ocean acidification happens when the sea absorbs excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

This leads to an increase in the acidity of the ocean, affecting the lifecycles and biology of certain marine species, and in turn, threatening the entire food web as well as the lives and livelihoods of communities that depend on these ocean resources.

Tackling this challenge requires technical expertise and capacity that are often not available in Commonwealth countries. The new handbook addresses this gap by identifying existing resources, streamlining technical concepts, outlining pragmatic solutions and providing useful templates for policy makers.

The handbook was commissioned by the New Zealand government, which champions the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group on Ocean Acidification.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of New Zealand, Nanaia Mahuta, said: “We know that ocean acidification has serious consequences for sea life, and this Policymakers’ Handbook for Addressing the Impacts of Ocean Acidification is an important resource.

“It is designed for people who make decisions about how we use and protect our oceans. It introduces them to the steps needed to address ocean acidification. It enables them to act as ‘kaitiaki’ or guardians.”

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, stated: “The study of ocean acidification and its effects has grown dramatically in the past 15 years, and while the problem is global, it is important for national and regional responses to be developed to address local impacts.

“The handbook has the potential to deliver far-reaching and lasting value, by supporting the identification and implementation by policymakers of response strategies to ocean acidification.”A particular focus in the handbook is on collaboration, which is a distinctive feature of the Commonwealth Blue Charter, an agreement adopted in 2018 by the 54 Commonwealth member countries to work together to solve ocean challenges.

The Commonwealth Blue Charter is implemented through 10 action groups led by 15 “champion countries”, which focus on guiding the development of knowledge, tools and training on ocean priorities such as marine plastic pollution, ocean climate change, and the sustainable blue economy.

Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, said: “This new handbook is an example of the concrete and practical outcomes that are generated by the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups and their discussions.

“While we all understand the grave threats that confront the ocean — and consequently, the entire planet — we must also realise that we, as the global community, can do something about it, by working together to share expertise, pool resources and align national and regional strategies to existing global commitments.”

The launch of this publication follows on the first-ever workshop by the Commonwealth Ocean Acidification Action Group, hosted in 2019 by New Zealand in its role as Champion Country for the group.

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‘Mandana’ dominates shades of nature

The Indian market has evolved over time when it comes to designer menswear. Men have also been more conscious about the clothes they wear, as their wardrobe is an extension of their personality. Punit Balana speaks with Puja Gupta.

Nature is always associated with genuine fashion. Fashion designer Punit Balana believes ”fashion enthusiasts will always find a way to reach their favourite designers given any scenario”. He is still ”optimistic” the pandemic has hit the industry hard, and believes there is a ”silver lining to every situation”.

Meanwhile, the designer, who launched his label in 2015 with a focus on designing for womenswear, has forayed into menswear with a limited-edition collection called ‘Mandana’. Interview:

Why did you decide to foray into designing menswear?

Ever since I launched the label Punit Balana in 2015, I have been focusing on designing for women. My designs are contemporary and easy to wear — comfort is an important brand attribute. Since the past many years I have been receiving requests within my friends circle to design for men. As time passed by, the number of requests increased, and I decided it was high time I create pieces for men too.

The time I had last year, gave me the opportunity to research and design some interesting concepts. This led to ‘Mandana’, given the subtle colours and the sustainable fabrics, I thought of creating a mix of classic and contemporary kurta sets for men. Men usually like to keep their Indian wear light and comfortable, hence I thought this was a good opportunity to introduce these pieces. I have received an overwhelming response and hope to widen the range and offer my male clientele more options

Tell us more about the collection.

Inspired by one of the oldest forms of art in India — ‘Mandana’, this collection celebrates traditional prints with the revival of hand-block motifs. Shades of nature dominate this collection — ranging from greens to ivories to pinks, personifying joy, elation and bliss. Rooted in the principles of comfort, ‘Mandana’ is an edit of exclusive kurtas, pyjamas and churidars made from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton silk which make for a perfect pick this summer. The ensemble can be complete by teaming it with beautiful printed organza dupattas with gold hand-dori borders, giving it an elegant finesse; it’s for occasions ranging from pujas at home, to haldi functions, to weddings.

Who do you see wearing it?

Each and every ‘Punit Balana’ ensemble is designed to move, dance and celebrate in. The brand’s aesthetic is a return to the fundamentals of materials, prints, motifs and embroideries, and yet a progression of form and silhouette.

With a focus on contrasting tones and colours, and a playful use of prints, patterns and shapes, the brand creates a vibrant design language that seems to be ever-evolving, yet remains rooted in principles of comfort and wear-ability. A sensibility of fluidity and ease sets the brand apart.

Though this is a limited collection, we have ensured that the designs are versatile and cater to all age groups. A short kurta paired with cowl pants or our block-printed kurtas with resham work detailing paired with pants would attract a younger audience. At the same time, we also have classic kurtas with churidars which would be a preferred choice among patrons above 45 years.

How do you see the Indian market of designer menswear today?

The Indian market has evolved over time when it comes to designer menswear. Men have also been more conscious about the clothes they wear, as their wardrobe is an extension of their personality. Having said that, with the increasing spending power among young men, they are likely to invest in designer wear. There is a constant demand for new and interesting designs among customers which keeps the market on their toes. I see designer menswear as a booming market in India.

What are the current top trends in menswear?

I think one trend that is here to stay is comfortable athleisure wear — they’re comfortable, effortless and cool. Pairing a t-shirt on joggers with a casual jacket or a shirt with cotton trousers and sneakers, these easy looks are taking over men’s fashion.

How has the pandemic influenced your design philosophy?

All my collections are inspired by the culture and heritage of Rajasthan designed in ethnic and contemporary silhouettes for the modern woman/man. Given the time we had in hand during the pandemic, I used it to go back to my design philosophies and present new collections with the existing resources we had. For e.g. The Mandana collection was created using only existing hand-blocks we had with us since the brand was founded in 2010. The time also gave us an opportunity to research and develop new prints and silhouettes, and also for me to foray into creating pieces for my male customers.

How do you see the future of Indian fashion industry, considering the impact of the pandemic on it?

Since fashion belongs to the non-essential sector, it has definitely taken a huge hit during the pandemic. It has been difficult for the industry to bounce back, but we have somehow managed to stand up on our feet yet again and test the waters. I am a very optimistic person and believe there’s a silver lining to every situation. We did see a rise in our online sales during the pandemic and have also received queries from to-be brides/grooms and their families.

For me, fashion enthusiasts will always find a way to reach their favourite designers given any scenario.

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