PW invited parents from CHIREC, Hyderabad to share their thoughts on how they ensure their children engage with nature
“I encourage my child Venkat Rishi( class XII) to play outdoors and enjoy nature, even during his travels for tournaments. He helps with gardening and loves plucking mangoes from our trees, sometimes even climbing them! We practice “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” to protect the environment and focus on conserving water and energy. We never litter and always use dustbins. Our vacations are planned around nature, whether in the hills or by the beach” — Sangeeta Batlanki, homemaker.
“Nature heals and strengthens body and soul. In our urban lives, it’s vital for children to spend time outdoors. We take Annickah (class IV) on hikes, visit conservation parks, and explore wildlife sanctuaries. Some favourites around Hyderabad include Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park, Mrugavani National Park, and Osmansagar Lake. Weekends are spent in nature, making it both fun and educational for Annickah and us” — Dr Sree Pavani Mandava, dentist. 
“Growing up visiting villages helped me appreciate nature, and I believe engaging with nature is essential for the overall development of my children — Vaibhav (class III) and Yashana (class VIII). Living in the city, we remain connected with nature by playing outdoors, going on nature walks and identifying plants, trees and animals, gardening together to learn about caring for living things. Moreover, we organise family camping or hiking trips to disconnect from technology, sharing educational books, documentaries, and activities about nature; practicing mindfulness exercises, like birdwatching or stargazing; teaching sustainability through recycling and waste reduction. We also take scenic drives to appreciate nature and relax on beaches.” — Manoj Gaddam, director, Workato India Pvt. Ltd
“Every weekend, we take Divit (class IV) to our farmhouse for a no-screens escape. We spend time gardening, planting seeds, and cooking meals together with fresh produce we have grown ourselves. Divit loves harvesting vegetables and learning about the journey of food from the soil to plates. These weekends are about unplugging, enjoying simple joys, and deeply connecting with nature” — Ankur Agrawal, businessman
