Gauri the Gardener

Gauri Nilakantan, a resident of Thane, is a counselling psychologist by profession and a gardener at heart. During this time when the world is grappling with COVID-19, Gauri says, “This pandemic and the enforced lockdown have made us aware of two most important things. One is the importance of oxygen and the other is to feel at peace within the four walls of our home. Cultivating a hobby became paramount for sustenance.”

Gauri took to gardening as her hobby during this period. She states, “My experience with gardening has been like Remdesivir during Covid times. It was therapeutic. Apart from engaging us positively, plants can supply us with abundance of oxygen. Gardening can teach our children to be sensitive towards nature and to experience little joys of life.”

She further adds, “I have been taking baby steps towards this little initiative of creating green spaces wherever possible for many years through the concept of ‘Gift a plant instead of a flower bouquet or a sweet box.’ When I mentioned this concept to a friend, she said, ‘How can we gift a plant to someone who doesn’t have even a single plant?’ I personally think, what better opportunity it can be to start a planting initiative. It’s time for festivities. Let’s take our first baby step towards a greener world and give a plant every time we need to gift someone. Primarily because a plant continues to grow and spread happiness for a long time. I think we create memories with these little beings. Pamper them and they love you back.”

Through her small but noble endeavor, Gauri hopes to spread more smiles and lots of love.