An innovative approach to nurturing a love for the environment through modern gardening has been taken by Hari Mishra, a journalist by profession in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Mishra, known for his impactful journalism, has extended his influence from the pen to Life Garden, creating opportunities for people who are deprived of nature love due to a lack of space or time.
The initiative began with the joint effort of journalist Hari Mishra and his elder brother, Om Mishra. Together, they transformed their ancestral land into a sprawling 20-bigha organic forest in their Birhar village.
This forest named ‘Life Garden’ boasts around more than three thousand fruit trees, featuring a mix of local and exotic varieties along with some ayurvedic plants. Among these are Lahori lemon, Taiwanese guava, Thai jackfruit, and plants sourced from Punjab, including Kinnow, American Daisy (another variety of Kinnow), Musammi, Red Malta, local Kaggi Lemon, Jackfruit, Mango, Apple Plum, and Pomegranate.
When the garden started yielding fruits, it was not just a testament to their hard work but also a beacon of inspiration for others. Mishra brothers began to share their journey on social media, which garnered significant attention. Many people expressed their inability to experience such joy due to space constraints or busy schedules. This feedback sparked an idea in Hari Mishra to extend this experience to those who could not physically engage in gardening.
Utilizing the power of social media, Hari Mishra encouraged people to adopt plants virtually. He reassured them that while they might not have the space or time to nurture a garden, they could still be part of this green initiative by adopting a plant that he would take care of. This novel approach allowed people to connect with nature and contribute to environmental sustainability. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of people adopting plants.
This initiative has seen diverse participation. District-level officials from Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, Social workers from Kanpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Auraiya, Hamirpur, Budaun, Ambedkar Nagar, and several other districts businessmen, and government employees have all adopted plants. People have also adopted saplings in memory of their late parents or to commemorate special occasions like birthdays.
The organic garden has not only become a symbol of environmental love but also a source of income. In just four years, the garden has started generating an income of around two to three lakh rupees annually from the fruit yield. This success is a testament to the potential of integrating traditional agriculture with modern social strategies.
Hari Mishra’s project demonstrates that environmental stewardship can transcend personal limitations through innovative thinking and community involvement. His work is an inspiration, showing that with creativity and dedication, anyone can contribute to a greener world.
For those interested in adopting a plant, Hari Mishra has made the process simple. By providing his contact number for WhatsApp and calls, he ensures that anyone can participate in this initiative, even without visiting the garden.
