Page 23 - VIS - Newsletter
P. 23
October/2023
ONE NATURE WALK DAY AT VIS
‘In every walk with nature, one receives far more “What was that?”
than one seeks.’ It could be in terms of beauty, “Not certain. Seemed like a golden oriole. Let me
different birds, animals and trees or even the see if I can take a picture and we can identify it
peace one requires. later.”
“What are these big birds flying by? Are they
VIS is surrounded by the flora and fauna of the herons?”
Thaiyur forest and sometimes the students are “Didn’t they look like ducks?”
taken for a walk in the wilderness to find out “Yes, UID (unidentified) ducks.”
what mysteries lie out there. “What are we walking on?”
“Sand, Sir.”
“How did sand come here? We are 10 kms away
from the sea!”
“Don’t know, Sir.”
“It’s possible that a thousand years ago, this area
was covered with sea water. That water
evaporated and the sand and shells remained.”
After walking for an hour, discovering various
birds and trees and tombstones, we sit down in a
clearing. Arun sir, the Head of Boarding passes
two books around for children to see varied
Waking up early in the morning on Sunday, some species of birds and butterflies.
students gather near the dining hall area chatting “Notice something?”
away in the fresh morning western breeze. We “What, Sir?”
walk to the main gate, where the security “If you pay close attention, you will notice that in
personnel logs in the names of the outgoing the book there are paintings of birds, whereas
students and accompanying teachers and guards. you will find pictures of butterflies.”
All set to go, we head out onto the road with the “Sir!” comes a booming cry from one student.
students still talking nineteen to the dozen. “What is it?”
“Sir, see this huge ant.”
“Are we heading north or south today?” And so another half hour passes by with
“Last couple of times we have been to the south. questions, observations and some moments of
Let’s head north today.” peace, a joke here, a laugh there, and it is time to
And so we turn left and walk into the open field head back to the school.
where a red-wattled lapwing heralds our arrival. Nature walks in school are a great way to
A peacock is heard in the distance but is out of unwind, de-stress, and reconnect with the beauty
sight. One student is captivated by a few shells. of the natural world. They are also educational
Another, admires the dew on the cobweb on the and provide an opportunity to learn about the
ground. A golden oriole flies past. flora and fauna in our vicinity.
Darshana, Art Department, VIS.
