The program was specially designed for the parents and guardians of the Anganwadi children, aiming to introduce them to the concept of terrace gardening as a sustainable and practical approach to homegrown produce. To ensure maximum engagement and comprehension, the session was conducted in Kannada, the local language.
The event commenced at 11:00 AM with a warm welcome and brief introduction by MC Anvitha Shetty, setting the tone for the session. This was followed by a soulful prayer song presented by a group of students, after which the main program began.
The session was structured in multiple segments, each led by students covering various aspects of terrace gardening:
- Dhanyashree opened the session with an introduction to terrace gardening, explaining its importance, benefits, and relevance in today’s urban lifestyle.
- Manvitha elaborated on the materials and procedures involved in terrace gardening. She highlighted how accessible and cost-effective the process is, along with information on different plant types, growth rates, and seasonal considerations.
- Ananya K.R. educated the audience about the various categories of plants suitable for terrace gardens, their health benefits, and how they compare to store-bought produce.
- Ananya K.S. focused on the cost and investment aspects – discussing how families can start small with minimal resources and scale up based on results and interest.
Next, the session moved on to a hands-on demonstration by Brunda and a few others. They showed how to prepare the potting mixture by combining sand, soil, compost, and bio mix in appropriate ratios. The live demonstration, done on a cloth laid out on the floor, captured everyone’s attention. The team explained seedling care, watering techniques, and guidance on repotting practices and maintenance routines.
In the final segment, Keerthan spoke about common plant diseases, their prevention methods, and natural vs. chemical treatments. He introduced the audience to eco-friendly solutions like Panchagavya and neem-based remedies, emphasizing sustainability and health.
The session concluded with a short note of thanks by Anvitha Shetty, after which seed packets were distributed to the adults, encouraging them to begin their own terrace gardens. The young children were also delighted to receive chocolates as a token of appreciation for their enthusiastic participation.
The program officially concluded at 12:00 PM, followed by refreshments provided by the Anganwadi staff, Mrs Geetha, Mrs Harinakshi, and Ms Bhavya. Before dispersing, a group photograph was taken with the students, faculty, Anganwadi staff, and the local families, marking the end of a successful and impactful community outreach initiative.
