The prompt “Plants” instantly
transported me to my childhood—back to my 2nd standard science lessons. My
uncle, who visited us from Delhi once every few months, often helped me with
homework. I was always the playful child, constantly devising clever escape
plans to avoid study time.
One day, he called me over with a
small bunch of coriander leaves that my mother had kept aside for dinner. With
a surprisingly cheerful tone, he announced, “Today we’re going to study the
coriander plant and how it becomes a tasty chutney.” I couldn’t believe my
luck. How had this strict gentleman suddenly become so friendly? God knows! But
I was delighted.
Holding the coriander in his hand,
he started pointing out parts of the plant: “These are the roots, this is the
stem, these little shoots are branches, and these are the leaves.” I sat there
puzzled but curious. Then he explained how the roots must be removed because
they are muddy, how the stems can be chopped easily, and how the leaves are
added to rasam or chutney. After making me repeat the plant parts, he let me
go—and that little moment stayed with me forever.
Today, plants are among the
loveliest things I admire. Whether it’s a shy flower blooming in a pot, a tiny
tomato glowing red in my terrace garden, or a bit of pudina sprouting quietly
from kitchen silt, every plant brings its own joy. Over time, I’ve successfully
grown bitter gourd, colocasia, broad beans, betel leaves, green chillies, and
turmeric rhizomes. Some flowers didn’t flourish, but the journey itself has
been deeply rewarding.
Reading about plants through the
gentle, observant eyes of Ruskin Bond only deepens this affection. His love for
nature makes you want to bring every possible flower, creeper, and leaf onto
your rooftop and watch them thrive.
Plants don’t just grow in soil—they
take root in our memories, shaping small, beautiful stories that stay with us
throughout life.
( https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogchatter-blog-hop-a-new-way-to-write-collectively)
Sometimes, some thoughts leave an everlastimg impression on our minds that we realize later in life.
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