The best things in life, are free.

Hello Mr. Hornbill 

Our home overlooks a designated forest, but over the years it had been neglected and abused and greatly denuded. It was a very sad state of affairs.

Then concerned people and groups began to work together. Over past decade there has been a very good effort by citizen groups, environmentalists and the government forest department

When people collaborate and sincerely work together towards a goal, results have to come. 

Surprisingly, when we share our labours and energies for achieving something better, fatigue rarely occurs. Purpose fills our mind and body with inexplicable joy  and a kinship with others. 

In pursuit of comforts, we modern beings live in cocoons, mostly disconnected from nature. Is it any wonder that to just spot a Hornbill perched at the edge of our balcony, it should cause the heart to skip a beat? 

The inexplicable joyful emotion and the contemplation that follows can be a spiritual experience, that is not easy to describe.

The growth in the forest and green cover has had many benefits, for us residents and visitors to the vicinity they, 

• There is much less dust in the air and in our homes.
• The air feels fresher and more rejuvenating. The climate has become better, the weather cooler, even in summer. One rarely needs to turn on the air conditioning even in summer. Saving energy and money.
• Where there is respect and worship for nature no policing and enforcement is necessary. People have almost completely stopped throwing garbage onto the forest land so the environment looks and feels healthier. 
• The ground water levels have risen. The bore wells that we had drilled in our our housing society as a standby to overcome water shortages in summer now rarely run dry. 
• The noise levels are much lower as the forest absorbs noise and vibrations. 
• When we are respectful and welcoming, guests will flock to our home and enrich our lives. Butterflies and bees are more common. Sparrows, Mynas, Peacocks, Sunbirds, Parrots, Robins, along with many Squirrels are regular visitors all year long.
• The ambience, the chirping of birds and the fluttering of butterflies makes one feel in harmony with existence.

Its true, the best things in life are free.

The forest behind our home BEFORE  conservation efforts

The forest behind our home AFTER conservation efforts

The forest behind our home AFTER conservation efforts

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Thanks to my friend: Arvind Patole  for providing the image of the Great Indian Hornbill

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