“The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” – Masanobu Fukuoka
Sometimes the most profound lessons don’t come from books or classrooms, but from bending low in muddy fields, planting hope one sapling at a time.
On a bright Sunday morning, 6 cheerful families joined OES for a paddy plantation workshop as a chance to step away from the clamor of daily life, and to let children witness firsthand the effort, patience, and humility behind each grain of rice that reaches our plates.
Mrs. Kalyani, Organo Et School’s Head of Sustainability, started the day with a warm introduction. She spoke about the significance of spending Sundays amidst farms and forests, reconnecting with nature, and respecting the food we eat. She unfolded the fascinating stories of indigenous rice varieties like HMT, black rice, sona masuri, red rice, raja mudi, each with its own heritage, flavor, and history. With care, she explained the delicate processes of paddy cultivation and the many unseen stages that transform a tiny seed into nourishment for families.
Soon after, the group made its way to the paddy fields. The saplings stood ready, waiting like young dreams to be placed into the earth. Parents and children stepped cautiously along the narrow farm paths, hand in hand, laughter echoing, hesitant yet eager. At first, many squirmed at the cool mud clinging to their legs, rising to their knees. But gradually, hesitation gave way to playfulness, and playfulness turned into joy.
As they bowed low to plant each tender sapling into the softened soil, what began as a farming lesson soon became a quiet meditation on patience, community, and gratitude. The children giggled as they slipped in the slush, parents joined in their laughter.
Guided by Mrs. Prabha Dhamodharan and Mrs. Sri Lakshmi Battula, General Managers of Organo’s Farming & Animal Husbandry, participants learned to handle the fragile saplings with respect and care. Farmers from the village corrected our clumsy patterns, and continued their work with grace. Their rhythmic chants, which were simple prayers to the earth and sky for protection of the seeds, rose above the fields. It was humbling to stand alongside them, to hear voices carry devotion into the soil, and to realise that farming was both their livelihood and worship.
As the workshop drew to a close, every family was given a token of gratitude: a collection of five distinct rice varieties, freshly made paneer and ghee, and certificates of participation.
The day left us with muddy feet, smiling faces, and a simple realisation that food is sacred, and every grain carries hardwork and dedication we must honor.
We thank all the families who joined us in this journey. And as the monsoons return, we look forward to more paddy, more puddles, and more shared laughter in the fields.
