An Educational Herbal Garden

 

    In an era where modern education often focuses on technology and textbooks, one educator stands out for his innovative approach to integrating nature with learning. Sri Pabitra Mohan Dash, a dedicated and visionary teacher, has transformed the schools he worked at by installing herbal gardens that serve both as an educational tool and an environmental improvement. One of the most remarkable examples of his work is the herbal garden he developed at PUPS Khataluguda, which has not only enriched the school environment but also turned a health hazard into a source of learning and inspiration.quality education

         Located just beside the school premises, there was once a plot of land that the villagers had unfortunately been using as an open toilet. The foul smell from this misuse affected the school’s environment, creating both health risks and an unpleasant atmosphere for the students and staff. Determined to change this, Sri Dash took matters into his own hands. He organized a campaign to clean the land, remove waste, and purify the area. But his vision didn’t stop there—he saw the potential to turn this neglected space into something valuable for the students.pabitra education

           After the land was cleared, Sri Dash meticulously planned and developed an herbal garden. Today, this garden boasts over 150 different types of herbal plants, each chosen for its medicinal properties. These plants are not just random selections but are deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Ayurvedic medicine. They represent the healing knowledge passed down through generations, from the ancient texts of Charaka to modern practices.

       What makes this garden unique is its role as an outdoor classroom. Each plant in the garden has a name plate that provides both its local and botanical names, along with information about its medicinal uses. This allows students to learn not only the scientific names but also the traditional knowledge associated with these plants. The garden becomes a living textbook, where lessons on biology, botany, and traditional medicine blend seamlessly with hands-on learning.

            For students, this herbal garden is more than just a collection of plants. It is a place where they can engage their senses, observe plant growth, understand their uses in treating various ailments, and appreciate the symbiotic relationship between nature and health. This living laboratory brings the teachings of Charaka—the ancient Indian scholar of medicine—into the modern world. Students can see, touch, and learn about the remedies that have been used in India for centuries, providing them with practical knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.

               Sri Dash’s herbal garden is not just a local achievement but also a model for educational innovation. It demonstrates how educators can use natural resources and traditional knowledge to enhance learning experiences, improve the environment, and instill in students a deep respect for nature. His work has transformed a space once filled with waste into a beautiful, productive garden that now breathes life and knowledge into the school.

          The garden at PUPS Khataluguda is a testament to Sri Pabitra Mohan Dash’s commitment to holistic education. It is a symbol of how one educator’s vision can change not only the physical landscape but also the minds and hearts of students, teaching them the value of health, environment, and traditional wisdom.