Purpose Of The Trip
1. Developing essential social skills
2. Learning practical life lessons
3. Fostering a deeper connection with nature
4. Building confidence
Meet Mr. Parthiban
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Parthipan from Karumathampatti, Coimbatore, for being an incredible host and guide during our educational trip
As a young leader with remarkable influence in his community, he generously supported the School4Change team, ensuring our comfort and safety throughout our 4-day stay
Mr. Parthipan introduced us to inspiring individuals, including organic farmers, handloom weavers, and spiritual yogis, providing valuable Insights.
We're grateful for Mr. Parthipan's kindness and look forward to sharing the impact of this experience.
Meet Mr. Srinivasan, Guava Farmer
We had the privilege of meeting Mr. Srinivasan, a kind-hearted individual with vast knowledge of Indian and world politics. Our visit to his home was an incredible experience, where we met his loving wife, Mrs. Priya and child Kiranmayee.
Mr. Srinivasan is a passionate farmer, cultivating guava on his land, which yields around 25 sacks of fruits. However, he faces challenges from parrots and peacocks that feed on the fruits due to the destruction of their natural habitat. What's remarkable is his response to this issue - he chooses not to harm the birds and instead sells the remaining fruits, prioritizing compassion over profit.
Hand Loom Factory of Mr. Srinivasan
Mr. Srinivasan also has a hand loom factory where he provide jobs to more than 50 people.
Where he demonstrated his commitment to his workers' well-being. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent over ₹10 lakh to support his workers' families.
Mr. Srinivasan's wife, Mrs. Priya is a treasure trove of knowledge, using kitchen ingredients to cure various ailments. She shared valuable tips with our students, showcasing the power of natural remedies.
We're grateful for encounters like these, which remind us of the goodness in humanity. Thank you, Mr. Srinivasan, for inspiring us with your kindness and compassion.
Meet Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya (Organic Farmer)
We're humbled to have met Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya, a pure soul dedicated to natural farming & living in harmony with nature. His family, including wife Mrs. Komathi & daughters Prithi & Nivitha, join him in his noble endeavors.
What's truly inspiring is his commitment to non-violence, extending even to tiny creatures like ants. We witnessed his gentle actions firsthand, like carefully relocating a leech to safety.
His wisdom & passion for natural farming are contagious, and our students gained invaluable insights from him. Thank you, Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya, for embodying the spirit of compassion & sustainability.
A True Guardian of Nature, Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya
We had the privilege of meeting many farmers who shared their insights on sustainable farming practices. However, Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya's approach stood out - he refrains from using both pesticides and fertilizers. When we asked him to share his reasoning, he explained that every living being, including insects, plays a vital role in the ecosystem. According to him, nature has its own balance; what we perceive as "harmful" insects are often controlled by beneficial ones, creating a natural cycle that humans shouldn't disrupt.
We were deeply inspired by his words and witnessed the thriving diversity on his farm. His fields are home to a wide variety of organic crops, including Indian little tomatoes, sesame seeds, mint, bay leaves, corn, spinach, and numerous types of rice and millets. These crops aren't just a testament to his farming practices but also reflect his deep connection with nature.
Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya's approach is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in harmony with nature. His dedication to preserving the natural balance is truly commendable, and we're grateful for the opportunity to learn from him.
A Leader in Natural Farming, Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya
We're thrilled to have met Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya, a pioneering farmer who's not only cultivating a self-sustaining farm but also leading a like-minded community of natural farmers. He's brought together around 14 farmers who share his vision, and they've established 'Sivan Sandhai', a market dedicated to organic products.
What's remarkable about their approach is their collective planning and distribution strategy. They work together to identify the crops in demand, distribute them among the farmers, and avoid overproduction. This collaborative effort is a shining example of sustainable agriculture and community building. Our team has volunteered to help them in the market.
Mr. Ponmuthu Ayya's leadership and vision are truly inspiring. He's not just a farmer; he's a catalyst for positive change in his community. We're grateful for the opportunity to meet him and look forward to learning from his experiences. His work is a testament to the power of collective action and sustainable living.
Visit to Arivu Thirukkovil in Azhiyar near Pollachi
We visited the serene Arivu Thirukkovil in Azhiyar near Pollachi, where the revered Vedhanthri Maharishi attained enlightenment. Our students experienced this sacred place for the first time, and they were deeply drawn to its calming aura. We spent over 20 minutes in meditation, immersing ourselves in the spiritual energy of the place.
After meditation, we had the privilege of meeting a knowledgeable professor from the temple. He shared profound insights on the purpose of human existence and the significance of the soul. His explanations on why human birth is considered precious, despite all living beings having a soul, were enlightening and thought-provoking.
The spiritual learning and energy of the place left a lasting impression on us. We're grateful for the opportunity to visit Arivu Thirukkovil and learn from the professor's wisdom.
Visit to Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbature
After visiting Arivu Thirukkovil, we headed to the breathtaking Isha Yoga Centre, which truly felt like a heaven on earth. The serene surroundings and majestic Vellangiri hills created a picturesque backdrop, especially with the stunning view from the foot of the Adiyogi statue.
We had the privilege of meeting a Sadhu who was engaged in Sadhana near Linga Bhairavi. Our conversation with him was truly enlightening, as he shared profound insights on Uyir Nokkam (the science of living). He explained that our presence here is purposeful, aimed at clearing our karmic cycle to attain enlightenment.
The experience was nothing short of magical, and we felt grateful to have had the opportunity to explore this sacred space. The Isha Yoga Centre is indeed a place where one can connect with the divine and experience inner peace.
Visit to Ayyan Temple
We had the privilege of visiting the Ayyan Temple in Palladam, where we met the kind-hearted Priest, Mr. Yoganathan. He warmly welcomed our students and shared valuable insights about the current generation, drawing from his experience of running a school near the temple for over 75 years, providing affordable education to many.
What struck us was the fascinating story of Ayyan, the temple's main deity. Over 700 years ago, Ayyan was a devoted doctor who treated fever and snake bites, major illnesses of that time. His unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva led him to chant sacred mantras, and one day, Shiva appeared before him. Ayyan requested a cure for all illnesses, and Shiva granted him the boon that even mud from his meditation place would become medicine.
Ayyan used this divine power to heal people, and eventually, he attained enlightenment. People began to worship him as a god, and to this day, devotees from far and wide come to seek his blessings and take the sacred mud, believed to possess healing properties.
Mr. Yoganathan ayya took us to the Garbhagraham, where we felt the divine energy of Ayyan and offered our prayers. The experience was truly unforgettable, and we're grateful for the opportunity to visit this sacred place.
Meet Mr. Ashok in Mythili Mess near Salem
We had a delightful surprise when we met Mr. Ashok again at Mythili Mess in Salem, a place we hadn't expected to reconnect with him. It was a serendipitous moment, as we had first met him three years ago on our journey back to Chennai from Kodaikanal.
Mr. Ashok has been working at the mess since his childhood, and his dedication to serving customers is truly inspiring. His simplicity and humility shine through in his words, "All I know is how to take care of the customers who visit the mess." And indeed, he takes pride in serving his customers with love and care.
What struck us most was his pride in providing quality education to his children, who are now working in a reputed company like CTS. Despite facing daily struggles, Mr. Ashok's enthusiasm and positivity are contagious. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and determination.
We were overjoyed to meet him again, and his warm hospitality made us feel like family.
Meet Mr. Vel Murugan, Cab Driver
We're grateful to have had Mr. Vel Murugan as our driver for this trip. His warm personality and genuine nature made us feel at ease throughout the journey. We had engaging conversations, and he shared many of his life experiences, which added depth to our interactions.
Mr. Vel Murugan was thoroughly impressed by the trip, remarking that it was unlike any other he'd experienced. He marveled at the opportunities to learn and meet new people that came up during the journey.
What impressed us most was his exceptional driving skills, which ensured our safety and comfort throughout the trip. Our students felt at home with him, and he even took the time to provide basic driving lessons, making the experience even more memorable.
We're thankful for the experience and look forward to having Mr. Vel Murugan behind the wheel again. His professionalism and kindness made a significant difference to our trip.
We're deeply thankful to everyone who supported our trip to Coimbature! Your contributions made this journey truly special. We're grateful to have you all by our side!
Thank you!
Regards
School4Change
