Thu Oct 23 13:38:48 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
A workshop held at the GREENS Biodiversity Sanctuary in Kolarpatti, Tiruchi, taught students from five schools how to plant paddy saplings. The event, organized with the Department of School Education, Chennai, aimed to educate children about food production and the importance of preserving indigenous seeds. Alexander Amirtham, founder of GREENS, stressed the need for children to understand the basics of farming amidst the rise of modern agriculture. The sanctuary showcases over 400 indigenous plant varieties and provides hands-on learning experiences about the differences between indigenous and invasive species.
News Article:
Tamil Nadu Students Get Hands-On Farming Experience at Biodiversity Sanctuary
Tiruchi, October 23, 2025: Students from five schools in Tamil Nadu participated in an experiential workshop at the GREENS Biodiversity Sanctuary in Kolarpatti this week, learning the traditional methods of paddy cultivation. The event, a collaboration with the Department of School Education, Chennai, sought to bridge the growing gap between urban youth and agricultural practices.
“It’s crucial for children to understand where their food comes from,” stated Alexander Amirtham, founder and executive director of GREENS Biodiversity Sanctuary. “With modern agriculture increasingly focused on genetically modified crops, we risk losing the knowledge of basic food production.”
During the workshop, students enthusiastically planted paddy saplings, gaining firsthand experience in the labor-intensive process. The sanctuary, inspired by the work of Gandhian Mother Lea Provo, is dedicated to preserving indigenous plant varieties.
GREENS boasts over 400 species, including trees, climbers, and medicinal plants, all displayed without labels to encourage visual learning. “We want students to be able to identify indigenous and invasive species through observation, something that’s impossible to replicate in a classroom,” explained Amirtham.
Amirtham expressed concern about the lack of support for seed preservation stating “Saving our indigenous seeds for the future is a key component of food security. However, India has still to take it up seriously”. The workshop is a step towards ensuring that future generations understand and value the importance of traditional farming practices.
The sanctuary hopes to host similar events in the future, further promoting agricultural awareness and the preservation of indigenous biodiversity.
First Piper 