Ameyaatma Charitable Foundation (ACF)

Nature is whole, humans are subset. The elements of connection between the whole and the subset lie in the mental models that shape human interactions. These models are influenced by lived experiences and the stories we borrow from others, including celebrations, festivals, and rituals. ACF celebrated Vrikshabandhan in our project area, Barsana. This is a village nestled within the ancient forests of Aravallis in a region renowned for its deep connection with the divine. In this land of Radha, every tree is considered a sacred form of life. Vrikshabandhan, the ritual of tying a sacred thread around a tree, became a powerful symbol of our interdependence with nature. The Vrikshabandhan event brought together people from all walks of life, creating a sense of unity and belonging. Every hand that reached out and tied a sacred thread chanted a silent prayer, a pledge to protect the sacred natural world. The women's folk songs, beautifully composed in Brajbhasha, celebrated the love and devotion of Radha for the forest of Barsana and narrated the epic Ramayana through the eyes of Sita. These stories, passed down through generations, serve as a testament to the rich heritage of biodiversity, the human experience and their connection to the natural world. The geographical markers mentioned in the song were surprisingly precise, and the reference to specific tree species were remarkable. These folksongs reflect the deep knowledge and reverence the villagers have for their natural surroundings. Vrikshabandhan was a celebration of community and nature,?a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage. A shoutout to Samarrth Khanna and entire ACF team for organising this beautiful event. Sharing some of the pictures from the day! Thank you Santosh K Singh and Pranay Lal for your great inspiration. #Sacredforests #Ecorestoration #Vrikshabandhan #Barsana #Nature #Community #Ritual

We have some great conversations about climate and sustainability careers. Thanks Santosh K Singh for your insights. #career #climatecareers #careersinclimateaction

Are you passionate about protecting our planet and building a more sustainable future? Join us for an interactive session designed for those seeking careers in Climate Change and Sustainability! Date : 14 July 2024? Time : 4:00 pm -6:00 pm In collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Society, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Adhchini, New Delhi-110016 Limited seats available - register now! https://bit.ly/acftalk This in-person event will provide insights,?tips,?and resources to help you explore and launch your dream green career. #climatechange #sustainability #careers #greenjobs #inperson #limitedevent #dontmissout Santosh K Singh Samarrth Khanna Abhilasha Rajan

Early this year, we embarked on a pilot project of ecological restoration in Mathura, nestled amidst the last stretch of the Aravali Range. The project unveiled a complex reality: a rich ecological heritage facing rapid degradation, fading traditional knowledge, and a high population density where lifestyles are increasingly disconnected from nature. We quickly realized that isolated restoration efforts wouldn't be sustainable. Restored sites could face threats from surrounding communities after project completion. This challenge, we discovered, is not unique to our project but applies to many restoration initiatives in India's vast and diverse landscape. As we move ahead with this pilot project, we are actively seeking solutions to shape the future of ecological restoration in India: 1) Innovation:?We need innovative program designs, approaches, and institutional models for implementation. This includes exploring new financing mechanisms and seamlessly blending ecological restoration with the needs of the people. How can we catalyze such innovation? 2) Collaboration:?This cause is bigger than any individual or institution. We need a collaborative spirit among partners – government agencies, ecological experts, social scientists, development practitioners, and the community itself. How can we foster stronger collaboration and convergence for large-scale impact? 3) Scalability:?To achieve our restoration targets, we need scalable models that address India's diverse ecosystems while leveraging indigenous knowledge systems and cultural strengths. 4) Resources:?Large-scale impact requires substantial resources – technical, financial, and human. How can we mobilize the necessary resources? Are there institutions equipped to support innovative restoration efforts? Do we have a sufficient number of skilled personnel and the institutional framework to achieve large-scale restoration? 5) Future Readiness:?We need to reignite nature mindfulness in our collective consciousness. Children are the future, and they hold the key to integrating nature back into our daily lives. How can we prepare them for this responsibility? Are educational frameworks incorporating nature education? Is there a sufficient number of qualified nature educators with access to high-quality, native-language educational content? What institutional support is needed? We are approaching the midway point of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It's clear that the entire restoration ecosystem itself needs strengthening. This requires substantial effort, robust policies, and widespread awareness. #EcologicalRestoration #RestoringEcologicalHeritage #BrajEcology #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement https://lnkd.in/ggCU_m88