Mangaluru: In order to develop love for nature, to see God in nature and experience the role of human interaction with nature, in contributing to inner peace and to connect human actions in protecting nature, a day-long exposure to the farming techniques was organized for the students of St Aloysius BEd College.

It was also an opportunity to dispel students’ ignorance about cultivation and instil the spirit of dignity of labour the second year B Ed students had a hands-on experience in paddy cultivation. They were taken to the paddy fields in Kateel owned by Shekhar.

The programme began with a prayer and a reflection on the spiritual connection between nature and God. This set the right note in developing a sensitised connection to nature.

Shekhar (Shiva Sadan land owner and farmer), explained about the process of paddy cultivation and guided the students in ploughing and planting.

Dr Farita Viegas, principal on the occasion, said, “Farmers play a significant role in providing food to all people. It is important for us to educate our students on where the food comes from and where it is grown. This field day activity is an additional input for the would-be teachers to feel a deep connection not only among themselves but also experience the synergy between the divine and nature.”

Students interacted with the farmers in the fields and learned the basics of cultivation, its problems and the importance of farmers in everyone’s life. They also expressed that the visit helped them to be one with nature and appreciate the hard work done by the farmers. Many of them expressed that they would think twice before wasting food. They were also happy about gaining basic knowledge about farming.

The day long activity ended with a recreational tug of war and a race in the fields. Sandhya, staff in-charge organized the activity.