Ode to rooted hope

On Growing A Green Environment And An Equal World

Avni Takiar & Myra Gupta, AIS Noida, XI H

For Manisha Ahlawat, change begins with a connection to nature. A multifaceted changemaker, she is the founder of the School of Nature - an organisation working to promote ecological sustainability, a member of the UP State Women Commission, and founding partner of Kunzum Bookstores. Her work in sustainability and education is an inspiration to all. At GT Youth Power 2026, she sat down with GT reporters for a scintillating conversation about reforestation, gender equity, and the power one holds to make a difference.

Our responsibility

There seems to be a recurring belief that someone else will save the world. But why should that be the case? It is you who can save the world. Your world is where you live - the people around you, your neighbourhood, and the things you care about. Rather than worrying about conflicts in distant parts of the world, focus on what’s near you. Think about water conservation in your locality, the green cover around you, your empathy towards animals, and the kindness you show your family and friends. When we shift our attention to what we can influence directly, we create meaningful change and reduce the stress that accompanies global concerns. If the younger generation focuses on what they can control and change, they will find peace and harmony in their own world. Everyone should strive to be their own saviour; the more we do so, the more our surroundings will reflect that!

The Miyawaki technique

Over the years, I have worked extensively with the Japanese Miyawaki method of reforestation. A Miyawaki forest is not the same as a natural forest; it accelerates nature’s growth process. It creates dense, fast-growing, self-sustaining native forests in small urban spaces within just three years. What takes decades to be achieved can emerge just in a few years, and nature’s remarkable ability to do this continues to fascinate me. I remember planting my first forest during the pandemic in 2020. At a time when the world seemed to have come to a standstill, nature carried on uninterrupted. That experience taught me that nature never stops - it continues to grow and evolve, and we must learn to move in harmony with it. No matter the circumstances, nature offers answers, resilience, and hope.

The new balance

Girls are increasingly stepping beyond traditional boundaries and excelling in fields that were once considered exclusively male domains. Hence, we need a world of greater equality, collaboration, and shared responsibilities. Men should feel comfortable stepping into kitchens, caregiving roles, and any other spaces that were once considered outside their traditional responsibilities. Only when both genders grow together can we create a truly equitable society.

Message for Amitians

My message to you is simple - continue doing what you are doing. Keep raising important issues and continue pursuing causes that matter to you.

A crimson clue unfurled

Book: A Study in Scarlet | Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Published on: December 1, 1887 | Genre: Mystery, Fiction

Synopsis: It is not truly a Holmes story if it does not begin with instant mystery. The book opens with Dr John H Watson settling into his new lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, with Sherlock Holmes, a ‘consulting detective’. When he receives a telegram requesting consultation in the investigation for the murder of Enoch Drebber, an American travelling to Europe, he drags his new roommate on a thrilling adventure. The two together reach the crime site, an abandoned house, where they find blood splattered on the walls, spelling out the word ‘RACHE’. Drebber’s secretary, Joseph Strangerson, too is found murdered a few days later. With forensic chemistry, analysis, and human biology, the odd pair solve their first case together, marking the establishment of one of the most famous detective partnerships in the history of English Literature.

Why is it worth reading: As one of the most iconic duos, these chaotic best friends balance Sherlock’s sharp mind with Watson’s steady presence - pure deduction meets human emotion. Their arguments add humour and solidify their bond that is built on mutual respect, trust, and shared taste for adventure. The inescapable suspense is combined with a surprising and tragic backstory, adding more depth to the writing. It’s relatively brief and easy to comprehend, unlike other books of its time, making it a great entry point into classic literature.