To a tourist visiting Goa, the State is synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and nightlife, but Goa’s dads know that Goa is much more than that, and for some of them, the environment and nature is the classroom, which their children are taught to respect, value and co-exist with.
And, what better day than Father’s Day to pay tribute to the dads who are creating a better world for their children?
OUR AIM WAS TO EXPOSE HER TO EVERYTHING: PARAG RANGNEKAR
'Teach them young' is the mantra that Parag Rangnekar and his wife were incorporating, when they would take their daughter, Avani, into the wild.
“We have been taking her out since she was a kid. She obviously had no option back then, because both my wife and I love going out, and our work also takes us into the hinterlands,” says Parag, Goa State Coordinator for the Indian Bird Conservation Network.
They would travel, not just within Goa, but outside the State, too. “She was around three or four-years-old, and that became a regular activity for us," he continues.
Over the years, I noticed that she's taken a liking for bird watching, which we also do and she knows Goa's birds well now, including recognising some of them by sound.
"Over the years, I noticed that she's taken a liking for bird watching, which we also do and she knows Goa's birds well now, including recognising some of them by sound,” says the proud dad. Avani even corrects her parents at times about certain birds and facts.
Parag adds, “Our idea was to expose her to everything because with exposure, you learn more, appreciate and respect different aspects of life, not just wildlife — from respecting the culture of different communities, to appreciating the food on your table to finding peace and connecting with nature."
DURING TREKS, I WOULD CARRY SAMRUDHDI ON MY BACK: RAJENDRA KERKAR
Having been exposed to nature from a young age, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar, was keen to help his daughter Samrudhdi connect with nature and the environment.
"After I finished my studies, I realised that I had hardly connected with my land, my soil, my environment. So, the stories my grandmother and my mother used to relate about nature inspired me to get connected with nature. I thought it would be nice for my daughter to have the same kind of exposure," says Rajendra.
Samrudhdi has been educated in nature — no exams, no curriculum. “She was allowed to understand the nature of birds, butterflies and other wildlife. As a child, she got the opportunity to learn through experiences. When an injured Indian rock python was brought home, she got an opportunity to observe it, to touch it, so, whatever fear and anxiety was there in her mind immediately melted away,” says Rajendra.
Fondly recalling their fun moments, he shares that he enjoys going on trekking and hiking adventures with Samrudhdi.
“I used to take her hiking along with me when she was very young — probably around three-years-old. During treks and mountaineering trips, I would carry her on my back. I'm happy that she developed a close connection with nature,” he says.
I used to take her hiking along with me when she was very young — probably around three-years-old. During treks and mountaineering trips, I would carry her on my back. I'm happy that she developed a close connection with nature.
Rajendra Kerkar, Environmentalist
KIDS LEARN FROM THEIR PARENTS' ACTIONS: CHARAN DESAI
Wildlife rescuer and nature enthusiast Charan Desai has long been accompanied by his five-year-old son, Shesh.
“He always wanted to follow me, so I used to take him along with me to the wild or around my house and tell him about plants, birds and animals that we could see. Kids learn from their parents' actions,” says Charan, who believes that there is a lot to learn from nature and biodiversity.
Shesh loves to play in the mud and water, and his dad never stopped him from playing with soil or walking in streams.
“Nature heals us, makes our immunity stronger. My son used to fall sick initially, but now his immunity is improving. There is a lot in nature that we need to learn from. Nature teaches you compassion, acceptance of beings just as they are, and the spirit to fight for survival. Nature teaches life lessons, which cannot be learnt anywhere else,” says Charan.
Charan lets little Shesh observe different animals that he rescues, although there is always a hint of fear. However, he says, fear is expected.
“Experiencing fear is a very natural aspect, especially when the snakes you are dealing with are aggressive. Fear is necessary to respect the snakes and their power. Teaching my son to co-exist with nature is of utmost importance,” concludes Charan, reflecting on the valuable environmental lessons he shares with his son.