Aurovanam: Experiential Learning, Ecological Literacy, and Community Engagement

Divya Priya
December 6, 2025

Orientation Visit for Nursing Students

On November 15, fifty-six nursing students from the East Coast Institute of Medical Sciences visited Aurovanam for an orientation program. The session introduced them to the various environmental, educational, and community-based projects carried out by the Svarnim Puducherry team.
Following the introductory workshop, the students were taken on a guided tour of the Aurovanam premises, where they explored ongoing initiatives related to ecology restoration, sustainable living, and experiential learning. The visit helped the students understand the role of environmental stewardship in public health and community well-being.

 ‘Know Your Bio-Region’ – Weed Walk

A Weed Walk was organized on November 8, 2025, as part of the Know Your Bio-Region series. The event welcomed approximately 40 participants from different parts of Puducherry to Aurovanam.

The workshop focused on raising awareness about common edible weeds native to the local bio-region. Participants learned to identify these species, understand their nutritional value, and explore their culinary uses. To demonstrate their practical relevance, two varieties of keerai (leafy greens) were freshly prepared on-site at Aurovanam for participants to taste.

The snacks served during the session included:

  • Mudakathan dosai

  • Pirandai thuvayal

  • Ten varieties of kalavai keerai

  • Athalakkai

This hands-on food experience helped participants appreciate the richness of traditional plant knowledge and the importance of local biodiversity.

Environmental Education Workshop for Primary School Students

On November 28, thirty students from Government Primary School (GPS), Vambupet, visited Aurovanam for an Environmental Education Workshop. This visit built upon the earlier collaboration through which the Aurovanam team had established a kitchen garden at the school.

The students were introduced to the various activities and ecological learning spaces within Aurovanam and were taken on a detailed tour of the campus. During the visit, they explored the:

  • Butterfly Garden

  • Herbal Garden

  • Navagraha Garden

  • Star Garden

  • Kitchen Garden

  • Nursery

They also visited key sustainability facilities, including the Seed Bank, Solar Dryer, and Bio-Gas Unit. The workshop enabled students to learn about biodiversity, plant life cycles, renewable energy, and waste-to-resource concepts through direct interaction and observation.

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