KidSpirit

The Champa Tree and the Mango Plant

NatureGlobal Beat

Growing up, one of my favorite pastimes was climbing trees. My brother and I used to head out to my neighbors’ garden, very often, to climb their champa tree. I cannot ever forget the fun we used to have with that tree. At times it was a ship, each of us taking turns to climb to the highest branch and pretend to see a pirate ship. At times it was the meeting place of the Greek Gods, and all of us would sit wherever we could and argue about who was the best. At times it was just a place to read, and we used to all go out and read in our fixed places on the tree. I can still remember my branch; it was one of the highest branches, so it took time to get there. But once I reached there I was surrounded by a bunch of leaves, giving me my own privacy. When I wanted to talk, I moved the branch to one side, hooking it behind another.

Nature has played a vital role in my upbringing, having been surrounded by it 24/7. I live on a campus where there are lawns and trees everywhere and my school was literally built in nature. The trees, the grass, the wind, and the leaves: it almost feels like they live inside me.

Once, when I was about 3 years-old, I finished eating a mango. Upon finishing it, my grandfather suggested I plant the seed, telling me it would grow up to be a tree. Excited at the prospect of planting my own tree, I set out to my backyard and planted it. Before I knew it, it had sprouted! That very year, we had to move houses. My mother asked the gardener if he could re-plant the mango tree to our new house (which was quite close by). The plant survived and to this day I can see my mango plant, rising tall in the wind, as I look out of my window.

Helen Keller very truly said, “To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."

Adya is a 14-year-old student at the Riverside School in Ahmedabad, India. You can normally find her reading a book or dancing. One of her favorite pastimes is playing with animals (especially her cat).

Like what you're reading?

Check out KidSpirit newsletters, and get more great content in your inbox!

Which newsletters would you like to receive?

Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn

Like what you're reading?

Check out KidSpirit newsletters, and get more great content in your inbox!

Which newsletters would you like to receive?

Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn