Raindrops descended, gentle kisses on petals fair,
Sliding down in a delicate, nourishing affair.
Soft winds whispered, a slow dance in the night,
A joyous union of rain, winds, and bloom in sight.

Together they thrived in nature’s tender embrace,
Dispelling gloom with each delicate grace.

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In a certain forest, two trees were very much upset because the lions deposited the remains of the animal carcass among the trees spreading foul odour in the whole forest. Frustrated by the situation, the trees resolved to get rid of the lions somehow. Though an elderly tree cautioned them of the possible risks, the two trees were adamant in their decision to chase away the lions from the forest.

On the following day, swaying in unison with the wind, the trees made terrific noise and created a frightening atmosphere. The lions, thinking that something terrible was about to happen, ran away from that forest. Soon the news spread in the villages around that there were no more lions in that forest, and so people came armed with sows and axes, entered the forest, and started chopping down the trees starting with those two disturbed trees. Then they realized their folly and the wisdom of the elderly tree.

As we commemorate in this month of March, World Wildlife Day (3), World Forest Day (21), and World Water Day (22), we need to recognize the harmonious balance between trees, animals, water and humans as the essence of a healthy ecosystem. Trees, often referred to as the lungs of the Earth, provide oxygen and mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Animals too, both on land and in water, contribute to biodiversity, helping to maintain ecological balance. Water, the source of life, is indispensable for all living organisms. However, thoughtless human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and over-extraction of water resources jeopardize this delicate equilibrium.

Preserving biodiversity is vital for the survival of various species of flora and fauna and the overall health of the planet. Conservation efforts, reforestation initiatives and sustainable water management practices are of paramount importance to restore and maintain harmony among trees, animals, and water. Wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding the endangered species and preserving their habitats.

We celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, globally acknowledging and appreciating women’s achievements and advocating gender equality in every field. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues, it is imperative to address the man-woman ratio in the context of preserving nature. Women, often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, can play a crucial role in sustainable development and conservation.

As stewards of our planet, we must recognize and support the interconnectedness of plants, animals, the Earth, and human relationships. Supporting and maintaining the balance in nature is not just our responsibility; but it is our collective obligation that transcends boundaries.

Most of you are busy this month with your annual examinations. The Teenager Today wishes all of you a stress-free preparation, successful and cool execution and glorious results!

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White noise has long been favoured for its ability to drown out distractions and lull us into a peaceful sleep. However, there’s a new entrant in the world of sleep sounds — green noise — the soothing rustle of leaves, the gentle flow of a forest stream, or the harmonious chirping of birds. White noise can be a whirring fan, radio or television static, humming air conditioner, etc.

Green noise encompasses all audible frequencies like white noise. However, unlike white noise, green noise emphasises lower frequencies, creating a sound that is softer and more soothing than the harsher, static-like sound of white noise. It is non-intrusive and reminiscent of peaceful natural settings.

Green noise can be beneficial for sleep because of its calming properties and ability to mask background noises that might disturb sleep. It can also be used to enhance focus and concentration, especially in noisy environments. It also finds application in relaxation and stress reduction techniques, and in managing tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing in the ears.

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Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the heart of the forest, there lived a young girl named Lily. She was a kind and curious child, always eager to explore the world around her.

One day, while wandering in the forest, Lily stumbled upon a clearing she had never seen before. In the centre of the clearing stood a large, ancient tree unlike any she had ever seen. Its trunk was as wide as a house and its branches reached up to the sky as if they were trying to touch the clouds.

Lily approached the tree and placed her hand on its trunk. As she did, she felt a strange sensation, as if the tree was alive and communicating with her. She closed her eyes and listened closely, and to her surprise, she heard a voice.

“Hello, Lily,” said the tree. “I am the Guardian of the Forest. I have been watching you and I have chosen you to be my protector.”

Lily was shocked and a little scared, but she also felt a sense of excitement and purpose. She knew that this was a great honour, and promised that she would do her best to protect the forest and all of its inhabitants.

From that day on, Lily spent all her time in the forest, learning from the Guardian and protecting the animals and plants.

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I walked up the hill in the garden. Along with the trees, there were bushes of bright bursts of blooms tossing their pretty heads happily in the breeze. In the trees, the birds were chirping to the wind as it passed by. I walked on and reached a shady area. A cool wind blew there. I was once again, enchanted by the sudden change of temperature in the wind. There outside the shade, it was as warm as a heater, and in the shady area, it was as cool as a rainforest. I consider the wind magical because it can be as peaceful as a peacock or as ferocious as a tornado. I thank the wind for it is the hub of many sources. I am, however, disheartened at the state of the wind today because of all the smoke. I vow today, dear wind, I shan’t let this continue.

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With the growing access to media and information through technology, we have become used to hearing or reading terms like global warming, climate change, environmental degradation, etc. Most of us have also taken the effort to learn more about the issue through further research or as part of our academic curriculum. Therefore, most of us understand what the issue at hand is. However, some of us do not know either the causes of the issue or its effects. Then, many of us do not know the solutions to the challenge but certainly a majority of us do not act.

What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of nature, or what do you associate nature with? Trees, water, animals, air, pollution, danger? One important element we forget sometimes is ‘us’. We are a part of nature and nature is not ‘them’ but ‘us’. When we dissociate ourselves from nature is when we think it is just nature that is in danger but we are safe, and apathy could rise out of it. However, when we realise that we, too, are a part of nature, we understand that we are equally at risk and thus, need to take action at least to safeguard ourselves.

We cannot completely stop environmental degradation because it is inevitable with the growing population, scarcity of resources and changing lifestyles but we can certainly slow it down. This can happen by following the 3A concept: Acquire, Act and Achieve. I believe the first step towards change is to educate yourselves and become conscious and informed citizens.

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“Walking out on the plains — the smell, the animals, the wildness… it was just complete magic,’’ is the conviction of Jane Goodall, the world-famous ethologist and conservationist. Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall, popularly known as Jane Goodall, is the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, and her research on the species over 55 years has brought about ground-breaking discoveries that have changed humanity’s understanding of its role in the natural world.

Jane was born in Bournemouth, England, on 3 April 1934 to Mortimer and Vanne. For her first birthday, her father gifted her a toy chimpanzee which she named Jubilee and carried it with her everywhere. Jane grew up with a natural love for the outdoors and animals. The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Jungle Book and Tarzan, featuring people who were close to animals and could communicate with them, were her favourite books. As a child, she dreamt of living in Africa to study and write about animals.

Unable to afford college after graduation, Jane worked for years as a secretary, waitress and a filmmaker’s assistant, saving every penny she earned for the realization of her dream.

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The name David Attenborough is synonymous with utterly fascinating wildlife documentaries. He was the first to bring the wonders of the natural world to our screens and inspired hundreds of millions around the world to love and care for nature and wildlife. A mesmerizing storyteller, his messages have been heard on TV, radio, cinema, and of late, on Instagram. The impact of this 95-year-old world-renowned naturalist, writer and broadcaster is ever more astounding than you might imagine.

Born in 1926 in London, Attenborough was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School, Leicester, England. As a boy, he fell in love with the natural world, exploring his way through his neighbourhood in Leicester, looking for bugs, insects and amphibians. At 11, he used to make his pocket money by supplying newts to the zoology department at University College. In 1947, he graduated from Clare College, Cambridge, with a degree in Natural Sciences.

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