Category: Other (Mixed Bag)

Today, I had an unforgettable visit to the Dholakia(Govind Laljibhai Dholakia) family home. The warm welcome we received was truly heartwarming. They served us a delicious breakfast of bhakhari, fafda chutney, patudi, sukhadi, mohanthal, and tea prepared on a traditional chula. We visited their goshala, played with cows, and saw the smallest cow in the world. Each cow responded to its name, showcasing their unique bond. We also enjoyed a ride in a POLO car.

Listening to their stories was fascinating and deeply impactful. We found that they still believe in and uphold their ancestors’ values and way of living. This visit reinforced the importance of connecting with our culture and understanding family values. It taught us that core family values can help achieve anything and reminded us of the importance of contributing to our heritage.

Being in Fountainhead school from many years- I have visited KG farm ample of time. The first day of life class left a profound impact on me. We were instructed to observe nature in complete silence—focusing on the trees, leaves, birds, butterflies etc. This experience of being with nature was extraordinary. I observed different shades of green and the diverse shapes of leaves.

While exploring a trail alone, I was unexpectedly accompanied by a tiny yellow butterfly. This delicate creature seemed to guide me as I delved into the intricate details of nature. I noticed how different plants coexist harmoniously in a small space, and how nature embraces all elements, regardless of their size.

I also observed various insects and birds, each moving and chirping contentedly. This realization underscored the importance of a sense of belonging for all living things.

For me, this brief trial was a deeply meditative experience.

Priyanka Chhabra

Blog by Vipul Aariwala:

We visited 2 places during day 1 and 2 of life class. The first day was a peaceful nature walk at the K.G Farm. Yaha hum ne bhot se birds and insects dekhe aur fruits taste kiye. Day 2 of life class was an awesome experience for all of us. We visited Dholakia Farm jaha ek family ki values and culture ka wonderful combination dekhne Mila. The way all the people were connected to their roots and the behaviour they were depicting was an amazing example of legacy, respect and humanity.

This year, I joined the “Unveiling Unseen Places” life classes, excited to explore new environments. Although the Summer Palace visit was canceled, an unexpected trip to KG Farm offered a unique opportunity for connection.

I visited the farm with a specific purpose: to deeply connect with nature by observing birds, plants, trees, insects, and flowers. Listening to the symphony of sounds and observing the vibrant life around me, I realized how much nature offers us. Each element, from the chirping birds to the delicate flowers, demonstrated nature’s resilience and beauty.

This visit taught me the value of reciprocity. Nature gives us tranquility, beauty, and inspiration, but it also needs our care and respect. By nurturing our environment, we ensure it continues to flourish and sustain us.

In essence, the KG Farm visit transformed a disappointment into a profound lesson about the interconnectedness of life. It reinforced the importance of respecting and caring for nature, deepening my appreciation for the natural world.

Day 1 & 2 of exploration

Day 1 –

Having visited KG Farm countless times, I thought I knew its every corner. But today, strolling alone, I was exposed to nature’s obvious yet hidden treasures. The sound of the wind whispered secrets through the trees, while birds sang melodies that felt like a private concert. Beautiful butterflies flitted around me, painting the air with their delicate wings. It was a moment of pure serenity, an unforgettable memory etched into my heart as I embraced the wonders of nature’s embrace.

Day 2 –

Meeting the Dholakia family was unforgettable. Their warm welcome, inspiring struggles, and dedication to giving back showcased true Indian family values. Listening to their stories, we learned how they uplift the needy through their ventures and donations. This experience deeply impressed everyone, convincing us to strive to be better individuals for our families and society. The Dholakias exemplify what it means to live a life of service and integrity.

Day 1:

Our nature walk to KG Farm today was a revelation. Despite having visited many times before, this time we saw it in a completely different light. The melodies of the birds’ songs filled the air, creating a symphony that was both soothing and invigorating.

We marveled at the variety of butterflies, each more vibrant than the last, fluttering gracefully among the colorful flowers. The rich biodiversity of the farm, often overlooked, was on full display, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature.

This experience brought a profound sense of peace and calmness, allowing us to reconnect with the natural world. It was a gentle reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, often hidden in plain sight.

I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to rediscover KG Farm and to appreciate its wonders anew.

Day-2:

Traveling to new places has always been a passion of mine. The thrill of exploring new locations is matched only by the joy of meeting the people who live there and learning from their experiences. Today, I had the privilege of visiting a home that was nothing short of a grand mansion, but the true highlight of the day was the interactions and learning from the wonderful people we met there.

This experience was a powerful reminder of how deeply family values and personal philosophies can influence not just individuals, but also subsequent generations. Witnessing firsthand the impact of these principles was truly inspiring and has given me much to ponder.

This visit marks a fantastic beginning to the exciting journey we have embarked upon in our life class. I am confident that incorporating some of the insights gained today will bring about meaningful changes in our lives.

I am profoundly grateful to my facilitators and FS for providing this incredible opportunity. Thank you for enabling such enriching experiences that promise to shape our futures in profound ways.

Day 1: Visit to KG Farm
The silent walk in all-known KG Farm allowed me to note the various colourful and cheerful creatures around me, like butterflies, insects, flowers, half eaten fruits, leaves of various shades and shapes, making me realize that I am surrounded by different people of different qualities and needs and I need to fit in them to be the Part of Beautiful Picture painted by the Nature.

Day 2 : Visit to Dholakia House

The walk through journey through the Cultural and Eventful life in the Dholakia House was awakening and inspiring to me, motivating me to be more close to my family and culture. Being bonded still finding path to Grow was my addition to core values.

The year’s life classes began with a fresh perspective, exploring new places with renewed curiosity. Here’s a glimpse into my experiences from the first two days.

Day 1 kicked off with a “getting to know each other” activity that felt a bit monotonous in the beginning. However, the visit to KG Farm transformed the day. Immersed in nature, I was captivated by the diverse bird species, vibrant flowers, and the myriad colors and shapes around me. It was a refreshing reminder of how rarely we take time to appreciate nature’s beauty in our hectic lives. The experience left me yearning to spend more time in nature, though it often feels like time is never enough. The day concluded with a valuable opportunity to bond with fellow participants and deepen our understanding of nature’s significance in our lives.

Day 2 offered a new adventure at the Dholakia House. I had heard much about the family from Surat but never imagined I would have the chance to visit them through Unveiling Unseen Places Life Classes. This visit was enlightening, providing insight into the family’s cultural values and lifestyle. It resonated deeply with the mission statement, “To nurture leaders with character and competence.” Observing how the family fosters values in their children was inspiring. I learned the importance of finding happiness within and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. This visit was a profound learning experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.

Overall, these initial days were filled with enriching experiences, and I look forward to the continued exploration and learning ahead.

Bhumika Manglani

Grade 2 Team Leader