Andhra Pradesh: Teacher grows medicinal plants on school grounds

Deputy CM lauds her efforts

A school teacher with the support of colleagues and students has grown medicinal plants at the Raghumanda Zilla Parishad High School of Denkada mandal in Vizianagaram district.

School Assistant Chukka Yasoda, a self-confessed nature lover, believes that students should have practical knowledge of plants, which help mankind in many ways. In a systematic way, Ms. Yasoda has grown hanging plants, medicinal plants, and a kitchen garden in the school ground within a year.  Around 500 saplings including medicinal plants such as Phyllanthus fraternus, Achyranthes aspera, Catharanthus roseus  Karpura tulasi, and Aegle marmelos are being grown on the school premises.

Headmistress of the school K. Sowbhagya Lakshmi extended her support to Ms. Yasoda and students to improve the soil condition which is important for the growth of plants. The children are actively involved in the preparation of Jeevamritam, a bio-fertiliser which is made with cow dung, cow urine, jagery, and powdered pulses.

“We make children know the importance of soil fertility as it is important for the growth of the plants. That is why we prepare Jeevamritam so that they would know about growing plants without using chemicals and fertilisers in the future,” said Ms. Yasoda. “With the support of children, we have developed Rasi Vanam, indicating the 12 zodiac signs, and Nakshtravanam after the names of 27 stars which are mentioned in those signs,” said Ms. Yasoda while speaking to The Hindu.

Ms. Sowbhagya Lakshmi said that optimum utilisation of vacant space of 2,500 sq yards has spruced up the look of the campus. “We are making youngsters plant saplings in their homes and streets. It is going to be a good habit for them in the future and make them understand the importance of greenery in our daily life,” she said.

The children Girish, Delleswara Rao, Krishna, Rashmika and Keertana have been guiding their juniors in gardening. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tribal Welfare Pamula Pushpa Srivani, who recently visited the school, lauded the initiative of the teachers and students whose collective efforts helped the school stand out from the others.