By Aria Barjatya Thomas
Grade 6 (2025-2026)
Pathways School Gurgaon (PSG)
Discovering My Passion for Nature
My journey to save the planet started in Grade 5. As an IB student, I had to complete a project for the PYP Exhibition, and after studying the SDGs, one goal immediately caught my eye: SDG 15, “Life on Land.” I chose it because I’ve always loved nature, especially trees.
From Learning to Action
After learning all about deforestation, I knew I had to do more than just research – I had to take action. My mom and I decided to host a tree-planting drive, and we found the perfect NGO, the “Prasiddhi Forest Foundation.” We had already heard about them when I was eight, and they had given my cousin’s birthday guests a certificate that said a tree had been planted in our names. It felt like a sign!
I met with the founder, Prasiddhi, who was just a few years older than me. Her stories were so inspiring that I felt a new wave of confidence. My sister and I designed a poster and sent it to all our friends and family, asking them to donate ₹300 per tree. In just three days, we were blown away by the response – people had generously donated enough money for 283 trees! I even gave away 30 seeds at my PYP Exhibition to get more people involved.
The Big Trip: Growing a Greener Future
The day after my exhibition, my family and I headed to Chennai. The next morning, we drove to Chengalpattu, where our forest was waiting. When we got there, we were welcomed with fresh coconut water and a beautiful, sunny day. The best part was working with the farmers and Prasiddhi herself. I learned how to plant a tree and even picked up a few Tamil words like vanakkam (hello) and marangal (trees)!
We planted so many trees – Teak, Mango, Mahogany, and more! It was an unbelievable experience. After we finished, my sister and I created a personalised certificate for all 59 donors to thank them for being part of our journey. This whole experience showed me that a small idea can grow into a real forest. That’s why I’ve decided to host a plantation drive every year. I hope to change the location each time so that everyone in India can help and witness the world becoming a greener, better place.
Want to get featured next? Share your experiences, explore research opportunities, internships, collbaorations, and tree plantations by writing to us at communications@thegreenpillar.com. Join our global tribe, #HealOurEarth, and help us grow a greener, sustainable future for generations to come!
