On a nice sunny winter morning, a group of around 35 members of the AIKGA unit 7b, excitedly boarded a bus to go for the monthly meeting. This time the venue was member Rahul Dugar’s farm near Faridabad.
It was a “back to school days” feeling once the journey started. Out came the goodies as soon the bus wheeled off – some toffies, eclairs, and other munchies brought by the members. As soon as we crossed the city limits, songs filled the air. Time just flew by and soon we were warmly welcomed by the Dugar family amidst the lush green environs of their farm.
As we alighted, we breathed in fresh air, greeted by the chirping of birds, our eyes seeping into the sight of a sun-kissed farm, brightened by flowers. Rahul took us around – starting from the organic vegetable patch growing cauliflowers, leafy greens, raddish, luscious tomatoes, and many more. Next was the decomposer unit where compost is made alongside a small dwelling unit that also houses the produce from the farm. Beyond this was the herb garden which gave way to the flower garden – a beautiful space that housed innumerable flowering plants including a large variety of roses. But the one variety that caught everyone’s attention was the highly fragrant desi gulaab – light pink Pushkar one used for rosewater, Gulkand, etc.
Next came the blooming mustard fields which threw everyone into Bollywood mode. Posing for pictures like supermodels the highlight was the request to Rahul to pose in the signature Sharukh Khan DDLJ style, which he gladly obliged with. With customary pictures taken, we all headed to eat the delicious food that had partly been cooked at the farm and served lovingly by Rahul’s family including his wife, son and brother. The members thoroughly enjoyed the “chulha cooked” fresh bajra rotis, few helped out with the cooking too.
Having satiated our famished stomachs, it was time to indulge in some learning – Rahul narrated how an immense amount of hard work had gone into bringing the farm to its present level. Followed closely by his father explaining the immense benefits of Aloe vera. Leaning can be exciting when there is a dash of fun which was added by our very own Abha Batra in the form of a quiz on trees and birds and their sounds often mimicking them too.
Having spent part of the day – it was time to leave but not without generous gifts from the Dugar family in the form of dried herbs and freshly plucked raddish from the farm. A memorable visit that left everyone asking for more and a wish in their heart to perhaps have a farm of their own.
