Our GK 2 residents, Ms. Abha Batra and Ms. Urmila Yadav made us proud, as they got an invite from the Horticulture Club of Agra recently, to do a talk on Orchid Growing and Fountain Making, respectively. They were given a very warm and respectful welcome by their founder member, Ms. Lovely Kathuria. Abha Batra’s book “Growing Orchids in Delhi / NCR”, was also launched by the chief guest, Dr. Sangeeta Bhatnagar (a multifaceted personality and social worker).
The Seminar at Udupi restaurant’s hall began with an interesting talk on Orchids…their unique characteristics and habitat, by Abha Batra, who dwelt on their exotic traits! According to her, growing these mesmerizing plants is addictive because the flowers are spectacular and long lasting too! Some are uniquely shaped… to look like doves, dancing ladies, bumble bees, ladies’ slippers, flying ducks etc. Some of them even have divine fragrances. She also taught the attendees, how the tropical rainforest-like conditions, where they grow can be replicated in our homes. The audience was captivated and listened with rapt attention.
This was followed by a demonstration by Ms. Urmila Yadav on making fountains. She made a fountain in an urli, using bamboo poles of different heights and installing a motor underneath. The water trickling from one pole to another was delightful to watch and soothing to the soul. Another fountain with a waterfall (made using Khangar) and mist created by a dhoop left the audience enthralled.
Our dear speakers received a standing ovation and ended with a sumptuous South Indian meal at Udupi where the seminar took place. The event was well covered by the local media and Press. People queued up to buy signed copies of Abha Batra’s book. 30 copies of the book sold like hot cakes. The entire group was highly motivated after the seminar – eager to start their journey of growing these exotic tropical beauties. They requested the esteemed speaker to share how they could order the plants. Not only this they have already planned to organize an Orchid show in Agra in 2025! Three cheers to our fellow neighbours for motivating other green groups!!
