Exciting News! Launching Terrateal.

I want to share a personal journey that has brought me back to my roots and reignited my passion for connecting with nature through art.

Years ago, while being homeschooled in India, my mother initiated a program called Children, Art, and Nature (CAN). The goal was simple yet profound: to connect children to nature through various art forms. I was fortunate to be an enthusiastic participant in the weekly workshops she conducted, alongside my friends, where creativity flourished in a natural setting.

As the world changed during the pandemic, my mother adapted CAN to reach children from underprivileged and marginalized communities through online classes. Being her daughter I had the privilege of working as her apprentice during this time, learning the importance of art and connecting with environment under challenging circumstances. There was no choice.

When we moved to America, I found myself diving into new interests, particularly in vocals and musical theater. However, I soon realized that I couldn’t devote the time and energy to CAN that it truly deserved. I also began exploring other areas, especially public health, which left me feeling a bit guilty. My love for nature and art had always been a significant part of my identity, and I longed to reconnect with those passions.

Determined to find a way to blend my interests, I launched Terrateal – a platform that allows me to work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals through my efforts in both environmental initiatives and public health. After many heartfelt conversations with my mother, we decided that I could take on the responsibility of CAN, especially after I was elected to the board of the school environment club as Head of Outreach. Her trust means a great deal to me. It does not come easy. It means I have earned it.

I’m thrilled to announce that CAN is now officially a program under Terrateal! Yaay!! It took a year to develop (from the concept to take shape into a website). I encountered multiple challenges like failing to execute my first survey. I will document my hurdles later in some other post someday. Putting all of those behind, recently I held my very first in-person workshop on July 7th, designed collaboratively with my friend Charlotte. With 9 enthusiastic participants, the workshop was a super fun experience. It reminded me of the joy and creativity that art can inspire in connection with nature. I’m especially grateful to have my mother by my side, as my willing “apprentice” this time.

As our journey continues, I look forward to expanding CAN workshops and reaching even more people, fostering a love for nature and art. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and stay tuned for more updates on CAN and Terrateal!