Embracing nature: A year in Kerala amidst the pandemic

By Hayden Therattil

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a lot of changes in my day-to-day life, such as refraining from outdoor activities and necessitating that I spend more time indoors. I engaged in reading and indoor games to spend my time.

In October 2020, my parents decided to take us to our native place Kerala. Although it was challenging to adapt to online classes initially, I soon became accustomed to them. I spent approximately one year there. It was the first time in my life that I had spent such an extended period in Kerala with my parents and grandparents.

Since we were living in independent homes, I was excited to explore the garden frequently. Time seemed to fly by when I was surrounded by nature. I would wake up early to the melodious chirping of birds. There was a spacious garden in front of my house, where I planted various saplings. It was enchanting to observe each stage of a plant’s growth and eventually harvest the fruits and vegetables. In the evenings, I would climb trees and pluck fruits. Peacocks, bats, and mongooses were regular visitors to our garden.

During this time, I also dedicated myself to learning my mother tongue. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with my grandparents and listening to their fascinating life stories. Living in an open space allowed me to improve my skills in badminton and cricket. I relished every moment spent amidst nature.