By Justin Kauppi

Over fifty years ago, much of the nature we know and see in Auroville today didn’t exist. That was until the 1970s, when Joss Brooks began creating what would become the 73-acre forest known as Pitchandikulam Forest. Due to mass deforestation in the 19th century, much of Auroville was scarce of trees and other vegetation. Now, the forest is full of native species of vegetation and even many animal species who naturally found their way to Pitchandikulam. 

Along with the many animals and vegetation that the forest hosts, many classes and resources can also be found. Educational classes such as ecology tours for students to first aid classes for venomous snake bites are held at Pitchandikulam. These classes, which are facilitated by professionals, amplify important knowledge to the local communities. 

Pitchandikulam Forest is also home to more than 800 species of what Dr. Lourdes Epinal, the Environmental Education Manager who has been working at Pitchandikulam for 35 years, calls “local village healers.” These “healers,” which have been used by South Indians for a long time, are organic herbs that are growing in Pitchandikulam Forest and can help with stomach problems and other ailments.  For more than two decades, Pitchandikulam Forest has played a key role in the conservation of these herbal plants as well as the education of their importance to many who call South India home. 

_{One of Pitchandikulam’s Artists Touching up a Tablet}

In order to maintain such a vast operation, Pitchandikulam employs more than 150 staff members. Of the staff, Pitchandikulam has six local artists who work hard creating art for the purposes of beauty and education. From creating sculptures of local animals, to painting tablets identifying the local plants, the artists work diligently doing what they love to maximize the wonder of the forest. As the artists create their works to educate, the 25 educators employed at Pitchandikulam Forest use a combination of art and nature to create an unforgettable learning environment for students of all ages. 

As Pitchandikulam moves into the new year, they have big plans to bring the wonders and importance of the forest to even more people. Plans such as integrated water treatment, master trainers for sustainability, and guest facilities for visitors are just a few of the short term goals that Pitchandikulam Forest has in mind. Ultimately, Dr. Epinal understands that the future of the forest and sustainability is in the hands of children. That is why Pitchandikulam will continue to educate younger generations on their home and the importance of nature and the air we breathe.