Based on inputs from Laxman and Gyansha Bharti
On the 23rd of December 2020 Van Kaleva Utsav was celebrated in Rodagoda Pahar forest which is located between Gaildubba and Ghana Kodia villages. 38 children from Gaildubba, Ghanakoria, Ghatlinga, Sukhabhand and Harmahu Bandnam villages along with women and 3 men from Gaildubba and Ghanakoria villages participated in the program. The chief guest was Anganwadi worker Anita Bharti. The children were taken for a tour of the forest where Asha Bai with the support of the other women showed them a variety of different wild food plants and trees. A group discussion on different wild foods and their benefits was also carried out. Some of the wild foods that the children got to see and identify included Dhobai bhaji, Reto bhaji, Keolari bhaji, Keokand bhaji, Ratedh kanda, Nandmati kanda, Agita kanda, and Choti kanda.
After the forest trail and discussions on wild foods the children and other participants had lunch in the forest itself.
The meal comprised of Kutki (little millet)pulao and Kutki kheer with Mahul leaf plates and dona (bowls) used for the food and water. The children relished the meal especially the Kutki kheer which they said they were eating for the first time.
The children shared that this is the first time they have participated in such a program. They really enjoyed exploring the forests, hills and streams while getting to identify and learn about different wild tubers, leafy vegetables, and other wild foods. The chief guest Anita Bharti felt that it was good that the children got to see and identify a variety of wild foods that our elders used to eat which we have forgotten today. She felt that as a result of eating a variety of wild foods our elders are still strong and healthy. She advised that such programs should be held in all 12 villages of Patalkot.
Asha Bai who shared her rich knowledge of wild foods with the children really liked the program and felt that in the future more such programs should be organized.
The adult villagers who participated in the program said that they got to understand and learn many things and revive the knowledge of different wild foods that they had forgotten and learn about the benefits of these foods. They assured that whenever such programs are organized they will extend their complete support.
