Grow – Learnings from The Thar Desert
Set in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, about 75 kms from Jodhpur, the ‘desert rose’ or the oleander, Kaner is India’s first botanical resort. The retreat is surrounded by an Oran, or a sacred grove. While local animals are free to graze, no agricultural practices—including pruning and cutting trees—are allowed. The result is a magnificent, unspoilt landscape in which desert flora flows freely and people and wildlife live in harmony.
The local culture and traditions draw inspiration from the desert; whether its literature, music, art and even the food. It is no wonder then, that Kaner was conceived and built using local materials, reclaimed wood and upcycled furniture. Each of the 10 villas is themed on a local flower, which is reflected in its decor. Private courtyards allow you to relax among fragrant flowers. There are walking paths, a glasshouse lounge, and an intimate, stepwell-inspired pool too.
But there is more to it than being only an escape into nature, away from the urban rigmarole.
Even a little time spent in the desert can be transformational. Just as in the day it glistens and seems filled with its dunes, in the night under the stars, the same landscape seems like a vast, empty, gigantic expanse. The people here have learned to live and grow in the face of adversity with a great amount of resilience, and patience, just like the flora of the desert. You have to wait for everything in the desert. Their songs are evocative reminders of the history and culture of Thar, a celebration of their patience, a celebration of things that they know will be short-lived. The cuisine is an ode to the local plants that have passed the test of survival.The textiles and crafts tell tales of patience and endurance.
This program, therefore, is a 5 day journey into the desert for children and adults, designed to help connect with nature and its intelligence through experiences around identity, teamwork, forecasting, connections, etc in order to build a base for our ‘young leaders’ of change.
Amongst other things the focus will be on the following:
-An introduction to the unique conservation concept of sacred groves or ‘orans’ and exploring the resilience and impact of desert flora and fauna on the culture of the Thar Desert through nature and culture walks in the sacred groves followed by an evening of introspection and insights. And a special dinner showcasing local and foraged foods and a stargazing session filled with astronomy, astrology and mythology.
-Breakfast with camel cheese tasting.
A Camel Culture workshop to discover new ways of understanding and working in teams, with a focus on empathy and understanding.
Connecting with nature through a plant-based wellness workshop and then connecting with the mighty dunes through a safari and dinner on the dunes.
-Experiencing transformation by understanding the progressive introduction of Olive plants to Thar, understanding the inner strength of demoiselle cranes who travel very far, across Mongolia and the HImalayas to come to rest in a town called Kheechan, enjoying Mediterranean deliciousness in the midst of an Indian desert, climbing dunes, metaphoric and the real ones, (there is a technique to it), and then enjoying a rewarding sunset.
-A day of foraging for art, of making music with the locals followed by an evening of performance and presentation and of course a feast!
Recommended No. of Days: 5
Location: Thar Desert, Rajasthan
*For schools interested in collaborating and customizing this journey please write to connect@theubuntu.life