‘Climate action is not an abstract concept but something happening in your backyard’

Through Thicket Tales, an educational initiative founded by Sai Devi Sanjeeviraja, students are not just learning about climate change; they are also visualising and addressing it in their neighbourhoods. “We want children to see climate action, not as an abstract concept, but as something happening right in their backyard”, said Sai Devi, the founder of Thicket Tales. “Our goal is to help them connect school subjects like science and social science with real world environmental issues through immersive experiences”.

The air crackled with excitement as the students of CES English School proudly displayed the fruits of their unique educational journey. This isn’t the typical school science fair. These vibrant exhibits culminate the ‘Learn Around Nature’ programme, an innovative initiative by ‘Thicket Tales’ that’s transforming learning through an immersive nature experience. More than just a programme, it is a movement bridging academic and social gaps while nurturing a generation deeply connected to the natural world.

Through Thicket Tales, an educational initiative founded by Sai Devi Sanjeeviraja, students are not just learning about climate change; they are also visualising and addressing it in their neighbourhoods. “We want children to see climate action, not as an abstract concept, but as something happening right in their backyard”, said Sai Devi, the founder of Thicket Tales. “Our goal is to help them connect school subjects like science and social science with real world environmental issues through immersive experiences”.

The programme follows a three-stage process. First, students engage in nature-based learning to visualise climate concepts. Next, they apply their knowledge to a place-based project like mapping urbanisation trends. Finally, they identify a climate issue affecting their surroundings and work on solutions. “People know about climate change, but they struggle to relate it to their surroundings or see themselves as part of the solution”, she said, adding that Thicket Tales seeks to help individuals, especially children, visualise climate action in their backyards and take meaningful steps toward change.

The initiative specifically targets a mix of government-aided and low-income private schools, offering hands-on education that keeps children engaged in academics while shaping them into active citizens. “There is already widespread awareness about climate change and environmental destruction. However, when people are given the space to think, reflect, and access resources, their perspective shifts,” said Mrunali Sundar, a lead facilitator at Thicket Tales. “They begin to see how they can contribute to the solution. Without a structured space to engage, people would not typically sit down and tackle the issue on their own. Providing that opportunity is what drives real change,” she added while Vasavi, a lead facilitator, expanded on the effect of this programme on young people.

“At the beginning, the students were hesitant to speak up, confined by a rigid education system. Creating a safe for them to express themselves was key”, said Vasavi Ballakkuraya, a lead facilitator. “Within weeks, the transformation was clear. Quiet students, especially girls, began confidently participating and presenting. Now I’m confident they can answer any question.”

Currently, Thicket Tales runs two programmes for children. ‘Learn Around Nature’ helps them learn through nature while addressing a local climate issue, while ‘Backward Study Retreat’ takes children across different parts of Bengaluru to explore who green spaces truly belong to, emphasising their role in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. This year, Thicket Tales engaged 770 children through both programmes and reached 134 adults, empowering them to take part in shaping a more sustainable future.

The first exhibition kicked off at CES English School this Sunday, followed by four more exhibitions across Bengaluru. The remaining events will be held at Newton Public School in Maruti Nagar on February 8th, Pragnya Public School in Champrajpet on February 15, Subash School in Sanjaynagar on February 22, and Ashoka Shishu Vihara in Shankarpuram on February 28.