Growing Plants, Growing Kindness

In the midst of our busy academic lives, we ,a group of nine students, set out on a unique fundraising journey, led by me, with the goal of making a meaningful impact. Our project wasn’t just about raising money, but also about cultivating something beautiful and green that could brighten up homes, while contributing to a cause that touched our hearts: supporting the Humane Animal Society (HAS) in Coimbatore.

The Seed of an Idea

It all started with a simple idea: what if we could grow and sell something sustainable, something that connects people to nature? After much brainstorming, indoor potted plants seemed like the perfect choice. Not only do they purify the air, but they also add a refreshing touch to any home. Plus, they’re a symbol of life, growth, and care—values that aligned perfectly with our cause of helping stray and abandoned animals.

We decided to nurture these plants over a two-month period, putting our collective green thumbs to work. The indoor plant varieties were chooses based on the growing time we had. Varieties of succulents including Aloe Vera , Dracaena Trifasciata ( Snake plant),  Crassula ovata ( Jade plant), Hylocereus undatus (Dragon Fruit Cactus), Kalanchoe Delagoensis (Mother of Millions Succulent) and other indoor plants like Philodendron, Green Caladium, Tradescantia Spathacea (Moses-in-the-cradle) and  Portulaca grandiflora (table roses) were choosen after much consideration. It was a learning experience in itself—understanding each plant’s unique needs for light, water, and soil. Every day, we tended to our little green charges, ensuring they thrived and were ready for their new homes by the time of the Navaratri Fair.

Navaratri Fair at Gujarati Samaj Coimbatore

On 8th October , the fair at Gujarati Samaj Coimbatore arrived with excitement buzzing in the air. Our stall was set up with an array of beautiful plants, each one a product of two months of patience and care. The sight of the lush greenery amidst the bustling crowd was a breath of fresh air—quite literally!  Setting up of the stall and logistics of these 150 plants were planned and arranging the plants in a manner to attract the visitors was a learning.

What made this event even more special was the warmth and curiosity of the people who visited our stall. They were not only purchasing plants but were also eager to know the story behind our project. We shared our experiences, talked about the care involved in nurturing the plants, and most importantly, explained the purpose behind our effort—to raise funds for the Humane Animal Society (HAS).

Supporting HAS

The Humane Animal Society has been doing remarkable work in Coimbatore, rescuing, sheltering, and rehabilitating animals in need. As animal lovers, we were drawn to their mission and wanted to contribute to their efforts in our own small way. All the revenue generated from our plant sales was donated to HAS, helping them continue their work in protecting and caring for animals who cannot speak for themselves.

A Rewarding Journey

This project wasn’t just about fundraising. It was about teamwork, learning, and growth—both of the plants and ourselves. From the initial stages of planting seeds and nurturing them, to interacting with people at the fair, and finally, handing over the proceeds to HAS, every step of the journey was filled with purpose.

We grew more than just plants; we grew our awareness of the environment, our sense of responsibility towards animals, and our belief that even small efforts can make a big difference.

As we reflect on this experience, we hope our small endeavour inspires others to combine their passions with a cause they care about. Whether it’s plants, art, or something else entirely, when we work together with purpose, we can create something beautiful and meaningful for the world.