In every school, space should be created for the children where they are taken to a natural environment for a few days to be mindful of the natural surroundings and also for them to contemplate on the common goals of their interest.

A Geo Spirit meet on leadership was facilitated for 50 children from Sri Aurobindo International School, for two days. The children from 8th and 9th classes participated in it. There were girls and boys. It was in the year 2009, there was a drought prevailing due to scanty monsoon rains. The farmers in parts of Telangana State, India, were suffering from the impact of drought. The sown seed has not germinated much and the saplings were drying. The standing crops have wilted or dried in the fields.

Considering the severe drought situation, drought was chosen as the theme for the Geo Spirit meet. Before going to the field explained children about the prevailing drought and asked them to refer to media reports and books for understanding the drought. They were invited to prepare posters on drought in groups.

The field visit was planned at Chempak Hills and surrounding areas covering some of the severe drought-affected villages. A few teachers have accompanied the students. The children were asked to go in groups and visit the villages to interact with the farmers on the situation of drought and its impact.

By discussion with the villagers, children learned some interesting things. The birds could sense drought ahead and the weaver birds have woven their nests hanging low in the open wells. During the drought situation, the open wells don’t get filled full. Therefore, the bird nests are made hanging low. These birds build their nests in open wells, on the hanging branches for security to the eggs and chicks from predators.

The standing crops were found dry. The green leaves turned brown. The sorghum plants became poisonous with an accumulation of cyanide. Therefore, farmers don’t allow their animals to eat them.

There were full water level marks in the water tanks and open wells, which indicate the water has not recharged till now. Indirectly these markings indicate the drought situation. The farmers’ hardships during the drought have been understood by the children.

In the end, the children were asked to make presentations on their observations. Their expressions were so authentic and from their heart. It appeared as though for the first time that they understood the challenges of making a living with vagaries of nature and unsustainable agricultural practices. The books could have never taught, what environment taught them. The children were asked to make presentations on their observations. Their expressions were so authentic and from their heart. It appeared as though for the first time that they understood the challenges of making a living with vagaries of nature and unsustainable agricultural practices. The books could have never taught, what environment taught them. In the end, they were sensitized to drought and environment. The children were asked to declare their choice of profession in the future. Most of their parents wanted them to become engineers or doctors, but they have declared all types of professions such as – Doctor, Engineer, Scientist, Writer, Teacher, Journalist, Lawyer, Politician, etc. But none of them wanted to be a farmer although they understand the importance of farming and have respect for farmers.