If you are an environmental enthusiast, a visit to the Ramanabaile Government School in Sirsi Taluk, Uttara Kannada district, will transport you into a realm of greenery and unique plant species. The school campus houses over 200 different species of plants, each with distinctive traits that showcase the mysteries of nature.
The Ramanabaile Government Higher Primary School has created two special forests: Pandava Van and Chamatkari Van. Pandava Van features five plants named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, each representing their qualities. In Chamatkari Van, you will find fascinating plants such as Madhunashini, Hormuchg, Olmuchg, Pandava Batti, Jalbrahmi, Sarva Sambar, Bryophyllum, Honnumugulu, and Hardhachk, among others. These plants, collected by teacher N.B. Naik and the students from various places, are remarkable for their unique properties.
In Pandava Van, the plants include Ashvattha, Bala, Bilimatte (Arjuna), Sarpagandhi, and Sahadevi, all known for their medicinal properties. One plant has leaves that heal even if cut. Another plant’s leaves, when eaten, make the mouth insensitive to sweetness for half an hour. Some leaves possess anaesthetic properties, while others emit natural scents.
Smaranashakti Van features plants like Vacha, Bekinahajje Balli, Budugumbala, and many more. Once a week, students are given a preparation made from these plants. The most special plant is Pandava Batti. When its dry leaves are set on fire, they burn like a lamp for one and a half hours without needing any oil, an experiment the children enjoy conducting daily. Teachers integrate stories of how this plant was used during the era of the Mahabharata into their lessons.
The school’s dedication to maintaining these unique forests and integrating environmental education into the curriculum makes it a green school of pride in Uttara Kannada district. Visiting the Ramanabaile Government School offers a unique opportunity to witness the marvels of nature and learn about the incredible properties of various plants.