On August 9, 2025, twenty participants gathered at the Pebble Garden in Auroville for a walk with Bernard and Deepika, pioneers of our area in agro-ecological farming and soil rebuilding. The goal of the visit was to explore the history of Pondicherry’s soil health, focusing on local soil regeneration and afforestation efforts.
As we walked a short distance into the garden, we were immediately surrounded by a dense, vibrant forest. Lush undergrowth, vibrant flowers, and the sounds of various birds provided a stark contrast to the region's usual landscape. Our destination was a small, open gazebo, where Bernard and Deepika were waiting. They had prepared a comfortable floor seating area for our group.
From Desert to Forest
Using a small screen, the hosts showed us images explaining their journey of transforming a barren, desert-like land—with only a few crooked trees—into the lush forest we were now surrounded by. The participants, many of them young men and women interested in farming, nurseries, or alternative careers, listened. We learned that this land was once a dense forest during the Megalithic period, with massive trees that were much later cut down for steel production and railway construction.
Bernard and Deepika shared their techniques for regenerating the soil. They spoke about the role of termites in breaking down organic waste, such as leaves and twigs, and returning nutrients to the soil. They also explained how they used charcoal to improve soil quality. Over time, as trees and plants flourished, local wildlife naturally returned to the land, including bats that help propagate seeds.
The couple also spoke about Sri Aurobindo’s early political writings in Bande Mataram, specifically his essay "Back to the Land." They shared a powerful quote: "The return to the land is as essential to our salvation as the development of Swadeshi or the fight against famine." This principle was very relevant as the participants were young and educated, not belonging to agricultural families but in a way 'returning to the land' as stewards of the land.
A Legacy of Seeds and Soil
Bernard and Deepika also showed us how they cultivate vegetables for their own consumption and distribute a wide variety of indigenous seeds—over 136 varieties—perfectly suited for this bioregion's local soil and limited rainfall. This effort is a key to preserving local biodiversity.
As we walked deep into the forest, they pointed out how rapidly the trees grow now and produce fruits and seeds. These are then eaten and distributed by animals, showcasing a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. The event concluded with a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of what is possible when we work with the help of nature.
