We always love to be in nature and embrace its beauty, serenity, and calmness. But have we ever let nature live and grow around us. Apparently, we are always busy with our daily life but she heard nature calling. Ms. Atal Sharma, who not only worked for nature but let nature grow more around her and made sure, everywhere. She is a social activist working in the field of sustainable organic farming and environmental protection. She has been working with Akashwani since 1996.
Atal was born on 27th September 1972 in Bhuj, Gujarat. Her family is originally from Jammu & Kashmir. Born in a modern family she has been always supported by her life decisions. Her dad, Krishn Kumar Sharma is a Retired District Malaria officer and Mother is Retired Head of Department, English Department, H & HB Science college, Rajkot. The educated family nurtured a bright and beautiful girl who has lived her dreams beautifully. She completed her B.Sc. in Maths from Saurashtra University, Rajkot, and Masters in development communications from Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.
The commencement of the journey
Being in a good association has always proved to be one of the reasons for how a person is. Atal has been amazingly lucky that she had been surrounded by beautiful souls. All of her friends have been a nature lover and some of them had even given up their jobs to work for mother nature.
Inspired by them Atal decided to give back to mother earth and let her live better. But she didn’t give up on her job. Along with her job, she slowly started making her contributions. Along with her career, she has been always taking care of the environment in her daily life. She had become more conscious about how she can save mother earth. She avoided buying jeans, leather, etc as it is harmful to the earth.
She went to Bhoomi college in Bangalore to study a course on sustainable living. She took one year’s leave from the office for that course. She has to do an 8-month course and a 3-month internship.
She learned about organic farming under the guidance of Mr. Deepak Suchdeva At Amrit Krishi, Bajwada, MP. Later on Atal started work as a weekend farmer at one Ashram near Sindhwadar, Rajkot where she is doing 1000 plantation care.
She planned to start at her office, Akashwani. It was a scary dream for her but she managed to make it the most beautiful one very soon. She looked at the place and it had a land covered with garbage all around. She collected three trucks of garbage from there. Due to less funding, she raised funds through crowdfunding, staff, and society. In her initial days, she planted 200 trees. Her friends came down all the way to help her in making her dream come true.
She advanced herself in plantations and a caring system for plants. She has been following natural plantation techniques for her farming. Atal Sharma has now purchased a farm which is 35 km from Rajkot. The farm is open for all who want to experiment with organic farming. She has planted 500 plants over there. She has left no stone unturned to make the land fit for farming.
Luckily she got a chance to run a rural program with Akashwani. Atal Sharma has been interviewing various farmers for it. Along with this, she has also actively worked on HIV AIDS.
She has won the Listen Learn Live Award at London in the Radio Category.
The journey continues
Her family and friends have been the biggest support in her life. Being a woman she has faced various hurdles due to the patriarchal society we live in. But she has been firm about her decision and expects from every individual to start doing their own contribution to mother earth.
She has been giving it back to mother nature. When would you not? That’s the question she asks every individual she meets. Ask yourself and check if you are doing it right.
