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Bhavani Akkina embarked on a remarkable journey, leaving behind a successful corporate career in IT in the US to inspire others with sustainable living principles in her hometown of Chinatadepalli village, Andhra Pradesh. Through her transformative teachings, she uplifts farmers, educates children, and empowers police personnel, sharing her passion for sustainability. In an enlightening conversation with Village Square, she reveals the compelling reasons behind her life-changing switch and the impact it has had on her community.

Born into privilege in the serene village of Chinatadepalli, Andhra Pradesh, Bhavani Akkina seemed destined for a life of ease. However, her journey took a transformative turn when her career as an IT professional whisked her away to the United States. During her years abroad, Akkina made a startling discovery: many were falling prey to illnesses linked to unsustainable lifestyles. The sudden

loss of her father acted as a catalyst, prompting her to abandon her high-flying corporate life. Now, as a passionate advocate for natural farming, yoga, and clean living, she has returned to her roots in India, determined to make a tangible difference. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey in her own words.

From a Rural Village to IT Success: A Journey of Transformation

In a world striving for sustainability, one man’s journey from a quaint village in Andhra Pradesh to the bustling streets of Chennai and beyond exemplifies the spirit of change.

Growing up in Chinatadepalli, a small settlement, he experienced a lifestyle that today’s society strives to replicate. With five kilometers of cycling each day to school, coupled with nourishing home-cooked meals, his upbringing was rooted in health and sustainability—a rarity in today’s fast-paced world.

Belonging to a family of landlords, social interaction beyond the affluent circle was limited. However, his thirst for knowledge propelled him forward. After completing school, he enrolled in college in a neighboring town, where his ambition led him to pursue an M.Com degree alongside a two-year diploma in computer education. It was 1991, a time when computer education was still in its infancy.

His passion for technology paved the way for his first job as a computer teacher. By 1995, his career took a significant leap as he moved to Hyderabad to work with Aptech Institute. The dawn of the Y2K boom opened yet another door, leading him to an exciting opportunity with Pentafour Software Exports in Chennai.

From teaching computers to consulting for numerous companies across the United States, his journey paints a picture of relentless pursuit and adaptability. This remarkable evolution highlights not just personal ambition, but also the broader narrative of how rural roots can foster success in a rapidly changing world.

As we look towards the future, stories like his remind us of the value of sustainable living and the potential that lies in every journey, regardless of where it begins.

From Silicon Valley to Sustainability: One Woman’s Journey Home to India

A Transformative Return to Roots

Initially, life in the United States was a dream. Transitioning from her native India to the bustling heart of America, she found herself thriving in a new environment. With extensive travel and career success, she quickly adapted, believing that navigating a first-world country was more manageable than returning to her homeland after years abroad.

However, the course of her life took a poignant turn in 2012 with the loss of her father back in India. Overcome by grief, she sought solace in an unexpected place: a yoga studio. Ironically, her journey into this ancient discipline began in America, under the tutelage of an American instructor.

Yoga became her sanctuary, healing her heart and reshaping her worldview. As she traversed this new path, she grew acutely aware of alarming trends among the youth: a rise in serious health issues tied to pesticide-laden food and unhealthy lifestyles. This awakening ignited a fire within her—a realization that sustainability had become an urgent calling in the modern world.

In a bold move that few would dare to make, she decided to return to India in 2017. Leaving behind a six-figure salary without a second thought, she prioritized her inner well-being over material comforts. Her mission? To transform her village into a model of sustainability that others could emulate.

Armed with a clear vision, she set forth to guide her community towards a greener future. Her initiatives aimed to eliminate plastic use, harness solar energy, plant trees, improve sanitation, and teach resilience—both emotional and physical—through the practice of yoga.

This extraordinary journey illustrates the power of love, loss, and the pursuit of purpose through community engagement. Stay tuned as she leads her village toward a more sustainable, healthy future—one mindful step at a time.

Transforming Rural India: One Individual’s Journey Toward Sustainable Farming and Education

In a remarkable initiative that blends personal conviction with community engagement, a visionary individual has taken a bold step to inspire change in their village in India. After years spent in the United States, the transformative return to India sparked a dedicated mission to promote civic cleanliness and sustainable farming practices.

Upon returning to the heart of rural India, the individual embraced their roots by personally leading the charge in sanitation efforts, broom in hand. However, this act of community service revealed the stark contrast between the ideals of civic responsibility and the entrenched attitudes within their own family, who distanced themselves due to a newfound commitment to these principles.

Undeterred by skepticism from fellow villagers who questioned the credibility of an IT professional turned farmer, this pioneer recognized the importance of authenticity. Despite facing doubts about their ability to teach organic farming, the individual took it upon themselves to delve into agricultural literature, learning the nuances of natural farming techniques. In 2019, they began cultivating paddy on two acres of land, determined to make a difference.

Adapting to the scorching heat and humidity of their village proved challenging after years in the temperate climate of the West, yet persistence became their mantra. Expanding their vision, they also began cultivating vegetables on a modest plot of land, furthering their commitment to sustainable agriculture.

A significant turning point came with an unexpected meeting with a school administrator in Guntur. This connection opened the door to educational initiatives, allowing them to engage young minds in two local schools. In these classrooms, they introduced children to vital lessons on plastic-free living, the principles of natural farming, and the practice of yoga. Together, they even launched a community kitchen garden on a quarter-acre plot, illustrating the power of hands-on learning.

By organizing outdoor immersive lessons, the individual created a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Children thrived, absorbing knowledge about environmental stewardship while their parents expressed gratitude for these enriching experiences.

This journey of community transformation through sustainable practices and education serves as a shining example of how one person’s dedication can spark a movement, encouraging others to reflect on their own roles in building a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Transforming Lives Through Sustainability: The Inspiring Journey of Smriti Mukerji

In a world increasingly tuned to the importance of sustainability, one passionate advocate is leading the charge. Smriti Mukerji, a freelance journalist based in New Delhi, has embarked on a transformative journey through her YouTube channel, Nurture5, which she launched in 2023 to educate the masses about environmental stewardship.

Smriti’s dedication does not stop at digital education. Joining forces with a notable foundation, she took on a project that empowers farmers to transition to natural farming practices. Her commitment to advocacy has even led her to colleges across the nation, speaking to young minds about adopting sustainable lifestyles.

But that’s not all—Smriti is turning her ancestral land into a living testament to sustainable practices. Currently, she is working on converting seven acres into a vibrant permaculture food forest. Through her brand, Nurture5, she plans to sell freshly grown produce to the community. Already on the market are products like hair oil, tooth powder, turmeric, coconut oil, and dried flowers for tea, showcasing the fruits of her labor.

In an exciting addition, the land will also host sustainable living quarters for guests. This initiative not only promotes eco-tourism but serves as a learning hub for children, who have already visited her farm to gain hands-on experience in sustainability.

Smriti offers thoughtful advice for those contemplating a leap from corporate life to off-the-grid living: “Think this decision through. You don’t need to abandon regular life to champion sustainability. Small changes—like reducing plastic use, taking bucket baths, using less electricity, and opting for organic food—can make a significant impact.”

Reflecting on her adventurous path, Smriti envisions writing a book titled ‘Journey of My Mistakes’. The goal? To illuminate the lessons learned while navigating her quest for sustainability and to guide others on a similar journey. She emphasizes that the practicalities of life often differ vastly from our perceptions, a reality she has come to understand deeply.

With her initiatives, Smriti Mukerji is not just advocating for a better planet; she is also inspiring a new generation to embrace sustainability in their everyday lives. Through Nurture5, she invites everyone to be part of this critical movement, proving that one person’s dedication can indeed catalyze significant change.

Images courtesy Bhavani Akkina.

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