Today was a truly wonderful experience as I witnessed the launch of a captivating book amidst the serenity of Anemane. Nestled at the base of Suvarnamukhi hills, near the breathtaking Bannerghatta National Park, this idyllic farm was the perfect backdrop for this event. Surrounded by lush greenery, the air filled with the melodious symphony of birdsong, I found myself immersed in the mesmerizing world of Eurythmy, a captivating art form that I had the privilege to witness and even participate in.

Eurythmy, a dance-like expression(for a common man) of movement and sound, unveiled its secrets before my eyes, leaving me in awe of its beauty and grace. And then, guided by a shared desire to heighten our senses, we embarked on a silent walk, consciously opening our ears to the myriad of sounds and commotions that filled the air. With each careful step, we pondered whether we truly engage all our senses in our daily lives. It was during this reflective stroll that I discovered the profound wisdom of the Waldorf Steiner school of thought, which recognizes not only the traditional five senses but also the remarkable presence of twelve senses, including touch, life, self-movement, balance, smell, taste, vision, temperature, hearing, language, conceptual, and ego senses.

Our journey continued as we dispersed throughout the farm, taking another leisurely stroll among the enchanting farm beds, eager to witness the bountiful harvest of the season. As some of you may recall from my previous posts, I am a proud supporter of this remarkable farm, sourcing their vibrant and nutrient-rich greens. Unlike the ordinary local vegetable shops or commercial farms, this haven cultivates and shares a vast array of locally grown greens, such as the exquisite red and green hongonne (Alternanthera sessilis/sSeemai ponnanganni), nela basale, jaladarve soppu, dagali soppu, dagadi soppu, chakota (mountain spinach), ondelaga (Centella asiatica), and many more. Of course, they also nurture the timeless classics like red and green Amaranth, drumstick leaves, Agase leaves, and an array of tantalizing Italian herbs. Every step of their farming journey follows the principles of natural farming, including practices like vermi composting and the creation of raised composting beds, all integral parts of their biodynamic cultivation approach.

Amidst the enchantment of the day, it was truly astounding to contemplate the remarkable transformation that had taken place within this verdant haven. It was almost inconceivable that the very land we stood upon had once been a desolate granite-filled quarry, devoid of life and vibrant greenery. However, through unwavering dedication and visionary stewardship, the quarries had been lovingly converted into ingenious water sumps, serving as reservoirs for the farm’s water needs. The brilliance of this eco-conscious approach became evident as I marveled at the luscious greens before me – their vibrant hues and tantalizing flavors a testament to the nourishment they received from the rainwater harvested in these very areas. Truly, it is no wonder that the greens here are so exceptionally green and delightfully delicious, nurtured by the very essence of nature itself.

The profound experience I had at Anemane has left an indelible mark on my soul, and I yearn for the opportunity to return to this heavenly oasis time and time again. It is in these precious moments that we find solace and nourishment for both the body and the spirit.

The author of the book is Rama Ranee and the title of the book is The birds of Anemane, A Farmer’s Log.
A.