Reflection

The word ‘virescent’ originates from Latin where it literally means to ‘grow green’. Virescent as a colour is associated with growth, renewal, and the natural world. As a young girl living in a house surrounded by trees, I am drawn to the different shades of virescence. My favourite is the mango tree, a powerful symbol of abundance, beauty and transformation. To me, the mango tree represents the vibrant beauty of the world created by nature that we, as human beings, are actively destroying. We live in a world where people are less connected to nature than ever before. And this disconnection with nature makes us inconsiderate about climate change, biodiversity loss, and other grave environmental issues. Nature is key to our health, stability, and overall well-being. We share the planet with nature, and its preservation is essential for our own survival. Through my expression of poetry and dance, I seek to bring climate crisis to everyone’s attention. Our societies are struggling to transform in response to this crisis with the speed and intent that the rapidly deteriorating environmental situation requires. As an Odissi dancer who has been learning and performing this dance form since the age of seven, I seek to advocate for the environment through my dance form. As nature speaks to us, urging us to connect, respect, and restore balance, as a dancer, I twist my body into elegant shapes without falling over, signifying that we too can restore balance between humans and nature, if we seed the idea of environmental protection in everyone’s minds.