On 2nd July 2023, a group of 25 Members of New Acropolis with friends and family travelled together to Deopada Village, 25kms away from Karjat, a Suburb of Mumbai.
The area is situated in the Sahyadri forest which spans the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and is considered one of the worlds top biodiversity hotspots. It contains several unique species of flora and fauna, such as the native mahua tree found only on the Indian subcontinent, plus about 30 species of wild vegetables, herbs, tubers, and leafy greens.
The trip included a guided stroll through the forest, exploring and foraging for local herbs, vegetables and fruits that grow indigenously, all under the guidance of the native forest tribal dwellers .
The forest walk allowed participants an opportunity to learn about the importance of maintaining this natural ecosystem, experiencing from tribal wisdom on sustainable ways of living in harmony with nature, a way often forgotten with modern consumerism.
Members enjoyed the tribal culinary delights, cooking a meal over open fire that they had foraged earlier. It was a day well spent in nature truly experiencing the mysticism of the forest.
