Kitchen Garden of Spurti

by Vaman Acharya
(Bengaluru, Karntaka, India)

People gathered in the public meeting held by the Town Municipal Council,
Pavanpur were continuously clapping. The reason for this overwhelming
enthusiasm was due to the inspiration and dedication of Spurti, a little girl of
12 years. Her kitchen garden was adjudged as one of the best kitchen
gardens in the whole town.

The meeting was held on the elevated platform under the big banyan tree.
The public was assembled in the open area. It was adjacent to Town
Municipal office. President of the TMC Dayananda was most enthusiastic and
always encouraged innovative ideas put forth by the public. During his
tenure of presidentship, he had implemented a number of new projects.

The suggestion of kitchen garden was given by none other than a little girl
Spurti. In the beginning, he did not take it seriously. Spurti did not give up
her efforts. Her repeated meetings with the President and convincing him the
advantages of developing kitchen gardens in the town, influenced him to
change his mind. He gave green signal to the scheme and instructed his staff
to work out the modalities.

Everything was ready after six months before the onset of the monsoon.
However, it took another year to develop individual kitchen gardens. In the
meeting, apart from the TMC President, local horticultural officer and head
master of the Model Higher Primary School were in the panel.

About fifty persons having kitchen gardens in their homes were participated
in the contest.

While announcing Spurti's name, the panel members on the dais told that it
was she, who had fulfilled all the parameters fixed by the committee. Spurti
was called on dais to receive the honor. She was garlanded by the oldest
man of the town. President gave her trophy and Rupees ten thousand as a
cash award. One of the panel members put a question to her.

"Spurti, how did you get the inspiration to develop the kitchen garden?"
"Sir, two years back during the summer vacation, I went to my aunt's place
Ganeshgaon. In this place, you find kitchen garden one in every three
houses. My aunt was also developing a kitchen garden for the last three
years. Out of curiosity, I asked several questions and got the answers. I
thought at that moment, Ganeshgaon being a dry place had kitchen gardens,
whereas, our Pavanpur being wet area situated on the bank of Triveni River
and fertile land, kitchen gardens would be most suitable to develop.
Moreover, you need not invest more money. Not only you will save money for
buying vegetables, but you will have satisfaction." She said.

Again there was a clapping from the public.

Dayanada asked her, "Spurti, can you explain in brief about your knowledge
in kitchen garden?"

"Sir, if you have adequate place in the backyard of the house, it is sufficient
to develop kitchen garden. In our place Pavanpur, there is a vast open area
in the backyard of every house and being very near to river, there is no
problem of irrigation. Substantial sun light is a must for growing vegetables.
Leafy vegetables need shade. Buy seeds according to season. At the time of
purchase, enquire about sowing, spacing techniques of the seeds. Organic
fertilizers or manure will improve the growth of the plants. Regular watering
to garden is essential for growth. Kitchen Garden needs vigilant weeding and
proper care to stop bugs and insects. Remove the ripe vegetables
immediately to avoid rotting. This process needs patience. The best thing in
gardening gives me my involvement in the beautiful nature. Main vegetables
in my garden are brinjal, cucumber, and carrot and lady finger."

It was a happiest moment for Sanjay and Sandhya, parents of little girl
Spurti. The only person, who was upset in the meeting, was whole sale
vegetable vendor. He was worried about the loss of his business. The
President TMC assured him to provide alternate job.

In his presidential address, Dayananda said, "Kitchen Garden is a place of

pleasure in the midst of beautiful nature. It is a source of joy and delight.
Gardening will inspire everybody to work in the leisure and keeps away from
the madding crowd of the city. You don't feel bored, while you are in kitchen
Garden. Spurti deserves all kinds of appreciation. I advise all of you to follow
the example of Spurti."
The TMC President had also announced on this occasion subsidy and all kinds
of assistance for those who develop kitchen garden. He also said even in
deserving cases, he was prepared to provide entire cost by adopting the
kitchen garden.