Meet Neha Negi author When Birds Talked: Folklore of the Hills

Brewing Knowledge Friday

To explore the power of observation and storytelling with author Neha Negi.

Key Takeaways

• Observation is the gateway to care. Slowing down to observe our immediate surroundings—a skill often lost in adulthood—builds attention, which fosters care and ultimately leads to protection.

• Folklore transmits reverence, not just information. Neha Negi's book uses imagined folklore to communicate a feeling of shraddha (reverence) for nature, a feeling she learned from her grandfathers.

• The session's goal is to rekindle this wonder. Participants want to relearn the art of observation for themselves and to teach it to children, viewing it as the foundation for experiential learning and critical thinking.

• A writing challenge was set. Participants will write a 10–15-line story based on an object from the initial observation exercise, with no pressure to include a plot or to be perfect.

The Problem: Overlooking Our Immediate World

• Neha Negi's book prologue highlights a common paradox: we often know more about distant lands than about the birds, animals, and trees in our daily lives.

• Why does this happen?

  • Fast-paced modern life discourages slowing down to observe.

  • Adults lose the natural curiosity of childhood.

• The consequence: A lack of attention prevents us from developing care for and a desire to protect our local environment.

The Solution: Rekindling Wonder Through Observation

• The session began with a "lightning thought" exercise to practice rapid observation.

  • Task: Choose an object and write 5 adjectives describing it.

  • Rule: No self-correction; write the first thoughts that come to mind.

• Participant Examples:

  • Mahesh: A glass bottle → glass, transparent, fragile, blue.

  • Sneha: Figs → ancient sweetness, timeless, Sylvia Plath.

  • Jobanjeet: A German car → quality, shape, German-made.

  • Jasvinder: Wheat crop (kanak) → farmer's backbone, India's economy.

  • Jugjiv: A porcelain duck → blue, chirpy, mother, looking upwards.

  • Akanksha: A bag → books, pen, green, load.

  • Ranjana: A pet dog (Roxy) → brown, sweet, joyful, smart.

• The outcome: Participants shared how observation creates wonder and a sense of calm.

  • Jugjiv: Close observation of nature is calming and reveals its wonder.

  • Sunita: Nature speaks to us, offering peace and a sense of connection.

  • Reena: Watching pigeons in the morning is a comforting ritual.

The Medium: Folklore as a Vehicle for Reverence

• Neha Negi's book uses imagined folklore to transmit a feeling of shraddha (reverence) for nature.

• Origin of the book:

  • Neha's grandfathers were avid birdwatchers whose infectious joy inspired her.

  • They told her whimsical origin stories (e.g., why monkeys have red bottoms), which became the book's model.

• Example Story: "The Green Pigeon"

  • A young green pigeon feels ugly and leaves its nest to find a new colour.

  • Significance: The story explores self-acceptance and the idea that true beauty comes from within, not from external appearance.

Next Steps

• Participants: Write a 10–15 line story based on an object from the observation exercise.

• Neha Negi: Lead future sessions on the second Friday of each month, featuring more artistic activities and stories.
  
  - Notes courtesy Fathom AI

  
  

  
  
  
  Thank you, Mahesh Wanole for the beautiful reflection! 
  Mahesh is a Visual designer and Brand Strategist