Sita Ashoka; Jackfruit; The Protagonist with his unfolding monologue by TV Santhosh, watercolour on paper

Another favourite includes the Sita Ashoka. “These are trees that would give hope to Sita when she was imprisoned in Ashoka Vatika by Ravana in Lanka. The shedding of the beautiful bunches of the flowers of the tree makes it seem like a vibrant rainfall!” says Bagli. 

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.76%

AAP 43.10%

INC 24.14%

Submit

View All In Poll

To this, Santhosh informs how when the protagonist in his artworks alternates his identities through history and its landmark events with the aid of various props, the backdrop tapestry of botanical plants acts like the antithesis. “They form a virtual medicinal garden in order to bring in an element of hope and healing as a solution to the turbulent reality we live in. Each plant has some healing property. In some of the works, I have used images of the Ashoka plant. According to the traditional medicinal system, Ashoka plant is used for treating depression. The name ‘A-shoka’ literally means without sorrow. In another painting, I used the papaya tree. It contains high levels of antioxidants and helps in reducing cholesterol. Also, the juice from its leaves is good for fighting dengue fever.”

File pic

BDL Museum director Tasneem Zakaria Mehta details the history of this green space, “Museum Plaza is a green enclave that includes over 55 trees of at least 20 different species. The botanical gardens next door to the museum were built together in 1862. The former curators carried out various horticultural experiments including growing vegetables and flowers in the adjoining garden.” She reveals a lesser-known cool fact that people often mistake the mast tree in the plaza as the Ashoka tree as they look alike. “The ship masts were usually made from the mast trees, hence the name. This tree walk with Katie will cover more such information about the trees in the plaza,” she sums up. 

ON February 4, 11 am onwards
AGE GROUP  8 to 15 years 
AT Education Centre, Marine Plaza, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East. 
LOG ON TO insider.in (Bark, Buds, and Benefits | A Tree Walk with Katie Bagli)
COST Rs 100