The Gaudium School branches in Kollur and Nanakramguda were recently graced by the presence of renowned children’s author and nature enthusiast, Ms. Katie Bagli. During her captivating guest lecture, she transported students into the wondrous world of wildlife through her masterful storytelling. With her background in microbiology, Ms. Bagli has uniquely positioned herself to translate complex natural phenomena into enchanting narratives that both educate and entertain young minds. Her passion for nature was palpable as she shared fascinating insights from her various books including “Stories of Trees from India,” “How Blue Is Our Planet?,” “The Zoo Around You,” and “Tales from Kanha”—the latter beautifully highlighting the rich cultural traditions of tribes living around the Kanha region.

As Ms. Bagli guided the students through her literary journey, she revealed the hidden marvels of everyday nature that often go unnoticed—how a single bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in a day, or how mangrove forests serve as nature’s shield against coastal erosion and tsunamis. She encouraged the children to observe the miniature ecosystems that exist in their own backyards, pointing out that even the smallest insect plays a crucial role in maintaining nature’s delicate balance. The children were particularly enthralled by her descriptions of symbiotic relationships in nature, such as the dance between flowers and their pollinators, illustrating how cooperation rather than competition often drives natural systems.

Beyond her writing accomplishments, Ms. Bagli shared details about her environmental education initiatives, including the nature walks and wildlife poetry sessions she conducts for children across the country. She explained how these immersive experiences help young people develop a deeper connection with their natural surroundings. Her creative writing workshops have inspired countless children to document their own observations of nature, creating a new generation of environmentally conscious storytellers. The students were excited to learn about her collaborations with educational institutions to integrate nature-focused learning into curricula, making environmental education an integral part of childhood development.

The highlight of Ms. Bagli’s visit was the recognition of her impressive achievements, including the prestigious Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship Award she received in 2019, presented in association with iCongo and the United Nations. This award acknowledged her tireless efforts in environmental education and her unique approach to instilling a love for nature in children through literature. As she concluded her lecture, Ms. Bagli left the students with a powerful message about their responsibility as future guardians of our planet, encouraging them to observe, appreciate, and protect the natural world that continues to inspire wonder and awe. Her visit to The Gaudium has undoubtedly planted seeds of environmental stewardship that will grow alongside the students as they continue their educational journey.