The Shared Thread Newsletter - Vol 3
July 26th, 2025
When I first came to the U.S. from Mumbai, for my master's program back in 1978, I was absolutely dazzled on that first drive from the airport. The endless stretches of manicured lawns! Wide sidewalks, tidy shrubs... it all looked so pristine and planned. And inside the homes? Dishwashers, garbage disposals, washers, dryers — I was in awe of all of it.
Fast forward to now, and I see it all a little differently. We've come to understand the environmental cost of all that convenience. These days, I barely use the garbage disposal. Our dryer broke about 15 years ago, and we just never replaced it. Instead, we made a little space in the basement to line dry the clothes.
And plants have become a big part of our lives — wherever we can have them — gardens, indoor plant, window boxes....I love the sunroom, which is now my study — and where I spend most of my time. It's overflowing with plants, definitely more than books or work stuff. They're a bit of work, sure — but worth every minute. I love propagating cuttings, repotting them, and passing them along to the next generation — my kids, nieces, nephews. There's something satisfying about watching something grow and being able to share it with others.
This love for nature lives strong in Mumbai too, even in the most urban settings. The women artisans live in tiny homes with barely any space — but that doesn't stop them. You'll see plastic bottles and old tins lovingly reused as planters. In Mumbai, one of my favorite places is a little courtyard in the slums, right near our Education for Life office. The families there have transformed it into the most charming urban jungle — lush, resourceful, and completely alive.
The artisans would love to see how you've brought nature into your space! Whether it's a kitchen windowsill full of herbs, a leafy balcony nook, or a few happy succulents on your desk — show us your plant spots. Let's celebrate these little green sanctuaries we're all creating. 🌱
Respond to the Artisans!
—Pushpika Freitas | President
READ THE NEXT ARTICLE:
No caps. No gowns. Just quiet pride—and big dreams. - Vol 3