An Inclusive Garden Blooms: The Joy of Getting Our Hands Dirty

What happens when inclusion leads the way in hands-on learning?

At "Gardening with Eusebio", a TEDxPanaji community event, we witnessed how nature, curiosity and inclusivity can come together to create something truly transformative.

We invite you to step into a space where sustainability meets inclusivity, and learning takes root in the most unexpected ways. At the heart of this hands-on workshop were the facilitators themselves, Eusebio and Srutesh, students of The Owl House Goa.

With confidence, care and an infectious enthusiasm, they led 20 participants—including curious children as young as three and adults of all ages—through the joyful, grounding process of gardening.

Planting with purpose: A TEDxPanaji community event

It was inspiring to see participants—many of whom had never held a trowel before—come together to dig, plant, laugh and learn. Guided with patience and purpose, the experience was made accessible and meaningful by their facilitators, proving that leadership and knowledge can bloom in beautifully unexpected ways.

The workshop began with a joyful pot painting activity. Each participant was given three terracotta pots, vibrant paints and a brush—an invitation to slow down, express and connect.

The result? A colourful showcase of painted pots that reflected each person’s style, spark and story.

Once the paint dried, it was time to plant. Eusebio and Srutesh led the session, introducing each herb with thoughtful explanations:

• Mint, for its refreshing aroma and culinary versatility

• Basil, a fragrant staple of herbal remedies and recipes

• Brahmi, a plant celebrated for enhancing memory and well-being

As saplings found their new homes in hand-painted pots, the room filled with attentive silence, gentle encouragement and smiles. For many, it was their first time planting, and it won’t be their last, they promised!

Nurturing nature, celebrating neurodiversity

This TEDxPanaji event was rooted in a deeper intention: to make inclusion visible and actionable. Neurodiverse individuals were at the heart of the workshop as leaders and experts.

"We sincerely hope that the TEDxPanaji platform serves as a catapult, not just for our students, but for neurodiverse individuals everywhere.” — Maitreyee, from The Owl House,

"It was wonderful to see Srutesh and Eusebio shine during the workshop. The Owl House is always excited to embrace opportunities that challenge and break the mould of how the neurodiverse population is perceived or employed. Our students are pursuing gardening, music, dance, digital art and several other vocations that align with their interests," she added.

Eusebio

Eusebio shared his thoughts with us:

"I enjoyed facilitating the gardening workshop. Very nice people came to the event. Planting saplings with a group of people was very fun for me. I liked to see Srutesh smiling and having fun. Thank you, TEDxPanaji, for coming to The Owl House.”

Srutesh

Srutesh shared his thoughts with us:

"TEDxPanaji is a great platform for neurodiverse individuals to display their skills, and for society to see that it should be an inclusive world. It was a new experience for me to lead a gardening workshop. It helped me to understand the challenges a teacher may face. I look forward to more such opportunities to shine, not just for me, but for all my neurodiverse peers. Eusebio is my buddy, and it is always fun to work together.”

Shared experiences and a joyful closing

Adding to the event’s charm, participants could browse and buy handmade articles crafted by The Owl House students: from painted goods to home decor. These items served as both tokens of creativity and a way to support neurodiverse entrepreneurship.

As the session came to a close, the space echoed with laughter, group photos and new friendships. Attendees shared stories, admired each other’s work and left not just with pots and plants, but with deeper insight, new skills and cherished memories.

Abigail De Noronha, Senior Project Executive, TEDxPanaji, went home, eager to share every detail of the day with her family, unable to stop smiling. 

"The day unfolded perfectly! The students and members of The Owl House made everyone feel incredibly welcome. Their kindness and warmth brought comfort, and meeting and interacting with them was truly uplifting. The whole experience was a huge success and has left a deep, lasting impression on me. I will cherish this memory forever. TEDxPanaji has once again delivered powerful ideas worth sharing," she said.

Magic happens when we collaborate

"Gardening with Eusebio" was more than a one-day event. It was a powerful example of what’s possible when communities come together with curiosity, respect and a willingness to learn from one another.

Ravi Kambhoj, Organiser, TEDxPanaji, summed it up:

“It was truly inspiring to be part of the gardening workshop at The Owl House Goa, a remarkable learning space for neurodivergent adults. Co-creating this experience with Eusebio and Srutesh, two passionate students of The Owl House, was a beautiful reminder of the power of inclusion, community and shared growth. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and purpose—one that deeply resonates with the spirit of TEDxPanaji."

Curated by: Debarati Chakraborty | Communications & Media Strategist, TEDxPanaji