ASSAGAO: In a world where children often follow in their parents’ footsteps, there are rare instances where grandchildren carry forward the legacy of their grandparents. In the picturesque State of Goa, nestled amidst the Western Ghats, one village stands out as a cradle of springs and forests, facing threats from an unholy nexus that endangers its pristine natural heritage. Assagao village is home to Maryanne Borges e Lobo, who decided to continue her grand aunt's legacy as the ‘Voijinn Mai’ (Forest Mother) from the bygone era.
Maryanne, the daughter of illustrious teachers Francis and Philomena Borges, pursued her dream of studying Ayurvedic science after her graduation. However, it was the invaluable education she received from her parents and her grandmother about plants and their healing properties that set her on a path to become an ardent nature lover and conservationist. For the past 25 years, Maryanne has been actively working in the field of Ayurveda while also conducting nature walks to educate people about the significance of forests and the entire ecosystem.
“During the first 20 years of my career as an Ayurveda practitioner, I witnessed the alarming degradation of our forests. It pained me to see such destruction, so I decided to engage with the community, conduct nature walks, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural treasures,” Maryanne explained. Over the last five years, she has traversed the length and breadth of Goa, exploring hills, springs, plateaus, and forests, tirelessly advocating for their protection.
Maryanne’s work extends to creating awareness about wild edibles and the medicinal uses of various trees. She credits her success to Rajendra Kerkar, a noted environmentalist, under whose guidance she learned and gained valuable insights. However, she also expresses disappointment at the rapid destruction of forests due to garbage and plastic dumping, emphasising the urgent need to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems.
Through her nature walks and classes, Maryanne has reached a diverse range of students, from the naive to corporate leaders and even filmmakers, all eager to learn from her about the significance of nature for human survival. She believes that forests are not only healers but also protectors, harbouring sacred groves and spirits that safeguard their wellbeing.
Goa, known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, faces an imminent threat from unchecked development and land conversion. Maryanne laments the loss of plants like ‘uski’ (coconut manure) and ‘wagachi nakta’ (tigers claws or fire flame glory), which were once abundant in her childhood but are now facing extinction.
As she fondly reminisces, Maryanne shares stories of foxes and tigers once spotted on the hills of Assagao, a testament to the forest's historical abundance and its potential to shelter tigers.
She advocates for the establishment of a tiger reserve to protect and preserve the State’s unique forest cover.
Maryanne’s efforts have also garnered international attention, with students from different countries coming to Goa to learn about its forests and natural treasures. In a heartfelt plea, Maryanne urges fellow Goans and like-minded individuals to step forward and become guardians of their cherished forests, safeguarding them for future generations. She firmly believes that only by valuing and preserving these natural wonders can we ensure a sustainable and thriving future for all.