Nature in miniature

Bonsai enthusiasts,practitioners as well as botany students thronged the venue to have a look at the miniature gardens and the Japanese artifacts on display.

There was an elderly Gujarati couple,Jyoti and Nikunj Parekh,gazing lovingly at the plants. In fact,they had started the study group in 1979 and the plants were and will always be like their children.

Formerly a businessman who used to sell plastic,69-year-old Nikunj Parekh’s tryst with bonsai started in 1970 when he visited Japan for the World Expo in Osaka.

“From the world of plastic,I turned to the world of green. After my return to India I asked my wife to learn the art of bonsai. In two years,she became my teacher and taught me the art. We began the study group in the late ‘70s. And now with over 250 members in the group,two books on the art and a bonsai farm in Khopoli,we feel proud to have contributed to spreading this art across the country where it was rumoured to have originated,” he said.

Jyoti and Parekh have received over 57 awards for their work and their books are used for reference by the Botany Departments of various varsities.

“In India,hobby orientation is gender and class specific. Wealthy housewives dappling in art is an accepted norm but if a male wishes to do the same,he has to face reprimands of ignoring his role as a bread-winner. However,we have realised that the art can be a profession as well. More villages with nurseries as a mode of livelihood are turning to bonsai and reaping benefits. Potters making bonsai pots are also benefited,” said Parekh.

The Parekhs organise exhibitions every two-three years besides hosting workshops. Ironically,they were unable to find sponsors for the 30th anniversary celebrations this year.

“Companies and individuals readily agree to blow lakhs of rupees on events where celebrities agree to make a minuscule appearance. But the organisers of an exhibition face a predicament worse than beggars,” said Chitra Sethi,one of the members of the group.

“Developing a bonsai is like meditation and infuses you with a sense of peace. I have been practising the art for over a decade now and it has really helped me grow,” she added.

Besides,the various varieties of bonsai plants ranging from casuarinas to orange trees,the exhibition has various artifacts and trinkets. In addition to a glimpse of colourful kimonos,porcelain dolls,stamps and paintings,bonsai beginners can also buy plants from here to create their own nature in miniature.

Exhibition is open till Sunday at Unity Hall,Ravindra Natya Mandir,Sayani Road.