Professor Thayumanavan Kunapalan has a unique passion for urban gardening that has transformed not only his lifestyle but also his outlook on sustainable living.

Growing up in Puducherry, he was introduced to the vibrant world of gardening by his father, who meticulously tended to a diverse array of plants in their backyard.

This early exposure sparked a deep-rooted interest in horticulture, which Kunapalan, a professor of electrical engineering at the University College of Engineering, Panruti, carried into adulthood.

With a 1,300 square feet terrace and 5.5 cents of land at his disposal, Professor Kunapalan began his journey toward establishing a self-sustained urban farm in his home in Neyveli.

He cultivates a plethora of vegetables and fruits, including brinjal, okra, tomatoes, chillies, cucumber, beetroot, radish, sweet potato, drumstick, banana, and various types of creepers and gourds.

All of these are grown in 150-200 grow bags and pots spread over the terrace. He has also collected 20-25 old refrigerators from scrap dealers to grow crops inside them.

Instead of using cocopeat, he collects sugarcane residue from local vendors and mixes it with soil and cow dung in equal proportions to use as compost.

Interestingly, he also creates homemade agricultural products like soil mixes, and farming concoctions like jeevamritha (liquid fertiliser made from cow dung, urine, water, and mud). He uses neem oil and chillies/ginger-garlic paste as pesticides.

“Usually people cook vegetables that were harvested a week back or from supermarkets where extra sprays are used to make it look fresh. I pluck the vegetables only five minutes before cooking. This ensures that veggies do not lose any nutrients,” Professor Thayumanavan says.

“I work daily in my garden. Activities like weeding and watering plants require physical activity which reflects in my physical health as well. Gardening is also a stress-buster for me,” he adds.

By demonstrating that a small terrace garden can yield not just fresh produce but also lead to profound health benefits, Professor Kunapalan inspires others to embark on their own gardening journeys.

“Next time you find an excuse to get away from setting up a small terrace garden, remember that it costs your health. After all, my greatest motivation for all these activities is my family’s health,” he says.