A Lesson In Permaculture At A Magical Forest In Goa

Meghna Kapoor, Kyo Spaces

Goa is a rich repository of novel experiences. Water sports, gastronomy, yoga and pretty much everything else under the sun is on offer for holiday-seekers headed to India’s favourite beach destination. As season comes to a close, here’s one other experience that’s worth immersing yourself in - a 12-day Permaculture Design Course (PDC) at a holistic well-being centre (Khaama Kethna) in the more quiet, quaint South Goa. “What the hell is permaculture and why should I care?” is a question I’ve addressed in a previous piece. A way of life, permaculture is about working with (rather than against) nature’s principles to redesign everything from your living space to the way you look at food. Go hard or not (if you don’t want to commit to a lifestyle switch just yet) - there’s a way to make permaculture, and its principles of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share, your own. A more mindful way of living, permaculture is a-bloomin’ practice in the country and the beginner’s workshop in Goa will provide great insight into why.

Meghna Kapoor’s brush with permaculture led to the creation of Kyo Spaces. With a Masters in Design Management from the University of Arts London, she has multi-industry work experience ranging from fashion to media. However, her interests span across yoga, design music, and obviously, permaculture. She moved to Goa two years ago and now she’s harnessing her experience working with two startups in the fitness and art industries to start Kyo Spaces that offers permanent “co-living, co-creating, co-healing, co-learning and co-working experiences”. She believes, like all permaculturists do, that the practice is not one-size-fits-all and is easily adaptable to different landscapes, homes and lives with tremendous ease. If a herb garden is all you have space for, start there and let it sprout into a full-fledged lifestyle switch at a pace you’re comfortable with. Not limited by space, the core values and ideas of permaculture can easily be adapted to cityscapes and small terraces or balconies.

In addition to the 72-hour curriculum centred around the immersive learnings of permaculture, yoga classes and an introduction to movement therapy are also a part of the workshop that runs from March 24 till April 6. You’ll leave with your very own PDC certificate, after the opportunity to apply principles of permaculture to a real-world project in a nearby tribal village. All of this while you’re nestled in the lap of nature at Khaama Kethna - a charming eco-village - eating nourishing, plant-based meals. If you’d like to sign up for the workshop, this much is certain. It’s very likely to inspire a change - however small or seismic, that will leave you a different person than when you checked in. Just let the world of permaculture inspire you.

Scroll on for a peek at what’s in store if you decide to sign up for this workshop.