Azim Premji university is hoisting the second edition of climate festival called forest of line.many student interns were given an opportunity to be a part of the research of Forest done by the university and asked to share their experiences. Anadi is one of them who   has written an article on "Sat Tal" near Nainital. 
He wrote that The lakes of Garud Tal, Naldamyanti Tal, Hanuman Tal, Sita Tal, Ram Tal, Laxman Tal, and Sukha Tal (Bharat Tal) combine to form the majestic Sat Tal (seven lakes). A lush green forest surrounds the lakes, and this area remains one of the more hidden and pristine spots within the district of Nainital with legends associated with it that link the spot to the Indian epic Mahabharata. These lakes are associated with Hidimba, one of the wives of the Pandava warrior Bhim, who is still worshipped here. A beautiful temple dedicated to Hidimba may be found on the hilltop of Hidimba Parvat in Sat Tal. 
Hidimba devi is locally known as Van Devi or Goddess of the Forest. In 1978, a saint named Vankhandi Maharaja came to this place to meditate. He saw the declining green Sat Tal forest and observed invasive pine trees overtaking native broad-leaved trees. He started growing various local species of trees to protect the local flora in the region. This is now the 40-acre forest of Sat Tal that now attracts many birds and animals. Vankhandi Maharaj associated the chirping of birds with the happiness of Van Devi. He established the new Hidimba temple and ashram here in 2003 using soil from all the different states of India. His ashram provides visitors with a space for meditation amidst lush greenery and works towards protecting this resource. People come here from different parts of the world to meditate and learn to protect trees. 
Interestingly, during my visit to this forest, I have always observed that the trees in Sat Tal are mostly broad-leaved, as opposed to most of Nainital which is covered by pine trees. I have childhood memories of visiting the Hidimba temple, and of chance encounters with Vankhandi Maharaj. I was curious to know if he was motivated by the Hidimba temple or the forest. He said to me, Vandevi is pleased, by my protecting the forest. His choice of trees to grow within Sat Tal - Haran, Amla, Jamun, Banj, and Dhaul - has created harmony between the villagers and this forest. His choice of trees was also made with the consideration that they may effectively grow in the soil profile of the region and that they can support wild animals with food and shelter. He also mentioned that many people visit Sat Tal to trek and film videos, but no one actually contributes to supporting the forest.  
Few people today know that this forest was revived through human efforts. It is a story of hope and resilience in todays world, where discussions about deforestation and global warming otherwise occupy centre stage.

Anadi is a student intern at Azim Premji University. This work was conducted as part of Forests of Life, a large climate change festival being organized by the University.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the organisation they represent.