Kajol: Science has advanced, but we must connect with nature at the root level

Early Saturday morning, (Friday, Jan 31) saw nature enthusiasts, Bonsai lovers, environmentalists, dignitaries and students thronged a school in Juhu, to witness the unveiling of Bonsai Bonanza, the annual exhibition of a Bonsai society.

The event, marking 22 years of the organisation, held in collaboration with the school, featured Bollywood actor Kajol Devgan as the chief guest, alongside H.E. Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan.

Harsha Hinduja, President of the bonsai society, emphasized the event's role in highlighting the relationship between nature and human intervention. “This exhibition is a celebration of nature, art, and creativity. These miniature trees remind us of the significance of plants in our lives,” Hinduja said. “The recent wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change. Bonsai embodies the elements of water, fire, earth, air, and ether, reflecting the interconnectedness of life. The philosophy of bonsai is ‘less is more.’”

Harsha Hinduja and Kajol Devgan

Bonsai, a traditional Japanese art form, has gained popularity in India, particularly in urban areas, as awareness of environmental conservation grows.

Chief guest Kajol spoke about the importance of reconnecting with nature. “This has given me a chance to see another side of Juhu that I hadn’t so far. I am not a native Juhu person, I have to say that, but I have been here for the last 25-26 years,” Kajol said.

She highlighted the growing importance of environmental consciousness. “I believe that nature in every form is something that we all as people need to look up to. And I think that everything around us is just telling us again and again now, in today’s age, especially in the last 5-10 years, that we are not stronger than nature.”

Addressing advancements in science, Kajol stressed the need to maintain a connection with the environment. “Science has improved and we have gotten better as a species, but we have to go back and we need to connect with nature at the base and at its root level, which I think this event is a wonderful example of.”

Yagi Koji, Consul General of Japan, acknowledged the role of IFBS in promoting environmental awareness. “I am pleased to be part of the 22nd Bonsai Bonanza exhibition. IFBS, founded in 2003, has become one of Mumbai’s leading bonsai groups, fostering appreciation for nature through bonsai and Ikebana. Japanese culture values harmony with nature, and these traditions reflect that philosophy,” he said.

(L-R) Harsha Hinduja, H E Yagi Koji, Kajol Devgan, Urvashi Thacker at Bonsai Bonanza 2025

Urvashi Thacker, Vice President of IFBS, expressed gratitude to the members and organizers. “Bonsai is a form of horticulture and art that requires daily care. It teaches patience and perseverance. I appreciate our team, especially Harsha Hinduja, for her dedication to this initiative,” she said.