For many, retirement signals a time to slow down—but not for Ashok. After stepping away from his long career in banking, he didn’t retreat into rest. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and embarked on an extraordinary journey that turned an ordinary rooftop into a thriving green sanctuary.
Sowing Seeds of Change
Ashok’s passion for gardening took root during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a simple experiment quickly transformed into a deeply fulfilling routine. Today, his terrace garden is home to over 200 flourishing plants, each nurtured with patient care and dedication.
He lives with his wife, Neeraja Kumari (60), in a villa nestled within a gated community near Hyderabad. “We’ve been maintaining this garden for the past four years,” Neeraja shares. “While my husband takes on a larger role, I actively help by adding manure and removing weeds. Over time, I’ve grown to love these plants like they’re my own children.”
The couple no longer depends on the market for vegetables. Their rooftop yields an abundant variety—tomatoes, coriander, mint, spring onions, garlic, drumsticks, and more—providing enough to sustain their daily meals.
Wellness Through Homegrown Living
For Ashok, gardening isn’t just a hobby—it’s an extension of his lifestyle. As a diabetic, he follows a carefully balanced diet, prioritizing fresh salads and minimizing carbohydrates. “I was advised to have four small meals a day instead of one large one,” he says. “I typically have rice in just one portion and eat salads in the other three. These salads come straight from our rooftop.”
They even tailor their meals to what the garden offers. “When certain vegetables are in abundance, we get creative—tomato rice, mint rice, coriander rice,” he smiles.
From Banking to Blooms
Before this leafy transformation, Ashok served as an Assistant General Manager at City Union Bank until his retirement in 2014. After decades in a demanding career, he shifted gears and embraced a quieter life on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Yet the stillness brought on by the pandemic rekindled his love for nature.
“The lockdown made me reflect,” he shares. “People like me don’t always have large social circles. With limited hobbies, some might pass the time playing cards. But for me, gardening became a source of peace and purpose.”
Neeraja adds, “Instead of languishing in boredom, this gave us something meaningful to do. It keeps us active, supports our health, and fills our lives with peace.”
A Rooftop Eden
Covering more than 2,000 square feet, their terrace is a vibrant patchwork of vegetables and fruits. Every inch of the space reflects meticulous planning and deep enthusiasm. Ashok’s commitment to organic practices is evident in his sustainable composting and natural pest control techniques.
“I make compost using kitchen waste, dry leaves, branches, cow dung, and soil. Once the drum is full, I let it sit for 45 days and stir it for a week before use.” He explains.
He also uses vermicompost and sprays neem oil every 15 days to keep pests at bay. “I even spray diluted cow urine and apply ash powder or sticky starch solutions to deter insects, all natural methods that preserve plant health.”
Recognition and Reflection
Ashok’s urban organic garden has gained recognition from the Telangana horticulture department and is frequently featured in local media. But for him, accolades are secondary. His garden is not about prestige, it’s about peace, health, and the joy of nurturing life.
“Gardening isn’t about profits,” he reflects. “It’s about the happiness it brings and the wellness it cultivates.”
His journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. What began as a response to isolation has evolved into a beautiful way of life, one rooted in resilience and care.
“I found tranquility amidst chaos, what started as a way to pass time has become a new way of living. Each morning begins with the simple, mindful act of tending to a leaf and in that, I’ve discovered a whole new world of joy.” Ashok says with a smile.
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