Kindness is Ubiquitous

By Sophie Bernstein ‘22, Keystone Foundation Fellow 2024-2026

A common saying in Tamil is “Saptacha,” meaning “Have you eaten?”. It’s often used as a greeting, similar to how we say “How are you doing?” in the United States. I find this expression to be thoughtful, as it reflects concern for someone’s well-being and health. This exchange is reflective of the warmth and care that define the culture in South India, where people are invested in each other.

From left to right: Linh and Sophie – At the 15th Student Conference on Conservation Science in Bangalore, a four day conference with workshops, student research, and networking opportunities. October 24, 2024

Workshop with Chamraj School at Panapara Tea Estate in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Students are planting a native species of grass Chrysopogon zizanioides for a reforestation project. November 26th, 2024

As a new member of the Biodiversity and Conservation team at Keystone Foundation, my goal was to immerse myself in nature and dedicate my time to local flora and fauna. The past few months have exceeded my expectations as I continue to learn about local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation strategies.  From apiculture, to invasive species removal, to monitoring native plants, wetland reports, and compiling flora data, I’ve gained hands-on experience that’s been educational and enriching. But what I didn’t anticipate was how much my time here would teach me about people, about the nature of human connection. The last four months in Kotagiri have demonstrated that conservation isn’t just about preserving the environment; it’s also about collaboration, care, and coexistence.  Since coming to India I am learning what it truly means to live in a community of people, plants, and animals.

From left to right: Esther, Blessy, and Sophie – Friends in Nehru Park, Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu. A photo taken with a monkey made out of tires. January 15th, 2025

Friend with gaur (Indian Bison) skull. Captured in Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.  December 15, 2024

Upon my arrival, I was welcomed by a sense of openness and warmth from both colleagues and community members. Within weeks, my supervisor, someone I initially saw as my professional mentor, invited me to her home over one weekend. As we sat drinking cups of tea and sharing biscuits, conversing with her and her daughter put me at ease. I soon began to see her not just as a leader, but as a kind and approachable person valuing interpersonal connection.

Goat basking in the sun in Kotagiri, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. December 6th, 2024

Sophie and a double rainbow right outside Keystone Foundation after work. December 11th, 2024

 I’ve experienced kindness and generosity from my other colleagues as well. One day, I found myself in a difficult situation after losing a day's work. I was distraught because there was nothing I could do but start over. Later that day, a colleague friend surprised me with a gift: a large container of Toda buffalo ghee. The Toda people, an Indigenous community in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, consider their buffaloes sacred. This ghee could only have come from them. I was touched by the gesture, and it completely lifted my mood.

The freshly harvested honeycomb of the stingless bee which we got to taste! The flavor was sweet from the honey and sour from the pollen. Harvested at our field center in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu. October 17th, 2024

The view from our apartment in Kotagiri. November 23rd, 2024

I see thoughtfulness and respect all throughout the work done at Keystone Foundation. One branch of the Biodiversity and Conservation team focuses on human-wildlife interactions, which are becoming increasingly complex as human settlements expand and migration to the Nilgiris increases. This growth brings the potential for more dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife, often putting both groups at risk. For example, elephants follow long-established migration routes and when villages are built along these routes, the likelihood of elephants trampling homes or harming residents rises. On the other hand, animals frequently die after falling into man-made wells. This problem is further exacerbated by community habits. Sloth bears often scavance through man made dumping grounds and eat trash. Not only does this harm the bears’ health, but it also heightens the risk of human-bear conflicts. These are just a few examples of a complex problem that is evolving. Navigating these conflicts requires sensitivity and understanding as both human and animal lives are valuable and worth protecting.

Views driving back to Kotagiri from Ooty, a neighboring city. November 10th, 2024

Morning sunrise in Ooty. November 10th, 2024

At Keystone, consideration extends to the ecosystems that surround us. Another branch of our team focuses on ecological restoration, which involves identifying and removing invasive species and replacing them with native species. This work requires extensive planning and research to understand which species are harmful, what can replace them, and how repopulating habitats with native species will benefit the environment and local communities. During one of our field visits, we discovered that invasive species were degrading the quality of a water source in a village. In response, we planted a specific native species that would not only restore the ecosystem but also act as a natural filter to improve the water quality for the community.

Indigenous beekeeper shows us the comb of the species Apis cerana near our field station in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu. October 17th, 2024

One restoration site near our field station in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu

The kindness I’ve experienced goes beyond work and into my personal life as well. My landlords check in on me to make sure I’m doing well, invite me over for breakfast or dinner, and even drop off food at my house. I’ve also become good friends with the owner of a tea stall, where I stop by almost every day for a snack and a cup of coffee on my way to work. Here, I practice my Tamil with the owner and her customers and I greatly appreciate their patience as I stumble my way through the language. When I visited a nearby city for the first time, I had trouble figuring out which bus would take me back home. Noticing my confusion, a kind uncle kept me company for over an hour and made sure I boarded the right bus. His generosity and patience turned what could have been a frustrating situation into a memorable act of friendship. The people of Kotagiri have a way of making me feel truly cared for, like I’m part of a big family. Kindness is ubiquitous here in Kotagiri and I am so grateful to call this place my home for the year. I am excited to continue learning how I can show up in community and return all the care that I’ve received.

From left to right: Devika, Sophie, Vidia, Bhavia, Reshma, Anokha, and Nathania – At a wedding during my first week in Kotagiri. Also my first time wearing a sari! September 29th, 2024

A beautiful waterfall seen during a hike in Kotagiri. November 6th, 2024