Bonding with nature | Dr Vijaya Bharat | TEDxBistupur Women

The speaker, a retired cardiologist who spent over 40 years at the same hospital, reflects on the evolution of heart attack treatment and his personal journey with nature. Initially, in the 1970s, treatment options for heart attacks were limited to non-specific pain relief. The 1980s brought "clot busters," significantly improving outcomes if administered quickly. This led to a focus on reducing "door to needle time" through process improvements, an effort recognized for its quality. The speaker also highlights his involvement in upgrading the cardiology department, establishing a cath lab, and developing a competent team. A particularly rewarding initiative was founding a free pacemaker bank in 2005 with the Rotary Club, which has helped hundreds of impoverished patients. Around 2007, the speaker discovered a stress reliever in nature, initially by observing colorful trees during his commute. This led to regular morning walks focused on appreciating flora. His childhood exposure to nature, influenced by his father, a Chief Conservator of Forests, deepened this connection. He embarked on a 12-year project to identify and document flowering trees in Jamshedpur, culminating in a published book. He even wrote an article for The Hindu about a remarkable African tree found in India, tracing its potential origins to Arab traders. Post-retirement, his exploration expanded to birdwatching, initially from his balcony and later through active exploration of Jamshedpur's surroundings. He joined a group of younger birdwatchers, sharing a common passion. This led to community engagement, including talks, eco-club sessions, and awareness campaigns. A poignant experience involved rescuing an injured Barn Owl, which spurred him to secure its nesting site, leading to the owl's successful return with a new partner and chicks. The speaker draws parallels between cardiology and conservation, emphasizing the need for collective action and timely intervention to address threats like habitat loss. He concludes by noting the joy and cognitive benefits of birdwatching and bonding with nature, a passion he hopes future generations will share, acknowledging that while technology aids identification, nature itself teaches patience and humility.