(S-3,E-8- Narratives of Nature & Environment of South Asia) Pyonli (original story in Kumaoni and Garhwali from Himachal Pradesh, India) is a story about a small yellow flower, Pyonli (Reinwardtia indica) which is endemic to the region of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The flower blooms between November-May, and is mostly seen as an important symbol of spring, which is a refreshing feeling after the harsh, Himalayan winter months. This story is also an example of the representation of women amidst folklore, which connects them with various aspects of nature and mostly also resonates with a melancholic tone. Somewhere, the melancholy also represents the harsh truth of man destroying nature, which is reflected through the hunting activities within the storyline and also the fact that Pyonli fell sick and passed away, when she was removed from her original habitat. In every stage, the storyline reverberates the need to preserve the original habitat of the flora and the fauna around us. Pyonli seems to have sacrificed herself for the sake of providing this valuable lesson.

Book- The owl delivered the good news all night long-Folktales, legends and modern lores of India (Aleph Book Company)

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(S-3,E-7Narratives of Nature &Environment of South Asia)- 'I read this story- Padma Shri Ali Manikfan of Lakshadweep Islands (India)- A Traditional Scientist and a Genius- from my book- The owl delivered the good news all night long- Folktales, legends and modern lores of India (Aleph Book Company). This story has been written by Ubaidullah Thangal from Lakshadweep after his interactions with Manikfan. Inspite of his old age, Ali Manikfan continues to inspire many across Lakshadweep and also various parts of India. He still performs the role of a guide for many enthusiasts and young visitors come to him to seek advice on various subjects. He is still invited by many schools, where children get an opportunity to interact with him directly through various question-answer sessions. An environmental genius without any formal degree, he is highly regarded and respected for his deep knowledge and was awarded the Padma Shri of the Government of India in 2021.

Book- The owl delivered the good news all night long- Folktales, legends and modern lores of India (Aleph Book Company)

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(S-3,E-6- Narratives of Environment and Nature of South Asia)I read this story- 'The origin of insects' from my book- The owl delivered the good news all night long- Folktales, legends and modern lores of India (Aleph Book Company). This is a story from the Lepcha language of the community by the same name. It has been narrated and written for my book by Anira Phiphon Lepcha and this story was narrated to her by her grandmother, Late Premkit Lepcha, when she was a child. There is an important lesson within the story- 'evil can be won upon, but it is never dead.' Late Premkit Lepcha was from Rinchenpong, West Sikkim in northeast India. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.

Book- The owl delivered the good news all night long- Folktales, legends and modern lores of India (Aleph Book Company)

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