I am blessed that my children are growing up close to nature: Sameera Reddy

When Sameera Reddy arrived in Goa for what was meant to be a 10-day holiday in June 2020, she was looking for a break from Mumbai's relentless pace. She never left. Seven years later, the actress has built a life in Bastora, North Goa, that is intertwined with the rhythms of nature — one where compost replaces garbage, homegrown produce fills the kitchen, and her children learn life lessons from the outdoors rather than screens. For Sameera, making Goa home was never just about moving into a new house. It was about embracing a different way of living.

A Garden That Feeds the Family

Step into her property and you'll find more than just greenery. Mango, chikoo, coconut, bimbli, areca nut, breadfruit and banana trees dot the landscape — many planted by Sameera herself. "We also have our own vegetable garden where we grow spinach, salad leaves and other seasonal produce. A lot of what we eat comes directly from our garden," she says.



Nothing goes to waste. She shares, "The banana flower goes into our bhaji, the stem is used for healthy juices and, of course, the fruit becomes everything from snacks to banana bread. It's all pesticide-free. When the harvest is abundant, our neighbours and friends go home with bunches of bananas." If the family wants a cup of lemongrass tea, they simply walk into the backyard. "I'm blessed that my children are growing up close to nature. They're eating boiled jackfruit seeds as snacks — that wouldn't happen in a city. If they spot a snake, they know not to panic. They simply move away and respect its space,” she shares.

Learning the Art of Composting

One of the biggest changes Goa brought into Sameera's life was composting. "I knew absolutely nothing about it before moving here," she admits. "Today, all our wet waste is turned into compost and goes back into the soil. No wet waste leaves our home. For me, that's been a huge transformation." The journey wasn't seamless. There were failed attempts, plenty of reading and hours spent watching tutorials. "We failed a few times when we started. I did a lot of research, watched YouTube videos and kept learning. Eventually, we figured it out," the actress says.

Small Habits, Big Impact

Sustainability, Sameera says, isn't about grand gestures. It's about everyday choices. She adds, "We should try to save water and make use of what we already have around us. We have to be conscious about not wasting resources. My car always has two or three cloth bags. I make sure I don't bring plastic home."

It's All About Sharing and Caring

Of all the lessons Goa has taught her, perhaps the most meaningful is the spirit of community. "The best part about Goa is the way people share. I never experienced this kind of culture in Mumbai. Here, people exchange fruits, vegetables, plants and produce simply because they have enough to share. It's taught me the joy of giving and the beauty of living together," she says.