06/03/2026
🌍 Faculty-led International Learning: India ✈️
Jennifer Mullen Diary entry - Day 1
Led by Dr. Aruna Chandra and co-led by Jennifer Mullen from Indiana State University - Scott College of Business, our immersive two-week abroad experience in southern India included the opportunity to visit one of the most exceptional botanical gardens, Lal Bagh Garden in Bangalore.
At this time of year, Bangalore is beautifully colored by blooming pink, yellow, white, and purple Tabebuias, along with the fiery red Gulmohar trees seen across the city.
We began with an introduction to Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, its origins, the vision of its founders, and the historic connection to the old Kempe Gowda fort and watchtower. The walk then moved into the influence of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, whose love for gardens, flowers, and fruiting trees helped shape Lal Bagh into a remarkable botanical space. We discovered the hidden hero stones scattered across Lal Bagh - memorial stones commemorating warriors and individuals from nearly a thousand years ago. These carvings offer remarkable insight into early societies, beliefs, sacrifice, and storytelling traditions in southern India.
Other highlights included the pigeon nesting spaces, the statue of Chamarajendra Wadiyar X, and the iconic Lalbagh Glass House inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
Along the way, we admired several remarkable tree species, including Araucaria, Yellow Tabebuia, Eucalyptus, and many other old heritage trees that form the living backbone of the garden today.
One of the most enjoyable moments was tasting the fallen mangoes and tamarind flowers from the garden. These experiences gave us a much deeper memory and connection with the landscape around us.
Thank you, Kavya, for being the founder of A Green Venture Nature Walks and for being our host for the day! We are truly grateful!
💙 This phenomenal group of business students (undergrad and MBA) had a great time!
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