PANDA & HERBI

Welcome to our world, where sustainability meets fun!

We're a couple who tied the knot on World Environment Day back in 2016, and ever since, we've been on a mission to protect our beautiful planet. We want to show you that living consciously and ethically is not only possible but exciting!

Authenticity and transparency are our guiding principles. We want you to see the real us and feel like part of our community. We're intersectional environmentalists, meaning we understand the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues. We're also entrepreneurs at heart, driven by our passion for a better world.

Although we don't work for big corporations or have unlimited resources, we've created this website to offer products and services that not only bring joy but also contribute to our dream of building a forest sanctuary. So, come on in and explore our website! Together, let's make a positive impact and create a brighter future for our planet.

monica pandian

creator, botanist, foodie, herbs explorer, animal lover, shroomie

Every time I sit down to write about myself, it is intimidating to identify myself as belonging to a certain field or profession. However, this platform was created as a safe space to be ourselves and pursue our interests. As an intersectional environmentalist, I tend to incorporate my values into all my hobbies and work. I enjoy baking, researching, and learning. Currently, I make a living as a writer and recipe developer. When I need to unwind, I paint with watercolours or read a book. One thing I have been working on but have yet to turn into a career in botany. I earned a BSc in Plant Biology and Biotechnology from Women's Christian College in Chennai and an MSc in Ecology and Environmental Science from Pondicheery University in Puducherry. I pursued these degrees, hoping to make a difference in the field like some scholars do, but it didn't work out for me. Instead, I became an intersectional environmentalist who unconditionally loves humans, animals, and nature to create a balance in consciousness. You may have noticed how quickly it got spiritual. Don't be afraid (fear is just an illusion); I won't discuss that here. I use my artistic skills, sustainability wisdom, and food expertise to craft products and services through various brands. Did you know I even designed this entire website? When not working, I enjoy foraging mushrooms and herbs. I am always enchanted by nature.

praveen ponraj

leader, techie, wildlife photographer, coffee educator, changemaker

I may be a jack-of-all-trades, but I like to think of myself as a master of integrating my passions for art, coffee, entrepreneurship, project management, and website design. And let’s be real, in a world that needs more love, it’s essential to operate from the heart center. I choose to work exclusively with businesses and organizations that share my ethical values because life is too short for anything else. Luckily, the universe has blessed me with a variety of skills that allow me to pay the bills and stay happy. In short, I’m a Sustainability Strategist, but you can call me a 'hybrid professional.' Though I studied BE Aeronautical Engineering (Tagore Engineering College, Chennai) and worked for 6 years in Boeing India, I didn't turn out to be a successful engineer. I switched fields that align with my personal values and pursued Masters in Global Management (Royal Roads University, Victoria) focusing on Sustainability Strategies. Currently, I offer a Climate Wave Certification program, Ethical Business Services and Net Positive Photography. After all, my name literally means “talented” in Sanskrit and South-Indian languages, which makes my amma and appa soothsayers! When not working on these projects, you can perhaps find me (or maybe not) in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest BC parks or in the thickets of Indian Western Ghats hill ranges - sometimes to capture wildlife, or else to just be.

Our Vision

A soul sanctuary for humans, animals and nature!

At the heart of our mission, we are fueled by a powerful vision - to create a welcoming haven where nature flourishes alongside humanity. We are embarking on an inspiring adventure to establish a food forest with native trees, a sanctuary that provides solace and healing for both animals and humans. Through the development of a permaculture farm, our aim is to cultivate an abundance of fresh produce, nourished by the earth itself.

Our ultimate aspiration is to foster a vibrant community within this safe haven, one that is devoted to the well-being of our beloved animals and the land they call home. To bring this dream to life, we need financial assistance, so we have dedicated ourselves to offering sustainable products and professional services to raise funds. By doing so, we not only support our vision but also contribute to the advancement of an ethical lifestyle.

With our ancestral roots in Tamil Nadu, India, we have now set our sights on Victoria, BC, where we are actively establishing our presence and raising the necessary funds to acquire land and lay the foundation of our sanctuary in Tamil Nadu due to its favourable climate and affordability. As we embark on this remarkable journey, we understand that some of our offerings may currently be exclusively available in Victoria as we lay the groundwork for our grand vision.

If our values resonate with you, we warmly invite you to join us in this inspiring endeavour. Your support, whether through our fundraiser or in any other way, will be crucial in transforming our vision into a reality. Together, let us create a world where nature and humanity thrive in perfect harmony.

We wholeheartedly appreciate your consideration and for being a part of our journey.

Fundraiser

THAT SUSTAINABLE COUPLE

living. learning. sharing.