The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in 2024.

As she stepped onto a large stage amid a round of applause, homemaker Bangaru Jhansi had never imagined standing in front of M Venkaiah Naidu, former vice president of India. But last year on 14 October, the Andhra Pradesh resident received the prestigious Dr IV Subba Rao Rythu Nestham award from the former vice president for her impressive terrace garden.

“I was so glad to meet Venkaiah Naidu sir. He congratulated me for my work. It was such a surprising and proud moment for me; I cannot describe it in words,” Bangaru tells The Better India.

“After receiving the award, I feel more dutiful towards encouraging others to take up terrace gardening. I wish that every Indian household should grow their own food for consumption,” she adds.

The 28-year-old has set up a lush green jungle on her terrace spread across an area of 800 square feet. With a wide variety of ornamental and medicinal plants, green leafy vegetables, flowers, and large fruit trees like oranges and mangoes, her terrace garden has become a centre for sustainable farming — drawing the attention of notable dignitaries including the Mayor of Vishakhapatnam Hari Venkata Kumari.

In a conversation with The Better India, Bangaru shares what makes her roof garden design unique.

Building a green oasis with terrace gardening

Born and brought up in Visakhapatnam, the BCom graduate worked as a manager for three years before her marriage in........

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