At the Horticulture Department in Shahpur, Shantaveeriah held a special training session focused on practical beekeeping techniques. Known for his hands-on approach to education, Shantaveeriah made the training memorable by placing bee boxes right in front of the participants. His philosophy is simple: practical learning is the most effective way to teach the art of beekeeping. Throughout the session, he meticulously demonstrated various aspects of bee management, from handling bee colonies to understanding the behavior of bees. The live demonstrations helped the participants gain confidence and a better understanding of how to work with bees.
Shantaveeriah believes that beekeeping is not something that can be fully understood through books alone. The sensory experience of seeing, hearing, and even smelling the bees is essential for anyone hoping to become a successful beekeeper. By watching him open the bee boxes and interact with the colonies, the trainees learned how to manage bees with care and confidence. He taught them how to observe the bees, check for signs of disease, and ensure that the colonies were healthy and productive. The training also included practical lessons on honey extraction, hive maintenance, and how to relocate bees when necessary.
#### Beekeeping Training from Shantaveeriah's Point of View
For Shantaveeriah, beekeeping training is not just about teaching techniques—it’s about sharing a passion that has been a part of his life for over six decades. His approach to training is deeply rooted in the belief that beekeeping is a skill that can be passed down through practical experience. He often tells his trainees that the key to successful beekeeping lies in developing a deep connection with the bees. The more time spent observing and working with them, the more one can understand their behavior and needs.
His training sessions are structured to give the participants a well-rounded experience. He starts with the basics: the anatomy of a bee, the structure of a hive, and the role of each member of the colony. From there, he moves on to more advanced topics such as managing hive health, ensuring the productivity of the queen bee, and recognizing early signs of potential problems like swarming or disease.
Shantaveeriah also places great emphasis on the environmental aspects of beekeeping. He encourages his trainees to think about how their work impacts the surrounding flora and fauna. Sustainable beekeeping practices, such as maintaining pollinator-friendly habitats and avoiding harmful pesticides, are central to his teachings. He believes that by fostering a sense of responsibility towards the bees and the environment, beekeepers can ensure the future of both bees and the ecosystems they support.
In his sessions, Shantaveeriah also makes time for one-on-one interactions, answering questions and providing tailored advice to aspiring beekeepers. He believes that personalized guidance helps trainees feel more confident as they begin their own beekeeping journeys. For Shantaveeriah, every training session is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of beekeepers to continue the ancient tradition of beekeeping while adapting it to the needs of a modern, environmentally conscious world.