Sushanta Ghosh, Barishal

College teacher Moshfeka Begum was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. At 59, her vision for a long life was suddenly blurred by this revelation. She was devastated.

Beyond what has happening to her body, Moshfeka was also breaking down mentally, and at times, this was harder to deal with.

When she went to Singapore for treatment, doctors told her to spend time in serene settings, specifically around greenery. They told her to begin gardening, with the hope that tending to leaves and petals help her.

Moshfeka was desperate for a way out of her woes, and she took their words to heart. Immediately after getting back home, she started planning a garden. Living in an urban space, she had no choice but the roof of her four-storey building.

Six years later, she is now the owner of a splendid little rooftop oasis, but more importantly, she is happy as ever.

“I spend most of my time with my plants. It’s as if they’re my children,” the 65-year-old said. “It definitely helps (the fight against cancer).”

This whole concept of gardening as a lifestyle, as a meditation, as a cure touched Moshfeka so much that she has become something of a gardening advocate.

“To spread this concept, a couple of us have opened a Facebook group called ‘Green Agriculture Barishal’. We are trying to build a platform for green enthusiasts,” she told this correspondent.