One morning, in sweltering hot March, a rickshaw driver pedals across the streets, lugging his load, seen and unseen, when suddenly he is greeted by a glimpse of bright yellow. Was it the army of minions finally out to steal the moon? -not quite, but close.

Fifteen thousand bananas. Thirty days. A bunch of teenagers who didn’t entirely know what they were doing—but knew why they were doing it. Those wayward kids? They line up the lanes of Kolkata, with optimistic smiles and buoyant vigour: three slices of sunshine in their arms. A friendly neighborhood army of banana-carriers. From March 27th, 2025 to April 26th, 2025, all around the City of Joy, one could easily spot these students, carrying around cartons of bananas and handing them out to passersby.

But why would they do that?

The idea was born quietly, between a few tired teenagers who had just wrapped up the warmth and joy of a successful Christmas fundraiser. No stage lights, no applause—just the urge to give back differently. Something simple, yet meaningful.Then came the message that started it all:"What if we celebrated with a gesture, not a party? What if we gave away fifteen thousand bananas in celebration of Starry Nights?"

At first, it was met with confusion. Then curiosity. And soon, an avalanche of yes.It sounded strange at first. But somehow, the idea felt just right.

The response from the volunteers being overwhelming, the Banana Distribution initiative was born. From Lake Town to Park Circus, Behala to Alipore, and nearly every other corner of Kolkata, volunteers scoured the city—searching for places to distribute bananas. Filled with awe-inspiring enthusiasm, these students conducted drives from scratch: with cartons full of bananas filling up living rooms, greeting parents' inquisitive raised eyebrows with smiles exhausted from lugging such heavy weight, they decided on locations, scheduled the dates, arranged timing, cooperated with other volunteers, and even combined some drives together (Sharbat Drives have been all the rage with the team!), all coming together to make this venture a massive, massive success.

With each distribution conducted, we handed out not only bananas, but shared a smile, distributed love and care: The weary mom welcomed a smile and a glass of cold sweet sharbat, picking up her child after a long day of school; the tired house help went home after an exhausting day at work with an armful of bananas for her sick father; the dustman who wakes up every morning to keep our surroundings clean was surprised at these kids being up so early, handing out a sweetness only to be found in the core of community. Such was an experience we sought to create, and such was an emotion we nurtured within our souls.

These bananas weren't simply for the nutrition of the body, although of course, it is well loved by many for its numerous health benefits, but also for the nutrition of the soul. With each banana given out to a stranger, a bond was made, a connection was formed. A smile was shared which maybe made them feel happy for just half a minute that day: when met with such a reaction, all our sweat dissolved into nothingness, all our body ache suddenly vanished, while we took a moment to appreciate the privilege that has allowed us to live this life. In a world where many lack access to clean food and water, where nations are torn by war, famine, and poverty, and where pain and suffering leaves souls bereft with misery, this story, like our journey, is not just about bananas or a cause—it's about us. It's about the difference we can make when we come together, united in hope and generosity. Through doing such deeds and creating such stories, we at Aquaterra count our blessings, and we, at Aquaterra, shall continue to share them.

With love (and bananas of course!), Team AQ.