On May 7, 2025, the hum of office life at Western Digital in Bangalore briefly paused as employees gathered around tables topped with earth, seeds, and purpose. In partnership with Wildlife SOS, they weren’t just stepping into a CSR activity–they were stepping into a centuries-old tradition of regeneration.
The event focused on seed ball making, a technique as humble as it is powerful. Known in Japan as Tsuchi Dango, or “Earth Dumpling”, this method was invented by natural farming visionary Masanobu Fukuoka. It involves creating compact spheres of clay, compost, and soil into which native seeds are inserted. Seed balls are designed to be scattered over land, where each patiently waits for rain to fall, for time to grow, and for a chance to bring green back to forgotten ground. Beyond being a hands-on conservation method, seed balls represent a quiet fix for ecological disruption.
The event at the Western Digital office was held in two sessions, with as many as 80 employees joining in eagerly. Wildlife SOS’s CSR Project Assistant Betbhalin Kharhujon began with a compelling presentation on Elephant Conservation and Care and the Dancing Bear Project, shedding light on the rescue and rehabilitation of captive elephants and exploited sloth bears. Her stories left a lasting impression on the audience.
With the stage set, Pranav Pradeep, Education Officer at Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC) brought attention to the forests as he guided the group on the purpose of seed ball making, its relevance to reforestation, and the long-term impact such efforts would have on restoring native tree cover and supporting local biodiversity.
Pranav introduced the participants to the seed ball making process through an engaging visual presentation. He explained each step in detail — from preparing the mud to selecting the right size for the seed ball. His presentation seamlessly tied the practical to the profound, drawing attention to the importance of each component.
These seeds were chosen not only for their resilience, but also for their ability to outdo invasive plant species. In environments overtaken by non-native vegetation, native flora often struggle to survive as they are outcompeted for light, water, and nutrients. Seed balls offer a practical way to tip the balance back in favour of indigenous trees, allowing these essential species to reclaim and restore degraded ecosystems.
For this initiative, we selected four native plant species that have unique ecological strengths and long-term benefits:
Wildlife SOS team had meticulously prepared the workstations before the event began. Each table accommodated a total of 16 participants, with 8 seated on each side. Every table featured a clay-rich, moist mud base the participants were to use for binding seed balls. Four cups of mixed seeds were evenly distributed per table to prevent monoculture and promote a rich mosaic of plant life.
The mood quickly shifted from quiet concentration to lively engagement. Some tables turned seed ball making into a playful contest of who makes more seed balls, while others sparked deeper conversations about seeds and ecosystems. Many simply relished the feel of the soil, sharing laughs and stories with teammates they’d just met. Along with the fun, the activity offered a pause from the busy day at work — a chance to unplug and reflect.
As the session concluded, each table produced 50–60 seed balls, bringing the total to around 250! The glee of holding a small vessel of potential life was evident and wonderful to witness.
The final seed balls were stored for distribution during an upcoming CSR forest visit, where an upcoming batch of volunteers will plant them in reforestation zones ahead of the monsoon. Rain softens the clay coating, allowing seeds to absorb moisture and germinate, with compost aiding the growth. This method boosts the plants’ survival rates, especially in semi-arid or degraded areas. The collaboration with Western Digital was not only a step to support ecological restoration, but also a union of passionate people eager to revive native plant species.
Wildlife SOS has been conducting seed ball workshops across India in collaboration with multiple corporate partners. Another such event took place on June 3 at IBM, Gurgaon during their CSR Carnival. Employees had brought their young children and families to this vibrant event, who joined the seed ball making programme with great enthusiasm. The joyful occasion created a welcoming atmosphere for this green initiative. After completing the making of several seed balls, the participating children expressed their wish to see the seeds grow into trees! This truly was heartwarming to witness as this simple message of conservation had touched the minds and hearts of young ones as well.
If your organisation is looking to engage in meaningful CSR initiatives, Wildlife SOS offers programmes that go beyond corporate checkboxes. From hands-on activities like cleanup drives and volunteering, to immersive wildlife conservation tours and experiences, we invite you to join us in building a future where both people and nature thrive in peace.
Corporates can reach out to us at: csr@wildlifesos.org for CSR collaborations.
Feature Image © Wildlife SOS/ Damini Kulkarni
