This Doon boy winning the internet- Know why
The Heart of the Earth: Why Country Life is Better Than City Life. By Aayansh Pandey, 646-H (Hyderabad House), B-Form, The Doon School
“To dwell in the country is to be close to the earth’s heart.” – John Burroughs
Take a moment to imagine this: vast green fields stretching endlessly under a brilliant blue sky, fresh air filled with the scent of trees and wildflowers, the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, and the gentle flow of a nearby stream. This isn’t a dream. It’s real—and it’s the countryside.
As a student who has spent most of his life in cities, I have often wondered what we might be missing in our pursuit of urban comfort. City life may offer convenience, technology, and opportunities, but at what cost? Crowded roads, honking horns, polluted air, and a constant race against time have made modern city life a stressful experience.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 4.2 million deaths every year are caused by exposure to outdoor air pollution. This is just one of the many silent dangers of living in cities. Overcrowding leads to traffic congestion, lack of clean space, rising stress levels, and a growing disconnection from nature. Our food is often processed or adulterated, and fast-paced routines leave little time for rest or real connection with others.
In contrast, country life offers a peaceful, grounded, and healthier way of living. People living in villages breathe cleaner air, eat fresher food, and enjoy wide open spaces. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many urban dwellers rushed back to their native villages. Despite fewer medical facilities, rural areas fared better in some ways-thanks to natural distancing, fresher air, and a slower lifestyle that didn’t encourage constant crowding.
Here are a few reasons why I believe life in the countryside is not just better, but wiser:
1. Peace and Tranquillity – Free from the noise of traffic and crowds, rural life allows you to hear your own thoughts.
2. Closer to Nature – Every sunrise, sunset, and raindrop becomes a reminder of nature’s beauty and balance.
3. Sense of Community – Villages have strong social bonds. People know each other, care for one another, and grow up together.
4. Cleaner Air and Environment – Surrounded by trees and fields, villagers enjoy purer air and fewer pollutants.
5. Lower Cost of Living – With fewer expenses and simpler needs, life is more affordable and less wasteful.
6. Reduced Stress Levels – The calm rhythm of country life has a healing effect on the mind and body.
7. Safety and Lower Crime Rates – With close-knit communities and less anonymity, crime is often lower in rural areas.
8. An Abundance of Vitamin G (Green) – Being surrounded by green landscapes naturally improves mental well-being.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The real India lives in villages.” Perhaps we all need to pause and think-have we traded too much peace for speed, too much nature for neon lights?
Ultimately, the choice between country life and city life may depend on personal preferences. But for me, the countryside is not just a place. It is a way of life-rooted in simplicity, harmony, and a deep connection with the earth.
And that, I believe, is where the heart truly belongs.