Category Archives: News

NDTV Marathi Manch Highlights Maharashtra’s Blueprint for Development and Security

28th April, 2025 – As NDTV Marathi celebrates its first year, it hosted a flagship event—NDTV Marathi Manch—bringing together political leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and experts to review Maharashtra’s development trajectory and collectively envision its future. The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue on governance, infrastructure, public health, environmental challenges, entrepreneurship, and national security.

Mahayuti leaders committed to a farm loan waiver ahead of the elections, leading to ongoing questions directed at the government over its implementation. Speaking on the matter, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “60-70 per cent of farmers in the state are under financial stress. We help farmers in the state with Rs 12,000 annually. We help them through insurance in various ways. If we consider all these things, we are helping farmers”.

As part of the program – ‘Nava Gadi, Navam Rajya’, Maharashtra’s newly appointed ministers, including Public Works Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar, and Minister of State Meghna Bordikar, shared insights into their respective departments and addressed current challenges.

One of the standout sessions featured an engaging conversation with acclaimed filmmaker Om Raut and veteran actress Pallavi Joshi. Known for his cinematic successes such as Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Adipurush, Raut offered a behind-the-scenes look into his creative journey and his perspectives on Indian cinema. Joshi, whose illustrious career spans decades with roles in Woh Chokri and the recent The Kashmir Files, brought a rich actor’s perspective to the discussion.

In another thought-provoking session, NDTV Marathi Manch welcomed a panel of popular Marathi digital creators: Rohit Mavle, Siddhesh Lokare, Saurabh Bhosale, and Ganesh Vanare. These influencers shared their personal journeys—marked by perseverance, creativity, and community engagement. They emphasized how their content serves not just to entertain, but to preserve and promote the cultural richness of Maharashtra, from traditional foods to local festivals and values. Their presence highlighted the powerful role of digital media in shaping cultural identity and inspiring the next generation.

The conclave also shed light on Mumbai’s ongoing transformation, with insights from BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation MD Ashwini Bhide. Commissioner Gagrani outlined the BMC’s continued efforts in providing vital civic services—from water and healthcare to transportation—ensuring Mumbai remains functional and resilient. Bhide shared a significant update on the city’s mobility landscape, announcing that Phase 2 of the expansive Metro-3 project is likely to commence in May 2025, marking a crucial step toward improving urban connectivity.

Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale addressed speculation surrounding Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visits to his native village in Satara, saying, “It is incorrect to say that Mr. Shinde is displeased whenever he visits Daregaon. These are narratives built on screen. We meet him regularly, and he warmly receives us. If he were truly upset, such meetings wouldn’t occur. Visiting one’s village should not be seen in a negative light.” Additionally, Minister Meghna Bordikar echoed this sentiment, stating, “I have never observed any signs of discord. Discussions about tensions between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are purely media-driven.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed the economic development and emphasised the critical role of infrastructure, which contributes 22–24% to the GDP. “Maharashtra leads in infrastructure, services, and agriculture. We must continue building on this momentum,” he stated.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar also announced a major initiative in the public health sector, highlighting the lack of regulation in diagnostic testing laboratories across the state. “Until now, there’s been no formal monitoring mechanism for these labs. We are drafting legislation to inspect and regulate their functioning. Irregularities will not be tolerated,” he said. The law is expected to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

The event also turned its attention to national security in light of the recent terrorist attack on Hindus in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in over 26 fatalities. RSS leader Prabhakar Sunil Ambekar condemned the attack, stating, “This was an attempt to disrupt the peace and development of the region. The culprits must face severe consequences to ensure such acts are never repeated.”

On environmental issues, MPCB Chairman Siddhesh Kadam provided updates on the steps being taken to combat urban pollution, a growing concern across Maharashtra’s metro cities. In the business and innovation segment titled ‘Let’s Startup Maharashtra’, industry leaders such as Indranil Chitale (Chitale Industries), Vilas Shinde (Sahyadri Farms), and Vidyadhar Anaskar (MSC Bank) delved into the opportunities and challenges facing startups in the state.

Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane presented the transformative potential of the Vadhan Port, asserting that the project would generate over 1 lakh direct and 25,000 indirect jobs, significantly boosting Maharashtra’s maritime economy.

On the infrastructure front, Charudatta Deshmukh, Planning and Design Head of Navi Mumbai International Airport, announced that the airport’s first phase will be inaugurated in August. He underscored its global benchmark-setting design and capabilities. The event also featured inspiring stories of emerging career paths. Girish Kamble, CEO of Vayudoot Education Pvt. Ltd., offered guidance on becoming a commercial pilot, while Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman of RRP Electronics, highlighted India’s growing potential in the semiconductor sector.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education to Open Doors to Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre

Manipal, April 28, 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal, announces the unveiling of India’s one of its kind, Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), which will be formally inaugurated on April 30, 2025, by Hon’ble Justice Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, His Excellency Governor of Andhra Pradesh. It will commence clinical services from July 2025. This high social impact initiative by MAHE is entirely free of cost and aims to be a one-stop destination for excellent compassionate holistic palliative care. It will provide comprehensive hospice and respite care to patients and their families facing serious and life-limiting illnesses.

The facility is strategically planned to operate with support from multiple partners, including Kasturba Medical College, Kasturba Hospital Manipal, and Indian Association of Palliative Care offering specialist palliative care by a multidisciplinary team of trained palliative medicine physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other support team, alongside several corporates and non-profit organizations contributing to its funding. Situated just 4.5 kilometers from Kasturba Medical College Hospital and 4 kilometers from NH-66, the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC) is set within a peaceful 12-acre green campus, nestled along the tranquil banks of the Swarna River.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr HS Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, said “our commitment has always extended beyond education and research to encompass the values of empathy, dignity, and humanity. The idea behind creating this unique facility that combines medical excellence with a nurturing environment is to provide an ecosystem of compassion and patient-centric care for those facing life-limiting conditions.” Designed to nurture emotional and spiritual well-being alongside physical care, it reflects our belief that healing must embrace the whole person—not just the disease, he added.

Expressing his happiness ahead of the launch, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal said, “MHRC is a pathbreaking initiative that advances our mission to deliver specialized, empathetic, and academically rooted healthcare. As the only hospice in India affiliated with both a medical college and a tertiary hospital, it is uniquely positioned to provide advanced palliative care while serving as a training ground for future caregivers. The services offered through this high-impact initiative will be provided entirely free of cost to patients and families facing serious and life-limiting conditions.”

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor -Health Sciences, Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Technology & Science), Dr Raviraja NS, Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE and Dr. Naveen Salins, Professor and Head, Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, and Dr. Seema Rajesh Rao, Director, Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC) also spoke on the occasion.

MHRC is different from other hospice facilities because of its unique and strategic inclusion of advanced palliative care with research and education. The facility is developed to be only hospice in India attached to both a medical college and tertiary care hospital, that caters to cancer and non-cancer conditions. MHRC will provide innovative care models while training the next generation of palliative care specialists.

Eminent Personalities Flock to Credai Odisha Home and Decor Expo at Janata Maidan

Bhubaneswar, April 28, 2025: Credai Odisha’s Home and Decor Expo 2025 continues its dream run as more numbers of leading icons of the state have been attending the event and given their support. As the event started on 20th April 2025 and already entered the 8th day on Sunday, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Badachana MLA Amar Kumar Nayak graced the event as guest joining the list of eminent personalities and others.

 Another attraction of Sunday evening at the event venue was electrifying performance of leading odia singer Asima Panda, which drawn huge crowd, as they engaged with various stakeholders of the event to understand the real estate and décor opportunities available at the city. Asima enthralls the crowd with her hit number, that add cultural colour to the expo.

 The Ten-day extravaganza, scheduled from April 20 to 29, 2025, has drawn an overwhelming response, attracting more than 12,000 visitors so far. The expo has sparked tremendous interest among prospective homeowners and investors, generating significant enquiries for new flats and a wide range of home and decor solutions.

 The expo serves as a dynamic platform uniting leading builders, banks, building material manufacturers, electronics firms, interior designers, and tile manufacturers. Designed to cater to aspiring homeowners, real estate investors, architects, and design professionals, the event showcases the latest in smart home technologies, eco-friendly construction materials, and future-ready lifestyle innovations.

 Interactive sessions, expert panels, and discussions on emerging trends in urban housing, design, and infrastructure further enhance the value of the event for visitors and industry stakeholders alike.

 The grand event was graced by several dignitaries, including D.S. Tripathy, Chairman, CREDAI, Swadesh Kumar Routray, President, Umesh Khandelwal, Vice President, Anil Kumar Agarwal, Secretary & Kalinga Keshari Ratha, Executive Member .

 Regional leaders who added their presence to the occasion were Mr. Dinesh Singhania, President, CREDAI Sambalpur, Mr. Pramit Kumar Das, Joint Secretary, CREDAI Puri, Mr and Bibhu Chandan Jena, President, CREDAI Balasore, Mr. P.K Moharana, president Credai Odisha Cuttack

 This expo is not just about business; it is about building dreams. We are thrilled to witness such an overwhelming response and look forward to contributing to the growth of Odisha’s housing and infrastructure sector through innovation and collaboration.”

 The Home and Decor Expo 2025 stands as a testament to Odisha’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth in the real estate and housing industry.

She – The King: Rise of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar by Dr. Aditi Paswan

By- Dr. Aditi Paswan

In a moving tribute to India’s legendary queen and spiritual ruler, She – The King: Rise of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, authored by Dr. Aditi Narayni , was officially released at the iconic New Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi. Hosted by Vani Prakashan, the launch witnessed an illustrious gathering of dignitaries, thinkers, and admirers of history and Indic thought.

The event began with a warm welcome address by Publisher Aditi Maheshwari of Vani Prakashan, who spoke about the relevance of reviving historical narratives that reflect India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, especially those centered on women-led leadership traditions.

The Chief Guest, Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, then led the ceremonial unveiling of the book. In her address, she passionately emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and highlighted government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao that work toward the upliftment of the girl child. She also spoke about Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s monumental contribution to India’s socio-cultural landscape, portraying her as a timeless example of compassionate leadership.

Author Dr. Aditi Narayni reflected on why she chose Ahilyabai Holkar as her subject, stating that the queen’s life is a shining embodiment of leadership that was both powerful and nurturing. Dr. Paswan described the book as a “reclamation of feminine power, indigenous leadership values, and our forgotten epistemologies.” She emphasized that Ahilyabai’s governance remains an enduring model of inclusive and compassionate rule.

Guest of Honour Dr. Kumar Vishwas, celebrated poet and scholar, added a literary dimension to the afternoon by weaving in historical anecdotes and poetic reflections about India’s rich legacy of female leadership.

Marking the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, She – The King delves into her reign not merely as that of a ruler but as a spiritual beacon, where justice, empathy, and dharma coalesced into a golden age of governance. The book serves as both a scholarly and philosophical reflection on the Shakti tradition, bridging history, feminism, and civilizational continuity.

She – The King stands as both a scholarly and spiritual homage to a woman who ruled like a king and served like a saint — Lokmata, in the truest sense of the word.

Infobip Ranked Leader in CPaaS Universe by Omdia for Third Time

 

Omdia recognizes Infobip as a leading CPaaS provider, delivering exceptional communication services to enterprises, developers, hyperscalers, partners, and telcos.

Pamela Clark-Dickson, Principal Analyst at Omdia, said: “Infobip provides an extensive range of communication channels and APIs. One of its key differentiators from other vendors in this Universe is that it is also at the forefront of adding emerging channels for business messaging, such as RCS Business Messaging and communications, which are crucial growth drivers for the industry and the company. Infobip enhances the developing Network API ecosystem and assists customers in achieving their business objectives through innovative AI and Gen AI features.”

Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip, said: “We are driving innovation within the communications platform ecosystem. With more than 9,700 connections to telco companies, our CPaaS platform is a leading option for various communication and customer engagement solutions. Omdia emphasizes our incorporation of AI and Gen AI features in the CPaaS solution, which promotes innovation, develops new use cases, and enhances existing ones. Combined, this has enabled us to strengthen our leadership position in the market this year.”

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Launches Road Safety Awareness Campaign in New Delhi

New Delhi, 25^th April 2025: In line with its nationwide effort to promote safer riding habits, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) conducted an interactive road safety awareness campaign at K.R. Mangalam World School in New Delhi. The initiative drew active participation from over 2100 students and staff members, aimed at making road safety education more accessible, practical and relatable to young road users.

Engaging with the youth helps create a ripple effect, influencing family members and communities to also adopt safer riding practices. The campaign was designed to build awareness among young individuals about everyday traffic situations through immersive and engaging learning formats.  Activities such as danger prediction training, quizzes, games, helmet awareness activities and more, encouraged the participants to think critically about their responsibility on the road, understand the key road safety principles and apply them in real-life situations.

The team at K.R. Mangalam World School provided active support to enable smooth coordination, ensuring meaningful engagement of the participants for all the sessions. The energy and enthusiasm of the students and staff members strengthened the impact of this initiative, helping spread awareness within the broader community.

HMSI continues to expand its road safety efforts across India by connecting directly with young audiences in schools and colleges. The campaign in New Delhi is one of the many being held across the country, as the company strives to create a safer riding environment, empowering more people with essential knowledge on road safety measures and making road safety a shared responsibility.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda announced its global vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is developing a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and colleges is not only to create awareness but to introduce a safety culture in young minds and transform them to be the road safety ambassadors. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on spreading Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to corporates and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conduct daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 97 lakh Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquettes.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.
2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.
3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

AXISCADES Names Anurag Sharma CEO of Add-Solution to Drive EU Growth

24th April 2025, Bengaluru: AXISCADES Technologies Limited (BSE: 532395 | NSE:  AXISCADES), a leading end-to-end technology and engineering solutions provider, is pleased to  announce the appointment of Mr. Anurag Sharma as CEO of add-solution GmbH, a  Germany-based subsidiary of AXISCADES specializing in Wiring harness design & testing for  aerospace, automotive and industrial sectors. add solution GmbH also leads the Specialized Drone  development and Thermal management offering of AXISCADES group in Europe. 

Anurag Sharma

Welcoming Anurag, Alfonso Martinez, CEO and MD of AXISCADES said, “We are excited  to welcome Anurag to our leadership team. He embodies the rare blend of technical expertise and executional foresight that defines AXISCADES’ ambition. The future of engineering value is being  created: at the intersection of electrification, AI-driven industrial transformation, and  semiconductor-led innovation and he brings these talents to the table. 

Anurag’s track record in scaling engineering businesses gives add-solution the exact leverage  needed to dominate the software-defined era. His work in EDS and cross-border industrialization  aligns with our strategy to embed deeper into European OEMs’ R&D cycles. In Europe, the sector  contributes 4% to the GDP and is home to several leading premium car manufacturers, making it  a highly attractive market. As part of our restructuring, AXISCADES is doubling down on  aerospace, defense, and engineering services powered by Electronics, Semiconductors and  Artificial Intelligence (ESAI). add-solution plays a central role in this vision, bringing software-led  scale and agility to these high-priority verticals. We’re building a leadership team that doesn’t just  respond to industry shifts it shapes them.” 

Mr. Anurag Sharma, alumnus of IIT Roorkee joins as CEO of add-solution, bringing more than three decades of multifaceted experience across Product Development, Sales & Business Development, P&L Management, and the successful execution of large-scale engineering  programs. He began his career with L&T, contributing to a prestigious national project for the  Indian Defense. Anurag’s leadership journey spans global organizations such as Siemens Technology, Segula Technologies, Altran India, Ansys India and Altair Engineering. Notably  setting up the India presence of Segula Technologies as Managing Director, he secured business  mandates in localization and industrialization programs and led their seamless execution. His deep  domain expertise across Electronics, Semiconductor and Digitalization sectors have enabled  collaborations with global OEMs and Tier 1 players. He has also worked extensively on Digital  manufacturing and Smart infrastructure initiatives in the Metals and Oil & Gas sectors across the  Middle East. 

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Anurag Sharma said, “AXISCADES is at an inflection  point where product innovation in the domain of electronics, semiconductor and digital engineering  are converging to create long-term value. The EDS (Electrical Distribution Systems) industry is  undergoing a major transformation, with embedded electronic systems and 3D designs taking  center stage. As OEMs increasingly shift towards software-defined vehicles and electrification, the  demand for highly specialized, domain-driven engineering services is set to rise. I am thrilled to  contribute to this vision and bring together add solution’s deep expertise in EDS and component testing to give AXISCADES a unique edge. The goal is to deepen global partnerships and build  differentiated capabilities by delivering smarter, faster, and more integrated solutions across the value chain.”

The appointment marks a significant step in AXISCADES commitment to innovation,  customer-centricity, and strategic global expansion. 

Being Exporter Hosts National Agri-Export Summit in Nashik

Surat– Being Exporter, a leading platform for export guidance and support, hosted a national event in Nashik, providing aspiring exporters with practical exposure and strategic guidance to unlock the vast potential of India’s agro export market.

The event organized in Nashik, brought together 155 exporters and aspiring exporters from all over the country. The participants engaged in high-impact training sessions and field visits, marking a turning point in their export journey. The event combined learning with on-ground experiences that bridged the gap between theory and practice in the agri-export space.

The first day of the event was dedicated to training modules, where exporters learned how to pitch agro commodities, connect with international buyers, build trust, and structure their processes for scalable and repeatable growth. Through group work, participants developed actionable export roadmaps tailored to their business ambitions.

On the second day, exporters and aspiring exporters embarked on field visits across Nashik, including stops at farmers’ markets, packaging houses, warehouses and cold storage. The hands-on exposure offered participants a full-circle view of the export value chain, i.e. from farm to container. During the visit, the local farmers urged the exporters to start buying directly for export, sharing concerns about weak demand and unstable prices.

Speaking about the event, Bhagirath Goswami, Founder of Being Exporter, said, “There is immense potential for exports of agri products and commodities. A growth in exports will not only help exporters but also ensure farmers get the right price and steady income. The participants realized that while export margins in agri products may be modest, the volumes are substantial and the demand is consistent, offering opportunities for every link in the value chain. With this event, we are empowering Indian entrepreneurs to go global while uplifting the farmers.”

The two-day event highlighted the three critical pillars for agri-export success, i.e. farmers, infrastructure (such as warehouses and cold storage), and exporters, and the need for synchronization between them to create real impact.

Participants expressed immense gratitude to Mr. Goswami and the Being Exporter team, describing the event as a confidence booster and a stepping stone to scaling their agro product exports.

TPAG Applauds Lady Hardinge Medical College for Advancing Blood Safety with NAT Lab Inauguration

New Delhi, April 24, 2025: Thalassemia Patients Advocacy Group (TPAG) extends its heartfelt appreciation to Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and the Department of Immunohematology & Blood Transfusion for their progressive step towards enhancing blood safety through the inauguration of a Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) Laboratory.

The NAT Lab was iugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, in the esteemed presence of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Additional DGHS. This state-of-the-art facility marks a critical step forward in safeguarding patients against transfusion-transmitted infections.

Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary, TPAG, who attended the inauguration, lauded LHMC for setting a benchmark in ensuring safer blood transfusion practices. “This is a commendable initiative. We urge all hospitals and blood banks across the country to take a cue from LHMC and mandate Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) to ensure the highest level of blood safety, especially for patients who are dependent on regular transfusions,” she stated.

This milestone follows TPAG’s recent endorsement of the Maharashtra Government’s bold move towards a ‘Thalassemia Mukt Maharashtra’, a pioneering step in the direction of prevention and early identification. TPAG strongly advocates for a national mandate on safe blood practices and urges the Government to:

• Mandate NAT-based testing in all blood banks nationwide to eliminate the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.
• Integrate thalassemia screening into national and state-level health programs, including premarital health check-ups, to identify carriers early and prevent disease transmission.
• Include thalassemia management under Ayushman Bharat and PM-JAY to ensure accessible, cost-effective, and lifelong care for all thalassemia patients in India.

With over 10,000 children born with thalassemia every year, TPAG reiterates that urgent, sustained policy action on safe blood, early screening, and comprehensive care is essential to realize the vision of a ‘Thalassemia-Free India’.

British Council Reveals Grantees for 2025 ‘Climate Futures: South Asia’

Kolkata, 24 April 2025:  The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, has announced the 11 recipients of the Climate Futures: South Asia programme for 2025. This pioneering initiative supports innovative, artist-led solutions to the climate crisis, empowering cultural organisations, artists, and communities in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to create sustainable change.

Through grants, mentorship, and collaboration, these grantees will spearhead creative responses to climate challenges, focusing on cultural preservation, community engagement, and environmental resilience. The programme aims to amplify the role of the arts in addressing climate change, strengthening local responses, and fostering cross-border collaboration between the UK and South Asia.

Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, said, “These projects are more than just creative expressions; they are essential responses to the urgent need for climate action. By supporting these visionary initiatives, we are helping to safeguard cultural heritage, promote sustainability, and empower communities across India and the region to take meaningful action on climate change. We believe the ripple effects of these projects will inspire others to join the movement. In India, such initiatives help bring together the country’s deep-rooted cultural traditions with bold and innovative climate solutions, driving meaningful, community-led change for a more resilient future.”

 Jill Richens, British Council Regional Arts Director, South Asia, shared, “The grantees of Climate Futures: South Asia are leading the charge in using the power of art to confront the climate emergency. These projects demonstrate the ability of culture to spark action and inspire communities to adapt, preserve, and innovate. We are thrilled to support these projects and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will have, both locally and globally. This is just the beginning – we hope to see more groundbreaking projects emerge from the region in the future.”

 The 2025 Climate Futures: South Asia grantees and their impactful projects include:

India:

• Emerging Ecologies (Krishnapriya C P, Forest Way Trust)

Emerging Ecologies is an artistic collaboration with the Forest Way Trust, documenting Arunachala Hill’s reforestation, featuring a permanent exhibition and interactive website. The project promotes community-driven rewilding efforts, ecological justice, and sustainability through educational resources and engagement.

• Mapping Nature’s Palette for Climate-Responsive Artisanal Practices (Tri-Impact Global)

 Mapping Nature’s Palette for Climate-Responsive Artisanal Practices empowers tribal communities in the Garhwal Himalayas to produce sustainable natural dyes from local flora, enhancing livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, and revitalising traditional skills. The project fosters eco-friendly practices, inclusivity, and cultural identity while reducing chemical dye use.

Bangladesh:

• Crafting Togetherness (Samdani Art Foundation) – Preserving traditional crafts and promoting sustainable cultural exchange.
• Discovering Matarbari Folk Tales (Mahenaz Chowdhury, Broqué) – Creating a living archive to preserve disappearing cultural and ecological heritage.
• Shak Pitari (Wild Leaves) (Salma Jamal Moushum, Gidree Bawlee) – Capturing the vital knowledge of women in rural Bangladesh about wild edible plants and ecological change.

Nepal:

• Carbon Footprint Mapping and Tracking for the Craft Sector (Story Cycle) – Helping Nepal’s artisans reduce emissions and adopt eco-friendly production methods.
• Enhancing The Climate Change Resilience Of Women (Human Rights Film Center) – Empowering marginalised women in Nepal to address climate change through art-based storytelling.

Pakistan:

• The Eco Block Tower (The Dawood Foundation’s MagnifiScience Center) – Raising awareness about ecosystems and climate change through an interactive art installation.
• Weaving Together: Local Art for Social Cohesion and Climate Resilience (Sarah Ather Khan, NED University) – Promoting climate resilience in coastal communities through traditional arts and mangrove conservation.

Sri Lanka:

• Circular Creative Companions (Fold Media Collective) – Promoting environmentally conscious exhibition practices and sustainable design in South Asian arts festivals.
• Regenerating South Asian Climate Futures (Good Life x Lagori Collective) – Collaborating across sectors to develop climate-resilient solutions in biodiversity hotspots.

These projects represent the diverse and innovative approaches artists and cultural organisations in South Asia are taking to confront the climate crisis.

By providing funding, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration, the British Council is helping these grantees develop their ideas, amplify their voices, and create lasting impact in their communities. Through Climate Futures: South Asia, we aim to support the role of the arts in shaping a sustainable and resilient future.