Latest news with #RaahgiriFoundation
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Art Adda lights up Delhi with storytelling at Stein Auditorium
Jitendra Mishra at the discussion The heart of the city pulsed with story, rhythm, and reflection on Tuesday night as Art Adda: Storytelling in the HeART of the City took over the iconic Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre. Part of the ongoing Urban Adda 2025 series, the event was hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with Indigo Creative, and served as a unique confluence of film, performance, dialogue, and visual art — all woven around the theme of biodiversity and sustainable urban futures. At its core was a specially curated Film Festival spotlighting hyperlocal tales and global environmental narratives, alongside a striking contemporary dance performance, a thought-provoking panel discussion, a multimedia art exhibition, and a closing Gala Dinner. The programming was designed to evoke both introspection and inspiration—urging audiences to reimagine cities not just as built environments but as living ecosystems. The vision behind Art Adda, explained Raahgiri Foundation's co-founder Sarika Panda Bhatt, was to place art at the center of civic dialogue, and said,'Art Adda was conceived to bring an essential dimension to our conversations about urban futures. We at Raahgiri Foundation believe that art—in all its forms, be it film, performance, or visual installations—has an incredible power to touch hearts, provoke thought, and inspire collective creative energies showcased here tonight remind us how storytelling can help us envision and co-create more sustainable, resilient, and soulful cities for everyone.' Jitendra Mishra emphasized the importance of platforms like Art Adda in amplifying local voices on global issues,'Congratulations to Sarika Panda and the Raahgiri Foundation for this remarkable initiative. I'm glad to be part of it. We need more such spaces that spotlight hyperlocal stories for global audiences. What truly matters is setting the right context and forging emotional connections.' Art Adda was conceived to bring an essential dimension to our conversations about urban futures The programming was designed to evoke both introspection and inspiration—urging audiences to reimagine cities not just as built environments but as living ecosystems. 'Storytelling Is Civic Work': Panel Brings Artists and Activists Together One of the evening's key highlights was a panel discussion titled 'Storytelling is Civic Work', moderated by filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Chandramouli Basu. The panel brought together a cross-section of changemakers working at the intersection of narrative and environment: Jitendra Mishra, internationally acclaimed filmmaker and newly elected President of CIFEJ (the International Centre of Films for Children and Young People), Radhika Raj, Deputy Editor, Roundglass Sustain, Vijay Dhasmana, one of India's foremost ecological restoration experts, and Mallika Menon, Associate Director at Discovery Communications India/South Asia. #ArtAdda Spotlight on Films: Stories of Place, People, and Planet The Film Festival segment celebrated emerging and independent filmmakers whose work reflects deep engagement with place and purpose. Best Film – Student & Amateur Category: Nets of Despair by Ritika Yadav, awarded a cash prize of ₹50,000 Best Film – Professional Category: Microplastic Mayhem by Aishwariya Ashok, awarded ₹1,00,000 These awards underscore Art Adda's commitment to nurturing storytelling talent across levels, and investing in the next generation of visual storytellers. Art in Motion, Art in Stillness The evening transitioned from screen to stage with a powerful dance performance by Stance Dance Studio, which used rhythm and movement to explore themes of space, identity, and collective memory. Just outside the auditorium, in the Habitat Centre's Central Atrium, visual artist Sagar Singh curated an evocative art exhibition combining illustration, installation, and multimedia storytelling. The exhibit remains open to the public until June 5. #ArtAdda Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Urban Adda 2025: Panel bats for urgent dialogue on urban water crisis
New Delhi: On the final day of Urban Adda 2025—a three-day conclave convened by the Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), Gurujal, and Nagarro—a thought-provoking panel titled, 'Imagining Water Secure Cities' placed the spotlight firmly on India's urban water emergency. Held on World Environment Day, the session served as both a call to action and a showcase of innovation amid worsening water stress across India's expanding cities. The panel, moderated by urban affairs specialist Vandana Menon, brought together leading voices in governance, community action, corporate innovation, and creative media. Speakers included Archana Verma, Additional Secretary of the National Water Mission; Maulik Sisodia of Tarun Bharat Sangh; Avinash Mishra of CII and former advisor to NITI Aayog; and award-winning filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda. The conversation explored what it means for cities to become 'water secure' and how to shift from consumption-driven systems to those rooted in conservation and stewardship. The panelists collectively emphasised that water sustainability isn't merely a policy issue—it is a cultural, social, and infrastructural challenge requiring deep citizen engagement. During the session, a Rainwater Harvesting Calculator was launched, offering urban residents and developers a real-time tool to assess and adopt water recharge solutions. This innovative step marked a pragmatic leap toward building climate-resilient infrastructure in Indian cities. The urgency of the discussion found resonance in the context of Gurugram, a city emblematic of India's water crisis. Despite being one of the wealthiest districts in Haryana, Gurugram struggles with groundwater depletion, unchecked urbanisation, and broken stormwater systems. Residents routinely depend on private tankers for water, while encroachments on natural water bodies have worsened flood risks during monsoons. Government efforts to revive bundhs and enforce groundwater harvesting rules have seen limited success due to lax implementation. The day's sessions closed with an emphatic plenary by Haryana's Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh. Speaking to a packed audience, Singh called for a cultural shift in sustainability, starting at the individual level. 'We have to stop blaming governments and start taking ownership,' he said. Using his own family as an example, Singh said he had opted for digital invitations for both his children's weddings. 'Not a single card was printed. That's how simple the change can be,' he added. Calling single-use plastic the 'scourge of modern living,' Singh urged for an immediate state-wide ban and encouraged citizens to adopt alternatives. He underscored the importance of intergenerational collaboration, urging elders to guide youth toward greener choices. 'Our future depends not on big speeches but on small, consistent actions,' he said. As the panelists dispersed and attendees pledged greater environmental responsibility, one message stood clear: water-secure cities are not a distant dream but a collective commitment—beginning with today's choices. Simultaneously, despite years of awareness drives and penalties announced by the state government, single-use plastic continues to flood Gurugram's markets. Street vendors, grocery stores, and even high-end delivery services are routinely seen flouting the norms. Plastic waste clogs stormwater drains and chokes water bodies, further complicating water management and sanitation efforts. Residents and environmentalists have repeatedly flagged this issue, demanding stricter action and better alternatives. Even in upscale sectors, residents spend thousands each week on water sourced through private tankers, many of which draw from illegal borewells. These tankers are not only expensive but often unregulated, raising serious questions about quality and health safety. Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram admit that enforcement is weak, particularly in unauthorised colonies where tanker operators face little to no checks. In Gurugram, the urgency of the discussion found particularly sharp resonance. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, massive investment in infrastructure, and regulatory directives from multiple agencies, the city continues to face rampant misuse and commodification of water. Every summer, hundreds of residential colonies fall prey to an entrenched water tanker mafia that thrives amid the city's chronic water shortages.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
‘Clean fuel norms will transform NCR by 2026': CAQM chief Rajesh Verma
The National Capital Region (NCR) is undergoing a critical transformation in the way it moves — not just in terms of technology, but in vision, said Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairperson Rajesh Verma on Thursday, making a strong case for clean mobility on World Environment Day. Speaking at Urban Adda 2025, a three-day event hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), and GuruJal, Verma delivered the keynote address on the final day, underscoring that vehicular emissions remain at the heart of NCR's air pollution crisis. HT is a media partner for the event. 'Among the many contributors to air pollution, vehicular emissions remain one of the most pressing issues,' Verma said, highlighting how the explosive growth in vehicle numbers has vastly outpaced infrastructure. 'Between 1981 and 2021, the number of vehicles in Delhi grew 21-fold, while the road length only doubled.' Verma said, stating vehicles were growing at a much rapid pace, thus making the transition to cleaner fuels a slow but gradual exercise. Delhi today has 15.2 million registered vehicles growing at 6% annually, while the rest of NCR accounts for another 11.4 million vehicles, growing at an even faster 8%. Although the Capital occupies just 2.7% of NCR's land area, it houses 57% of its vehicles — placing extraordinary strain on infrastructure and contributing significantly to the region's toxic air, Verma said. Since its establishment in 2021, the CAQM has pushed aggressively to clean up transport — from public to private. 'We have adopted an integrated and sustained strategy,' Verma said, involving cleaner fuels, faster EV adoption, and improvements in public transport access and reliability. The data shared also showed that much of the fleet remains dependent on polluting fuels. Verma shared data that 82% of vehicles in Delhi still run on petrol, 7% on diesel, 8% on CNG, and only 2.8% are electric or hybrid. Just 18% of the city's fleet is BS-IV compliant. 'Older vehicles — BS-IV and below — are responsible for nearly 70% of the city's vehicular pollution. Phasing them out is a key priority,' he said. Expanding EV infrastructure is central to this transition. Charging stations have rapidly multiplied across NCR, creating the ecosystem needed to support electric mobility. The CAQM has also tightened norms for new vehicles. Since January 2023, registration of diesel-run auto-rickshaws has been banned in NCR, with a complete phase-out due by December 2026. From November this year, only cleaner-fuel commercial goods vehicles will be allowed into Delhi. Beginning November 1, 2026, buses and All India Tourist Permit vehicles entering Delhi must be electric, CNG, or BS-VI compliant. The government is also targeting fast-growing logistics sectors. 'Aggregator fleets, delivery vehicles, and e-commerce logistics are growing faster than any other category,' Verma said. From January 1, 2026, only CNG or EVs can be added to these fleets — no new diesel or petrol vehicles will be permitted. 'These measures will be enforced through advanced surveillance systems and integrated command centres,' Verma said, stressing the importance of complementing technology with strong on-ground enforcement. 'We're working closely with enforcement agencies to ensure this is implemented properly.' Verma said the region is already beginning to see the results of these efforts. 'Since 2018, the number of good to moderate AQI days in Delhi has increased by 30%. Poor to severe days have reduced by nearly a quarter,' he said. Calling for continued collaboration, Verma said, 'Air pollution is a dynamic challenge that demands vigilance, innovation, and constant enforcement. CAQM is committed to bringing global best practices to India, striking a balance between present-day needs and a sustainable future.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Time for a war on pollution': Delhi's EV and dust control push takes shape at Urban Adda 2025
NEW DELHI: Urban Adda 2025 wrapped up on World Environment Day after three days of discussion, policy announcements, and public engagement focused on clean mobility, gender equity, and sustainable urban design. Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event brought together over 600 participants across 30 sessions at the India Habitat Centre. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurating the summit on World Bicycle Day, reflected on his personal use of cycling for commuting and called for a cultural shift: 'Cycling is the best form of exercise and the solution to pollution. Let's shed the idea that it's only for a certain class. It must become a national movement.' The first day saw Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh announce the upcoming launch of Delhi's EV Policy 2.0, which aims to address last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and improve transport governance. 'It's not just about how many buses, but whether people feel safe in them,' he said. The second day spotlighted gender and urban mobility, with actor and entrepreneur Pooja Bedi saying, 'Our commute isn't travel, it's survival. A medal is reaching home without trauma.' Her remarks called attention to the daily challenges faced by women in public transport. Rajasthan minister Rajyavardhan Rathore spoke about the success of rural electrification in his state, while discussions on electric vehicle localisation warned against blindly replicating internal combustion engine models. 'EV localisation must follow demand, not dictate it,' said Neha Jain of JSW MG Motors. The final day focused on climate resilience and public transport governance. ICCT and IIT Roorkee released a comprehensive review of EV emissions. CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma warned of unchecked vehicle growth: 'Vehicles have increased 21 times since 1981—but roads have barely doubled.' Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, cited the economic and health toll of pollution in Delhi and called for immediate reforms, including electrification of two- and three-wheelers and adoption of solar-powered technologies in small industries. 'Delhi loses Rs 100,000 crore and 6.3 years of life expectancy annually to pollution. It's time for a war against it,' he said. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between CAQM and the Raahgiri Foundation to develop a Resources Lab for dust pollution mitigation in NCR cities.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Urban Adda 2025: Women push for gender-inclusive urban design
For women in Indian cities, getting from home to work and back isn't just a commute — it's a battle. Each journey is marked by fear of harassment, lack of clean public toilets, unsafe last-mile connectivity, poorly lit streets, overcrowded buses, and infrastructure that simply doesn't account for their mobility needs. These challenges were among the many issues discussed on Wednesday at Urban Adda 2025, a three-day national dialogue aimed at making Indian cities more inclusive, resilient, and equitable. Policymakers, artists, ministers and experts came under one roof on Wednesday, the second day of Urban Adda 2025. Hosted by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal at the India Habitat Centre, the conference brought together policymakers, artists, urban mobility experts, and ministers. Hindustan Times is the media partner for the event. Actor and wellness entrepreneur Pooja Bedi, delivering a plenary address, framed the issue in stark terms: 'Our commute is not just travel. It's like survival Olympics, and the medal is just reaching home without trauma.' Bedi pointed out that cities and transit systems are designed around male travel patterns, ignoring the fact that women often travel with dependents, make multiple stops, or move during off-peak hours. 'Our cities aren't built for us. The way women move through urban spaces — it's not linear, it's cyclical. We aren't just tired, we're burnt out before we even clock in,' she said. 'It's not just about a seat in the bus. Women have to be given a seat at the table.' But in transport systems across India, that table remains largely out of reach. Women remain underrepresented behind the wheel — whether it's buses, autos, or ferries. Rajeshwari Balasubramanian from the Azad Foundation traced the decade-long battle to train and hire women as heavy vehicle drivers in Delhi. 'When we began speaking with the government in 2015, the eligibility criteria itself was discriminatory,' she said. 'A height requirement of 167 cm and a minimum of three years' experience meant most women didn't even stand a chance.' Thanks to sustained advocacy and structured training, the foundation helped over 100 women break into the transport sector and get hired by agencies like the Delhi Transport Corporation. But even then, Balasubramanian said, the road wasn't smooth. 'Hiring was just the beginning. Depots lacked hygienic toilets. There were no rest areas. Infrastructure was still unequal. We had to train women not just in driving but also in communication, self-defence, and resilience.' Swati Khanna, Senior Sector Specialist for Urban Mobility at KfW Development Bank, underscored the systemic nature of the problem. 'Our systems need to be gender-agnostic, but in reality, they exclude women. Inclusion has to be intentional,' she said. Khanna shared a telling example from Kochi, where GIZ supported the launch of an all-electric water metro. 'Initially, only one woman applied to be a ferry pilot — and she dropped out. But when the Metro reached out to the Naval Training Academy, five women signed up for a rigorous three-year training programme,' she said. If successful, they could be among the first female electric ferry operators in the world — joining the ranks of a single known pilot in Venice. 'It just shows how deep the barriers are, and how long the pipeline has to be,' said Khanna. Mukta Naik, fellow at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), echoed these concerns and highlighted efforts to correct course. 'Government initiatives are starting to look at gender equity in transport systems — from safe streets to inclusive infrastructure design,' she said. 'But we need to shift from intent to action, and from isolated efforts to systemic transformation.'
