Ashish K Jain is Partner at AEON Integrated Building Design Consultants LLP, a seasoned sustainability leader with over 23 years of experience. He leads the Sustainability Business at AEON, driving strategic initiatives focused on decarbonization, net zero, energy efficiency, digital twin technology, microclimate analysis, high-performance buildings, healthy buildings, and the adoption of science-based targets (SBTi) aligned with global climate goals. He has successfully led and advised teams on over 1,000 sustainability projects across India, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. As a thought leader, he has presented papers at international and domestic forums and conducted lectures on sustainability at premier Indian institutes.

Ashu Gupta is Managing Partner and Founder of Design2Occupancy (D2O), established in 2013. With over 16 years of experience, he has scaled D2O into a global sustainability consultancy operating across 20+ countries with a team of 170+ engineers. His expertise covers net-zero buildings, energy efficiency, climate-responsive design, and green building certifications. Ashu holds an M.Des. in Sustainable Design and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, supported by multiple professional accreditations. An IGBC Fellow, he is also an industry educator, association leader, and advocate for low-carbon, high-performance built environments, focused on delivering scalable, practical sustainability outcomes globally.

Dr. Anshul Gujarathi is Founder and Director of Eco Solutions®, with 25+ years of experience focusing on Green Architecture, Environment & Sustainability. Eco Solutions specializes in Green Certifications, Net Zero, Life Cycle Assessments, Energy Assessment, Carbon Monitoring, and eco-friendly design. The firm has completed over 570+ green projects for national and international clients. Dr. Gujarathi is a LEED Fellow and 2022 World Green Building Council Women in Sustainability Award runner-up at Asia Pacific Level. Her Ph.D. research addressed cost implications in green residential buildings. She leads an all-woman team, is active in ISHRAE, IGBC, and NAREDCO forums, and founded Green Garnish to promote sustainability awareness.

Anurag Bajpai is Co-founder and Director at GreenTree Global with 18 years of extensive experience, specializing in Energy Efficiency and Climate Change. He has served as a board member of the International Building Performance and Simulation Association (IBPSA India) and has previously worked with Siemens and USAID projects. Anurag has worked on more than 1,000 projects across nine countries worldwide. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and a PGDM from IMT Ghaziabad. His expertise spans building performance simulation, energy modeling, and climate-responsive design strategies for diverse building types and climatic conditions.

Dr. Inayathulla M is Professor and Director of the Water Institute at UVCE Bengaluru, with over 35 years of teaching, research, and field experience in Water Resources Engineering. He holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering, M.E. in Water Resources Engineering, and Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering. He has published more than 150 research papers in journals and conferences. Dr. Inayathulla serves as Technical Advisor to Storm Water Drainage and Lakes for BBMP Bangalore, and is a member of various technical committees including the Water Resources Department at the Bureau of Indian Standards. He provides consultancy services to numerous government organizations and is registered with Karnataka Monitoring and Evaluation Authority as a subject expert.

Mamta Rawat is Founder and CEO of ClimateNama Pvt. Ltd., a seasoned Sustainability Consultant with over 16 years of experience committed to advancing Net Zero and Green Built Environment initiatives. She is a LEED Accredited Professional (USGBC), IGBC Accredited Professional, Certified Engineering Professional (ISHRAE), BEE Certified Energy Manager, and IGBC Fellow Award recipient. Ms. Rawat is the founding National Convener of the IGBC Green League (IGL), Co-Chairperson of FOCUS Mumbai Chapter, Core Committee Member of IGBC Mumbai Chapter and PJMT West Community, and Advocacy Chair of ISHRAE Education Committee, actively contributing to sustainable building practices and climate action initiatives.

Meghana Singh is a Professor at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology with over two decades of experience spanning design practice, education, and community-led initiatives. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Crafts & Design, Jaipur, and a qualified Special Educator, she has worked across commercial studios, academic institutions, and grassroots contexts. Her practice is deeply engaged with artisans, local materials, and craft knowledge systems, with a strong focus on local ecologies and the interconnectedness of craft, culture, and environment. Meghana advocates for repair, reuse, and upcycling as essential design approaches, bringing a grounded, ecology-sensitive perspective to mentoring, making, and contemporary design discourse.

Nirmal Chudgar is a Founding Contributor with over 20 years of experience as a leader and technology visionary, specializing in building technology that helps protect lives. He brings expertise in building mission-critical systems as a startup founder, and across product, marketing, systems integration, and engineering roles at organizations including Federal Signal, Vigilant Solutions, and Motorola Solutions. Nirmal holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. He volunteers as a mentor at Yuvabe (Auroville unit), whose mission is to empower young adults to realize their potential and live purposeful lives.

Dr. Prajakta Dalal-Kulkarni is Director of Third Wave Environmental Design, an environmental architect, educator, and sustainability consultant with 16+ years of experience across academia, research, and professional practice. She is Associate Professor at BNCA's Environmental Architecture department and Head of R&D at MKSSS's Institute of Sustainability and Development Studies (ISDS). A specialist in thermal comfort, climate-resilient and net-zero design, she has led city-level Heat and Climate Action Plans. Dr. Dalal-Kulkarni is an IWBI Thermal Comfort Advisor, core-committee member of IGBC Pune, and founding member of the Clean Cool Pune Network, actively advancing sustainable cooling and occupant well-being.

Ritu Sonalika is Head of Studies for Business Services and System Design at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology, Bengaluru. An architect and industrial designer, she is also an educator and program head whose work sits at the intersection of social practice, craft, and living knowledge systems. Through research and teaching, she explores product, service, and material-led design approaches grounded in place, culture, and ecology. Ritu is deeply invested in participatory, community-based practices and pedagogies that connect design education with real-world systems, everyday materials, and spatial, social, and ecological systems, fostering holistic and contextually-relevant design solutions.

Sandeep Narang is a Senior Consultant and Board Member of PJMT with over 35 years of experience as a Civil Engineer specializing in Sustainable Construction. He consults on projects focused on the prudent use of resources and helps project teams achieve their green and sustainability goals. Sandeep is currently working on high-impact projects related to the National Clean Air Plan (NCAP) as a Subject Expert on Emissions from Construction. His extensive experience in the field has positioned him as a key advisor on sustainable construction practices and environmental impact mitigation in the construction industry.

Shakuntala Ghosh is Principal Architect and Partner of Ghosh, Bose & Associates (GBA), an award-winning architectural and engineering consultancy established in 1963. She is winner of the National Award for Excellence in Architecture (IIA, 2007), nominee for the International Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2010), and recipient of the Women in Green Building Leadership Award (World Green Building Council Asia Pacific Network, 2018). She has received multiple lifetime achievement awards for her contributions to architecture. Environmentally sustainable architecture is a major focus of her work. She is Immediate Past Chairperson of IGBC Kolkata Chapter, an IGBC Accredited Professional, ECBC Master Trainer, and serves on national committees for sustainable building codes.

Dr. Srikanth Narayanasamy is a highly accomplished professional with over 35 years of experience in MEP and Energy Efficiency, primarily with BOSCH, Bangalore, where he served as Head of Energy Efficiency. His expertise and leadership have earned him recognition as a GREAT PLACE TO WORK awardee, reflecting his deep industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills within the engineering sector. He has served multiple terms as an ASHRAE Board of Governors (BOG) member in 2013, 2017, and 2021. Since 2010, he has been a member of ISHRAE, ASHRAE, and IPA. As Technical Committee Chairman, he has led efforts on Uniform Mechanical Code, Green Mechanical Code, and Energy Code for IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials), playing a key role in shaping the Facility Management Industry.

Dr. Sudipta Ray is Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Calcutta, with over two decades of work in stress biology and numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. He completed his Master's degree from Calcutta University and Ph.D. from Bose Institute, visiting IRRI Philippines during his doctoral tenure. He has supervised six Ph.D. students. Dr. Ray was awarded the DST-sponsored BOYSCAST fellowship and worked as a visiting scientist at the University of Nevada. He has undertaken several projects sponsored by DST, DBT, CSIR, and WBDBT, and has been nominated as a Fellow of the West Bengal Academy of Science for his contributions to botanical research.

Dr. Vaibbhavi Pruthviraj Ranavaade is Dean of Chitkara Design School at Chitkara University, Punjab. She is a prolific design professional, author, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in fashion and design education. She has served as Founder and Head of Department at premier design schools across India, contributing significantly to academic leadership and institutional excellence. Dr. Ranavaade is the Founder and Creative Director of the slow fashion label Vaibbhavi P. She is an accomplished author whose Scopus-indexed book Indian Sari: Sartoria and Semiotics is published by Routledge, UK. A committed sustainability and slow fashion advocate, she integrates practice-led research across her roles as consultant, designer, educator, curator, mentor, and researcher.

Vidyun Singh is Creative Head Programmes at India Habitat Centre and Creative Head of Future Collective LLP. She is a pioneering fashion choreographer who has been closely involved in fashion and design since the inception of the Indian fashion industry. She has given direction to and benchmarked the presentation of Indian design on national and international platforms. She served as an advisor on the National Design Policy panel and Handloom Board. Since 1997, she has been programming performing and fine arts events at India Habitat Centre. She co-founded Future Collective LLP in 2019 to promote design and conscious culture for a sustainable future.

Vijaya Kumar N is Head of Environment, Sustainability & ESG (Climate Change) at Brigade Group, with over 20 years of extensive experience in Sustainability, Environment, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG), and Climate Risk Strategy. He specializes in climate risk assessment, ESG reporting, GHG accounting, with a focus on Net Zero Strategy and the development of integrated management systems. Previously, Vijay held leadership roles at prominent real estate companies including BAGMANE Group and Embassy Group. He holds advanced diplomas and degrees in environmental management and engineering, including a master's in environmental science and technology, with a proven commitment to sustainable practices and regulatory compliance.

Geetanjali Kapoor is a distinguished Researcher, Academician, and Architect with nearly 20 years of expertise in architecture and the construction industry. As Principal Architect of Epitome Architects and Senior Professor at Chandigarh University, she actively bridges industry and academia. A resource person for the Council of Architecture and an esteemed member of national and international professional bodies, she has been honored with the IIA Certificate of Appreciation 2019 for her contributions to the architectural fraternity. With extensive leadership roles and a strong focus on energy-efficient design, she continues to inspire positive change and responsible professional growth.

Anusha Batra is a Design Manager and Environmental Planner dedicated to advancing sustainable, resilient, user and community-centred design. With training in Architecture and a postgraduate specialization in Environmental Planning and Management, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to projects ranging from transformative urban developments to Mixed-use high-rise developments to high-performance hospitality refurbishments. Her work integrates passive sustainable solutions, climate-responsive strategies, nature-based solutions, and evidence-driven environmental research. Anusha is committed to shaping equitable, functional, sustainable and future-ready built environments.

Architect Vishesh Arora is a Climate Finance and Sustainability Expert with experience spanning across green buildings, sustainable finance and low-carbon development. He has managed a Green Loan Book of over INR 350 crore, led decarbonization initiatives and overseen green building certifications and ESG audits across major housing projects. Currently a Research Associate at TERI, he works on sustainable buildings research and policy-relevant initiatives. An IGBC AP and former PJMT's Green Ambassador Mentor, his work blends architecture, finance and environmental strategy. Vishesh brings a strong analytical and design-oriented perspective to advancing climate-aligned high-performance built environments.

Ar. Shruti Gupta, Co-Founder & MD of Saṁsāra Nirmāṇam, is a sustainability specialist with dual master’s degrees in Sustainability and Urban Planning. She leads policy implementation to reduce carbon footprints across major developments, advises NHAI on tolling technology, and supports BEE in implementing India’s Energy Conservation Building Codes. A former ISHRAE Gurugram Women-Chair and ASHRAE Youth-Engineers Chair, she has driven key GoI missions and Indo-Swiss BEEP initiatives. She is a recipient of multiple honors, including the Young Sustainability Crusader (2020).

Mohit Bansal is a passionate educator and researcher in Thermal and Fluid Engineering at ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad. With specialization in Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, he works at the intersection of theory, experimentation, and industry application. He has successfully led funded projects worth over USD 20,000 and actively contributes to professional societies including ASHRAE and NSFMFP. Dedicated to student learning and research impact, Mr. Bansal strives to bridge academic concepts with real-world engineering innovation.

Shubhangi Gupta, an architect with a master’s degree in Sustainability from the National University of Singapore, has six years of experience across Indian and international projects. She specializes in green building practices and is well-versed in leading sustainability certifications, including LEED, WELL, and Estidama.

Anuj Gupta is a sustainability leader driving decarbonization through education, technology, and innovative design. As Co-founder of D2O Learning and Partner at Design2Occupancy, he works to strengthen the skills of professionals in creating low-carbon, energy-efficient buildings. With over a decade of experience, he has trained and supported thousands of learners across India. He holds credentials including EDGE Faculty, EDGE Expert & Auditor, LEED AP BD+C, IGBC AP, and IFMA SFP®, and actively contributes to ISHRAE and ASHRAE initiatives to advance a net-zero built environment for the future.

Dhruv Sachala is an architect based in Mumbai and a graduate of the School of Environment and Architecture. He is the founder of Rust Collective, a multidisciplinary design studio, and Chesha, an experimental textile label. He explores the intriguing overlap between these two practices, drawing inspiration from their shared essence.

Dr. Rachna Rajpal is an architect and seasoned academician with 25 years of experience in education. She has served as Head of Department at a polytechnic and as Academic Dean of an Interior Design institute. She is currently an Associate Professor at MRIIRS, continuing her commitment to shaping future design professionals.

Sruthi Pramoth is a results-driven sustainability professional with seven years of experience advancing environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence across global supply chains. She has a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful ESG initiatives, securing key certifications, and delivering strategic sustainability insights that enhance business performance and compliance. Her expertise spans supplier engagement, sustainability reporting, and effective stakeholder collaboration.

Saswat Bandyopadhyay is an urban planning professional with a PhD in Climate Resilience and over 25 years of experience across South Asia. A senior professor at CEPT University, he has led major initiatives in inclusive heritage development, sustainable urban planning, and smart cities. He has prepared and appraised city development plans in India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and China, and contributed to key regional studies such as the CEE and GOLD V reports. He has served on national committees including the Planning Commission’s 12th Five-Year Plan group and the National Steering Committee on the Habitat Sector.

Prof. Puja Gupta has nearly three decades of experience in teaching, training, and research. She is presently serving as head, Department of Resource Management & Design Application, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi. She has a Doctoral degree from the University of Delhi and a Diploma in Training and Development from the Indian Society of Training and Development, Government of India. She is an achievement motivational trainer accredited by the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Government of India. Capacity building, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and innovation are research areas of her interest. She has guided numerous master-level and doctoral researchers, fostering international academic collaborations. Prof. Gupta has authored more than 50 publications, including research papers, books, chapters in edited volumes, and developed study materials, and capacity-building modules. She has represented her expertise at various national and international conferences and her consultancy services have supported state and national-level organizations. With a portfolio of scholarly publications and extensive academic contributions, she continues to inspire transformative change in education and sustainable development.

Shikha Saxena is a Communication and Research Analyst at GreenTree Global, bringing over three years of experience across agri research, marketing, and strategic communication. With a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture and a MBA in Marketing, she contributes to GreenTree’s Agricare, research, and marketing initiatives through insightful analysis and effective communication strategies. Her work supports data-driven decision-making and impactful outreach across projects.

Vishakha Chawla is an interior designer from Nagpur known for her refined use of colour and lighting. A graduate of LAD College, she runs her independent practice, Vishakha Chawla Interior Designer, which is growing rapidly through strong client feedback. Having interned with Dhiren Chedda Associates in Mumbai, she blends innovation with warmth, creating beautifully designed homes, offices and cafés that reflect her clients’ personalities and joy.

Bela Gupta, Professor of Fashion Design at Pearl Academy, brings nearly three decades of industry experience. With a postgraduate in Textiles and Clothing Design (Delhi University) and a PG Diploma in Higher Education (Nottingham Trent University, UK), she has collaborated with the Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of Skills, CII, and FICCI. Bela mentors students for international competitions and skill development, and empowers marginalized communities, earning the 2017 HERE FOR GOOD Award and Best Faculty awards in 2015, 2017, and 2023.

Shaleen Sharma is an architect, with 24 years of work experience with working exposure from around the globe. Having worked and networked amongst the best in the business, his vision simplifies the domain for him. Shaleen continues to explore space and materials in design through practice on one hand while on the other hand, he explores the medium of moving images for an effective representation of architecture. He is also a passionate artist and filmmaker and has worked on prestigious projects of significance. Currently, majority of his time and focus goes into shaping young architects at World University of Design as the Dean of School of Architecture

Shruti Jain is working as Head of Department – School of Design, MRIIRS. She has a rich experience of over 23+ years in the field of Interior Design, furniture design & Design Education.

Rosie Paul is the co-founder and principal architect of Masons Ink, an architectural practice specializing in sustainability, heritage conservation, and social architecture. She holds a post-master’s degree in earthen architecture, building cultures, and sustainable development from CRAterre France, the UNESCO Chair for Earthen Architecture. Before founding Masons Ink, she was the Head Architect at the Auroville Earth Institute. A firm believer in the role of architects in climate action, she has represented India as a speaker and moderator at COP26, 27, and 28.

Beyond architecture, she actively advocates for gender equality in the construction sector. She serves as the Issue Lead for Women and Gender at the Climate Heritage Network, a global alliance working to integrate cultural dimensions into climate policy. As part of Masons Ink’s R&D sector, her current research explores natural stabilizers in mud construction and strategies for making work sites more inclusive and accessible.

Prof. Ar. Nanditha Nagaraj is a COA-registered architect and a member of IIA, ISTE, IGBC, and LEED. She is the Founder and Principal Architect of Marvel Motif Design Studio (est. 2003), bringing over two decades of expertise across diverse projects. Her firm has now evolved into NEO – Construction, Architects & Builders Pvt. Ltd., offering end-to-end solutions. A Professor at Nitte School of Architecture, she specializes in sustainable design, project management, and interdisciplinary teaching, with a strong research portfolio shaping architectural education and practice.

Saumya Singh is a textiles and materials designer. Her practice involves innovation with materials that evolve from culturally rooted regenerative systems and from waste cycles of consumption. Understanding material context and relevance in its ecology from the past, present and possible future drives her approach. She worked to bring together urban material waste streams of eggshells along with UK wool through woven material making as part of her final project at MA Biodesign from Central Saint Martins,Ual. She worked with Modern Synthesis as a Textile Production Technician in London, giving form to their cutting edge materials derived from bacterias. She is passionate about innovating with materials and employing systems thinking for future sustenance. She currently works as a designer with The Centres of Excellence at Srishti Manipal Institute driving their textile projects and biomaterials initiatives.

Padmakar Pandey is Assistant Vice President – Sustainability at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited. He currently leads Product Stewardship & Supply Chain Sustainability and playing a crucial role in helping brands and supply chains to integrate sustainability and Circularity into their core business principles.

He is a B. Tech, IIM LKO Alumnus and certified from Stanford graduate school of Business on sustainability strategies. He has been awarded as “Sustainable professional of the year” in 2022.

With 25+ years experience in the apparel Industry, his extensive expertise encompasses various areas within the apparel industry, including sustainability, Circularity, climate change, Quality Management, vendor compliance, and product integrity. Notably, he has been a pioneer in introducing distinctive initiatives in the industry, such as the Green Channel partnership and Supplier Sustainability Index.

Dr. (Ar.) Roshni Udyavar Yehuda is a practicing architect and academician with over 20 years of expertise in energy-efficient and environmental design. She holds a Ph.D. in Resource Management and is a BEE-certified Master Trainer and Empaneled Expert on India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). As Chairperson of ASSOCHAM GEM Maharashtra Chapter and CEO of Roshni Udyavar & Associates, she has led several sustainability-focused initiatives. She served on India’s Town & Country Planning Board and contributed to national energy standards. Formerly Head of Rachana Sansad’s Institute of Environmental Architecture, she remains dedicated to sustainable development and environmental education.

Dr. Anshul Gujarathi, Founder and Director of Eco Solutions®, has over 25 years of expertise in Green Architecture, Sustainability, and Environmental Design. Her firm specializes in green certifications, Net Zero, life cycle assessments, carbon management, solar passive design, and eco-land planning, with over 580 projects across seven countries. A recipient of multiple accolades, including the 2022 World Green Building Council Women in Sustainability Award (Asia Pacific runner-up), her Ph.D. research focused on cost-efficient green residential buildings. With 15 published white papers and numerous articles, Dr. Anshul is a recognized thought leader, promoting sustainability through Eco Solutions, Green Garnish, and various forums.

Bhavesh Mehta is a seasoned Mechanical Engineer with over 38 years of experience in MEP design and business development. He spent 19 years at Reliance Industries Limited as Deputy General Manager – MEP Design for retail chains across India and has held key positions at Blue Star Limited, Voltas Limited, and LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.

Currently, he serves as Vice President – Business Development at Asawa Insulation Pvt. Ltd., Navi Mumbai.

Ms. Mala Singh is a leading & specialized expert of Green, Healthy & Net Zero Buildings, Climate change & Sustainability with many years of experience with best proven credentials for various sectors like building Construction, Hospitality, Healthcare, Educational, Industrial, Govt., Corporates & many more.

She is an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, Certified IGBC Fellow, IGBC AP, GRIHA CP & LEED Green Associate. She is on the advisory board of various Govt. Committees & prestigious associations to empower sustainability & green built environment concepts among all.

Birwa Qureshi is the Founder and Artistic Director of Crraft of Art. Trained as an interior designer at the School of Interior Design, CEPT University, Ahmedabad, she has a deep connection to art, having studied Bharat Natyam and Indian Folk Dance under Guru Smt. Mrinalini Sarabhai at Darpana Academy. Her artistic journey was further enriched by her marriage to tabla maestro Fazal Qureshi, son of Ustad Allarakha. Birwa's creative synthesis of design, dance, and music led to the creation of Crraft of Art, through which she has spent 16 years bringing historical monuments to the public. She currently resides in Mumbai.

Prarthana is passionate about providing sustainable solutions and transforming analogue and digital experiences through data-driven interactions and innovations. She integrates empathy into design decisions to ensure customer interactions meet functional requirements and resonate deeply with consumers, fostering lasting connections.

She believes in Humanity-Centered Design, combining UX and service design to create holistic experiences. Prarthana’s approach ensures every touchpoint is crafted with the human experience in mind, contributing to long-term satisfaction and engagement. Her work aims to build environments where brands and consumers thrive together, creating a positive impact on businesses and society.

When Prarthana steps away from her computer, she immerses herself in the natural world, traveling to discover new cultures and meet diverse people. Her passion for animals is another key aspect of her life, reflecting her deep appreciation for all living beings.

Aishwaryashree is a visual artist and art director passionate about creating thoughtful, story-driven imagery. With experience at Vogue India, she focuses on blending global influences with Indian culture, bringing a mindful approach to design and creative direction. Her work aims to engage, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.

Ar. Anand Khatri is an architect, researcher, poet, and professor at Apeejay School of Architecture and Planning. His research focuses on urban villages, urban growth paradigms, and water in cities. He also founded the *POIESIS Society for Poetry* and has authored two books, 21 Seasons (2017) and Wo Din Wapas Laa Sakti Ho (2019). A trained *Pranic Healer and Theosophist*, he blends architecture, spirituality, and literature in his work.

Debasish Mukherjee (b. 1973), a multidisciplinary artist was born in Chhapra, a historically important town in Bihar. He grew up amidst open spaces and railway colonies, mixing freely with people from various social backgrounds. He graduated from the Banaras Hindu University with a specialization in Painting. Rooted in India, Mukherjee manifests his keen observations of India’s built environment, social fabric and events from his day-to-day life into his art practice. Mukherjee’s work tends to interrogate the way an object or memory is preserved, celebrated or neglected.

He has had solo exhibitions including Whispering Lanes at AkarPrakar, Delhi (2023); River Song, at AkarPrakar, New Delhi (2019) and Museum Within at AkarPrakar, New Delhi (2016). He has also participated in numerous group shows including The Legacy of Loss: Perspective on the Partition of Bengal at Kolkata Centre for Creativity (2021); Multitudes & Assemblages for Hub India at Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti, Turin, Italy (2022); Inner Life of Things: Around Anatomies and Armatures curated by RoobinaKarode at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Noida 2022); Partition of India…1947 at National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi (2022); Freedom and Awakening at The Alipore Museum with Kolkata Centre for Creativity (2023) to name a few. His works are in permanent collections such as the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art and The Partition Museum, Delhi.

As the creative director working with fashion designer Payal Jain for the past three decades, he has conducted extensive research with weavers and artisans throughout India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Gujarat.The artist lives and works in New Delhi.

Payal's journey in the fascinating world of ‘Couture’ has a humble beginning from the by lanes of Delhi, where she grew up in a childhood steeped profusely in art, culture and music. The years of intensive work cumulated when she graduated Summa-cum-laude from FIDM, USA and returned home to start a career in fashion. She returned to India at a time when the fashion industry was in its infancy and the struggles of the initial years remain her fondest memories. She has come a long way since to be recognized as one of the leading designers and sustainability crusaders in the country.

In the past two decades, brand Payal Jain has become synonymous with classic and timeless Couture, where each design is a truly enriched synthesis of India’s vast textile heritage and craftsmanship, interpreted in a contemporary genre. Forms that bond ingeniously with indigenous fabrics creating myriad silhouettes bear the Payal Jain signature and have a loyal following in the most fashionable cities and stores around the world. Payal has been actively involved in a renaissance for the revival of handicrafts some of which were on the verge of becoming extinct. With a deep-rooted passion and commitment, Payal and her team have worked tirelessly with weavers and artisans in clusters scattered across rural India, integrating their traditional designs into mainstream Fashion collections, providing an international platform for these dying crafts and provided means of livelihood to millions.

While maintaining a great understanding of international trends and Haute Couture, Payal also has a great client base in the Corporate Design space where she combines functionality with style to create uniforms for prestigious hotels, hospitals and schools across the globe.

Payal launched her first book on fashion studies a few years ago, as a pioneering effort in the academic field to give an insight into the fashion world and serve as a knowledge bank for aspiring design students.

Her passion for Sustainability and love for Mother Nature reflect in every creation, through natural yarns, vegetable dyes, handloom textiles, hand block prints, indigenous embroideries and sustainable work ethics and practices, health and safety concerns. For several years, she has been an active part of the Board of Governors of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), which organizes India Fashion Week, the premier fashion event of the country, taking Indian craft, textile and young designers to the world.

Being Founder Trustee of Prem Jain Memorial Trust (PJMT), Payal carries a mission to create awareness and advocacy about the environment, with focus on sustainability through education, and identifying future leaders who can catalyze this global development. As a crusader for the environment, she shares her experience and insights at various seminars, platforms, panel discussions and presentations. Her belief is to inspire the next generation to follow the path leading to a Greener Earth.

Muralidhar Reddy is an architect and industrial designer who brings in more than two decades of experience in architecture, Interior design, furniture design, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and design education.

He is the founding partner of multidisciplinary research and production studios- Design Circle and Thinking Hands, both based in Bangalore.

He is the founder director of the CMR University School of Architecture(CMRUSOA) from 2014.

He is the President of the Association of Designers of India, Bengaluru chapter 2024-26

A strong believer that design education is a symbiotic result of professional practice and teaching with an innate ability to empathize, listen, inspire and motivate.

His works embody the qualities of the handmade along with the tools and methods of industrial design. He believes in the approach of fusing newer tools, technology, and materials along with constantly learning from traditional knowledge and practices.

His studio serves as a foundational space, primarily leveraging material resources often deemed waste.

Ar. Sandeep Shikre is the President + CEO of Sandeep Shikre & Associates popularly known as SSA Architects. He is an USGBC LEED Accredited Professional. He has a deep commitment towards sustainable development and is the founding Member of IGBC and also Chairman of IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Mumbai Chapter. He is a patron of CTBUH (The Council for Tall Building in Urban Habitat) whose head office is in Chicago, USA and is on advisory committees for several forums.

He spearheads SSA Architects with a team of 250+ young dedicated, committed professionals. With a diverse portfolio, SSA has to it’s credit numerous national and international awards and is one of the leading Architectural full service firms in the country.

SSA is specialized in providing highly innovative design solutions that are environmentally sustainable and is the proud recipient of several IGBC Gold & Platinum rated projects totally admeasuring 2.5 million sq. ft. while 4.5 million sq. ft. of Green footprint is on the anvil.

“Architecture is a comprehensive approach, which combines the hard skills of design and the soft skills of human connection and experience”. In a nutshell, it’s all about ‘Space, People and Happiness’.

Dr Hariharan Chandra is founder trustee at AltTech Foundation (2003), INHAF (2014) and Prem Jain Memorial Trust (2018). They are all non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led & industry-managed foundations.

For forty years he has been a pioneer in urban sustainability, green buildings and built environment practices. He’s a columnist, policy analyst and an environmental economist.

AltTech Consortium centres around solutions for deep carbonisation of buildings, understanding water-energy nexus and offering solutions that are economically efficient and ecologically balanced, enhancing energy productivity, introducing tested technologies and solutions for energy-water-waste-air management.

The AltTech Consortium is currently executing over 5 million Sft of deep-eco zero energy development [ZED] retrofit solutions on ground, and has pioneered cutting-edge solutions for many years. The Consortium has a base group of nine green CEOs who bring rare competence, commitment and integrity.

Between the three institutions, he’s curating and leading about a hundred webinars and Webilogues this year on sustainability, governance, city and equity, and other concerns of the future.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is the founding Vice Chancellor of World University of Design, Sonipat and widely recognized as a visionary thought leader in the world of design education. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an alumnus of esteemed institutions like IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad and a distinguished academic career of more than three decades. His most significant contribution has been in establishing Design as a mainstream field of study and career choice in India. His founding of the World University of Design in 2016 marked a watershed moment in design education. It became the first Indian university to offer comprehensive programs in art, architecture, and design under one roof. His initiatives have been inspiring universities nationwide to integrate design into their academic offerings, thus permanently altering the existing landscape and shaping the future of design education in India.

Satyaki Roy is a Professor of Design at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. He joined the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Kanpur in 2001. In 2003, he was jointly associated with the Design Programme, an interdisciplinary initiative for design education at the institute. In 2021, he left the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences and moved full-time to the Department of Design.

His teaching and research interests include creativity, design thinking, cinema, visual ethnography, visual arts, visual culture, folk art and crafts, UX/UI, and communication design. He has numerous publications and research supervisions to his credit and has also mentored several startups.

Prof. Roy has previously served as the Head of the Design Programme (2014–2017) and the Coordinator of the Design Innovation Centre (2016–2020). He is currently the Head of the Media Technology Centre at IIT Kanpur, which he established in 2005. The Media Technology Centre serves as a hub for most of IIT Kanpur’s online education programs. Some of the center’s major ongoing projects include the SWAYAM NPTEL Online Certification (NOC MOOCs), SWAYAM PRABHA, and E-Masters programs in various engineering disciplines.

Prof. Roy has been one of the longest-serving members of the Board of Coordinators of NPTEL (National Programme for Technology Enhanced Learning), participating across its phases I–IV since 2003. He is also the National Coordinator for five television channels under SWAYAM PRABHA, an initiative of the Ministry of Education.

He has been a member of numerous national and international committees and has served on the boards of several academic institutions. Currently, he is producing a documentary series titled Jaivik Yatra on sustainable organic and natural farming practices. He continues his efforts toward the sustainability of various craft clusters in India.

Dr. Shatarupa Thakurta Roy is an Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. She is associated with the discipline of Fine Arts in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences offering courses in Art Appreciation and Criticism and History of Art. She has been jointly associated with the Design Programme at IIT Kanpur teaching courses on Design Theory, Graphic Design, and several other courses on Visual Communication. She completed her art education in Kala Bhavana, Visva Bharati Universtity, Shantiniketan followed by a PhD in Design from IIT Guwahati. She is an ardent teacher imparting drawing, rendering and visual reading skills to her students. She has her research interests in the domain of Visual Culture, Indian Folk and Minor Art, Graphic Design and Design Theory. She has conducted extensive field research in the area of narrative folk painting tradition of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. She has published several papers and book chapters on art and aesthetics, cultural sustainability and cultural preservation. As a painter, Shatarupa has several exhibitions to her credit. Her paintings are figurative and metaphorical emphasizing visual story telling.

Rajesh Pratap Singh is an Indian designer known for his design innovation. He has over the years created his unique signature style that subtly draws from his Indian roots to craft artisanal garments that stand apart due to their faultlessly clean lines, careful detailing and international silhouettes. Rajesh’s reserve reflects in his styling which combines the modern with the traditional in an understated design aesthetic. His clothes have a global appeal yet remain passionately Indian.

Rajesh is a recipient of several awards in recognition of his design and creativity.

• 2023 India Fashion Award by FDCI (Fashion Design Council of India)
• 2023 ELLE Sustainability Leadership Award
• 2019 National Award by the Government of India for “Outstanding contribution to Indian Fashion” and simplicity of design
• 2018 GQ Man of the Year in 2018 for “Sustainable Fashion”
• 2013 Appointed First Woolmark Ambassador of India
• 2010 EDIDA Award from ELLE DECOR
• 2009 GQ “Designer of the Year” at the first GQ Men of the Year Awards in India
• 2009 Newsweek named him as one of India’s most talented and creative designers
• 2007 Designer of the Year Award from ELLE
• 2005 Kingfisher Designer of the Year Award
• 2001 Kingfisher Designer of the Year Award
• 1996 Best Menswear Designer award at the Fashion Awards held in 1996

Rajesh’s Ajrak prints on linen as well as handloom weaves in Ikat are housed in the permanent textile and apparel archives of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and were part of the “Fabrics of India” Exhibit in 2015/2016 at the V&A. Rajesh’s textile repertoire extends from experimenting with Ikat weaves, handloom indigos, chanderi and extensively Benares weaves. He has also developed a range of sarees from all these regions.

Internationally, Rajesh has been showcasing his collections in Paris. He has done catwalk shows in the past at the prestigious Paris Fashion Week and is represented internationally in various niche stores. Rajesh had also undertaken costume designing for the French Opera “Padmavati by Albert Roussel”. The opera was staged at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris as well as in Spoletto in Italy. He was the first Indian designer to be invited by VOGUE Italy to do a show at the Milano Unica in Milan City in 2011. Rajesh has been participating in the Pitti Uomo in Florence Italy and Tranoi in Paris, France for showcasing his collections.

June 2013 saw the Kingdom of Bhutan invite Rajesh to do a show with Bhutanese fabrics for the opening of the Royal Textile Museum and his creations are now permanently housed there. He has been collaborating with the Austrian company Lenzing for textile developments using the sustainable Tencel yarn.

Rajesh’s garments have always transcended the passage of time and his designs are as relevant today as they were when created. This itself is his philosophy in response to Sustainability.

FIE, FRICS, SFIGBC
Vice Chairman, National Building Code of India President,
FOCUS Chairman, Policy and Advocacy, IGBC Former CMD HUDCO
Past Chairman – Indian Green Building Council

Vasudevan Suresh is a Civil Engineer from Anna University (College of Engineering, Guindy, Chennai) with 53 years of professional experience in the Housing, Infrastructure, Rural and Urban Development, Real Estate Development and Built Environment sectors, leading to Sustainable Development.

Has worked in Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (1 ½ years) and later in Bureau of Indian Standards (12 ½ years) and was directly associated with the formulation of leading National Standards and Codes and National Building Code and is Vice Chairman, NBC 2005 and the 2016 revision, and Chairman, Housing, Planning and Prefabricated Construction Sectional Committee and Member of Smart Cities Committee of BIS. He is member of the NBC Panel dealing with New Part 11 Approach to Sustainability.

Served HUDCO in various capacities for 23 ½ years and was CMD, till June 2002.V Suresh has worked in various Government of India Expert Groups on Housing, Urban Development, Building Technologies, Disaster Mitigation and Sustainable Development. Was Chairman, Government of India Task Forces for Odisha Cyclone and Chamoli Earthquake.

V Suresh was President, Indian Buildings Congress (IBC), President, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), Vice President, All India Housing Development Association (AIHDA) and Vice Chairman, Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC).

He is a strong advocate of sustainable development and passionately pursues disaster resistant, environment friendly, ecologically appropriate and energy efficient options in built environment and the green building movement. He is the Chairman of the CII-Indian Green Building Council [IGBC]. He is actively associated with institutions dealing with professional education in Built Environment sector and also for Skill Development initiatives.

Anshu Khanna is a well-known publicist, luxury promoter, and writer who has extensively written on a wide range of subjects, including leadership profiles, retail, art, culture, design, and education.

She has worked closely with leading brands such as DLF Emporio, Aigner, Hugo Boss, BMW, Brown Forman, and Casa Paradox. In 2018, Anshu was awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar by the Honourable President of India for her revivalist project, Royal Fables.

Anshu has authored the biography of J. C. Chaudhry, the founder of Aakash Tutorials, a company recently acquired by Byju’s. She is also an accomplished Indian writer who has contributed to many leading publications, writing on varied and eclectic subjects.

She served as the Bureau Chief for Delhi at Magna Publishing, contributing to Society, Savvy, Stardust, and more. In 1993, she joined The Asian Age as their Consultant Features Editor, where she created India’s first lifestyle-based Sunday supplement. Currently, she is the Consulting Features Editor of The Daily Guardian.

Her work in luxury lifestyle is pioneering, having collaborated with leading brands in retail, luxury, and couture. She has worked with prominent Indian couturiers, including Rohit Bal, Suneet Verma, Raghavendra Rathore, and Ashima-Leena. She has also consulted for major organizations such as DLF, Ireo, Select City Walk, and hotels like Hyatt Regency and Leela Kempinski.

In the FMCG sector, Anshu launched Evian Waters in India, consulted for Brown Forman for over five years, and worked with Indian liquor conglomerates like Mount Shivalik and Radico Khaitan. In retail, she has worked with brands like Ladurée, Le Creuset, Titan, Zoya, and Marks & Spencer, among others.

Anshu is also a visiting professor at NIFT, where she teaches creative writing and PR to undergraduate students in the Fashion Communication program.

Her most significant contribution to Indian heritage is founding the respected and authentic platform Royal Fables, which showcases India’s regal history. Through this platform, she has revived the Palace Karkhana culture, enabling royal scions to collaborate with local master weavers, artists, and craftsmen. For this initiative, she was honored with the Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2018, the highest civilian award for women in India, conferred by the Honourable President.

Emma Puttick is a creative entrepreneur and the founder of Naudic, a clothing brand inspired by her global travels and experiences. With a background in biotechnology and design , Emma’s journey has been marked by exploration and storytelling. She has lived in several countries, including the UK, India, Sweden, and Australia, and has developed businesses in biotechnology and wholesale importing. Emma’s passion for capturing cultural narratives through writing, photography, and film led to the creation of Round the Globe, a platform for sharing her adventures and the stories of those she meets along the way.

Naudic emphasises the use of natural fabrics like cotton and sustainable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, Emma’s commitment to slow fashion promotes quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to invest in timeless, durable pieces rather than fast-fashion trends.

Ina Puri is a writer, art curator, documentarian and collector. She has authored memoirs and edited major publications on contemporary Indian artists. She won the National Award for Manjit, a documentary she produced on Manjit Bawa. Her Last publications are on Raghu Rai ‘s Kolkata & Shahidul Alam’s ’Singed but not Burnt.’

K T Ravindran is an Urban Designer practicing from Delhi. He is Member Governing Council, Chairman of the Architectural Heritage Advisory Committee and Convener Delhi Chapter, INTACH. He is Trustee, The Madhavan Nayar Foundation, Kochi. He was Member of the Advisory Board for the United Nations Capital Master Plan, New York. He taught Urban Design for three decades in SPA Delhi. He was Dean and Senior Academic Advisor, RICS School of Built Environment, former Chairman of Delhi Urban Art Commission and was the Founding President of the Institute of Urban Designers India. He has travelled extensively across the world and his current practice includes design of green-field cities, cultural buildings, memorials, adaptive reuse and Urban Conservation. His works and research are published in journals and books internationally. He has consistently pursued sustainable Architecture and Urban Design, championing the cause in multiple international forums and academia

Partha is a business-oriented design professional with 23 years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry, specializing in men’s, women’s, and kids’ wear. His global experience has shaped his holistic approach to design, emphasizing customer-centricity through innovation and product development. After earning a post-graduate degree in design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi in 2002, Partha began his career in the textile industry, working across India and Italy. He then spent 11 years at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., leading creative roles for brands like Van Heusen and Louis Philippe. For the past five years, he has been heading design, sustainability, and compliance functions for Amazon’s private brands. Partha has made significant contributions to the industry, receiving accolades such as the Design Innovation Icons of India Award in 2021 and being a Certified Bar Raiser at Amazon. He has also been a speaker at prestigious events like the Retail Technology Show in London and the India Fashion Forum, among others. Partha is a regular contributor to fashion articles in Indian print media and has served as a jury member for Woolmark Australia and various fashion universities.

Shalini Jain, Co-Founder & Director of Enhanced Wapp Systems India Pvt. Ltd., is a Delhi University alumna and a management professional from Birla institute of Management Technology.

Wapp in last three decades has grown from a two-person startup into an industry leader with a 400+ member team, driving innovation in Total Water Resource Management. Over nearly three decades, she has led the company in implementing 1,000+ projects and managing 200+ operations and maintenance contracts across the country, making Wapp a trusted partner in sustainable water solutions for industrial, urban, and rural sectors.

Beyond business, Shalini is committed to mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing insights on business strategy and innovation, and fostering leadership. She is an appointed mentor by MEPSC Entrepreneurship Think tank of the Skills Council of the Government. She actively supports emerging businesses and champions sustainable solutions through mentorship and collaboration, inspiring the next generation of business leaders.

Mr Arun Seetharam: Arun Seetharam is an Advisor at Srishti Manipal Institute with over 25 years of experience in knowledge consulting, technology-enabled learning, and learning outsourcing. He has helped academic institutions, energy companies, and government agencies implement digital education solutions, curriculum development, accreditation, and program licensing. He heads the PJMT South community and is driving it purposefully with young changemakers.

Mr. K. K. Mitra has over 32 years of expertise in thermal insulation systems, materials, and applications across industrial, building, and cold storage sectors. A passionate advocate for the green building movement, he has made significant contributions through widely acclaimed technical papers, including his pioneering work, Thermal Insulation System for Energy Efficient and Green Buildings. Since 1991, he has led Marketing and Technical Services at Lloyd Insulations, driving innovation in prefabricated and energy-efficient products. As a core committee member at BEE, he played a key role in drafting India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007 and contributed to technical standards for cold storage construction under the National Horticulture Board. He has conducted training programs on advanced insulation systems for both private and government institutions and serves on the thermal insulation committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Sunil Sethi, an accomplished professional and business luminary, has been leading the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) since 2008. With a career spanning over four decades, he has made remarkable contributions to design, arts, textiles, and fashion, championing Indian craftsmanship and promoting 'Made in India' on the global stage.

In 1988, he founded Alliance Merchandising, a pioneering fashion-sourcing agency that connected Indian artisans with prestigious global brands like Selfridges and The Conran Shop. His leadership extended to roles such as Senior Vice President of Li & Fung (India) and membership on the Board of Governors at NIFT. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board of several esteemed institutes, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing Indian design education and industry.

His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Humanitarian Award for outstanding contributions to the differently-abled (2010) and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Carpet Export Promotion Council (2006). He has also been honored for promoting exports by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (2005). Furthermore, he has been conferred with honorary doctorates in recognition of his visionary leadership and significant contributions to design, fashion, textiles, Khadi, and handlooms.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Sethi has passionately supported philanthropic initiatives, including inclusive fashion shows for differently-abled children with Tamana and fundraising projects with organizations like Khushii and People for Animals. His enduring legacy lies in nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and expanding India's global presence in design and fashion.

Karishma Shahani Khan is founder of the clothing label Ka-Sha and an alumnus of London College of Fashion. Ka-Sha focuses on implementing fair means of trade while building on artisanal crafts through their seasonal exploration; it imbibes these values further into its homegrown label, Heart to Haat.

Anjana Bhargav, a textile designer trained in pattern cutting under a French instructor and at St. Martins, London, launched her first collection in 1994. She soon gained international recognition with a solo show, An Indian Summer, at UNESCO Hall, Paris, followed by showcases in London, New York, Germany, Sharjah, Miami, Kathmandu, and Hong Kong, as well as at India, Miami, and Toronto Fashion Weeks. Her label seamlessly blends ancient artistry with modern minimalism, focusing on comfort, wearability, and understated elegance. Worn by accomplished individuals such as Arundhati Roy, Shubha Mudgal, Kiran Bedi, and Shovana Narayan, her designs have also been stocked by Westside. Recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs, she represented India at the OECD Conference in Paris (2000) and participated in Bollywood promotions at Selfridges. She was nominated for Breakthrough Designer of the Year at the Lycra MTV Style Awards (2003) and has designed for the Usha International Group, Delhi Tourism’s PATA Conference, and corporate uniforms for Hotel Grand Intercontinental and ITC Hotels. In 2008, she co-founded ANKY with her daughter Ankita, redefining comfort dressing and understated luxury.

Dr. Pithamber Rao Polsani is a researcher, educator, and writer with 30+ years of experience, who explores intersections across art, literature, architecture, and technology. He established the PhD Research Program at Srishti and has taught at institutions like the University of Arizona, Bates College, and Delhi University.

Aanchal Bagalwadi is a textile designer passionate about sustainable and creative textiles. A graduate of Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, she specializes in natural dyeing, botanical printing, and handloom weaving.

Niki N Kalpa, a documentary filmmaker for over a decade and a New York Film Academy graduate, explores the intersection of humans and ecology, highlighting the impacts of development and profiling frontline workers while advocating for sustainable solutions across sectors.

Jeyalakshmi, founder of Universe Power Systems, is an Electronics and Telecommunication Engineer, entrepreneur, and trained artist. She launched her first venture, Nruthya Kendra, in 1984 and founded Universe Power Systems in 1997, growing it to serve 2000+ clients across IT, healthcare, government, and education.

Vijay is a sustainability and ESG expert with over 20 years of experience in climate risk strategy, ESG reporting, and Net Zero initiatives. Currently at Brigade Enterprises Ltd., he has led sustainability efforts in real estate and infrastructure, previously holding key roles at BAGMANE and Embassy Group.