Karnataka

Joseph Lobo used online resources like YouTube videos to learn and grow hundreds of fruits and vegetables on his terrace, including berries, chikoo, and various mango varieties.

From walking barefoot to school to unlocking Rs 5 crore in scholarships, K Narayana Naik’s lifelong mission is changing the future of rural students in Karnataka.

From jungle hideouts to misty mountain retreats, these treehouse stays let you trade Wi-Fi for birdsong and glass walls for green canopies — without giving up comfort.

Karnataka is adopting innovative measures to address rising human-wildlife interactions. A new system is changing how communities and wildlife coexist, combining technology with field efforts to manage risks and promote safety.

In the woodlands of Brahmavar in Karnataka’s Udupi district, 98 butterfly species have flourished naturally over the past year. This sanctuary highlights the power of preserving native habitats and showcases the role butterflies play in maintaining ecological health in the state’s coastal belt.

In Haralahalli, Karnataka, 75-year-old Anke Gowda has spent over five decades building Pustaka Mane, a library of nearly 20 lakh books. Open to all, it houses rare manuscripts, multilingual dictionaries, and treasures that celebrate India’s love for reading.

A decade ago, Vijayapura in Karnataka was barren, with almost no forest cover. Today, a people-led greening campaign has grown 15 million trees, reviving water, land, and hope.

In Karnataka’s villages once left in the dark, engineer Sohan Naik and his company, Power Planet, are rewriting daily life. From classrooms to farms and shops, their solar systems now power 2,700 homes and 350 businesses — restoring dignity, trust, and opportunity.

Bibi Fatima Women’s Self-Help Group from Dharwad’s Teertha village wins UNDP’s Equator Initiative Award for pioneering sustainable farming practices, millet revival initiatives, and unwavering commitment to food and nutritional security.

Amid India’s growing water crisis, meet five inspiring water warriors who are restoring ponds, building check dams, and bringing clean water to millions. This September, The Better India Showcase 2025 is honouring their impact.