Pune

Every morning, 70-year-old Ajay Agarwal walks into a forest of green — on his terrace. Built without soil, his Pune garden, made of dry leaves and cow dung, now cools his home and nourishes his family.

US-based Kapil Sharma, originally from Raipur, founded 'SayTrees', a non-profit dedicated to urban and rural afforestation and lake rejuvenation. Since its inception, SayTrees has planted trees and revitalised lakes and wells in Bengaluru and Pune.

Anirudha and Sucheta Ambekar, both IT professionals, turned their longing for rural life into reality. Their sustainable home, ‘Anant Farms’, near Pune, is built using stones and antique teakwood, emulating traditional architecture while incorporating modern sustainability practices, including rainwater harvesting and solar power.

In an effort to ensure the next generation of young men is gender-sensitive, Equal Community Foundation heads to the slums of Pune where they educate boys on gender equitable behaviours.

Anirudha and Sucheta Ambekar, both IT professionals, turned their longing for rural life into reality. Their sustainable home, ‘Anant Farms’, near Pune, is built using stones and antique teakwood, emulating traditional architecture while incorporating modern sustainability practices, including rainwater harvesting and solar power.

Nataline Fernandes, the woman behind Ferns’ Pickles, who is said to have pioneered the idea of curry pastes, started from a small store in her home in Pune. Here’s the loved legacy of the brand that now exports around the world.

Kavya Dhobale, a dedicated nurse overwhelmed by frontline COVID-19 duties, shifted her focus to organic farming. After experiencing the pandemic’s toll, she quit her government job to embrace vermicomposting. Her mission is to promote chemical-free farming, boost immunity and restore both human and planetary health.

Ashwin and Nupur are redefining Indian celebrations with their startup, Greenmyna. By offering eco-friendly solutions, reducing waste, planting trees, and inspiring others, they are paving the way for more sustainable festivities.

For 28 years, Meera Badve’s Niwant Andh Mukta Vikasalay has empowered visually impaired individuals to thrive independently. With their new app, Swalekhan, they are helping students take exams, without relying on scribes.

After leaving her academic career, Trupti Dhakate pursued sustainable farming, turning agricultural waste into mushroom crops, helping farmers grow nutritious food while tackling pollution.