Flowing conversations for water conservation: WfW to hold Water Fest 2025 at Prayagraj

By A Representative

In the wake of the recent tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, where a stampede on January 29, 2025, resulted in the loss of at least 30 lives and left many others injured, the WforW Foundation is proceeding with the planned Water Fest 2025 on January 31 and February 1, 2025.

The event, themed 'Flow and Say' (बहने दो, कहने दो), aims to foster open dialogues about water conservation and management.

The Water Fest 2025 seeks to create a platform where individuals can share their insights, concerns, and solutions related to water issues, promoting a collaborative approach to water conservation. The foundation believes that, especially in times of tragedy, it is essential to come together as a community to address pressing environmental challenges.

Bringing together water experts, environmentalists, students, and citizens to engage in meaningful conversations about water conservation and sustainable management, the festival draws inspiration from the idea that water and knowledge remain pure when they flow freely. Just as water moves across lands, connecting ecosystems and civilizations, knowledge about water should also flow freely across disciplines, regions, and beliefs.

The event will encourage discussions on water conservation and its cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance, fostering a collective effort to address water-related challenges.

Allahabad-Prayagraj, the city of the Triveni Sangam—where the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati meet—holds immense cultural and spiritual importance. Hosting Water Fest 2025 during Maha Kumbh Mela, where millions gather for a holy dip, provides a unique opportunity to spark vital conversations on water purity, pollution, and conservation.

The two-day event will feature interactive sessions, storytelling, and creative expressions, allowing participants to walk, talk, reflect, and act on water issues. On January 31, 2025, participants will take part in a Walk n Talk Water Matters session, where they will discuss water-related challenges at local, national, and global levels. Water Connects – My n River’s Life will encourage reflection on the parallels between life’s journey and a river’s course. In From Be Like Water to I Am Water, attendees will explore what it means to embody water’s adaptability and resilience.

On February 1, 2025, the event will continue with If River Could Speak and Seek, allowing participants to express rivers’ concerns through poetry, storytelling, and song. Me, Ma Ganga, and My River at My Place will encourage personal connections between participants and their local water bodies. My Water Footprint and Cleansing will provide a self-assessment opportunity, prompting behavioral changes for increased water conservation and reduced pollution.

These sessions will be conducted in a Pecha Kucha format, featuring diverse expressions such as speeches, arts, music, poetry, and dance, fostering a deeper appreciation of water.

Water Fest 2025 is being organized in collaboration with multiple NGOs under the theme ‘Kalash’. Key partners include Development Alternatives, Mangal Bhoomi Foundation, Centre for Policy Research, OISCA-ALAR, and HCL Foundation. The Sansera Foundation and Eco Development and Research Cell Ahmedabad are funding partners, while the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI-WRC) serves as the knowledge partner.

The WforW Foundation has successfully hosted previous editions of Water Fest. Water Fest 2023 ("I Am Water") was held at TISS Hyderabad, drawing 70+ participants daily. Water Fest 2024 ("Water Connects") took place at IIT-BHU Varanasi, with over 100 participants each day.

With an expected turnout of 200+ participants, Water Fest 2025 aims to bridge the gap between concerns and solutions while emphasizing that "water is everybody’s business."

---

Click here for concept paper

Comments

Hyderabad protest demands end to Operation Kagar as senior Maoist leaders killed in encounter

By Harsh Thakor* A protest was held on June 17 at Indira Park in Hyderabad by the Shanti Charchala Committee, calling for an end to Operation Kagar and the start of peace talks with Maoist groups. The event brought together representatives from several political parties and civil society organizations. Among those who addressed the gathering were CPI (ML) New Democracy Central Committee member Vemulapalli Venkatramayya, along with leaders from the Congress, BRS, CPI, CPM, Telangana Janasamithi, MCPI, SUCI, CPI ML, RSP, and VCK. The programme also featured performances by cultural groups such as CLC, HRF, TVV, Arunodaya, Praja Kala Mandali, and Praja Natya Mandali. Public figures including actors Narayana Murthy and Tudundebba Upendar and academics like Professor Anver Khan and Professor Vinayaka Reddy participated as speakers.

Food security crisis persists in Gujarat despite NFSA: Survey reveals grim ground reality

By A Representative A new field-based survey conducted in January 2025 across Dahod, Panchmahals, Morbi, and Bhavnagar districts has revealed alarming levels of food insecurity among vulnerable communities in Gujarat, ten years after the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Conducted by Anandi – Area Networking and Development Initiatives (ASAA) and community organisations working with mahila sangathans, the Gujarat Food Security Survey covered 1,261 households, purposively chosen to reflect the experiences of marginalised populations including Adivasis, OBCs, single women, the disabled, and the elderly. The findings suggest that despite the promises of NFSA and wide coverage under the Public Distribution System (PDS), food deprivation remains widespread and systemic failures continue to exclude the most vulnerable.

Land under siege: A silent crisis, desertification is threatening India’s future

By Raj Kumar Sinha* Desertification is emerging as one of the gravest environmental challenges of our time. Marked annually on June 17, the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought reminds us that the fate of our planet’s land—and the billions who depend on it—is hanging in the balance.

Victim to cricketing politics, Alvin Kalicharan was a most organized left handed batsman

By Harsh Thakor* On March 21st Alvin Kalicharan celebrates his 75th birthday. Sadly, his exploits have been forgotten or overlooked. Arguably no left handed batsman was technically sounder or more organized than this little man. Kalicharan was classed as a left-handed version of Rohan Kanhai. Possibly no left-handed batsmen to such a degree blend technical perfection with artistry and power.

Central London discussion to spotlight LGBTQ+ ex-Muslim rights and persecution

By A Representative On June 13, 2025, the Dissident Club in Central London will host a public discussion to mark the 18th anniversary of the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) and to commemorate World Refugee Day. The event, scheduled from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, will feature speakers Ali Malik, Maryam Namazie, and Taha Siddiqui, who are expected to address the intersecting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ ex-Muslims globally.

Better halves lead the way as organic farmers, entrepreneurs and social reformers

By Bharat Dogra Two major challenges continue to limit the full participation of rural women in development. First, their crucial roles, potential, and capabilities often remain underrecognized. Second, even when women are encouraged to take on broader responsibilities, the overarching development models may not align with their needs or perspectives and may even appear counterproductive. Under such conditions, it is unrealistic to expect women to engage as enthusiastic and creative participants.

Lepa Radić: A symbol of defiance and resistance, of fight against oppression

By Harsh Thakor* December 29th marks the centenary of the birth of Lepa Radić, a Yugoslav Partisan whose courage during World War II continues to resonate through history. Born on December 19, 1925, in the village of Gašnica in what is now Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lepa Radić was only 15 when the Axis powers invaded Yugoslavia in April 1941. In response to the occupation, she joined the Partisan resistance, eventually becoming one of its most revered figures. At the age of 17, she was executed by the Nazis for her involvement, refusing until her death to betray her comrades.

Hope from the Amazon: Land rights, indigenous voices, and the winds of change in Latin America

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* After several days of travel and digital silence, I returned from a rare and deeply moving journey into the Amazon region of Colombia. It was not just another field trip, but an opportunity to witness the pulse of Latin America’s land rights movement, firsthand.

Violent evictions in Nagarahole: Forest department razes adivasi huts despite FRA protections

By A Representative In a disturbing escalation of tensions between state authorities and Adivasi communities in the Nagarahole forests, over 250 personnel from the Forest Department, Special Tiger Protection Force, and local police violently demolished six huts belonging to Jenu Kuruba Adivasi families in Karadikallu Atturu Koli Haadi on June 18. The demolition took place in the midst of heavy monsoon rains, leaving families exposed to the elements and stripped of their temporary homes.

Search This Blog