Praana Cafe

In this episode of Praana Cafe, the focus is on Forests across India - the laws that were meant to protect and how they have softened and the comofrting story we tell ourselves about the growing green cover in India. And then three painful stories, from Chattisgarh (where a forest still breathes) to Andaman & Nicobar (an island too quiet to fight back) to the Aravallis (where the mountain that stopped the desert). There is a pattern beneath these stories that should make us uncomfortable. P.S: Regarding the laws mentioned in the episode, I've tried to understand and simplify them to the best of my ability. If any discrepencies, please email me: [email protected]

This episode of the Praana Cafe podcast is simply a Biodiversity Fix we all need. Can we pause and understand some simple truths in an increasingly complex world? I have personally seen and worked with Dr Deepti Sharma and she is passionate and throughly informed about the natural world, and that inspired me to have an indepth chat with her. You can see the work of her company TerraNero: http://www.terranero.com/ and you may reach out to me @PrathyushaCFA18P.S: The speaker mentioned Bengal Florican in the interview but asked for it to be corrected to Lesser Florican

On this World Environment Day, sharing my experience of being at the Vegan Forest Festival in 2025. The life, lifestyle and learnings over three days of being part of a wholesome community and how holistic sustainability looks like. https://sadhanaforest.org/https://sadhanaforest.org/veganforestfestival/You can reach out to me @PrathyushaCFA18 across Insta or X or LinkedIn

On this episode of Praana Cafe, I'm having an impromptu freeflowing conversation with Kinjal Dawda who was first introduced to me as my sustainability soulmate having similar passion and commitment to not just working, but living in harmony with the natural world and thinking of environmental sustainability. Kinjal and I talk about those early seeds, influences in our life that made us who we are today and how the present day children can be brought into environmental action. If you want to share your thoughts, you can reach out to me @PrathyushaCFA18 on socials.

I interviewed three composting practitioners who simplified it for us.  Niharika is a solopreneur of a sustainable business called @wildberryorganics and speaks about her learnings on the composting journey.  Nalini garu has won the best home composter award for Alwal municipality and sets an example with composting as a part of her lifestyle for over three decades. She gives some excellent tips to make composting easy and you can reach out to her at [email protected] Shailender is a naturopathic practitioner from SarvamMayee. He says composting is also a way of grounding and healing and being close to the natural ways of life. Listen to all of this and more on this episode of Praana Cafe, and you can reach out to me @PrathyushaCFA18

How do you tread lightly on Earth, in a way that you minimize your footprint and choose a more conscious lifestyle? In this episode of the Praana Cafe, I tell you about practical ways on how each one of us can shift from our present ways to be lead a more environmentally sustainable, low waste lifestyle. You can reach out to me on my social media: @PrathyushaCFA18

While political fasts are common, Ladakh has been in news for Climate Fast where politics, environment and climate change are intertwined.  In this episode, I interview Dr Tsewang Namgail, the Director of Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust on the recent events:  Should the local people have a say in the process of development?How will the environment and biodiversity of Ladakh be affected by the demand of Ladakh being included in the 6th schedule of our constitution? How is climate change manifesting in Ladakh? These are some of the questions we will be exploring through this episode of the Praana Cafe. 

I've been to a few places here and there. In this episode of Praana Cafe, I take you on a trip around the world, from UK to USA, Singapore and to the final stop in Uzbekistan. As a tourist, traveller or living in these countries, what has my experience been with environmental sustainability - the hits, misses and some things I have learnt about their way forward. Do share what have you seen or observed on your travels on Fb / Insta / X : @PrathyushaCFA18

Ladakh has faced both territorial disputes and the stark effects of climate change. The region's sparsely populated villages have witnessed shifting weather patterns that have already altered people's lives through floods, landslides and droughts apart from the obvious melting glaciers. Tune into this episode to know why Ladakh has been in news (or not) since the last few months. Podcast available on: Anchor/Spotify/Apple Reach out to me on Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

What connects the 'Save Aarey' campaign in Mumbai & the 'Save Chevella Banyans' or even 'Save KBR' in Hyderabad. They are urban green space which are being threatened in the name of Development & are being stronly opposed by citizen actvisits & environmentalists. In this episode of Praana Cafe, you'll hear about what the issue is, how it impacts the environment & what you can do about it.  Aarey: https://aareyconservationgroup.org/save-aarey-movement/   Link to the Banyan tree database: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1rYZY4oeTh12IRdAebxjSUsdKtWwCcEA&ll=17.31456075599138%2C78.14358915&z=11 Chevella Banyans: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/263e1beb735c4402a92b00f1f1c256c0 If you have questions, or need help with resources, reach out to me via Insta/Fb/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Starting on the 1st of July, 2022,  India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of certain Single Use Plastic items which have low utility and high littering potential. This episode is a deep dive into what that list is, what the substitutes can be, how the ban is being implemented and the way forward on this journey. Since the ban is going to affect us all, I highly encourage you to listen and share this episode widely to enable conscious living.  If you have doubts, or need help with resources, reach out to me via Insta/Fb/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Everytime I struggle with motivation or need hope, I look at kids - full of life and possibilities. This Earth Day, I have spoken to some kids - Reyansh (USA), Dev (India), Neel (Australia) about their contribution to the Environment & thoughts on Sustainability. Hope it fills your days with inspiration to take action.  You can reach me on Insta/Fb/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Most of can't function normally/wholly without an Air conditioner, but that's not the reality for most of the world, and neither is it environmentally-friendly to be overly reliant on it. What are the problems and how can we offset some of it? Tune in to find out... I'm available on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

A round up of the extreme weather events happening simultaneously all over the world. While there are heatwaves, drought and floods threatening all life, I find strength in taking collective action and contributing towards making a positive difference.  I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

Seaspiracy is a 2021 documentary about the environmental impact of fishing. This episode is a live relay of my reflections while watching this documentary, and my own life experiences which brought me to my passion & profession today. Request you to listen/watch it with an open mind and if you want to reach out to me to discuss anything, I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 Praana Cafe Podcast available on: Anchor.fm/Spotify/Google/Apple Podcast [For more information Visit site: https://www.seaspiracy.org/   OR @seaspiracy on Instagram]

8th March is Women's Day & 14th is Mother's Day in the UK. This unscripted, unplanned discussion around the role of Women in Sustainability with my friends Emily, Demi, Matthew and Kajal reflecting on a few questions. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether you align with the discussion or not. Reach out to me on  Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 Praana Cafe Podcast available on Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Apple/ Google Podcast

22nd February to 7th March is Fairtrade Fortnight - a two-week festival to celebrate and promote using Fairtrade products. Unpacking what is fairtrade, why is it important, and what we as consumers can do with my friend & teacher, Demi Delaperelle.  To learn about more ways in which you can be involved in  Fair Trade, visit https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/ Podcast on: Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Google Podcast/ Apple Podcast I'm available on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

New Year is usually the  time every one is thrilled to make Resolutions, but I was wondering if we could set Intentions - purposeful, thoughtful, committed little steps. Using all the knowledge we have, to actually applying them in real life. Listen to the episode and let me know how you intend to live sustainably?  I'm on Insta/Twitter/Fb: @PrathyushaCFA18

A few thoughts as we wrap up the year 2020 and the decade. Wishing you all a purposeful and committed year ahead for positive Climate Action. 

As I celebrated my Birthday on the 3rd of December, I also realized its been 3 months since I got to the UK.  This episode is an update on the work that I am doing at the University specific to Environment & Sustainability, and in what other ways do I hope to engage in my year of Chevening.  Reach out to me via Fb/ Twitter/ Instagram: @PrathyushaCFA18 

Through the month of November, I have interacted with many people regarding Veganism. Then I asked, if YOU have any Questions and you responded. Through this episode, I answered questions asked by friends, followers & listeners about being Vegan.    If you have more thoughts reach out to me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

VegSoc is one of the 250+ Student Societies at University of Birmingham. VegSoc believes in inclusivity for vegetarians, vegans and just anyone who wants to explore sustainable food alternatives. Tune into this week's episode as I speak to the President, Becca Stevens & Secretary, Hannah Lapworth about Veganism.  You can reach out to me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

They form the Ethics & Environment Office of the Guild of Students at University of Birmingham. While Matthew was born into a family of Vegetarians converted Vegan, Hannah recently began adopting Veganism. What are their challenges, learnings and how they navigate through these decisions, tune into this week's episode of the Praana Cafe Podcast.    You can reach out to me on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Through the World Vegan Month in November, I am trying to explain, discuss and understand various aspects of Veganism. In this episode, Alex Nettle who is an Animal Rights Activist and has worked for the Green Party of England & Wales discusses his experiences and journey of Veganism. (Anonymous for the Voiceless, Extinction Rebellion , Piglet Prank) Share your thoughts on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

November is World Vegan Month, so why not start learning about the cruelty-free lifestyle. Answering basic questions of What is Veganism, What does the diet consist of, and Why should anyone think about a Vegan lifestyle. I came up with an  acronym - HEAL. To find out what that is tune into the episode.  To figure out your thoughts, preferences or discuss msg me on Fb/Intsa/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

October 23rd is Sustainability Day, October 24th is Global  Day of Climate Action. While we mark these days and our OTT platforms deliver large content about Environment & Sustainability, my  thoughts are   1. Do we go beyond entertainment, and focus on Education?  2. After we watch these documentaries, do we take positive Climate Action at a person level?   Share your thoughts on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Hyderabad has some historical dark tryst with floods- 1908, 2000, 2016 and now the ongoing 2020 unexpected downpour that has devastated the city yet again. What happened in the past, what are the lessons learnt, and how this torrential rain need to be attributed not just to encroachments but an impending Climate Crisis that needs urgent action!  Share your thoughts on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

As we countdown to the delayed COP26 (https://www.ukcop26.org/) , the Climate Change Conference happening in Glasgow in November 2021, I spoke to Ken about the status of energy transition in various countries, more specifically the situation of Green Finance & Renewable Energy in Asia/ India and the role of the UK in Climate Action.    Praana Cafe Podcast: Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Google Podcast/ Apple Podcast I'm on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

How do you navigate Consumerism, convenience and the omnipresent plastic to make sure you follow the 5Rs of Sustainability - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle. Listen to the episode to know how I am navigating my way around in the UK while also learning hacks that you can implement!  Share your ideas with me on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

It's World Environment Health Day on the 26th of September & one of the growing concerns is Waste Management. So, in the two weeks that I have been in the UK what are my observations about Waste & Recycling practices here. I explore this in three segments - at the Heathrow Airport, London, at my University in Birmingham and as I start shopping locally.  What are the best practices we can adopt at home. Msg me on fb/intsa/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

While 2020 has been testing us in many ways, I am truly grateful for the opportunities this year has brought me. I am presently at the University of Birmingham, UK to pursue M.Sc. Environment, Development and Politics. This excitement has been amplified as I am among the few Indians chosen to be  awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship (2020-21) https://www.chevening.org/. Through this episode I will briefly touch upon reasons for choosing my course, the merit of Chevening and some key things you need to know before applying for the scholarship.  If you have specific questions or want to hare some love on fb/insta/twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with  great love & devotion across the country. How do we make this festival not merely a showcase but sustainable too? Also, did you know the Ganesh Festival has a special significance in the Indian Indepence Movement. Do tune in and figure out the why & how of celebrating an Eco Conscious Festival.  Listen till the end of  the Episode for a special announcement.  Share some love on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

It's the 74th Independence Day of India. We have grown by leaps and bounds in the last seven decades, but one problem that India is grappling with  is the mounting waste. How can we understand the enormity of the issue, what is the lifecycle of waste & what can we do to ease management of waste. Tune into this episode of the Praana Cafe Podcast.  Share your thoughts & love on Fb/ Insta / Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

My journey in Sustainability has begun with my parents practicing it everyday. My Mother, Anuradha is a nature lover & is committed to conservation - in every household chore she inculcates conscious and zero waste living. My Father, Ramesh Babu comes from an agricultural family & passionately practices it to this day. In this episode, both of them share their Best Practices for Sustainable Living, and I'm certain there's much to takeaway.  Share some love on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18 

I am the strongest believer of individual, personal action, but sometimes when the problem is really huge, and you are out there to get to the solution, you need like minded people who come together as a community sharing similar vision and values.  In this episode, we will explore both the Need and Power of community, along with the networks I am associated with and my learning from them!  Share some love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Having just  finished the  Climate Reality Training, I am charged up with so much content that it is only fair to share it with  a wider audience. This episode of my podcast has some key takeaways, both problems and solutions of the Climate Crisis. Just enough to make you think, act and want to explore further.  Share some love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

While Life is unpredictable and the End uncertain, can we make our Living conscious and certain. Can we do everything within our control to ensure we care and respect for Mother Earth?  Share your thoughts with me on FB/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

While some of us may or may not like Monsoon & the rain it brings, a large section of the population directly depends and is impacted by Rain Patterns. While Rain Water Conservation is ideal, have we at least begun with home water conservation? How is Climate Change, Monsoon & our life related... Listen to this week's episode of Praana Cafe  Share some love on Social Media- Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Plastic Free July - A world wide event to bring focused discussion and action around going Plastic Free for one month of the year (to begin with). In this week's episode, I am discussing Ideas on How Best can we make this month & the rest of the days, entirely Plastic Free.  Let's be a part of the Solution! Plastic Footprint Calculator: https://www.thehappyturtle.in/plastic-footprint-calculator-individual/ Plastic Free July Challenge: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/ Praana Cafe Podcast: Anchor.fm/ Spotify/ Google Podcast/ Apple Podcast   Share some love & Tag me for your #PlasticFreeJuly Challenge on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Retail Therapy & Consumerism have taken over lives, but is there a way of getting all the things we want without compromise while also ensuring we are conscious of the environment & resources? In this episode I discuss 7 Hacks to find that exact sustainable balance!  Share some love & find out about my shopping choices on Fb/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

June 21st has many things going on, of which the most important one is International Day of Climate Change.  In this episode, we will briefly understand what Climate Change is and how natural disasters from around the  world are affecting us.  Share your messages & love on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

While Plastic has surely become a huge problem in the last couple of decades, is there another side to the story? What's the role of plastic in fighting the global Corona pandemic? And more importantly, what is it we can do to tip the balance in favor of the Environment ?  Do share some love on Insta/Twitter/Fb: @PrathyushaCFA18

5th June is World Environment Day and the theme of this year is 'Celebrate Biodiversity' - which includes all species on Earth, bird and beast alike. In this episode we will explore the role of India on Environment Day, some present issues that need to be addressed and of course our role, 5 tips on what we can pledge to do starting today!  Share love n learning on Fb/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

May 28 is World Menstrual Hygiene Day. While many women around the world have difficulty in accessing basic menstrual product, those of us who have access to information can  make more sustainable and healthy choices - both for ourselves and for the planet. Tune in to learn more about Zero Waste, Sustainable Periods.  Share love on Facebook/Insta/Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

May 22nd is International Day of Biodiversity. On this episode of Praana Cafe, we will discuss the origin of this day and of course get a glimpse of life on Antarctica. The fragile ecosystem and the glorious penguins and whales that live there. Add a few magic elements in  the episode for you to discover! Share love on Facebook/ Insta/ Twitter: @PrathyushaCFA18

Story of a girl who was inspired by people and incidents in her life... to go on an Epic Expedition to Antarctica in 2018 to understand the impact of Climate Change on the fragile ecosystem of our planet. The events that followed and the journey before,  what has led to launching Praana Cafe!? Come with me on my journey.  Share suggestions, ideas, love on:  Facebook/Instagram/Twitter - @PrathyushaCFA18