15 May 2025, 06:30 pm

Venue: C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium, IIC main building

Churning the Earth
(43 min; 2024; English)
Produced by Srishti Films and Kalpavriksh, for Vikalp Sangam

Screening will be followed by a discussion with Ashish Kothari, Founder of Kalpavriksh and member of Vikalp Sangam

Film on the powerful stories of ‘Alternative countercurrents’ constructed by ordinary people from different parts of the country in the face of widespread ecological destruction, social injustice and economic deprivation. Several initiatives on sustainable farming, community-led ecotourism and conservation, revival of crafts, activity-based learning, decentralised water harvesting, local governance and direct democracy from various states are depicted and laced together in a narrative of transformation.

To read the entire Newsletters please click here Issue No: 173

To read the entire Newsletters please click here Issue No: 20

To access the books click here:

The State of Wildlife and Protected Areas in Maharashtra 1996–2015

The State of Wildlife and Protected Areas in North-East India 1996-2011

A meeting with 35-40 individuals organised by Krishi Avam Paristhitiki Vikas Sansthan (KRAPAVIS) was held at Alwar, Rajasthan on 24 th and 25 th Feb 2025 to discuss the implications of the recent Supreme Court judgement to classify Orans, sacred groves in Rajasthan as ‘deemed forests’ under the Forest Conservation Act. The meeting included various local community members, activists, academics and NGOs. Tanya Majmudar of Kalpavriksh launched the Orans microsite documented through the CCA web portal.

Print copies now available! The latest issue with new stories on Great Nicobar is on
the stands now. 

KV co-organised the launch of Dr. Asad Rahmani’s memoirs, ‘Living With Birds’, at Padgandi Bookstore and Cafe, Pune, on 19 December 2024. It was an insightful evening as Dr. Rahmani, renowned conservationist and ornithologist, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Ashish Kothari of Kalpavriksh. The discussion revolved around the conservation, biodiversity, and community-based initiatives, with particular focus on Dr. Rahmani’s extensive research on birdlife conservation. His remarks were also peppered with delightful anecdotes from his many decades of living with birds.

For nearly two and a half decades now the Protected Area Update (PAU) has religiously presented a consolidated account of India’s wildlife and protected area (PA) network. Published six times a year, it carries in a tightly edited format, news and information of what is happening in, to and around these national parks and sanctuaries that have been at the core of India’s wildlife conservation strategy. In the second of a series of edited books that synthesis this huge body of information on geographical lines The State of Wildlife and Protected Areas in Maharashtra – News and information from the Protected Area Update 1996–2015 presents a consolidated historical account of developments in the PA network in Maharashtra over two decades. While the primary unit still remains the individual protected area, the time line has changed from two months of one issue to 20 years that this publication covers. In following one news item after another about any particular PA we see what happened month after month, year after year; what developments recurred at what periodicity; what were the issues that were important and what was done about them – it’s an important glimpse into the contemporary history of a place (many places) marked on the map as a protected area.

Print copies are available for sale at Rs. 400 and for a a discounted price of Rs. 300 please write to [email protected] to order copies and/or further information.

Kalpavriksh has recently published three new children’s books. Details are provided below.

Click on Our Store to order the books!

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lIa, My Wild Mongoose Friend by Abhisheka K

A young college student volunteering at a wildlife rehab center forms an unexpected bond with Ila, a feisty Indian Grey Mongoose. From leaping across breakfast plates to cracking eggs, Ila’s antics charm everyone. Set in the lush outskirts of Bengaluru, this tale captures Ila’s adventurous return to the wild and her friend’s bittersweet lesson in letting go.

What Am I Good At? by Rahul Pradhan

Meet Baby Eagle—born high up in a tree, she quickly learns to say, “Kree!” But as she starts to grow up, a big question begins to trouble her: “What am I good at?”

Determined to find out, she asks all the animals she can find—an elephant, a sloth bear, a grey langur, a barking deer, and even an otter! Will she finally get an answer to her BIG question?

My Nest Is The Best by Niyatee Sharma

Stitching, weaving, digging, stealing… Did you know that birds have countless fascinating skills that they use to build their nests? Learn all about them in this delightful book on nests!

To read the entire Newsletters please click here: Issue No: 17 and No: 18