Theme: “From Convenience to Consciousness: Building a Culture of Sustainability in Bengaluru”
The 4th BSG Sustainability Conclave was held on 30 April 2025 at the JN Tata Auditorium, IISc Bengaluru — marking BSG’s first-ever sustainability conclave in the city. Over 500 guests, including educators, students, professionals from the tech and corporate sectors, and members of the media, attended the event.
The Conclave opened with a powerful cultural performance by BSG members titled Symphony of Earth: A Dance of Our Shared Destiny. Blending Indian classical dance and live music, it traced humanity’s broken bond with nature and the urgent need to restore balance.
BSG Chairperson Mr. Vishesh Gupta delivered the inaugural address. Quoting Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, he spoke of “unbridled individualism” that isolates one from others and from nature. He contrasted this with the idea of the “robust individual” — someone grounded in relationships and committed to mindful, compassionate action. Citing local issues like plastic-choked lakes and imported water from 100 km away, he called for urgent behavioural change at the individual level.
For the first time at a BSG Conclave, a live, interactive audience poll sparked powerful reflection. Participants responded to thought-provoking questions on air pollution, traffic, rainwater harvesting, waste management, and the shocking reality of lake fires. The message was clear: Namma Bengaluru, Namma Responsibility. Each attendee took a 3-point sustainability pledge — to save electricity, use public transport, and segregate waste sincerely.
A panel discussion followed, further unpacking the theme. Moderated by Ms. Surabhi Bhandari (All India YWD Chief), the panel included:
Panel Discussion Speakers
Ms. Shama KarkalTrustee of Catalyst Foundation, Board Member of Impact Catalysts Foundation, Chair of Steering Committee of the Asia Pacific Alliance on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Mr. Vipul Arora Global Head of Sustainability, HCL Tech
Mr. Benedict Paramanand CCEO & Co- Founder of Bangalore Business Literature, Founder of Green Literature Festival, and Editor of Sustainability Next
Ms. Odette KatrakFounder, Beautiful Bharat
Key insights from the panel:
- Ms. Karkal emphasised responsibility that comes with privilege, quoting Gandhi: “There is enough for everyone’s need, not for everyone’s greed.”
- Mr. Arora stressed the need for corporates to prioritise people and the planet, calling sustainability a science rooted in balance and frugality.
- Mr. Paramanand shared stories of grassroots changemakers and reminded us that “waste is no longer useless.”
- Ms. Katrak shared her journey as a changemaker — from promoting reusable bags to launching a no-spitting campaign. Her poems added a personal, moving touch to the discussion.
The Conclave also featured the Seeds of Hope & Action: Making the SDGs a Reality exhibition, inaugurated by the panellists. BSG members enthusiastically guided guests through the panels, sparking meaningful conversations on the SDGs. Many attendees pledged to live more peaceful and sustainable lives.
The Conclave was also covered by the media. Some clips can be seen here:
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-short-term-profit-must-be-balanced-by-long-term-impact-speakers-urge-at-sustainability-conclave-3519263
https://www.freepressjournal.in/amp/press-release/fourth-bharat-soka-gakkai-sustainability-conclave-from-convenience-to-consciousness-building-a-culture-of-sustainability-in-bengaluru
