Cultural Capitals - Future Legacies of India's Cities - Lucknow

Jyotsna Kaur Habibullah Founder Lucknow Farmers Market creating the first sustainable online community in India connecting grassroot level entrepreneurs and farmers with consumers with an interactive space to learn to live sustainably. Working on skill development and creating self reliance amongst women’s groups in Village Saidanpur, Distt Barabanki and in Lucknow since 2011. Focused on Sustainable livelihoods, sanitation, women's health and menstrual hygiene. Founded FICCI FLO Lucknow Kanpur chapters and involved at a national level as part of the governing body of FLO working for women's empowerment since 2015.Executive Director Maxel Leadership Forum and heading Women's leadership forum. Founder President of Awadh Mango Growers Association, Founder UP Mango Festival, now in the 8th year bringing together farmers, consumers, members of the press, government, institutions in research for agriculture supporting rural entrepreneurship to attract eco & culinary tourism. Restored the 250 year old family home Habibullah Estate in Hazratganj into a boutique retail space, bringing the best fashion brands in India to Lucknow, hosted events like Royal Fables, Women's Writers Festival, Showcasing Artisans and more Co-Curated the 7th book in People Place Project Series showcasing 45 Lucknow stories, People Called Lucknow. Mentor and volunteer for Daan Utsav, India’s ‘festival of giving’.

Dr. Jaspal Kalra Design Academician and Social Entrepreneur, with practice based PhD degree from NIFT titled ‘Design Education of Chikankari Artisans: A Tool for Social Innovation'. Jaspal Kalra graduated in Fashion Design from NIIFT, Mohali followed by PGCHE and Masters of Design (Fashion) from Nottingham Trent University. Alongside he has worked on project brief development and curriculum for Design and Craft based Institutes, developing new forms through zero waste cutting technique. He has a total work experience of more than 20 years, working in professional design spaces of self-run brand, ace designers, retail brands, international buyers and knowledge sharing at various design Institutes. He has provided services as a consultant for staff development & course delivery, conducted seminars and workshops on craft appreciation. His professional engagements range from workshops at Ashoka University, Somaiya Kala Vidya, expert panellist for ‘National Entrepreneurship Awards Scheme’, Member of Board of Study of Fashion department of Universities and design consultant for projects like Usttad (by NIFT supported by Ministry of Minority Affairs). He has presented in various international and national conferences. He works closely with craft clusters and promotes co-design and design practice sharing with artisans through his brand Sangraha Karigar Atelier. He presently also serves as Executive Director of Kalhath Institute, Lucknow and Research Guide for UID, Ahmedabad.

Devanshi Seth was a journalist with the Times of India for 13 years and has headed Lucknow Times, Kanpur Time, Banaras Times, Allahabad Times and Patna Times during her stint with the newspaper. An alumna of Loreto Convent and La Martiniere Girls College, Lucknow, Devanshi graduated from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi in 2001 with an Honors degree in English literature. She has a diploma in PR and Media Studies from Lucknow University, and is a post graduate in English. Devanshi quit her job as Editor of Lucknow Times, Kanpur Times, Banaras Times and Allahabad Times in 2016 and found inspiration in her hometown, Lucknow for her next venture -- Now Lucknow. Why Now Lucknow? Devanshi has lived in this city all her life, and loves it. She's proud of the place the city has bookmarked in history, but it's the changing face of Lucknow that excites her right now. Now Lucknow was born out of that excitement at what Lucknow is culturally and what it has the potential to become. The portal is an attempt to push tourism in the area, while giving an impetus to local businesses.

Mini Menon is the Co-Founder and Editor of Live History India, a first of its kind digital platform focussed on creating and putting out multi-media content on Indian history and cultural legacy. Since launch, Live History India has reached over 100 million people across India and the world. It has also brought together over 150 historians and experts on its platform. An award winning journalist and author, Mini has also reported on the changing face of politics and business in India for the last 20 years Her last assignment was as Executive Editor of Bloomberg TV India. In 2013 Mini’s first book, ‘Riding the Wave’ was published by HarperCollins. Mini has been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Award for Excellence, as a young achiever and in 2009 she was adjudged the Best Business News Anchor by the Indian Broadcasting Federation.