09
May 2025
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
The Tapi Project: A Blend of Folk and Contemporary Sounds from India & Beyond
Royal Opera House, Mama Parmanand Marg, Mumbai - 400004
National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai, The
Living Waters Museum, All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) and Avid Learning present
The
Shape of Water: Climate, Conservation & Creativity.
Every
civilization bears the imprint of its waters - in its art, its stories, and its
soul. From ancient bath houses to modern water-harvesting innovations, from
poetic monsoon ragas to maritime trade routes, water doesn't just sustain life
- it inspires it. Yet today, as climate change reshapes our relationship with
this vital element, we need new stories, new solutions, and new ways of seeing.
As
climate change accelerates, our relationship with water is undergoing a
profound transformation—demanding fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and
artistic interventions. In celebration of World Water Day 2025, Avid
Learning’s much-acclaimed ‘Sustainability Now’ series returns with a
dynamic conversation that reimagines water’s role in shaping both our physical
and cultural landscapes. This thought-provoking exchange brings together
leading voices across art, science, technology, and academia to explore how water
fuels creativity and sparks new visions for sustainability.
Join
us as we dive into a dialogue that flows across disciplines—charting a course
toward a sustainable water future.
Akanksha is a documentary filmmaker who's work revolves around the complexities that a city has to offer. She is drawn to questions about identity, urban sociology, erasure and migration and often tries to address them in her work. Her films have been screened at numerous film festivals and educational forums. Akanksha has worked and continues to work on water stories as a means to explore issues of larger politics and urban sociology. Her film 'The Chaviwallahs of Mumbai' made in the year 2022 attempted to create a hydraulic portrait of the city that is ridden with complex pipe politics. As an extension of her work on water in Mumbai, Akanksha also conducts a water walk ‘Tracing the footsteps of water in Mumbai’, which explores the politics of water in the city stemming from its colonial past.
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Anaka is a writer, curator and creative producer. Her education in law and journalism have grounded her work in media & the arts as trauma-informed and systems-focused. Having embraced a number of curiosities, Anaka’s work isn’t bound by media or form. She thrives in long-term projects, engaging most deeply with culture, decoloniality, ecology and gender. As Programming Director for ALT EFF, she curates films and non-film programs for diverse demographics pan-India and abroad, in the hopes of serving the best interests of people and the planet. She believes that traditional knowledge, community and culture are the bedrock of internationalist solidarities amidst existential threats. In her capacity as a multimedia producer, she is equally comfortable working in audio, video and text, and has worked as passionately on independent projects as on branded content. Her clients include: Google, World Health Organization (WHO), Johnson & Johnson, MTV, Tata Power. She’s been published in New York Magazine, Vulture, The Cut, Kajal Magazine, Edible Hudson, BRIC Radio, Bedford & Bowery and National Geographic. In her downtime, she creates ceramics, ink, textile and lino art at her home studio. And maintains a lifelong practice in theater and dance.
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Dr. Ravi Mariwala is a visionary entrepreneur and chemical engineer with over 25 years of experience in developing and commercializing innovative solutions for sustainability and industrial applications. Passionate about creating a positive impact through technology and business, Dr. Mariwala has founded and led multiple successful ventures. He is driven by a commitment to renewable resources, circularity, and solving critical environmental challenges. As the Founder and CEO of Smaart Water, he started the company with a vision of providing Sustainable and Abundant Water to everyone. Ravi holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware with 5 patents and 17 publications in international peer-reviewed Journals. He additionally has worked on projects funded by Dupont, Air Products, Rohm & Haas and US Govt. through TDA Research, Colorado. Ravi is an adjunct faculty at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, member of the research council of CSMCRI-Bhavnagar a Govt. of India CSIR laboratory and one of the founding members of Tech & Innovation Advisor Group of Centre for Human Rights and International Justice at the Stanford University.
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Aslam Saiyad is a Mumbai-based social documentary photographer, visiting lecturer in mass media, and socio-environmental researcher. His work explores the complex relationship between urban development, environmental degradation, and human livelihoods. His street exhibitions, including "Mumbai Rivers Photo Project" and "The Last Bhistis of Mumbai," highlight the impact of urban growth on the city's environment and its communities. Saiyad, who holds a master's in Environmental Science and is pursuing Anthropology, co-founded Hallu Hallu, a walk tour company that champions indigenous voices and knowledge. His current research focuses on the festivals of tribal communities in the Palghar district, demonstrating the deep connection between their rituals, geography, and ecosystem, beyond simple mythology. Through his photography, lectures, and research, Saiyad strives to raise public awareness and understanding of these critical issues in his native city.
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Sara Ahmed is the Founder of the Living Waters Museum, which includes an online archive with visual narratives on India's diverse water heritage and a public engagement and education program in various parts of the country, as well as with international partners through the Global Network of Water Museums. Sara has a PhD from the University of Cambridge and more than 30 years of research and advocacy on water governance, gender equity and adaptation to climate change.
Read moreWater Conservation Systems - A Significant Part of India’s Water Heritage
Water harvesting in India has a rich history that can be traced back to Vedic times, showcasing the country's long-standing relationship with water management and conservation practices. Various technologies have been employed over the centuries to effectively harvest rainwater, runoff, and floodwater across different regions.
In the Himalayan region, traditional systems such as Zing, Kil, Naula, and Khatri Apatani exemplify indigenous methods of capturing and storing water. These systems are designed to utilise the natural topography for optimal water collection. Similarly, in Northeast India, unique techniques like Zaboo and Cheo-Oziihi employ bamboo drip irrigation systems that facilitate efficient water distribution for agriculture. The Dong system further complements these efforts by utilising local materials for effective rainwater harvesting.
In arid regions like Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, structures such as Kunds (underground reservoirs), Kuis (wells), Baoris (step wells), and Jhalaras (water harvesting tanks) play a crucial role in sustaining local communities by conserving precious water resources.
Additionally, on the Deccan Plateau, traditional methods like Cheruvu (ponds), Kohli tanks (small reservoirs), Kere (tanks used for irrigation), and Bhandaras serve as vital sources of water for agricultural practices. These diverse techniques highlight India's innovative approaches to managing its water resources throughout the year.
Mumbai’s Water Heritage- Constantly Changing Discourse
Mumbai's water heritage is deeply intertwined with its identity and history, shaping the island city in significant ways. From the Mithi River, which flows through the heart of the city, to the vast shores of the Arabian Sea, the tanks, lakes, or wells water has been a vital element for various communities. The Koli community, known as Mumbai's original inhabitants, has thrived along the coastline for centuries, relying on fishing and marine resources for their livelihood. Their cultural practices and traditions reflect a profound connection to the sea. Similarly, the tribals residing within Mumbai's National Park have established a relationship with local rivers like Dahisar. These waterways not only provide sustenance but also serve as sacred spaces that foster community ties and ecological balance.
However, rapid development and urbanisation have led to significant changes in these water relations. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering rainfall patterns and increasing flooding risks during monsoons. As Mumbai faces these pressing issues, there is an urgent need for "water keepers"—individuals and organisations dedicated to preserving this precious resource. By advocating for sustainable practices and protecting our waterways, we can ensure that future generations maintain their connection to Mumbai’s rich water heritage while adapting to environmental changes.
Challenges in Water Heritage Conservation and its Solutions
The challenges in water heritage conservation are multifaceted, with climate change emerging as a significant threat to both the sources and patterns of water availability. As global temperatures rise, changes in precipitation patterns can lead to droughts or floods, directly impacting freshwater resources. Additionally, rapid development and urbanisation are altering the natural water landscape, often leading to increased pollution and habitat destruction. These changes are frequently exacerbated by poor governance and regulations that fail to protect vital water resources.
To address these pressing issues, it is crucial to implement effective monitoring systems that can track changes in water quality and availability over time. Funding partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private sectors can provide the necessary financial support for such initiatives. Involving the community in management decisions is essential; local knowledge can enhance conservation efforts while fostering a sense of ownership among residents.
Education and awareness campaigns play a pivotal role in engaging communities about the importance of preserving their water heritage. By promoting nature-based solutions—such as restoring wetlands or implementing sustainable land-use practices—communities can actively participate in protecting their water resources. Furthermore, investing in research will help identify innovative strategies for conservation while ensuring that local voices are heard in decision-making processes. Together, these efforts can create a more resilient approach to managing our precious water heritage amidst ongoing challenges.
