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...

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://ww...

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...

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 t...

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 th...

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...

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 a...

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 ab...

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,...

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 Po...

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 Anc...

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/...

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...

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:...

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: @Pr...