A Discussion on the Book Permaculture
18 August 2025 | Speaker: Gayathri V
This session centred around a discussion on the book Permaculture and its relevance to Indian agricultural contexts. Gayathri V shared insights from her extensive work with rain-fed farmers in the drought-prone districts of North Karnataka. Through her organisation ICRA, she has supported small landholding farmers in adopting permaculture principles rooted in traditional knowledge and region-specific practices.
Drawing from her interactions with the book’s author, Dr. Arnendhu Chatterjee, whom she described as an expert in permaculture, Gayathri unpacked key ideas from the book and connected them to real-world farming challenges. The audience, comprising practitioners and aspiring organic farmers, actively engaged with the discussion and found value in the practical, innovative approaches shared to address land and cultivation-related problems.
Kempi and Antara at Desi Angadi: A Storytelling Session
14 September 2025 | Speaker: Anupama K Benachinamardi
This storytelling session brought together children aged four to ten, along with adults, in a shared experience of listening and imagination. Through the stories Kempi and Antara, Anupama K Benachinamardi captivated the audience with narratives that expressed compassion towards animals and highlighted the delicate balance of nature.
The session encouraged children to observe their natural surroundings more closely and reflect on their relationship with animals and the environment. Complemented by simple activities, the interaction allowed children to express their creativity while fostering empathy and awareness. The atmosphere was playful yet reflective, reminding adults and children alike of the power of stories in shaping values.
Grama Dramayana: From Coding to Cultivating
26 October 2025 | Speakers: Guruprasad Kurtkoti & Dr. Nataraj SM
This session was an engaging conversation around the Kannada book Grama Dramayana, which narrates the journey of a software professional transitioning into farming. Guruprasad Kurtkoti shared his personal story of returning to his village, the challenges he faced as a new farmer, and the responses of the local community to his decision.
Dr. Nataraj SM moderated the discussion, guiding the conversation through thoughtful questions that explored themes of rural life, identity, and adaptation. The session resonated with the audience as it reflected contemporary concerns around migration, agriculture, and reconnecting with land. The interactive format encouraged dialogue, making the session both reflective and accessible.
Bannerghatta National Park, Biodiversity, and Its Challenges
16 November 2025 | Interaction with members of the Wildlife Conservation Group
This session focused on biodiversity and conservation challenges associated with Bannerghatta National Park. Members of the Wildlife Conservation Group (WCG), including KP Shankarappa and OS Nagesh, shared insights into the organisation’s work in sustainable forest management and wildlife conservation. The discussion was moderated by biodiversity conservationist YT Lohit.
The interaction highlighted the importance of education, research, and community engagement in protecting ecosystems. WCG’s initiatives such as wildlife photo exhibitions, nature camps, and educational programmes were discussed as tools to inspire curiosity and awareness, particularly among children. The session underscored the urgency of conserving biodiversity while fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Picture Reading Session
28 September 2025 | Speaker: Ramakrishna Bhat
Held at the Desi Store in Kuvempunagara, Mysuru, this was the first Sunday Samvaada session hosted in the city and received an overwhelming response. Ramakrishna Bhat led a picture reading session that introduced participants to the art of observing, interpreting, and understanding images beyond their surface.
The session focused on how visual narratives convey stories, emotions, and context. Participants ranging across age groups and backgrounds actively engaged in discussions about what they saw and how they interpreted it. Children, in particular, showed keen interest in learning how to look closely, listen to visual cues, and articulate their understanding. The session reinforced the idea that learning can emerge through observation and dialogue.
The Sunday Samvaada Series – 2025 reflected a widening of conversations across geography, age groups, and disciplines. From permaculture and farming journeys to storytelling, biodiversity, and visual literacy, the series created spaces for thoughtful engagement rooted in everyday realities. By bringing together practitioners and communities, Desi Trust continued to nurture dialogue that is reflective, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience.