Last Thursday, on a cool December evening at Cogent Studios in Lower Parel, Planet Pact hosted its final Climate Talks of 2025—reminding us that climate conversations don’t have to feel heavy. The event felt less like a seminar and more like a vibrant brainstorm, proving that fighting for the planet doesn’t have to be a drag or a complicated, jargon-filled discussion. Here’s what made their approach so refreshingly different.

This talk was a pit stop to swap real stories, celebrate what’s actually working in our neighbourhoods, and honestly ask, “Okay, what’s next?” It was a masterclass in turning community whispers into a roaring game plan.

Inside the Room: Where Ideas Met Energy

The room buzzed with actionable ideas and genuine connections. And, Green Pistachio had a front-row seat to an evening that felt electric yet inviting—less a panel, an energetic mix of ideas and viewpoints, proving climate action needs every kind of thinker.

Planet Pact Members participating in Climate Talks event.

This unique dynamic was driven by a powerful mix of perspectives on stage:

  • Ankita Bhatkhande (Dasra / Rebuild India Fund): Bringing a journalist’s eye to impact investing, she advocated for how finance can be a strategic tool for grassroots climate action.
  • Shilpi Datta Som (Many Frocks): As the founder of Many Frocks, she showcased how creative industries and sustainable design are vital to a circular, low-waste future.
  • Tanmay Takle (Climate Risk Horizons): A sustainability professional with a background in public policy and climate finance, grounded the event in data, translating climate risk into clear, actionable insights for investors.
  • Shishir Joshi (Project Mumbai | Mumbai Climate Week): He brought the vital perspective of urban grassroots action to the stage, detailing how community mobilization turns city-level climate challenges into practical, on-the-ground solutions.

Building a Community: A Note from the Hosts

The evening was thoughtfully curated by Planet Pact’s co-founders, Harshvardhan Sharma and Selva Ganapathy, who believe true sustainability thrives on connection—it’s the spark when people and organizations share knowledge and real-world experiences to drive impact.

Reflecting on the city’s spirit, Selva shared, “Mumbai feels like home for Climate Talks. The community here is close, thoughtful, and action-focused—it’s fulfilling to see people return, knowing we’re delivering on our purpose.”

Showing Harshavardhan Sharma and Selva Ganapathy expressing their words

While Harshvardhan added that “I am always impressed with the energy in the room when we hold our flagship event, Climate Talks. Regardless of the city, whether its Bangkok or Bengaluru, Mumbai or Kolkata, the energy remains the same — when a group of people, who are concerned about climate change, and are equally compassionate and passionate to work towards it, come together for 2.5 hours. On 18 Dec, at Cogent Studios, Parel, it was very nice to see familiar faces, and some new faces, all united through a common cause: making a difference.”

A Firsthand Perspective: Notes from Our Founder’s Notebook

Avnee Kokatay, Founder of Green Pistachio attending Planet Pact's Climate Talks event

Avnee Kokatay, Founder of Green Pistachio, attended the event and walked away smiling—and thinking. Sharing her experience, she said: “Planet Pact’s Climate Talks did something different—it broke the usual mould. I didn’t feel the familiar climate-event seriousness. No heavy jargon, no pressure—just thoughtful conversations and active listening. I resonated deeply with Ankita Bhatkhande because of our shared love for writing and desire to simplify sustainability advocacy. It reminded me that connection, not perfection, drives meaningful change.”

From Mumbai to Main Street: Multiply the Impact

Events like this remind us that the path to a sustainable future isn’t a solitary sprint but a collective journey. The energy in Mumbai was contagious, and now we’re passing it to you. 

What unique perspective would you bring to this table?

Share your thoughts below. Give this a like if you believe in the power of connected communities — and let’s keep proving that, together, we can build a more playful and powerful climate movement.

And don’t forget to follow Green Pistachio to join future community-led climate conversations.

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