Water Fest 2024
Connecting Science and Society through Conversations towards Conservation! Water has a Connective Capacity! The interdependence of societal, ecological, economic, cultural
Connecting Science and Society through Conversations towards Conservation! Water has a Connective Capacity! The interdependence of societal, ecological, economic, cultural
Dr Mansee Bal Bhargava is a transdisciplinary listener and learner of the built environment that includes architecture design, development, planning, management, and governance of large-scale developments. Engaging through entrepreneurship, research, education, public speaking, and mentoring on sustainability-liveability for nearly three decades, she has developed her interests in water worries and wisdom besides women in the built environment.
She is the Founder-Director of WforW Foundation and Research Entrepreneur at Environmental Design Consultants Ahmedabad. She holds the National President position at the Water Resources Council (2022-) of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry leading a network of professional women leaders from the water sector from across the country. She is considered as an authority in water, women, and research for her public engagements.
More about her experience as an individual is at, https://www.mansee.in/.
Sromona Burman (she/they) is a senior research fellow at WODER, and the W.for.W Foundation. Sromona specializes in the intersection of gender, water governance, and disaster resilience, utilizing participatory action research to empower vulnerable communities. With a background in geography, natural resource governance, and vulnerability studies, with an emphasis on gender and social sciences. She has developed a robust expertise in analyzing the intersection of socio-environmental factors, particularly in disaster-prone regions. Sromona’s research underscores participatory action methodologies, with the goal of enhancing water security, mitigating disaster impacts, and fostering resilience among vulnerable communities. Her experience, work and engagements have been recognized contributions, including academic awards and international collaborations, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing social and environmental governance. More about Sromona is at, sromona.com
As the founder of Aeronero, Durga Das is at the forefront of revolutionizing the water industry through innovative air water generation (AWG) solutions. Aeronero’s ground breaking technology harnesses the humidity in the air, converting it into clean water. Durga’s dedication to addressing the global water crisis is evident not only in Aeronero’s commercial success but also in her philanthropic initiatives. Beyond serving commercial clients, Aeronero actively engages in charitable efforts. Durga established the charity WODER in the UK, collaborating with influential figures like Amir AlKayed and Mansee Bal Bhargava to address water scarcity in refugee camps and promote water independence for women. Durga’s strategic vision spans the globe, with operations from India to the Americas, underscoring the urgency of tackling water challenges on an international scale. As she navigates the challenges of scaling Aeronero, Durga remains a trailblazer, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. Recently Durga won the ” Best Innovator ” award at the HIEx platform at the World Health Assembly held in Geneva on May 29th 2024.
Durga is an advisor on the WICCI- Water Resources Council, a platform under Water – Industry, a Joint Secretary of Asian African Chamber of Commerce, advisor to the World Talent Economic Forum which is a team of International Experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange. Ms. Das has more than thirty years of experience in the critical early stages of start-ups– with a skilled emphasis on creation, management, business development, marketing, and sales.
Garbhit Naik is a dedicated researcher at WODER, W.for.W Foundation and Prakruti Prerana Foundation, bringing over a decade of interdisciplinary learnings in architecture, sustainable urban planning, and geospatial sciences. With a strong focus on environmental sociology, Garbhit employs participatory action research to engage with communities, aiming to enhance their socio-ecological resilience.
At WODER, he contributes to crucial projects that improve water security and develop sustainable solutions for disaster-prone regions in South-Asia. Garbhit’s work is deeply rooted in understanding the complex interplay between social and environmental factors, ensuring that communities are better prepared to tackle challenges related to climate change and resource management. His research and design solutions, recognized by national awards and international fellowships, reflects a profound commitment to sustainable development.