Summit Overview:
SankalpTaru Foundation hosted its first-ever annual Corporate Partners Summit, titled ST_Next 2025 – Action Beyond Pledges, on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Themed “From Plantation to Coexistence: Scaling Impact, Growing Futures,” the summit brought together changemakers, environmental leaders, and corporate partners to celebrate achievements, unveil upcoming initiatives, and push the boundaries of sustainability beyond tree plantation.
Objective:
To bring together our long-term and regular corporate partners for a day-long, impact-driven seminar that celebrates our collective achievements and unveils SankalpTaru’s upcoming initiatives. The event will foster deeper engagement, shared learning, and inspire continued support for our environmental mission.
Welcome and Registration
Remarks:
- Attendee registration and distribution of event kits
- Initial networking and orientation
Opening Keynote
Speaker: Padmashri Jadav Payeng
Summary of Speech:
The keynote session offered an extraordinary glimpse into the life and work of Jadav “Molai” Payeng—affectionately known as the Forest Man of India. What began in 1979 as a solitary effort by a 16-year-old to combat erosion and loss of habitat on a barren sandbar in Assam’s Brahmaputra River has today become the sprawling 550-hectare Molai Forest.
Through quiet persistence and a deep reverence for nature, Payeng transformed that wasteland into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife—including elephants, Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, deer, and over a hundred species of birds. What makes this forest even more remarkable is that it was created entirely by one man, planting one tree at a time.
Today, the Molai Forest stands not just as a green sanctuary, but as a living classroom for researchers, botanists, and field ecologists. It demonstrates what long-term commitment to conservation can truly achieve.
The speaker used this powerful story to draw attention to the larger issue of environmental education. He highlighted a significant disconnect—students may study environmental science in classrooms, yet many cannot recognize the plants in their own surroundings. The message was clear: without experiential learning, we risk raising a generation that understands theory but lacks a real-world connection to the natural world. To address this, he strongly advocated for integrating climate and environmental education at the primary school level. Early exposure, he noted, is key to developing a lasting respect for the environment and a sense of personal responsibility.
One of the most resonant messages from the talk was the reminder that planting a tree is just the beginning—it’s the ongoing care and nurturing that truly matters. The keynote closed on a spiritual and philosophical note with a quote that perfectly captured the essence of the message: “Nature is God, God is Nature.“
Panel Discussion 1: EcoWomen Leaders – Cultivating Change from the Roots
Speakers:
- Poonam Devi (Woman Farmer, Rohtak)
- Ms. Puja Bedi (AVP Marketing, Mamaearth)
- Ms. Pragya (Climate Justice Advocate)
Discussion Highlights: The meeting emphasized on the power of women-led climate and sustainability initiatives – from grassroots farming to executive boardrooms to youth forums. A recurring theme was the importance of support systems, whether through NGOs like SankalpTaru, corporate partnerships, or mentorship networks. Each speaker reinforced that inclusive leadership and collaboration are the keys to driving meaningful and lasting change.
- Poonam Devi (Woman Farmer, Rohtak) – Key Discussion Points:
Ms. Poonam Devi shared the initial challenges encountered, including societal skepticism, limited access to resources, and lack of confidence in women-led ventures. She spoke about the lack of awareness around sustainable techniques and financial constraints in the early days of her work.
Her journey into organic farming and adoption of alley cropping techniques marked a turning point. With the support and motivation from SankalpTaru, she transformed her land into a green, productive space.Her achievements have served as a catalyst for inspiring local women, contributing to the emergence of sustainable livelihood initiatives within the community. Her story emphasizes that with the right support, rural women can be changemakers in agriculture and sustainability, showcasing the transformative potential of rural women when provided with appropriate support mechanisms
Key Takeaways:
Organizational support and mentorship can help overcome gender-based and infrastructural barriers.
Women farmers are natural stewards of the environment and can scale green practices if given a chance.
Peer inspiration and local role models are critical to encouraging broader community participation.
- Ms. Puja Bedi (AVP Marketing, Mamaearth) – Key Discussion Points:
Puja Bedi emphasized that “sustainability should be at the heart of our everyday actions.” She discussed how MamaEarth integrates eco-conscious decisions into its branding, sourcing, and packaging, making sustainability accessible and attractive to modern consumers. A key highlight was the impactful partnership between MamaEarth and SankalpTaru, which not only supports afforestation but resonates deeply with consumers, generating appreciation and loyalty.
Puja also reflected on the importance of women executives bringing a holistic, empathetic approach to sustainability branding. Women in leadership roles often prioritize long-term value and community impact, setting a tone that inspires trust and credibility in eco-friendly business models.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainability can be successfully woven into business models through thoughtful branding and partnerships.
Consumers are increasingly valuing authenticity, transparency, and purpose in their product choices.Women leaders play a pivotal role in embedding ethical practices within business culture.
- Ms. Pragya (Youth Climate Justice Advocate) – Key Discussion Points:
Pragya outlined how young people today are demanding bold, innovative, and inclusive climate policies. They are not just raising concerns but are ready with actionable ideas and local solutions.
She stressed the need to create spaces and platforms where youth can lead. “Youth must be recognized not only as volunteers but as leaders of tomorrow.” she said, advocating for mentorship programs that encourage autonomy and creativity.
Key Takeaways:
Youth are key stakeholders in the climate movement, bringing energy, tech-savviness, and local insights.
Women mentors can support with empathy, guidance, and access to networks, amplifying youth-led climate innovation.Intergenerational collaboration is essential for sustainable impact.
Panel Discussion 2: Forests That Breathe – Growing Habitats, Not Just Trees
Speakers:
- Padma Shri Jadav Payeng
- Mr. Hem Kumar Pande (IAS Retd.)
- Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay
Discussion Highlights: This thought-provoking panel brought together renowned environmental leaders to explore the deeper meaning of afforestation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. Speakers reflected on personal journeys, institutional challenges, and the ecological transformations taking place across India.
- Padma Shri Jadav Payeng – Key Discussion Points
Mr. Payeng emphasized that a plantation becomes a forest only when it supports not just plant life, but also allows native fauna—birds, mammals, insects—to settle, breed, and thrive. He shared that his Molai Forest transitioned from a plantation to a living forest the moment animals began returning and natural regeneration took over. “Nature responds when you allow it to breathe. When birds build nests and elephants take shelter, you know you’ve created a home, not just a grove.”
Key Takeaway: True success in afforestation is measured not by the number of trees planted, but by the self-sustaining biodiversity that emerges over time. Soil health, natural water cycles, and coexistence of flora and fauna are essential indicators.
- Mr. Hem Kumar Pandey, IAS (Retd.) – Key Discussion Points
Mr. Pandey provided a nuanced critique of high-density afforestation models like Miyawaki. While beneficial in urban settings, he cautioned against using them as a universal solution. In rural and natural landscapes, these models can stress ecosystems and lead to poor survival rates. He advocated for a context-sensitive approach grounded in local biodiversity and ecological needs. Shift focus from “numbers-driven” campaigns to quality-based ecological restoration—using native species, involving local communities, and ensuring long-term care.
On research-practice gaps: Despite India’s advanced institutions (e.g., FRI, CSIR, ICAR), much of the scientific output remains locked in academic silos. Systemic barriers like lack of inter-agency coordination, limited grassroots engagement, and insufficient field-testing of models were identified. Bridging this gap requires stronger institutional frameworks, policy-level support, and inclusive models that involve civil society, NGOs, and local governance in applying research to the ground.
Dr. Sulagna Chattopadhyay – Key Discussion Points
Dr. Chattopadhyay highlighted how permafrost thaw is not just a geological concern but a biological one. As soils destabilize, microbial activity increases, carbon release accelerates, and habitat structures collapse. This affects forest regeneration and long-term habitat stability. Species are being forced to migrate upward or adapt to changing snow and temperature conditions. However, not all species are adaptable—this leads to fragmentation, reduced gene flow, and extinction risks.
Call to Action: Focus on restoring “ecological intelligence” within the soil—by protecting native seed banks, preserving microbial diversity, and allowing forests to regenerate with minimal human interference.
Key Takeaway: Conservation must move beyond protection to rebuilding dynamic habitats. Efforts should be climate-aware, region-specific, and proactive in responding to ecological signals.
Overarching Themes and Closing Remarks:
From Plantation to Ecosystem: Forests are more than trees—they are networks of life that must be nurtured holistically. Plantation of native species should be enforced strictly.
Education Rooted in Experience: The panel reinforced the need for integrating environmental literacy from the primary school level, enabling children to engage directly with nature.Collaboration and Action: Lasting ecological impact requires coordinated action between communities, scientists, and policymakers. The role of traditional knowledge, long-term stewardship, and citizen participation emerged as critical.
Lunch & Informal Networking
Founder’s Keynote & SankalpTaru Program Launch
Speaker: Apurva Bhandari
Keynote Summary: Apurva opened the keynote with a compelling narrative on the beginning of the journey of SankalpTaru Foundation with one tree and gradually moving forward. He focussed on the transformational role of innovation, partnerships, and community empowerment. In a tone that was both visionary and grounded, he set the stage for a new stage of environmental action. He emphasized the integration of tech-driven solutions with people-centric implementation, echoing the ethos of inclusive, scalable sustainability. He introduced four future-forward initiatives of SankalpTaru, each designed to tackle a core area of environmental urgency.
Corporate Spotlights: Felicitation Ceremony
The Felicitation Ceremony celebrated and recognized the corporate partners whose unwavering commitment and strategic collaborations have significantly contributed to advancing sustainability goals, community resilience, and climate action. Each partner was acknowledged and felicitated with a memento presented by Padmashri Jadav Payeng and Apurva Bhandari for their financial support but also for their innovative models of engagement, employee involvement, and on-ground impact.
Major Corporate Collaborations:
- Kia India has pledged one million trees under Project Uphaar, with 4 lakh already planted across 14 states, bringing greenery and livelihoods to diverse terrains.
- Mamaearth ties tree planting with every order, resulting in nearly 1 million trees through its Plant Goodness campaign.
- CDSL is revitalizing India’s borders, planting over 15,000 trees in remote regions like Ladakh and Meghalaya, and involving employees in urban greening.
- Blue Dart, under GoGreen, has planted 3.5 lakh trees supporting 450 farmer families across 12 states, creating fruit orchards for rural resilience.
- YES Foundation has planted 4 lakh fruit trees across 5,000 acres in 11 states, benefiting 600+ farmers and generating over 4,000 tonnes of annual fruit yield.
- Flipkart Foundation, through Mission Beejyaan, used drones to disperse 1 million seedballs in Uttarakhand and is restoring mangroves in the Sundarbans.
- DHL Express has planted 1.4 lakh trees across urban and rural India, powering forest creation and installing solar infrastructure in remote villages.
- SBI Cards, through Pehel, has planted 5 lakh+ trees, creating biodiversity sanctuaries in the Aravallis and urban forests across cities.
- Canon India, under GET, has planted 40,000+ trees, supporting rural incomes and regenerating soil and ecosystems.
- Mahindra Logistics, via Hariyali, has planted over 30,000 trees in drought-hit Maharashtra, aiding 50+ farmer families.
- Versuni India has planted 1.21 lakh trees across 7 states since April 2023, rejuvenating nearly 300 acres.
- Gentari is planting trees in Bikaner’s harsh terrain to build carbon sinks and ecological resilience.
- WNS and FTI Consulting have contributed to urban and rural plantations, actively involving employees in green initiatives.
- Intas Pharmaceuticals is supporting education in remote areas through its UROTIME initiative, distributing learning materials to over 500 students.
These efforts span from transforming barren lands into forests to using technology for ecological restoration, all while empowering local communities. Together, these partners and SankalpTaru are proving that corporate responsibility can lead the way in combating climate change and fostering inclusive green growth.
Closing Note followed by High Tea and Networking Wind Down
Mrs. Priyanka Negi Bhandari, the Chief Operating Officer of SankalpTaru concluded the event with a powerful and heartfelt address that encapsulated the spirit, energy, and aspirations shared throughout the day. She acknowledged the rich diversity of voices—from grassroots women farmers to corporate leaders and youth climate champions—and emphasized how each speaker contributed a vital piece to the collective vision of a more sustainable and inclusive future.
She highlighted the urgency to turn ideas into action and called on everyone present—partners, participants, and stakeholders—to continue this journey beyond the event. Her message was one of shared ownership and long-term commitment.“This wasn’t just a conference. It was a convergence of purpose. The stories shared today are blueprints for change. Let’s carry this momentum into every space we occupy—as individuals, institutions, and communities.”
The closing note was followed by high tea and participants going through the exhibit area of SankalpTaru’s Innovation Hub.
We thank all our speakers, partners, and participants for their time, insights, and commitment to action. For those who couldn’t attend, we hope this primer gives you a comprehensive view of the energy, ideas, and intent driving this movement forward.
