For the first time in Gujarat, Udgam Trust brought together five Padma awardees on one platform for a national dialogue on water, as the two-day ‘Bharat Discourses on Water @2047’ concluded at KCG Auditorium, Ahmedabad.
The conclave brought together policymakers, scientists, researchers, water experts, innovators and grassroots leaders to collectively explore pathways towards a water-secure Bharat by 2047.
Organised by Udgam Charitable Trust, in association with the Center for Water Peace (CWP), Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation (SPMRF) and i-Hub*, the second day of the conclave focused on moving the water conversation from awareness to action.
The day began with a *Research Colloquium on ‘From Water Challenges to National Opportunities: Research, Innovation and Pathways for Bharat @2047’*, where experts discussed the need for stronger research, academic engagement and innovation to address challenges related to water security and climate resilience.
This was followed by a session on ‘Shaping Water Governance, Public Policy and Road to a Water-Secure Bharat’, which examined the importance of integrated governance, effective public policy and greater coordination between institutions and communities in managing India’s diverse water challenges.
The session on ‘Innovation for Every Drop: Startup, Technology and Entrepreneurship for a Water-Secure Bharat’* highlighted the role of startups and technology in developing practical solutions for water conservation, efficient management and sustainable utilization.
Another key discussion, ‘Investing in Water, investing in the Future: Green Finance for Climate-Resilient and Water-Secure Bharat’*, explored the role of sustainable financing and investments in strengthening water infrastructure, supporting conservation initiatives and building climate resilience.
Speaking on the importance of sustainable development and community-led conservation, Shri Bharat Bhushan Tyagi, Padma Shri, said, “Water security is an investment in our collective future. Development must move in harmony with nature, and every solution must strengthen communities while protecting the resources on which future generations depend.”Padma Shri Sethpal Singh emphasised the importance of public participation, saying, “The real strength of water conservation lies in people’s participation. Every village, household and community must see water as a shared responsibility.
When conservation becomes a way of life, lasting change becomes possible.”The two-day conclave also highlighted the relevance of India’s traditional water wisdom, including systems such as johads, baolis and kunds , while connecting these practices with modern science, technology and policy.
The deliberations from the conclave are expected to contribute towards the proposed ‘Bharat Water Manifesto 2047’, with the shared objective of strengthening awareness, policy, innovation and community participation towards India’s long-term water security.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mayur Joshi, Managing Trustee, Udgam Charitable Trust, said, “India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat cannot be complete without water security. The responsibility goes beyond governments and institutions. It requires communities, researchers, innovators and citizens to come together and transform concern into collective action.”
The conclave concluded with a clear message: a water-secure Bharat begins with collective responsibility, and every drop conserved today is an investment in the future of generations to come.