Acclaimed filmmaker and writer Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar inaugurated the festival. Addressing the gathering he said, “This event reflects the social and cultural responsibility that Azim Premji Foundation has towards Kannada and Karnataka.” The Foundation is working in a decentralized manner in the fields of Education, Health, Art, Culture and social sectors in Karnataka. He commended efforts of The Azim Premji University.

Releasing a booklet about the event “Krishna to Kaveri” M.C. Ramesh, Chairperson – Karnataka Shilpa Kala Academy said it is our collective responsibility to promote the 2500-year-old rich heritage of Kannada and Karnataka. Vikram Bhat, Director, BIC welcomed everyone to the event. Sudheesh Venkatesh, Chief Communication Officer, Azim Premji Foundation, presented mementoes to guests and S.V Manjunath Associate Director, Kannada Initiatives, Azim Premji University, introduced the guests to the gathering. Performances of traditional Pooja Kunitha and Somana Kunitha, folk dances from the Old Mysuru region, performed by Sri Vinayaka Yuvakara Kala Balaga and a rendition of the NaaDa Geethe by students of the Suraaghavi Foundation preceded the inaugural ceremony.

A Hindustani vocal recital by Pt. Vinayaka Toravi and team enthralled audience in the opening concert, while Seema Karanth mesmerized listeners through her story telling of “The great story Hunt”. Catering to the growing non-Kannada speaking population of Bengaluru, “Kannada Gottilla” Arpit Kumar did a crash course in spoken Kannada. A quiz program “Sutta Mutta Gottaa?” was conducted by Tejasvi Udupa.

A magic performance called “An afternoon of Magic” was conducted by Inesh Shenoy, Ishanth Senoy, Prahalad Acharya and Nakul Shenoy. Beeso Hadu -Songs of Labor by Shilpa Mudbi Kothakota and Kalaburgi Kala mandali entertained the audience. A multimedia tribute to Da.Ra.Bendre “Pratibimba” was presented by Srimata, Sadhanakeri, Dharawada. Finally, audience grooved to the music of time travel through a century of Bengaluru’s beats- 100 years of grooving by Berty, Radha Krishnan, Hari, Steve, Divya, Prithwin, and Swamy.

The highlight of the day was “Alaikaddal”, a theatre performance that abstracted the Karivalai fishing method, transforming the rhythm of collective fishing into an expressive metaphor for coastal life — its uncertainties, solidarities, and deep ties to the sea. The performance invited audiences to reflect on the delicate balance between human labour and the natural world.

The day also featured the Jhumur folk dance, native to the Chhotanagpur plateau and the tea garden regions of eastern India, accompanied by the traditional Bengali song “Bon Bibi (Laale Laal Oi Polash Bon)”. Together, they captured the resilience and joy of communities shaped by both land and water, evoking how music and movement can carry the memory of place across generations.

The Coasts & Oceans of Life festival runs from October 27 to November 8, 2025, featuring exhibitions, installations, performances, and discussions that explore the intersections of ecology, livelihoods, and culture.

“Our climate festivals are designed to bring the science of climate change to the young children of this nation,” said Dr. Harini Nagendra, Director, School of Climate Change & Sustainability, Azim Premji University. “Through art, dialogue, and research, we hope visitors will experience how deeply the oceans shape our lives — and why their conservation is essential to our future.”

Dr. Richa Govil, Vice Chancellor, Azim Premji University (Bengaluru), added: “Festivals like Coasts & Oceans of Life reflect our belief that education extends beyond classrooms. They connect curiosity with empathy, and knowledge with responsibility.”

Venue: Azim Premji University, Survey No. 66, Burugunte Village, Bikkanahalli Main Road, Sarjapura, Bengaluru 562125
Dates: October 27 – November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM onwards
Entry: Free (registration required)
Register:https://forms.gle/oy6k9F67Z8N2zWmc9

In 2016, Azim Premji University launched the annual “Social Enterprise Idea Challenge” that brings students from across India to explore social entrepreneurship and share innovative social change ideas in a rigorous and competitive environment. The event also acts as a networking platform for young minds to meet each other, exchange thoughts and showcase their talent and skills to some of the early-stage mentors and funders.

Fifteen teams were shortlisted from over 150 entries from universities and colleges across the country for the final round. The submissions were broadly in the domains of education, livelihood, health, sustainability and governance. First prize: Vyasa M Nayak, Lisha D S, Joshua Quinthino Albuquerque from St Joseph Engineering College Contact Numbers: 8618497080/ 8951314688.

Summary of the idea: HiveLink is a social enterprise model using IoT sensors, wireless communication, cloud computing, machine learning, and geospatial tech to empower beekeepers. Implemented at beehive sites in Bantwal, Karnataka, HiveLink provides real-time monitoring, early disease detection, and theft prevention. By streamlining hive management, it supports rural beekeepers and ensures the sustainability of India’s beekeeping industry.

Second prize: Team Urooj – Students from Azim Premji University, Bangalore, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sirmaur, and Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Contact Number: Abbad Kamal – 9582043180 ummary of the Idea: Urooj is aimed at addressing social inequalities and structural discrimination through their fellowship program. They are focused at bridging the gap between education and employability by teaching computer skills and enhancing learning ability.

Third Prize: Team Minds4Minds — Students from IIM, Udaipur, Mahindra United World College (UWC India), and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Contact number: Sofiya Sisolekar – 9545284838 Summary of the idea: Minds4Minds is dedicated to empowering children and teens (6-18) by fostering emotional resilience and mental well-being through fun, engaging clubs in schools and communities. By blending mental health education with immersive activities, they promote balanced digital use, emotional growth, and strong community bonds.

Nazrul Haque, Mentor for the Social Enterprise Cell at Azim Premji University, noted: “It was gratifying to see the understanding and appreciation of social issues among the participants and their determination to find solutions. The majority of past winners are working towards bringing social change.”