Azim Premji University Dives Deep with Festival Celebrating India’s Coastal Ecosystems
Bengaluru – Azim Premji University has launched the fourth edition of its acclaimed annual climate festival, turning its focus to the vital and vibrant world of India’s marine frontiers. Titled “Coasts & Oceans of Life” (COoL), the event aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public awareness through a dynamic blend of art, science, and community dialogue.
Running from October 27 to November 8, 2025, the festival is free and open to the public, inviting visitors on an immersive journey to understand the intricate connections between ocean health, coastal communities, and human survival. Building upon the successes of previous festivals dedicated to Rivers, Forests, and Mountains, this year’s edition plunges into the ecology, livelihoods, and cultural imagination shaped by the seas surrounding India.
The festival transforms the university campus into a multisensory hub of exploration. Attendees can engage with student research exhibits on marine biodiversity, experience captivating art installations, join storytelling sessions and documentary screenings, and participate in hands-on workshops led by a diverse group of scientists, artists, and community practitioners from across the nation.
A Lineup of Interactive Learning and Discovery
The festival’s program is designed to inspire curiosity and a sense of stewardship. Key sessions include “Ocean Health and Humans: Pollution, Stories and Solutions” led by diver-artist Uma Mani, and “Island Systems” with Mariam Ali of the Andamans Conservancy Foundation. Marine biologist Linoy Libini will lead a discussion on “Coastal Resilience,” while Mayuresh Gangal from the Nature Conservation Foundation will address the critical issue of “Fishing and Overfishing.”
Beyond lectures, the event encourages active participation. Experiential workshops will guide attendees in creating ocean soundscapes, modeling traditional Uru ships from Beypore, and exploring India’s rich intertidal zones through a fusion of artistic and scientific lenses.
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Fostering a Generation of Eco-Conscious Citizens
University leadership emphasizes that the festival is a core part of its educational mission, designed to make the science of climate change accessible and compelling, especially for the young.
“Our climate festivals are designed to bring the science of climate change to the young children of this nation,” said Dr. Harini Nagendra, Director of the School of Climate Change & Sustainability. “Each year we choose a landscape that connects ecology, community, and culture. Through art, dialogue, and student research, we hope visitors will experience how deeply the oceans shape every aspect of our lives—and why their conservation is not merely critical for our planet, but our own very survival.”
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Richa Govil, Vice Chancellor of Azim Premji University, highlighted the broader educational philosophy. “The Coasts & Oceans of Life festival reflects our belief that education goes beyond classrooms. When children, college students, and the public engage directly with ideas of sustainability, they begin to see themselves as part of the larger ecological story. Festivals like these inspire curiosity, empathy, and responsibility—values that are central to learning and to building a sustainable future.”
The festival stands as a powerful reminder that protecting our blue planet is not just an environmental imperative but a collective celebration of life itself. It represents a proactive step towards empowering citizens with the knowledge and motivation to become champions for our coasts and oceans.
Key Quotes
From Dr. Harini Nagendra (Director, School of Climate Change & Sustainability):
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“We hope visitors will experience how deeply the oceans shape every aspect of our lives—and why their conservation is critical not merely for our planet, but for our own very survival.”
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“This is essentially a celebration of the coasts, the seas, the oceans, and all the communities that live and thrive around them.”
From Dr. Richa Govil (Vice Chancellor):
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“When children engage directly with sustainability, they begin to see themselves as part of the larger ecological story.”
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“Festivals like these inspire curiosity, empathy, and responsibility—values central to building a sustainable future.”
General Quote from the Article:
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“The festival represents a proactive step towards empowering citizens to become champions for our coasts and oceans.”
Event Details at a Glance:
The university extends an open invitation to schools, colleges, and community organizations from across Karnataka and beyond. Registration is required for entry.
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Venue: Azim Premji University, Survey No 66, Burugunte Village, Bikkanahalli Main Road, Sarjapura, Bengaluru
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Dates: October 27 – November 8, 2025 | Time: 9:00 AM onwards | Admission: Free
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Registration: https://forms.gle/oy6k9F67Z8N2zWmc9
