12PM - Interactive Talk: Biocognition in Jataka Tales
Speaker: Lathashree KS
About: The Jataka tales, among the oldest story traditions in the world, are not just moral fables but windows into how early societies perceived the minds of animals and their relationship to humans. These stories reveal a deep biocognitive awareness—recognizing intelligence, emotions, memory, and even ethical agency in non-human beings. Long before modern science began exploring cognition and consciousness in animals, the Jatakas were embedding these realities into cultural memory through story.
This talk aims to bring these themes into focus, opening a conversation on how ancient narratives can inform today’s discussions around animal sentience, interspecies ethics, and the shared cognitive landscape of life.
3PM - A delightful storybook reading and art session just for kids.
Art by Sachin Salunke
Based in Bangalore, Sachin is a self-motivated artist and graduate of Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, specializing in illustrations. With a career spanning illustrator, UI/UX designer, and Creative Director, he brings a wealth of creative experience shaped by industry leaders. Passionate about painting, Sachin has explored diverse mediums before embracing black-and-white line drawings to capture the charm of architectural structures, from whimsical castles to everyday village scenes.
Instagram: @sachinsalunkhe04
Isha Art
Isha is a botanical illustrator based in Bengaluru, India. She recently completed the RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Finding herself constantly drawn toward the process of documenting flora and fauna through art, with particular interest in the detail and science that aid it, she is now pursuing botanical illustration professionally. Her work 'Senna Siamea' was a part of the group exhibition- Botanical Art Worldwide (BAWW) 2025, India. Additionally, she hopes to conduct research in the field of political ecology.
Instagram: @im.drawingplants
Our future creators and leaders
✨ Explore creativity and sustainability at our community stalls! Discover two talented artists showcasing their unique artworks — from intricate line drawings to vibrant expressions — alongside an inspiring environmental educator sharing knowledge on living greener and kinder to our planet. Stop by, support local talent, and take home both art and ideas that make a difference. 🌿🎨
Our Heritage Partner
Heritage Beku is a group of eminent citizens from all walks of life working towards one goal - protecting the history that makes Bangalore unique.
in 2018, Heritage Beku evolved as a citizen initiative to maintain and preserve Bengaluru's fading heritage. 'Beku' is the Kannada word for 'want' or 'need'- so the simple phrase was really - 'We Need Heritage'. It was an agonised cry from the heart as our collective history crumbled.
