On the occasion of World Environment Day, FICCI FLO successfully organised the FLO GreenTech & Circular Economy Panel Discussion, “Planet, Policy & Progress: Building India’s Sustainable Future,” at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi. The event brought together thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to engage in meaningful conversations on sustainability, climate action, circular economy, and responsible growth.
Organised under the FLO GreenTech & Circular Economy National Initiative, the panel discussion focused on fostering dialogue, encouraging innovation, and creating greater awareness around sustainable development, climate-conscious business practices, and scalable green solutions.
The session featured an eminent panel comprising:
– Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited
– Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Founder, Phool.co
– Ms. Barkha Subba, Conservation Scientist and Whitley Award Winner 2026
The discussion was moderated by renowned journalist, author, and conservation biologist Ms. Bahar Dutt.
Bringing together diverse perspectives on green innovation, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, circular economy models, sustainable mobility, and responsible entrepreneurship, the panel highlighted the urgent need for collaborative action among businesses, policymakers, communities, and citizens to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient India.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Puja Garg, National President, FICCI FLO, said:
“Sustainability is no longer a future aspiration—it is an urgent responsibility. India’s transition towards green technology and a circular economy presents not only an environmental imperative but also a transformative economic opportunity. At FLO, we believe that the future of growth must be rooted in purpose, responsibility, inclusion, and innovation.”
During her conversation with Ms. Bahar Dutt, Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani spoke about the critical role of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving urban air quality. She highlighted how EVs are helping address two major urban challenges—air pollution and noise pollution—through significant technological advancements. Dr. Motwani also emphasized the need for continued government support through increased investment, stronger charging infrastructure, and measures to reduce the upfront cost of EV ownership.
Sharing his entrepreneurial journey, Mr. Ankit Agarwal spoke about transitioning from a career as an automation scientist at Symantec Corporation to founding Phool.co, a pioneering social enterprise built around flower recycling. He recounted how a visit to the Ganga in Kanpur exposed him to the environmental impact of floral waste, inspiring him to create sustainable solutions through innovation.
Today, Phool.co transforms temple flower waste into charcoal-free incense sticks, biodegradable packaging material (Florafoam), and vegan leather known as Fleather. The enterprise also champions social inclusion by employing women from marginalized communities, particularly those historically engaged in manual scavenging, providing them with dignified livelihood opportunities and safer working conditions.
Ms. Barkha Subba highlighted her grassroots conservation efforts focused on protecting the Himalayan Salamander and restoring its wetland habitat in the Darjeeling Himalayas of West Bengal. She discussed the challenges posed by wetland degradation, unregulated tourism, and land-use changes in tea garden regions, all of which threaten the species’ breeding grounds. Ms. Subba emphasized the importance of partnerships with forest departments, tea estates, local communities, and conservation stakeholders to ensure long-term habitat protection and sustainable eco-tourism practices.
During the event, FICCI FLO also formally announced the launch of its Pan-India Initiative on Waste Collection and Responsible Disposal, aimed at encouraging conscious waste management practices and fostering greater community participation in building a cleaner, greener India.
The event was led by Ms. Vibha Jain, Initiative Lead, FLO GreenTech & Circular Economy National Initiative, along with Ms. Namrata Mishra, Initiative Co-Lead, whose efforts brought together experts and stakeholders from across sectors for this timely and impactful dialogue.
The session reaffirmed FICCI FLO’s commitment to advancing sustainability, promoting responsible innovation, and creating platforms that inspire collective action towards a greener and more resilient future.