The Spirit of Renewal 

Some stories are about what we build. Others are about what we bring back to life. 

 This edition of a-connect, our October Volume 2, arrives in the spirit of Navratri, a celebration of strength, renewal and new beginnings. In many ways, the stories in these pages echo that same spirit. 

Our Cover Story takes us to Surguja, Chhattisgarh, where a determined team set out to solve a deceptively simple mystery: why was the Sal, one of the region’s most important native trees, so difficult to grow in a nursery? The answer lay in understanding the forest on its own terms. By learning to work with the narrow window in which a Sal seed can survive, the team found a way to nurture saplings and help restore native forests on reclaimed land. It is a story of science, persistence and the quiet power of giving nature a second chance.  

Elsewhere, we look at transformation through very different lenses. Project Utthan shows how foundational learning can change the trajectory of a child’s life, often beginning with something as simple as trust. In Kolkata, the Durga Puja Adani Preview brought visitors closer to the artistry behind one of India’s most celebrated cultural traditions, while extending recognition and support to the artists and communities who keep it alive. 

At Khavda, a dedicated postal identity marks another stage in the evolution of a once-remote landscape into a thriving renewable energy ecosystem. 

Together, these stories remind us that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. It takes curiosity, courage, patience and people willing to look beyond what seems possible.

Starting this edition, a-connect will also strive to feature stories in vernacular languages, making our content accessible to a wider readership.

As the festive season fills our homes and communities with light, may Navratri inspire us to celebrate the strength to begin again, the courage to grow and the belief to keep moving forward.

Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy Navratri!