Day two of Kappa CULTR 2025 kicked off with another captivating session of CULTR Talks on the topic 'Creative Cooling Solutions', featuring individuals from diverse fields who have embraced innovative approaches to sustain and restore the environment.

The panellists—Shameel CP (Founder of Ekata Coffee), Souhredh (Director of Orion Polymers), Resmi Sateesh (Indian playback singer, actor, and assistant director), and Renjini Menon (Head of Kappa Digital and Festival Director of Kappa CULTR)—have each taken unique paths toward making the planet a better place.

The dialogue revolved around the idea that climate consciousness must begin from the heart rather than it being an imposed lifestyle or trend. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big project or groundbreaking innovation. Things as simple as stopping yourself from discarding a PET bottle in the open, carrying a cloth bag to the grocery store, and switching off lights and fans when not in use can contribute to the planet’s restoration.

The discussion emphasised that our understanding of coexisting on this beautiful planet naturally leads to the desire to sustain and grow together. This is the philosophy behind Ekata Coffee, led by Shameel CP. The Sanskrit word 'Ekata,' translates to 'Oneness,' which inspires their mission. Also known as 'Climate Cooling Coffee,' Ekata was born out of Shameel’s commitment to "walk the talk." With a group of friends who joined him in making a change, he aims to harmonise efforts to positively impact the planet, fostering coexistence between all living and non-living elements.

When asked about her inspiration for writing and performing songs about nature and climate, Resmi Sateesh explained that it’s not tied to a single event or person. Instead, her experiences and interactions with various people since childhood have shaped her journey. Starting as a Carnatic and playback singer, she has since discovered her own language, describing music as "an exchange of stories—a sort of give-and-take." For her, music is the perfect medium to address socio-ecological themes. "I left my government job to become a full-time musician. It was my choice, and I live with its challenges," she added.

Souhredh has also dealt with certain challenges. His company—Orion Polymers—transforms non-recyclable plastic waste into sustainable, durable building materials. Even though these materials are equally as good, if not better, than conventional options, most architects and homeowners are hesitant to use these materials, as they still view them as trash. However, those aware of climate issues and the impact these materials could have on improving them are ready to make the choice. He concluded that the best thing to do is to rethink and reimagine trash, resources, lifestyle, and more.

Mathrubhumi, under the visionary leadership of Shreyams Kumar, has championed numerous climate-conscious initiatives. The SEED (Student Empowerment for Environmental Development) program integrates schools, plastics, and agriculture, inspiring youth to repair what has been damaged, restore what once was, and rebuild for a better tomorrow. Plastics collected through SEED have been used, in collaboration with Orion Polymers, to construct homes for people in need.

Renjini Menon, the festival director of Kappa CULTR, put a spotlight on the art curators at CULTR 2025. She referred to Lost Kids Garage as "reuse rebels" who refuse to work with any medium other than trash. A dumping yard is their eternal wonderland, and they hold the belief that an object's value ends only with our imagination. 108 Collective works on large-scale murals, sculptures, and branding projects, utilising spaces and materials that are already available. Pachakuth is all about multidisciplinary art, using materials and ideas that can be used over a large spectrum of spaces and projects. Their mission is to encourage people into making mistakes in art and letting go of the perception of perfection. This is the case with caring for the climate, too—do it without wanting it to fix everything.

‘Creative Cooling Solutions’ inspired everyone in the audience to make the planet a better place by doing what is possible for us in every moment. Don't forget to do your part: trash your plastics properly, and turn off the lights and fans when leaving the room. Walk the talk, in whatever way that makes sense to you. In Shameel's words, "Let's do it!”