An exhibition and workshop titled Paani Ki Kahaani will open at Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi, marking International Water Day with a focus on traditional water systems and cultural knowledge from Rajasthan. The initiative brings together artists, architects, and researchers from India and France, presenting a multi-format exploration of water conservation practices.
A Collaborative Cultural Initiative
Paani Ki Kahaani is led by Creadhle, an initiative of Prof. Ritu Deshmukh of the B.V. College of Architecture (BVCOA), Navi Mumbai, in collaboration with French practitioners Celia Lebarbey and Marylène Negro of D’un Autre Oeil. The project also involves comic artists and architects Shreya Khandekar and Anuj Kale of the Leewardists.
The collaboration reflects an interdisciplinary approach combining architecture, visual storytelling, and research, with contributions from both Indian and French cultural practitioners.
Tracing Water Wisdom in Rajasthan
Developed over three years between 2021 and 2024, the initiative travelled across Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. It documents traditional water systems such as stepwells and rainwater harvesting structures, highlighting long-standing ecological practices in arid landscapes.
Through films, comics, workshops, and conversations, the project examines how communities historically adapted to water scarcity, offering insights into sustainable resource management.
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Recognition and International Context
The project received the Trophée de l’Écoresponsabilité 2025 from the Fondation des Alliances Françaises. Its presentation in Delhi forms part of the France India Year of Innovation 2026, a programme celebrating collaboration between the two countries in areas of innovation, sustainability, and technology.
Exhibition Highlights and Programmes
The Delhi presentation expands the project with additional artistic and research components:
- Photographs by artist Pierre Remonté, supported by Agence Française de Développement
- Satellite imagery presentations by Trishna, supported by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development
- Round table discussions with organisations including Veolia, Suez, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
- A food research workshop led by The Kindness Meal
These elements create a dialogue between heritage practices and contemporary environmental research.
Public Engagement and Performances
The programme includes workshops, screenings, guided walkthroughs, and panel discussions from March 22 to March 25. A musical performance by the ensemble Nila Pahad will take place on March 22 at 6:30 PM, featuring narratives on water from regions including Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka.
Venue and Visitor Information
| Aspects | Details |
| Event Name | Paani Ki Kahaani: Workshops |
| Artist / Contributors | Creadhle (Prof. Ritu Deshmukh), Celia Lebarbey, Marylène Negro, Shreya Khandekar, Anuj Kale, Pierre Remonté |
| Venue | Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi – Google Map |
| City | New Delhi |
| Opening Date | March 22 (By Invitation Only) |
| Exhibition Dates | March 23 – March 25 |
| Organiser | Creadhle in collaboration with Alliance Française de Delhi |
| Entry / Tickets | Open to public (March 23–25) |
| Programme Context | France India Year of Innovation 2026 |
The exhibition will be held at Galerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi. The opening on March 22 is by invitation only, while the exhibition will be open to the public from March 23 to March 25.
Visitors can access the exhibition without prior registration unless specified for individual events within the programme.
A Dialogue on Water and Sustainability
By bringing together artistic practices, research, and community narratives, Paani Ki Kahaani situates traditional knowledge within contemporary discussions on sustainability. The exhibition offers a platform to reflect on water as both a cultural resource and an ecological concern, encouraging dialogue on collective approaches to future water management.
