What’s Brewing at Ethos Foundation?

[EthosFoundation]

There’s something very significant awaiting us in Goa, and it connects beautifully with a journey that began years ago.

When Ar. Gita Balakrishnan first set out on foot, it wasn’t just about covering distances. Her inaugural walk from Kolkata to Delhi in 2022 was a call to action — to spark conversations on how design can build a more inclusive, equitable world. Every step became a dialogue, every halt an opportunity to listen, reflect, and engage.

Since then, her walks have come to symbolize much more than a physical act of moving forward. They embody the spirit of participation, of making space for unheard voices, and of showing that true change often begins outside boardrooms, on the road, amidst people.

Now, as she prepares to walk once again — this time toward something momentous in Goa — Ethos Foundation is proud to see her continue carrying the values we deeply believe in. It’s a reminder that our strides, big or small, can leave footprints of awareness, dignity, and inclusion.

Stay tuned as we take these steps forward — together.

[EthosFoundation]

Immersive Conversation with Educators

Ethos Foundation is set to host a series of immersive conversations that bring 16 educators from 16 architectural colleges across India to talk about the pedagogical framework in their respective colleges and to also discuss the key challenges in teaching and learning.

The conversations will cover the following theme:

• Curriculum and pedagogy,
• Professional preparedness and industry linkages,
• Collaborative and community learning, and
• Faculty development and empowerment.

These conversations aim to surface both the strengths that keep institutions moving forward and the systemic gaps that hold them back.

[EthosFoundation]

Report: Innovation Talk Series

The Ethos Foundation, in association with the Rainmatter Foundation, recently hosted its inspiring Innovation Talk Series on September 13, 2025. The session featured pioneers in social, digital, and material innovation, with the goal of mentoring aspiring individuals who have innovative project ideas but face challenges in bringing them to life.

Snehal Joshi, co-founder of Design Nonstop, spoke about using design as a tool for community empowerment. She showcased how simplicity and cultural roots can create powerful social impact, from designing accessible medical equipment to reviving folk and tribal art through Laakhi.

Joy Mondal, Head of WEsearch Lab, highlighted the role of technology in solving real-world challenges. His work, which includes AI tools to combat design plagiarism and digital safety predictors for urban spaces, offered participants a clear roadmap for taking ideas from concept to reality.

Tejas Sidnal, founder of Carbon Craft Design, shared his breakthrough in turning carbon emissions into Carbon Tiles. His talk emphasized the potential of reimagining everyday materials to combat climate change and reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint.

The session offered diverse perspectives on how to approach projects in different disciplines and bring them from a nascent idea to a real-world application. Participants gained valuable knowledge through a question-and-answer session, where they were able to interact directly with the mentors and get their doubts cleared.

Overall, the Innovation Talk Series served as a powerful platform for bridging the gap between innovative ideas and their real-world application, empowering aspiring innovators by connecting them with seasoned pioneers in social, digital, and material innovation.

[EthosFoundation]

Hey everyone! Gita, founder of Ethos Arcause is kicking off a powerful 100 km walk as part of International Purple Fest from October 4th to October 9th! She’s covering some serious ground: from Goa-Karwar border - Mashem - Karmal Ghat - Chinchinim - Salcete - Goa Medical College - Panjim bus stop - Campal Gardens - Entertainment Society Goa

We need your local expertise! We’re hunting for cool “Purple Pit Stops” right along her specific route where she can drop in for a quick hello and chat about Universal Design. Think schools, special needs centers, orphanages, or churches/community hubs—any welcoming spot!

Do you agree or disagree that incorporating Universal Design principles from the start of a project (e.g., a building, a website) ultimately saves time and money compared to making accessibility modifications later?[poll type=regular results=always public=true chartType=bar]

• Agree (It saves time and money)
• Disagree (It adds complexity and cost upfront)
  [/poll]

[EthosFoundation]

Report – September 2025

This September was nothing short of inspiring at Ethos Foundation — a month of fresh ideas, bold conversations, and powerful representations that brought our vision of design for impact to life.

The SNS Lecture Series 19.0 returned with a bang under the Ethos–Rainmatter partnership. Ar. Zeenat Niazi showed how circular thinking transforms challenges into opportunities, while Ar. Pooja Khairnar inspired with her call for contextual and inclusive design. With over 1,058 registrations, the energy was electric — a generation ready to design for a future that cares.

The Innovation Series saw ideas come alive, hosted by Ethos Arcause with Rainmatter Foundation. From Snehal Joshi’s stories of design empowering communities, to Joy Mondal’s tech-driven breakthroughs, to Tejas Sidnal’s game-changing Carbon Tiles — the session was packed with inspiration. Participants walked away with real strategies to turn concepts into reality.

The Immersive Conversations with Educators gathered 16 educators from 16 colleges across India in one powerful dialogue. Voices from across the country shared insights on pedagogy, industry linkages, collaborative learning, and faculty empowerment. The result was a set of honest conversations that celebrated strengths while boldly acknowledging gaps in architectural education.

As colleges and students form an integral part of our universe, we are thrilled to share that new Arcause Clubs have joined our journey this month! Bhartiya Vidyapeeth and Rachana Sansad came on board as fresh signings, while our partnership with Brick School of Architecture was proudly renewed, reaffirming a shared vision for design with purpose. And the momentum doesn’t stop there — today we are at Dayanand Sagar, sparking conversations on walking the talk and rethinking accessibility. Each new collaboration is a step toward building a stronger, more inclusive movement, and we couldn’t be more excited.

At the Arcause Club Showcase, students stepped forward with creativity, ideas, and action, presenting projects that highlighted how design can shape a better world. It was a celebration of youthful energy, innovation, and the growing movement of Arcause Clubs across campuses.

At the Purple Fest, a vibrant national celebration of inclusivity, Ethos Foundation will be represented by Ar. Gita Balakrishnan. From cultural showcases and adaptive sports to hard-hitting discussions, the fest will be a movement in itself, and at Ethos Foundation, we are proud to disseminate our vision of accessibility and equity for all.
Rainmatter_Report_September_compressed.pdf (5.2 MB)

[EthosFoundation]

The APNA Arcause Purple Walk—Goa 100 was flagged off by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister of Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Desai and Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar in Canacona.

This walk is not just about covering distance—it’s about creating conversations on accessibility, empathy, and inclusive design. Aligned with the spirit of the International Purple Fest, India’s premier festival of inclusivity, architect Gita Balakrishnan has embarked upon this unique walk where all the conversations, interactions, and activities aim at sensitizing the citizens and prioritising universal accessibility over several other aspects of the environment.

At the government library and the primary health care center located in Balli, lively discussions unfolded with staff, patients, and citizens—focusing on accessibility as a right, not a compromise. The team, along with Gita, highlighted simple design interventions that can make public buildings more welcoming and functional for all.

Founded by a 21-year-old, the tribal school “Shree Balram Residential High School, Canacona, Goa” stands as a testament to the power of individual initiative. Gita interacted with students and teachers, sparking conversations on how universal accessibility can transform learning spaces.

Along the way, she connected with residents, vendors, daily wage labourers, and maintenance staff, turning the walk into a moving forum for dialogue and learning.

This is just the beginning!

Stay tuned as the Purple Walk continues to build awareness, inspire change, and make accessibility everyone’s business.

If you’re nearby, come be part of the movement! Join Gita and the Purple Walk team for the closing ceremony at Campal Garden on 8th October at 4:30 PM—let’s celebrate accessibility and inclusivity together.

[EthosFoundation]

Five days of the Apna Arcause Purple Walk—Goa 100 was an immersive experience of walking, learning, and celebrating unity, awareness, and accessibility for all. Launched on October 4th, leading up to the International Purple Fest, the excitement was palpable from the start.

The walk began with a momentous flag-off by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister of Social Welfare, Subhash Phal Desai, and Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar. Stepping off alongside 200+ students and persons with disabilities, the sheer volume of participation immediately highlighted the collective desire for a more inclusive society.

With every kilometer covered, Goa unfolded its scenic coastlines, vibrant towns, and warm hospitality, serving as a dynamic backdrop to our mission. This journey transcended simple physical distance, transforming into a continuous, real-world audit of accessibility. Each step highlighted the gap between the ideal of an inclusive space and the reality we currently inhabit, solidifying the conviction that much more effort is needed to ensure our infrastructure truly welcomes everyone.

The Apna Arcause Purple Walk culminated on Day 5 (08.10.25) at Campal Garden, Panaji, before a vibrant closing ceremony at the International Purple Fest. The experience was transformative, leaving behind not just memories but concrete outcomes that can be leveraged for future action:

1. Direct On-Ground Advocacy: The physical presence of 200+ individuals, including persons with disabilities, visibly demonstrated the current barriers in Goan public spaces and infrastructure to thousands of onlookers and local officials. This provided an unfiltered, practical assessment of non-compliance with accessibility standards.
2. Increased Community and Youth Awareness: The engagement with students and local community centers embedded the principles of universal design into the grassroots level. This built a network of informed young advocates who are now primed to champion inclusive design in their schools and future workplaces.
   
   

[EthosFoundation]

Sense N Sensibility – 20th Edition

The 20th edition of Sense N Sensibility, organized by the Ethos Foundation, brought together architecture students, educators, and enthusiasts from across the country for a powerful session themed “Voices of the Earth and Voices of the People.” This lecture series is a cornerstone of the responsible design initiative supported by the Rainmatter Foundation, aiming to place sustainability, community, and context at the heart of architectural practice.

This edition featured two exceptional speakers. Ms. Sushma Iyengar, a pioneer in community development, shared her decades of experience working with rural communities, focusing on craft, local knowledge, and the idea of development rooted in dignity. Ar.

Aditya Sharma presented Mittivanam, a project shaped by ecological thinking and landscape wisdom, emphasizing sustainable design as a path of renewal and responsibility. Together, their talks offered powerful reflections on how design can respond meaningfully to both people and the planet.

The session was broadcast live across 11 institutional partners, reflecting the growing momentum of responsible design education. Participating colleges included Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology and Management (DSATM), PSG Institute of Architecture and Planning, Amity University Madhya Pradesh, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Odisha, Jindal School of Art & Architecture (JSAA), MRSPTU GZS School of Architecture and Planning, Bearys Enviro-Architecture Design School (BEADS), BMS Yelahanka, Piloo-Mody College of Architecture Ajay-Binay Institute of Technology, Amrita School of Architecture, and JBR Architecture College, Hyderabad.

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Feedback from Participants

Attendees shared several meaningful takeaways that reflect the impact and relevance of the session:

“Easy communication with others, sharing information quickly, staying updated and connected, learning new ideas, and building social or professional networks.”
“The emphasis on sensibility and a human-centred design approach was very valuable.”
“The session was really inspiring and helped me think in a new way. It motivated me to explore new ideas and look at things from a different perspective.”

“The Sense and Sensibility 2.0 session encouraged me to think beyond conventional design boundaries and adopt a more human-centered, emotionally connected approach to architecture. It showed how sensitivity and creativity can coexist in every design.”

[EthosFoundation]

Designing with Purpose: Why We Take Arcause to Campuses

At Ethos Foundation, we believe that design has the power to heal, include, and transform. The Arcause movement was born from this belief — to remind designers that every idea, sketch, and structure can serve a greater purpose when it is rooted in empathy and social responsibility.

The Arcause Roadshows are our way of taking this mission to campuses across India — not as lectures, but as conversations. We visit colleges to listen, inspire, and connect, inviting students and faculty to become active changemakers through Arcause Clubs. These clubs become living ecosystems of dialogue and action — spaces where young minds explore how design can address real social challenges, from accessibility and equity to environmental care and cultural sensitivity.[image]

Through recent visits to Bhartiya Vidyapeeth, ATLAS, Rachana Sansad, Pillai’s HOC, Jamia Millia, IGDTUW, and the renewed partnership with Brick School of Architecture, we have seen how this message resonates. When Ar. Gita Balakrishnan speaks on “Walking the Talk: Our Cause, Our Responsibility,” or discusses Universal Design, it sparks something deeper — a realization that design isn’t just about creation, but connection.[image]

Moments like the conversations at Dayanand Sagar, where students reimagined accessibility and inclusion, remind us why we do what we do. Each visit plants a seed — of awareness, of compassion, of responsibility — that grows into a movement of designers who design for people, with people, and because of people.

The Arcause Roadshows are more than campus visits; they are steps in a shared journey — one that moves us closer to a world where every design decision holds meaning, and every designer walks the talk.

[EthosFoundation]

BingCause Report

While Ar. Gita Balakrishnan embarked on the APNA ARCAUSE Purple Walk, our dedicated team carried forward the spirit of the movement through a series of on-ground and reflective activities championing Universal Design and accessibility. These initiatives were collectively titled “BingCause” — a concept rooted in the idea of being the cause for inclusion, empathy, and awareness.
Through BingCause, team members actively engaged in experiential exercises that encouraged them to view the world through the lens of persons with disabilities. These activities brought to light the often-overlooked challenges faced in navigating everyday environments and inspired deeper understanding of the need for inclusive design practices.
As part of BingCause, our team also collaborated to write a blog on the UDita course, reflecting on our perceptions of Universal Design in everyday spaces. Through discussions and shared insights, we explored how inclusive design impacts accessibility and quality of life, reinforcing our collective commitment to designing for all.
The sessions went beyond observation — they became spaces for meaningful dialogue. Conversations within the team and with local communities centered on empathy-driven design, equitable access, and the small yet transformative steps that can make our spaces more inclusive for all.
As Ar. Gita walked across Goa spreading the message of Universal Design, the team ensured that the momentum continued through action and reflection. BingCause thus became a parallel movement — one that amplified the purpose of the Purple Walk, ensuring that the call for accessibility and empathy resonated not just on the roads of Goa, but in our hearts, minds, and everyday design choices.
“I visited the public infrastructure around my house to observe and mark areas that demonstrated both good and poor examples of Universal Design. It helped me notice everyday barriers and think of ways to make spaces more inclusive.” — Ar. Priyanka Michael
“Looking at the city I grew up in, through the lens of Universal Design, made me realise how empathy transforms spaces. From satire to storytelling, each activity deepened my understanding of inclusive design.”— Ar. Achal Potode
“The BingCause activity transformed me from someone who rarely thought about Design for All into an active observer of accessibility in public spaces. It inspired me to spread awareness about Universal Design among children in my community and to continue learning how design impacts people with disabilities.”

— Ar. Ramiya Gopalakrishnan

[EthosFoundation]

October Report – Ethos Foundation

October was marked by active engagements, collaborative efforts, and steady progress across ongoing initiatives, fostering creativity and participation among students and institutions.

Rainmatter Report October_compressed (1).pdf (4.2 MB)

[EthosFoundation]

ShramA Report

ShramA, an initiative by the Ethos Foundation, celebrates the hands that build our nation. Rooted in three pillars — Inclusion, Dignity and Empowerment — it strives to honour the contribution of construction workers, create meaningful engagement between students and the workforce, and empower them through skills,opportunity and recognition. Together, these pillars represent a movement of respect, empathy, and positive transformation within the built environment.

Inclusion in Action!

The Inclusion phase of ShramA has officially taken off with great enthusiasm!

An orientation session was recently held with students from Mohanlal Sukhadia University (MLSU), Udaipur. They have begun their field visits to construction sites, conducting interviews with workers to understand their journeys, challenges, and aspirations. The target — 50 interviews — is already underway!

Adding to the excitement, IPSA College and Banasthali Vidyapith are joining this movement soon, expanding the impact and reach. This hands-on engagement is helping students connect with the real makers of our world — turning classrooms into conversations and design into dialogue.[image]

Project ShramA is not just a phase — it’s a celebration of empathy in action!

Testimonials from Past Fellows:

“It is important for us to understand who we are working for. Just like that it is more important to understand who is working for us, on our sites — our construction workers. I learned a lot through the ShramA fellowship.”
– Bhavana Bhat, CTES College of Architecture, Mumbai

“ShramA Fellowship pushed boundaries, and allowed me to connect with the human stories that stay behind the scenes of the structures we see and spaces we live in.”
– Nikita Singh, Thakur School of Architecture and Planning.

[EthosFoundation]

Arcause Bridge Scholarship 2025–26
This year, the Arcause Bridge Scholarship, an initiative under the Arcause platform of Ethos Foundation, has supported 44 outstanding students of architecture and interior design. The scholarship is rooted in the belief that financial or structural barriers should never limit talent; instead, they should empower talent to shape the built environment with purpose, equity, and inclusion.

For 2025–26, the focus deepened — extending support to students from remote and underserved regions, first-generation learners, those impacted by climate disruptions or personal loss, and individuals from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.

This year, two of the Bridge Scholars — Vinita Vasudev Kriplani from SAL School of Architecture, Ahmedabad, and Subham Kumar from the School of Architecture & Planning, BBD University, Lucknow — have been supported through the Rainmatter and Arcause Partnership… Their inclusion reinforces the programme’s belief in empowering students whose journeys embody resilience, curiosity, and commitment to creating social impact through design.

The Bridge Scholarship continues to go beyond financial aid, carrying forward the “pay-it-forward” ethos — inspiring recipients to become future mentors and contributors to the ACED (Architecture, Construction, Engineering & Design) community.

Why it matters:
The Bridge Scholarship is a unique effort that connects potential with opportunity. By enabling students to travel, learn hands-on, purchase essential materials, and deepen their design thinking, it transforms ambition into action.

Looking ahead:
As these 44 students design their future, the Arcause Bridge Scholarship will continue to stand beside them — nurturing changemakers who design not just buildings, but a more inclusive and empathetic world. Moving forward, the initiative aims to establish a cohort that brings together scholarship recipients and their donors, fostering mentorship, shared learning, and collaboration. This growing network will serve as a space for dialogue and support, translating the scholarship’s vision into tangible impact within education, practice, and community.

[EthosFoundation]

The Arcause Social Internships Program by Ethos Foundation | Arcause invites architecture students to explore how design can create real impact.

A fully funded internship connecting young designers with design studios, and Non-profit organisations across India

Deadline: November 30th
Apply now! Registration link: [https://ethosfoundation.in/arcause-social-internships-25/](https://Link to register)

#Arcause #ethosfoundation #Socialimpactarchitecture #internships #non-profitorganisations #interns #socialinternships

[EthosFoundation]

Report: Immersive Conversations 2.0

Hosted by: Ethos | Arcause in association with Rainmatter Foundation

Overview

Immersive Conversations 2.0 brought together voices from across India for an inspiring roundtable that celebrated learning, practice, and the spirit of responsible design. The discussion explored how young architects and designers navigate the leap from studios to real-world practice, build capacity through enterprise, and discover their own purposeful career paths.

It reflected Ethos Foundation’s ongoing mission to create bridges between academia and industry — connecting students, educators, and professionals through meaningful, future-focused dialogue.

Session 1: The Leap from Academic Studios to the Professional World

Panelists:

• Ar. Prajakta Nehul – Principal Architect, Prajakta Nehul Design Studio
• Ar. Aaditya Desai – Architect and Founder, Formwithin Studio | The Architecture Playbook
• LikithJain – NASA President 2023, Vaishnavi School of Architecture, Hyderabad
• Vishal Kataria – Student, Aayojan College of Architecture, Jaipur

Highlights:
The opening session set the tone beautifully — a deep yet relatable conversation on the transition from classrooms to real projects.
Ar. Aaditya Desai shared how her journey shaped The Architecture Playbook, an initiative bridging technology and collaboration in the construction industry.
Panelists spoke passionately about mentorship, learning by doing, and the importance of finding purpose in one’s practice.

Session 2: Building Capacity — Learning, Practice, and Enterprise

Panelists:

• Ar. Madhav Raman – Co-Founder & Principal Architect, Anagram Architects
• Ar. Archana Yadav – Founding Partner, Studio Context Architects
• Ar. Sharanya Srinivasan – Founder and CEO, DezineXpert | Principal Architect, Hauz Dezine and Interiors
• Ar. Kishan Shah – Co-Founder & Principal Architect, Compartment S4

Highlights:
This session was all about growth — how designers evolve beyond academics through practice, exploration, and enterprise. Speakers highlighted the need for continuous learning, creative experimentation, and socially grounded design thinking.
The energy here was dynamic — filled with reflections on real experiences, opportunities, and the drive to build a meaningful professional journey.

Session 3: The Entrepreneurial Mindset — Career Pathways

Panelists:

• Ar. Mahesh Bangad – Associate Professor, Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women
• Ar. Shahul Hameed Sadhiq – Co-Founder, Archpod; Architectural Designer, Populous (UK)
• Ar. Anvita Ravipati – Senior Program Manager, Competitions and Events, Ethos Empowers
• Rajesh Advani – Founding Editor, Architecture Live! and Unbuilt Ideas
• Ar. Aaditya Desai – Architect & Founder, Formwithin Studio | The Architecture Playbook

Highlights:
The final session brought the event to a powerful close, spotlighting young designers who are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in architecture.
Panelists shared stories of innovation, risk-taking, and responsibility — proving that design-led enterprises can be both creative and impactful.
The conversation left everyone inspired to imagine career paths beyond convention and to build with intention.