The Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur organized the Swastibhavatu Lecture Series, supported by the Rawat Family Trust, to bring together global thought leaders in sustainability. The series aimed to foster discussions, provide insights, and inspire action toward sustainable development, engaging students, faculty, researchers, and policymakers.

The inaugural lecture was delivered by Thalappil Pradeep, Institute Professor at IIT Madras, known for his pioneering work in water purification and nanotechnology. Speaking on "Water, Droplets, and Ice: Examples of Science for Sustainability," Professor Pradeep discussed his revolutionary AMRIT technology, which provides arsenic-, iron-, and uranium-free water to 1.3 million people daily. His research also covered advancements in contaminant sensing and the science of water droplets and ice, highlighting their potential to address global water sustainability challenges.