Sasha ushered in World Environment Day on the 4th of June, giving customers a head-start on the global event that holds an important place, specifically in today’s society. Along with their regular delectable products made entirely out of sustainable materials, they also hosted Ashwika Kapur, the youngest winner of the Green Oscar, to come and talk to the environmentally conscious clientele of the store.

After briefly addressing the speedily increasing horror of climate change, and how it is appalling that several governments of the world are simply denying an issue that is blatantly obvious to anyone who observes their surroundings, wildlife filmmaker Ashwika Kapur was introduced.

Ashwika, born and raised in Kolkata, took absolutely no time to get the audience to warm up to her quirky observations and sense of humor. She spoke about her journey into the competitive and challenging world of wildlife filmmaking, and how if one is truly passionate, then the fruits of tough labor are necessarily sweet. She spoke chiefly about her most popular film which is on the subject of the highly endangered kakapo birds of New Zealand. The film entitled ‘Sirocco- How a Dud Became a Stud’, charts the transformation of Sirocco, a deviant kakapo who believed he was human, from an outcast in his society to a star in the human one. This bird is New Zealand’s ambassador of conservation, and is treated like royalty during travel and when visited by the public. The film’s humorous tone and Sirocco’s adorable waddle instantly charmed all viewers, who were convinced by the end that this bird was indeed born to be a star.

After this, certain other short films and images of Ashwika’s journey were shown, including her meeting with Sir David Attenborough.

Ashwika established in this short encounter how worthy she was of the Green Oscar when she spoke about how telling the story of the creatures she filmed was far more important than getting good shots that focused merely on the physical. The importance of connecting with the animal is the focus of her films, and also what marks her as a visionary.

Upon being asked about the nature of her occupation, she candidly said that it required immense grit and patience as being disillusioned by oneself and those around is very easy. Only genuine love for the craft makes one come through.

The session was wonderfully entertaining, especially for lovers of wildlife, for there was so much to learn. Ashwika’s patient answering of all queries, as well as her fascinating anecdotes captivated her listeners, and assured them that the earth is beautiful and nourishing, and deserves to be rescued.

After the talk, the satisfied audience retired to browse Sasha’s products that were on sale, as before, but with newfound knowledge.

Sasha ushered in World Environment Day on the 4th of June, giving customers a head-start on the global event that holds an important place, specifically in today’s society. Along with their regular delectable products made entirely out of sustainable materials, they also hosted Ashwika Kapur, the youngest winner of the Green Oscar, to come and