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COVER STORY

In a world where contamination clouds our view of nature’s bounty, Krishna McKenzie envisioned a brighter future for India. He saw beauty in its culture and the abundance of fruits and vegetables. Driven by sustainability, he sought to showcase the purity of these resources and highlight conscious consumption. Through his efforts, he aimed to deepen our understanding of sustainable food systems and inspire others to value nature's gifts and support greener practices.

The Millet Man of India

Dr. Benny Kuriakose, one of India’s foremost architects and conservationists, began his career in 1984 under the tutelage of the legendary Laurie Baker, who instilled in him a philosophy of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity to context. He later pursued an MA in Conservation Studies at the University of York, UK, on the prestigious Charles Wallace India Trust Award. On his return, he pioneered cost-effective projects in Kerala and soon after the 1994 Latur earthquake, was commissioned by Malayala Manorama to design the rebuilding of Banegaon village, a landmark in community-driven rehabilitation.
Benny is renowned for his public building projects and the transplantation of traditional structures at the Kerala Section of Dakshinachitra Craft Village, Chennai. His recent architectural works include the Ananthya Resort, the tsunami-affected villages of Chinnangudi and Tarangambadi, and the Harishree Vidyalaya School. His conservation projects include the development plans for Muziris and Thalassery Heritage Sites, and the restoration of heritage landmarks such as Paravur Synagogue, Paliam Dutch Palace, Cheraman Masjid, and Gable Bungalow. He has also executed adaptive reuse projects like converting heritage structures into hospitality spaces at Springdale Heritage (Vandiperiyar) and Club Mahindra (Ooty).
Author of Conserving Timber Structures in India and co-editor of Guidelines for the Preparation of a Heritage Management Plan, Dr. Kuriakose has worked as a consultant with UNDP, various State Governments, and international organizations. He has also taught as visiting faculty at IITs, IIMs, the School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi), and several other institutions—guiding the next generation of architects towards sustainable practice.

When Brajesh Singh speaks, his words carry the authority of someone who has spent decades advising governments and public and private corporations of India in sectors as complex as energy, power, gas, water, digital infrastructure, and telecom. Yet, when he begins to describe his life in the Kanha Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh, his voice shifts into something more reflective, more personal and more candid. Here, amid the sal forests and the quiet presence of tigers, Brajesh Singh is not an advisor or a professional, he is a photographer, a nature lover, and above all, a man who has found peace in the wilderness. Brajesh Singh was featured on The Voice of MOSAIC, where he shared his dual journey of corporate leadership and ecological passion. The conversation wove together his deep love for wildlife with his nuanced understanding of India’s development trajectory.