The Friend of the Festival Lounge at Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival in association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida 2025 is set to host an exclusive podcast session featuring renowned MasterChef judge Matt Preston in conversation with Akhilesh Sheoran, Brand Ambassador for Craft Spirits, Diageo India, on January 31, 2025, from 5 PM onwards. This invite-only event will explore the intersection of gastronomy, culture, and fine spirits, offering exclusive insights from two industry experts. Following the session, guests will enjoy a specially guided sensory exploration of Godawan 01 and Godawan 02, highlighting the craftsmanship and unique profiles of these exceptional spirits.
Godawan at Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival in association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida 2025
Vedanta Presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 in Association with Maruti Suzuki, powered by Vida, a prestigious literary and cultural gathering this year places a special emphasis on conservation and the environment. As a brand deeply committed to sustainability and heritage, Godawan aligns with the festival’s vision of fostering dialogue on ecological preservation.
Among the Festival’s notable sessions today, The First Eco-Warriors: The Extraordinary Stories of the Bishnoi brings to light the legendary conservation efforts of the Bishnoi community. Featuring Martin Goodman and Narendra Budhnagar Bishnoi in conversation with Prakash Dan Detha, with an introduction by Akhilesh Sheoran, this session explores the rich legacy of the Bishnoi people in safeguarding wildlife and their environment. My Head For A Tree, by Martin Goodman, tells the inspiring story of the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan, who, for over 600 years, have defended nature with extraordinary dedication, often at great personal cost. From shielding trees against loggers to protecting wildlife from poachers, the Bishnoi way of life exemplifies indigenous activism. As climate change accelerates environmental degradation, Goodman reveals how the Bishnoi’s practices offer a powerful model for sustainable living and resilience.
Conservation & Sustainability: Preserving Heritage and Crafting a Greener Future
The Great Indian Bustard, a majestic bird and the inspiration behind Godawan, symbolizes the brand’s commitment to conservation. Once found across India, this critically endangered species now survives only in Rajasthan, with fewer than 150 remaining. In partnership with Gramodaya Samajik Sansthan (GSS), the Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Godawan has been actively restoring habitats through safe enclosures, water provision, and native grassland development. Every bottle sold contributes to these conservation efforts, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for the bird’s survival.
Godawan’s commitment extends to sustainability at its distillery in the Aravali Hills, which operates using locally sourced ingredients and is Asia’s first spirit distillery with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Core Certification. It employs hydro panels to extract moisture from the air for blending and bottling and runs on 55% solar energy through a 406 KWP rooftop system. By supporting local barley farmers and implementing water-efficient practices, Godawan integrates heritage, conservation, and sustainability into every bottle it crafts.
Preeta Singh, President, Teamwork Arts, said, “With Godawan, we are proud to partner with a brand that offers a refined sensory experience while staying committed to environmental responsibility. Each year, we strive to further reduce our carbon footprint at the Festival, aiming for net zero in the coming years. As a literature festival, we have consistently prioritized environmental themes in our programming and will continue to do so.”