Designing for Dhara (earth)
An Indian Framework for Circular and Regenerative Futures
ICCE is pleased to announce the launch of Designing for Dhara (earth), a new book by Shalini Goyal Bhalla, circular economist, strategist, and Founder & Managing Director of the International Council for Circular Economy.
The book introduces a uniquely Indian framework for circular and regenerative development, bringing together design thinking, policy, behavioural change, resource efficiency, livelihoods, cities, infrastructure, industry, and skills.
Join us for the official book launch and an evening of dialogue on India’s role in shaping circular and regenerative futures.
Launch Details
Date: 15th Sep’26
Time: 7 pm- 9 pm
Venue: Royal Club Lounge, Hotel Leela, Gandhinagar
Format: In-person
Hosted by: International Council for Circular Economy
Author: Shalini Goyal Bhalla
Limited seats available. RSVP is required for entry.
About the Book
Designing for Dhara reimagines the circular economy through the lens of Indian culture, design, and sustainability. Moving beyond purely technical models, the book introduces Designing for Dhara (Earth) as a framework rooted in balance with nature, collective responsibility, mindful consumption, and regenerative development.
Drawing from policy insights, global case studies, Indian knowledge systems, and practical examples, the book offers pathways for transforming cities, infrastructure, industry, skills, and livelihoods. It positions India and the Global South not merely as adopters of circular economy models, but as contributors to a new development imagination.
Why This Conversation Matters
The world is searching for new models of growth that can address climate change, waste, resource scarcity, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. Circular economy is no longer only about recycling; it is about redesigning systems so that materials remain in use, waste is eliminated, and nature is regenerated. ICCE’s own circular economy framing reflects these principles: eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature.
Designing for Dhara adds an Indian and Global South perspective to this global transition. It asks: how can India design development pathways that are modern, inclusive, circular, and deeply respectful of ecological balance?
About the Author
Shalini Goyal Bhalla is one of India’s leading voices on circular economy and regenerative development. A circular economist, strategist, and institution builder, she has been at the forefront of advancing India’s transition towards resource-efficient, inclusive, and future-ready systems.
As Founder and Managing Director of the International Council for Circular Economy, she works across policy, industry, academia, and international platforms to accelerate circular solutions for India and the Global South. Her work bridges systems thinking, design, sustainability, climate action, livelihoods, and innovation, helping governments, businesses, and communities move from linear growth models to regenerative pathways.
Through her writing, research, advocacy, and public engagement, Shalini continues to shape conversations on how cities, infrastructure, industry, skills, and society can be redesigned for a more balanced and regenerative future.