This session invites you to explore the multifaceted significance of the mango in India—beyond its sweetness, beyond its status as a fruit. Through Sopan Joshi’s Mangifera Indica, we’ll trace its wild origins, the ecological dance it performs with nature, and its emotional resonance in Indian culture. We’ll dive into the debates that shape its place in the global economy, its role in politics, and its cultural symbolism in literature, art, and rituals. The mango, a symbol of abundance and nostalgia, holds stories of resilience, power, and connection that ripple through time and society. Join us for an exploration that honors this fruit’s wild roots and its enduring relevance in our world.

About Sopan Joshi

Born in 1973 in Indore, MP. Grew up in Delhi, Chandigarh and Dehradun. Indian School Certificate in 1991. B.A. (Hons.) in English from the University of Delhi in 1994, followed by M.A. (Eng.) in 1996. Began working for English newspapers in 1996. Soon shifted to magazines. Researched, wrote and edited for a variety of publications. Became a freelancer in 2011 and started writing in Hindi, also. Has reported and spoken about farmers and agriculture, forestry and water management, indigenous peoples and societies, science and technology, the environment and ecology. Writes on adventure and travel, sports and motoring, religion and politics. Driven by the values of India's freedom movement and a desire to better understand his people, his society, his environment. Travelled across India and the world. Plans and executes training workshops on journalism, communication and education.

About the Book: Mangifera indica: A biography of the mango

The mango is the fruit of desire and love. Every aspect of the tree is profoundly intertwined with Indian traditions. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the mango tree are depicted in paintings and sculptures from ancient times. References to it are found in Indian literature through the ages and in several languages. It has played, and continues to play, an important role in religion, cuisine, and a variety of cultural forms. But do we really know all there is to know about this delectable fruit?

In this deeply researched and superbly written book, we go beyond the well-trodden stories of the obsessions of nawabs and kings and breathless annual debates about the best mangoes in the world. The book is an ambitious synthesis of reportage, history, biology, ecology, economics, and culture. Mangifera indica is the definitive account of India’s treasured fruit. From the orchards where they grow to the vibrant markets redolent with their aroma, and ultimately to our tables, Mangifera indica describes every aspect of India’s favorite fruit.