Santerra Industries receives overwhelming attention at Youth Festival 2025 for turning agricultural waste into green energy
As founder engages with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
New Delhi, [India] 20th January, 2025: Nagpur-based Santerra Industries garnered significant attention at the National Youth Festival 2025, held from January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, which aimed to inspire and mobilize young leaders for a sustainable and developed India, provided a vibrant platform for Santerra to showcase its pioneering efforts in sustainable energy and waste management.
Adding to the company’s growing recognition, Nikhil Chandwani, co-founder of Santerra Industries, known for his humanitarian efforts in rescuing over 1,400 persecuted Hindus from Pakistan and his Instagram following of over 2 million, was among nine individuals shortlisted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to engage with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This special interaction focused on innovative ideas, leadership, and the role of young entrepreneurs in shaping India’s future. Speaking about the opportunity, Nikhil Chandwani said, “It was truly inspiring to share Santerra’s journey and exchange ideas with the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The dialogue reaffirmed the importance of sustainability and youth-driven innovation in achieving our national goals.”
Santerra Industries, founded by the husband-and-wife duo Nikhil Chandwani and Arushi Sana, operates with a vision to address critical environmental challenges while empowering local communities. By converting agricultural waste into bio-coal pellets, the company has successfully demonstrated how sustainable practices can create economic value. At its facility in Gada village near Nagpur, Santerra processes over 30,000 kilograms of agricultural waste daily, producing 25,000 kilograms of eco-friendly pellets that are supplied to NTPC and various private industries.
The response to Santerra’s efforts during the festival was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees appreciating the company’s innovative approach to transforming waste into an environmentally friendly energy source. Santerra’s model not only reduces carbon emissions but also addresses the issue of crop residue burning, a major contributor to air pollution. The impact of their work is reflected in the 15% improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the region.
The festival served as a meeting ground for young leaders, policymakers, and innovators, creating an environment of collaboration and shared purpose. Santerra’s participation highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in advancing sustainability, with the company’s journey standing out as a testament to the power of vision and community-focused efforts. The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for youth leadership resonated deeply, as Santerra’s commitment to empowering local farmers and providing sustainable energy solutions exemplified the transformative potential of such initiatives.
Santerra Industries remains dedicated to its mission of creating a sustainable future while empowering communities. The recognition and encouragement received at the National Youth Festival have strengthened its resolve to expand its impact and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
