The Samarthya Convening under the Godavari Initiative was held on 19 January 2026 in Nashik, bringing together 50+ participants representing 35 organisations working across the Godavari basin in Maharashtra. The convening included nonprofits, foundations, consultants, researchers, and grassroots organisations working across water, environment, climate, livelihoods, and community development, with participation from both rural and urban contexts.

Anchored in the belief that every organisation holds knowledge to share and absorb, Samarthya created space for shared learning, collaboration, and institutional strengthening through collective problem-solving.

The consultation emphasised nature-based and community-led approaches, with a strong focus on water-first planning and the role of technology as a support tool. Key challenges discussed included limited staff capacity, funding pressures, data gaps, and difficulties in community participation, alongside practical pathways such as long-term planning, stronger community institutions, linking conservation with livelihoods, and shared data and digital mapping systems.