HASTI MODI

I was born into a legacy of craftsmanship, a 143-year-old family-run textile business in Gujarat, India, that weaves together generations of tradition and artistry. While our fabrics tell stories of heritage, I have spent my life weaving something more—connections across borders, cultures, values and ideas. My journey has taken me from India to France, London, Rome, and beyond, driven by a singular passion: bridging Indian cultural heritage with global environmental responsibility.

As a public policy professional and a cultural ambassador, I have always found purpose in fostering Indo-European collaborations. In Italy, I have worked to bring India’s textile traditions to global audiences, but with every festival, every handcrafted garment I shared, I also carried a question: How do we honor our past while protecting our planet?

My answer came in the form of trees. At the age of 15, I initiated tree plantation drives in India which I tried to continue on the go in France and the UK, recognizing that sustainability is not just about policy but about action—one rooted sapling at a time. I believe textiles and nature share a common thread: preservation. Just as we strive to protect traditional weaving techniques from fading into history, we must fight to safeguard our environment from the impacts of climate change.

Personal choice has played a defining role in my journey. I have often stood at crossroads—between a career in corporate leadership and a calling toward social impact, between urban modernity and ancestral roots. I chose both. Today, my work in public policy and my advocacy for sustainability are two sides of the same coin. Whether it’s through policy, business, or cultural diplomacy, I see every effort as a step toward a healthier planet, a more connected world.

With each tree planted and each cultural exchange fostered, I hold onto the belief that planetary health and heritage are not separate battles—they are interwoven struggles that we must fight together.

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Hasti Modi is a passionate advocate for sustainability, cultural heritage, and international collaboration. A gold medalist in her undergraduate studies, the youngest Master of Public Administration student at the London School of Economics, and a 2022 Diana Award recipient, she has consistently strived for excellence, integrity, and impact. As one of the youngest Senior Policy Consultants at EY Italy, she works at the intersection of public policy, sustainability, and global cooperation, shaping strategies that bridge social and environmental priorities.  Read more about her in this article.