Earth Day 2026 in Times Square unfolded as more than a public gathering, briefly transforming the moment’s iconic crossroads into a space of reflection and conscious expression. Voices from art, cinema, fashion, science, mental health, technology, and resilience came together in dialogue with nature on April 22.
At the center of this convergence was filmmaker and curator Neha Lohia, whose work both on and off the stage reflects a growing shift toward conscious creation.
Among those recognized at the event was Lohia’s short film Hello Dad, acknowledged for its solar-powered production approach and its contribution to sustainable filmmaking practices. The recognition took place as part of the Earth Day Times Square program, a long-standing platform produced for over 24 years by Rev. Paul Sladkus, founder of Good News Corporation, in partnership with EarthDay.org, Ommm Presents, and the Office of the New York City Comptroller.
Lohia’s presence extended beyond recognition, which she views as a reminder of responsibility. She curated and produced a special segment that brought together voices and expressions from multiple disciplines to explore a shared question: how can nature be integrated into the way we create, live, and work as a practical and lived principle?
The curation drew on a simple yet symbolic narrative as its inspiration.
It came from a story.
A small hummingbird carries drops of water in its beak to help put out a forest fire. When questioned by the other animals, it replies, “When all is burnt, and if the last leaf remains to question what I did to help, I will be able to reply, I did everything I could.”
That spirit shaped the segment.
Each participant represented a different field yet shared a common intention to align their practice more closely with nature.
In fashion, legendary designer Prashant Goyal of Heritage India Fashions presented a large-scale showcase featuring more than twenty models and over 50 garments inspired by the colors and textures of the natural world. Alongside him, emerging Parsons graduate Rohan Narang introduced a delicate collection of five forest-inspired pieces, including his early explorations with sustainable fabrics.
In cinema, Hello Dad itself stood as an example of conscious filmmaking, supported by its cast, Emmy-nominated actor Tirlok Malik, who is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic living, and Swiss-based actress Ankita Makwana, whose connection to nature is shaped by her upbringing in the Swiss Alps.
The conversation deepened through the voices of medicine and mental health.
Yale University’s Dr. Christopher Pittenger and psychiatrist Dr. Anna Yusim presented a short experiential, skit-based piece exploring the role of nature in emotional regulation, healing, and mental well-being. Their work brought scientific and psychological grounding to the discussion, translating the idea of nature connection into something tangible and immediate.
For a brief moment, Times Square, often defined by constant movement and intensity, paused, allowing stillness and reflection to take hold.
From the world of technology, Peter Sullivan of Clear Light Ventures shared insights into the impact of frequencies and the imbalance created by modern systems. He pointed to nature as a regulating force, offering a perspective on how balance can be restored through conscious engagement with natural elements.
The curation concluded with resilience expert Dr. Eva Selhub, who brought these threads together through the lens of human resilience. Drawing from both medical science and lived philosophy, she reflected on how nature itself becomes a teacher, demonstrating adaptation, balance, and renewal in ways modern life often overlooks.
The segment resonated across a wide and diverse audience, connecting on emotional, intellectual, and experiential levels. For a few moments, the energy of Times Square shifted. The scale remained the same, but the experience softened.
In a space often associated with spectacle, something quieter emerged. Presence. Process. Responsibility.
Alongside this curation, Hello Dad stood as a reflection of the same ethos in cinematic form. Created with a minimal production footprint and powered through solar energy, the film asks a simple but profound question: Can the way we create become an extension of what we believe?
For Lohia and the curated group of artists and speakers, the answer lies in the intention behind the process of creation.
In Times Square this Earth Day, that intention found both expression and recognition through the coming together of voices across disciplines.
Each act contributes. Each choice carries weight. Each offering, like the hummingbird, becomes part of something larger.
This is only the beginning.
About Neha Lohia
Neha Lohia is an award-winning filmmaker and curator based in New York. Her work spans cinema, immersive media, and conscious cultural programming, exploring the intersection of storytelling, human experience, and intentional creation. She is currently completing her studies in emerging technologies in filmmaking at CUNY while developing projects across film, virtual reality, and cross-disciplinary platforms.
More information: www.nehalohia.com
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