Author: Gurvinder Singh
Bell metal fires fading out in Assam
The rising cost of raw material, coupled with the pandemic and stiff competition from other states, is dealing a blow to the ancient brass and bell metal industry of Sarthebari, Assam.
“They killed my husband as revenge against me”
Seeing alcohol-induced domestic violence all around her, Malti Singh is tearing down illegal liquor-brewing units, despite losing her husband in her fight against hooch.
Lip-smacking tribal cuisines help women make a living
A tribal festival in Jharkhand popularises authentic tribal cuisine, ensuring traditional recipes are preserved and helping tribal women explore opportunities to make money serving their unique fare.
Where the water monitor lizards have a free run
When man-animal conflict is on the rise, people in a West Bengal village co-exist with water monitor lizards. Thanks to their belief that the creatures’ pond is haunted, which besides other reasons has contributed to their conservation.
Same dam yields more fish through cage fish farming
With increasing number of fishermen vying for a catch in the same dam, their livelihood was at stake. Growing fish in cages within the dam helps the fishermen earn more.
Weaving a way out of destitution
Weaving indigenous handloom clothes offers destitute women and those who have been trafficked a safe and stable livelihood in the hills of Darjeeling.
A dairy farmer by chance
Namita Patojoshi bought a cow to avoid the high costs of milk. From selling surplus milk to neighbours, her cattle shed has grown into a large dairy farm. Having educated her three children, she now aims to educate her staff’s kids.
Floods in Assam fan out to new areas, cause more harm
While the intense rains and obstructions on river courses cause floods in Assam, the flood waters enter new territories, causing more damage than before.
West Bengal’s flower trade booms beyond state borders
With growing demand for flowers from the north-eastern states, and government initiatives to boost floriculture and inter-state trade, flower cultivators and traders are reaping the benefits.
The flower power behind Holi
For centuries the coloured powder used during the spring festival Holi, nevermind political rallies and countless parties, was made from natural vegetation. Until chemical colours entered the scene. But as a growing number of Indians realise natural holi powder is kinder on the skin and the environment, the women who turn the flowers into powder are reaping the rewards. (Photos by Gurvinder Singh)
Watermelons bring sweet success to women farmers
In remote villages lacking livelihood opportunities, never mind adequate transportation for taking produce to market, women successfully take up watermelon farming.
Producers of sweet mangoes feel bitter about losses
With low flowering of trees and expected yield to be a small percentage of their normal production, mango farmers across Odisha feel the impact of climate change.
Black cardamom loses flavour among Kalimpong farmers
Farmers who considered black cardamom a golden crop are now shifting to other crops due to losses caused by plant diseases and their own reluctance to adopt modern farming practices.
“I’ve saved over 1,400 lives”
India’s first woman rafter and water-rescuer has saved hundreds of people from the raging waters of the River Teesta. Despite the risks and a lack of sophisticated safety equipment, Shanti Rai works with dedication, inspiring young girls to follow in her footsteps.
And with fury flows the Teesta
The River Teesta bears the brunt of ill-planned development with dams and tunnels in the disaster-prone area, leading to many rafting and car accidents.
Is the art of Tibetans in India vanishing?
As children of Tibetan refugees in India seek greener pastures abroad, the once-flourishing Tibetan arts and crafts industry is suffering as there are fewer people interested in their religious handicrafts.
The exploitative tale behind your morning brew
Smiling tea leaf pluckers on tea packs and advertisements paint an idyllic picture of lush green tea estates, but it’s often a tale of exploitation and lack of essential healthcare.
Trafficked once, youth pedal to stop child exploitation
Once forced into child labour, young Biharis cycle across villages to create awareness about the horrors of child trafficking, as financial needs force families to send their children away on false promises of better livelihoods.
Tikuli art – Born from bindis
Bright, elaborately designed bindis that 17th century women wore gave birth to the tikuli style of painting, which was hugely popular before fading into obscurity. Today the art form is seeing a revival, despite pandemic-induced setbacks.
Joy of making banking accessible to women
Local banker Lakhimi Baruah saw how women were ignored in banks so launched Assam’s first cooperative bank for women, ensuring thousands of marginalised women get access to banks, gaining financial literacy and empowerment.