Mokhada tribal villagers don’t fear the rains anymore

Amidst the scenic embrace of the majestic Sahyadri hills, one of Maharashtra’s heritage-rich Palghar district’s hidden gems emerges – the quaint taluka of Mokhada. Here, amidst the lush landscape, a tale of transformation unfolds for the tribal villagers.  Mokhada, the second smallest taluka in Palghar, is home to 59 villages, where the heartbeat of life… Continue reading Mokhada tribal villagers don’t fear the rains anymore

‘Shameless Greens’ – making millets cool

The cafe was started in 2022 with a will for innovation and a desire for creating a successful model, where nutrition could merge with taste. It all started with the recognition that millets are indeed nutri-cereals as well as a pathway for women’s empowerment not just economically but also nutritionally, culturally and climatically.  From Transform… Continue reading ‘Shameless Greens’ – making millets cool

Toiling hard to build toilets brick by brick

At the very beginning, I did not have much of a chance to build a proper life. Born into a poor tribal family in Jharkhand, my future looked as bleak as the circumstances I found myself in then. I wanted to study, but I could not. Instead, I had to do all the domestic work… Continue reading Toiling hard to build toilets brick by brick

Assam woman pickles her way to success

Above the shelves containing bottles of pickles in the small outlet of Ilamoni Bora are displayed the many awards that she has received. The shields and plaques are in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit of Bora, a micro-entrepreneur of Morigaon district in Assam. Bora’s journey is a testament to the countless women in India who… Continue reading Assam woman pickles her way to success

Titanic comes alive as Jahaj Bari in a north Bengal village

Far away from its watery grave in the Atlantic, the Titanic is a rare example of unusual architecture in a north Bengal village, which otherwise abounds with a picturesque landscape dotted with single-storey houses, patches of trees and paddy fields. What is it? A vanity project? A light-headed lunacy that wanted to push the boundaries… Continue reading Titanic comes alive as Jahaj Bari in a north Bengal village

Earth Overshoot Day: A call for sustained conservation efforts

World Overshoot Day marks the date when our demand for ecological resources in a year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. It falls on August 2 this time, reminding us of the gravity of the situation, the challenges ahead and the conservation efforts underway to tackle them.   Several Indian regions are being severely… Continue reading Earth Overshoot Day: A call for sustained conservation efforts

Panchkroshi – Maharashtra farmers harness the power of five

Extreme weather has had a significant impact on Maharashtra farmers who have witnessed a rise in temperature, erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells, exacerbating water scarcity. Drought conditions have become more frequent and severe, leading to reduced crop yields, loss of livestock and economic hardships for the farmers in Maharashtra.  Traditional farming practices and… Continue reading Panchkroshi – Maharashtra farmers harness the power of five

Medical access remains a challenge in rural India

Even as India has taken long strides in establishing itself as a ‘medical tourism’ destination for people from across the globe, local access to healthcare remains a challenge in rural India. As many as 63 percent of the surveyed populations comprising family members of those suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCD), chose to migrate to other states… Continue reading Medical access remains a challenge in rural India

Why the golden hour of breastfeeding is important

Breastfeeding has been an important aspect of Indian culture for centuries and finds mention in the Vedas as well as the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, the two foundational texts on Ayurveda. While the Atharva Veda describes the breast as a pitcher full of nectar, the Sushruta Samhita says, “Drinking of the milk, whose sap… Continue reading Why the golden hour of breastfeeding is important

Don’t miss the Rural Renaissance Fest at Dilli Haat

As an integral part of TRI’s annual India Rural Colloquy (IRC), this event promises to showcase the vibrant and culturally rich aspects of rural India. The highlight of the fest will be an insightful conversation with the illustrious filmmaker, artist, fashion designer, and social worker, Muzaffar Ali, shedding light on the portrayal of rural India… Continue reading Don’t miss the Rural Renaissance Fest at Dilli Haat

How Kashmir’s Shiite Muslims commemorated 9th Muharram

The tradition of the 9th Muharram procession on Shikaras in Dal Lake, Srinagar, traces back to Dogra rule. A cherished part of Kashmiri culture, it honours Muharram and Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. Muharram marks the Islamic new year with joyous and solemn events, including the Day of Ashura, a time of remembrance and mourning for Shia… Continue reading How Kashmir’s Shiite Muslims commemorated 9th Muharram

Kashmir’s walnut wonders

The workspace of Mohammad Ismail is home to an assortment of tools and wood pieces, using which he crafts his creations. Step into the place and the scent of walnut wood greets you. Ismail transitioned from selling milk to carving wood to support his family. He has been working in the workshop nestled on the… Continue reading Kashmir’s walnut wonders

Trout fish lifts Sikkim woman out of poverty

From selling vegetables to overcoming poverty, Kopila Pandey, 40, of Pangthang village in Gangtok district, moved to rearing fish. Now she is one of Sikkim’s most successful fish farmers, having received various accolades. Here’s her journey – in her own words. I was born into a very poor family and my father was a farmer… Continue reading Trout fish lifts Sikkim woman out of poverty

Stepping into the tiger’s reserve

A safari jeep makes its way into Corbett Tiger Reserve for sightseeing. Most sightings happen in the early hours of the morning when the animals come out. Each jeep is allotted with a guide who briefs the tourists about the guidelines to follow in the forest. Also Read | Sariska sets its natives on tiger’s… Continue reading Stepping into the tiger’s reserve

Event alert! Come, be a part of millet revolution

With the United Nations General Assembly declaring 2023 as the year of the millet, a wave of excitement swept through India. The recognition of the significance of millets as a nutritional powerhouse and sustainable crop seeks to create domestic and global demand for this ancient grain. And as the world celebrates the year of the… Continue reading Event alert! Come, be a part of millet revolution

Is rural India on the brink of a renaissance?

India is an overwhelmingly rural society with a high level of poverty and inequality. Yet rural India is a $1 trillion economy – well over many more “urbane,” developed countries like Switzerland and Denmark. And the country is bursting with young talent, tech leadership, national confidence and growing development spend, besides its adequate food stock and… Continue reading Is rural India on the brink of a renaissance?

Halma – MP’s tribal festival helps heal earth

The summer gathering of around 1,300 villages in Jhabua and Alirajpur districts of Madhya Pradesh is a must-see occasion. That’s when thousands of members of the Bhil tribe come together to celebrate Halma, the age-old festival of collective labour. Halma, which translates as ‘call for help,’ has been a traditional practice among the Bhil community.… Continue reading Halma – MP’s tribal festival helps heal earth

Village Square Rural Renaissance Fest at Dilli Haat

Village Square in collaboration with Transform Rural India (TRI) brings to you the Rural Renaissance fest at Dilli Haat, INA, from 5 pm onwards on 5 August. The event, being held as a part of TRI’s annual India Rural Colloquy (IRC), will offer a glimpse into all things wonderful about our villages – their vibrancy… Continue reading Village Square Rural Renaissance Fest at Dilli Haat

Women suffer as Kashmir garlic faces market blues

In the serene valleys of rural Kashmir, where the beauty of nature masks the struggles of its inhabitants, a poignant tale unfolds. Here, amidst the lush landscapes, lies a crop that holds not only sustenance but also dreams of prosperity for its cultivators — garlic. However, this year, as the market for this precious bulb… Continue reading Women suffer as Kashmir garlic faces market blues

How this Chhattisgarh cafe mainstreamed millets

Ragi milkshake, bajra khichadi, millet momos and lollipops… Sounds exciting, intriguing and delicious? These recipes were developed at Raigarh Millets Cafe, Chhattisgarh’s first eatery to serve exclusive millet-based foods.  The cafe was started in 2022 with a will for innovation and a desire for creating a successful model, where nutrition could merge with taste. It… Continue reading How this Chhattisgarh cafe mainstreamed millets