Drinking water no longer a distant luxury for remote Bengal

The objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a scheme rolled out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August, 2019, is to provide piped water supply to every rural household by 2024. The mission aims to provide 55 litres of drinking water per person per day through functional household tap connections. It is a… Continue reading Drinking water no longer a distant luxury for remote Bengal

This Maharashtra village is home to 10 aromatic rice varieties

With the monsoon well on its way, the farm plots are buzzing with activity. Two months from now, once the crop begins to flower, the paddy fields of Murukate will be filled with a bouquet of floral and woody scents, thanks to the aromatic rice varieties the farmers have been growing for a long time… Continue reading This Maharashtra village is home to 10 aromatic rice varieties

Why Assam’s gaon burha governance system remains popular

Preface: The social governance systems in Indian villages remained relatively stable for centuries. The khaap, jajmani, bara balutedar and the gaon burha systems are but a few examples of these stable systems in different parts of the country. When viewed through the lens of today’s values, they appear patriarchal, feudal and iniquitous. But they served… Continue reading Why Assam’s gaon burha governance system remains popular

Mandala art and Kashmir’s shikara sorceress

All of 21, Mahira Shah has been winning hearts as well as accolades for her mandala artwork. Her path has been a challenging one but she has pursued it against odds. Here is her story in her own words: I was born in Pinglish village of Tral tehsil, beneath the majestic Shikargah mountain. This mountain… Continue reading Mandala art and Kashmir’s shikara sorceress

World Population Day: Do India’s daughters matter?

The Global Gender Gap Report 2022 places India at 135 out of 146 countries. In comparison to the year before, when we ranked 140 out of 156, India has slightly improved its position. In 2022, the index reveals that the gender gap has been closed at 68.10 per cent globally, and if we move forward… Continue reading World Population Day: Do India’s daughters matter?

Of ducks, bulls and other lessons from a Santhal village

Preface: This three-part series chronicles the rural awakening of a Bengaluru student, where he talks about what he saw, felt and carried with him back to the city. This second write-up is about his visit to a village for field work among rural children.  Fieldwork? Me? How did I land up here? Just a few… Continue reading Of ducks, bulls and other lessons from a Santhal village

The ‘art houses’ of Odisha’s Santal tribe

The Santal women of Bubeijoda village in Bisoi block of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha are proud to uphold their age-old tradition of painting the mud walls of their houses. The Santals (or Santhals) are the largest tribal community in India, who live mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. Also Read | Odisha… Continue reading The ‘art houses’ of Odisha’s Santal tribe

Rural homestays for solo, offbeat travellers

Sipping nimbu pani to beat the heat, star gazing, listening to birdsong and harvesting vegetables are what travellers at a rural homestay in Ladpura Khas near Orchha in Madhya Pradesh do. Few can resist the temptation of this place with its towering cenotaphs dedicated to erstwhile kings and the calm blue of the Betwa River. … Continue reading Rural homestays for solo, offbeat travellers

Millets of Mewar restoring glory of forgotten grains

India and other countries in the world are celebrating 2023 as the year of millets. Long before the United Nations at its 75th General Assembly session in 2021 had announced the plans for the global celebrations, Surendra Gandharva had realised the importance of the highly-nutritious small-seeded grasses, grown as cereal grains. In 2011, Surendra, along… Continue reading Millets of Mewar restoring glory of forgotten grains

Rural charm meets royal heritage at this 250-year-old haveli

It’s not often that a dimly lit road in a small hamlet leads to a surprising sight. But when you open the unassuming gates of Burja Haveli, a vibrant stage with amphitheatre seating awaits, accompanied by a charming ‘bar’ sign. Just a short walk away lies the laden-with-old-world-charm mansion, a well-preserved testament to Rajasthan’s traditional… Continue reading Rural charm meets royal heritage at this 250-year-old haveli

Summer camp for kids ensures learning beyond books

With the mercury touching 44°C, the summer months in Bhawanipur are all about people eagerly waiting for the monsoon to arrive. The farmers of this village in Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh are busy with the preparatory work in their fields.  It is the kharif crop that usually helps the rural economies thrive. It is… Continue reading Summer camp for kids ensures learning beyond books

World Chocolate Day: Unveil your favourite chocolate’s rural origin

Cocoa beans are the edible seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), which is native to South America. The scientific name, meaning ‘Food of the Gods,’ reflects its significance.  Archaeological evidence reveals that the Mayan and Aztec civilisations cultivated cacao over 3,000 years ago, using its powdered form for beverages and even employing it as currency.… Continue reading World Chocolate Day: Unveil your favourite chocolate’s rural origin

Young innovator revolutionises farming in Kashmir

Naik Qayoom, a 23-year-old engineering graduate from Kreeri village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has developed an automatic seed-sowing machine that is revolutionising farming in the Union territory known for its apple orchards, rice fields, mustard crops and vegetable gardens.  The machine can be used for both narrow and broadcast seed-sowing methods. It has gained… Continue reading Young innovator revolutionises farming in Kashmir

Weaving a tapestry on traditional looms

Through her brand Balwaar, Kiran R Singh is reviving handloom-woven cotton blankets called khes and multi-coloured rugs called durries. She traces the journey of Balwaar, in her own words. My husband was in the Navy and we moved around a bit. As a member of the Naval Wives Welfare Association, I taught women how to… Continue reading Weaving a tapestry on traditional looms

The life of a nomadic boy in Ladakh

Phunstok Namgyal is 8 years old and wants to go to college. He studies in class 2 at Tibetan Children’s Village School, a boarding institution at Jangthang Sumdho in Ladakh. He is keen on learning the Tibetan language and loves going to school.  At the school, his day starts with waking up at 7 am… Continue reading The life of a nomadic boy in Ladakh

How pregnancies are getting healthier in rural Rajasthan

Bhojraj Sahariya of Nauhalya village in Baran district of Rajasthan is a bahubali of sorts. Strong – not in the muscular sense, but gritty enough to take a stand for his family. Bhojraj belongs to the Sahariya tribe – one of the most vulnerable communities of India.  He has had the courage to break societal… Continue reading How pregnancies are getting healthier in rural Rajasthan

Bengaluru boy’s confessions from Jharkhand village

This three-part series chronicles the rural awakening of a Bengaluru student, where he talks about what he saw, felt and carried with him back to the city. The first write-up is about the initial impressions he got and how he settled himself in a new setting. A 5-day visit to rural Jharkhand ended up giving… Continue reading Bengaluru boy’s confessions from Jharkhand village

Madhya Pradesh activist gifts home for tribal museum

Subhadra Khaperde had to discontinue her studies after class 11 and start making beedis to financially support her family. Now she is pursuing a PhD and runs an organisation focusing on education, health and livelihoods of rural women in Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh. Here is her remarkable story in her own words:  I was… Continue reading Madhya Pradesh activist gifts home for tribal museum

Sanitary pad depot evokes pride in UP village

From having no clue about the menstrual cycle to setting up a ‘sanitary pad depot’ for other women and girls, Kalpana Verma has set an example in her village about normalising period talk and related issues. The resident of Mirtala village in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh tells us about her journey, in her own… Continue reading Sanitary pad depot evokes pride in UP village

Maharashtra villagers join forces to preserve serene beach

Awas, a coastal village in Raigad district of Maharashtra, stands out as a pristine landscape, distinct from the bustling beaches of its neighbouring tourist hotspots such as Alibag and Kihim because of its commitment to protecting the fragile environment.  The beach in Awas boasts a unique topography with rocky terrain, setting it apart from the… Continue reading Maharashtra villagers join forces to preserve serene beach