The many faces of village life have long intrigued filmmakers. Among some of the well-known movies centred around rural themes are Mother India (1957) and Do Bigha Zamin (1953), based on the oppression imposed upon the common people by moneylenders and zamindars (landlords). Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali (1955) from the semi-urban hamlet of Boral is… Continue reading 5 must-see films that show rural India differently
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Getting inked more than a passing gen-z fad
As the woman transplanted millets in a muddy field in Koraput, Odisha, her tattoo became immersed in mud. (Photo by Hitesh Kumar Nayak) The photo captured a grandma’s daily routine of sitting, showcasing traditional “Trajva” tribal tattoo art on her hands and legs, reflecting the culture of the Kathiawad region in Gujarat. (Photo by Bhoomi)… Continue reading Getting inked more than a passing gen-z fad
Majuli mask of Assam receives GI tag
Majuli, in Assam, is known for being the world’s largest river island. But there’s something else that makes Majuli special, and that’s its masks. The tradition of making masks in Majuli is over 500 years old. It is believed that during the 15th century, Guru Srimanta Sankardeva, during the neo-Vaishnavite movement, created the first mask… Continue reading Majuli mask of Assam receives GI tag
How women are taking care of livestock health in UP
It was 5 o’clock on a regular morning in Mohammadnagar village in Uttar Pradesh, when 27-year-old Radha Devi got a call from a distressed woman. She packed her bag quickly and left home immediately. The call was from her neighbour whose goat had a throat infection. Radha Devi checked the goat and provided the crucial… Continue reading How women are taking care of livestock health in UP
Blacksmiths show an iron will in this MP village
As Anil Vishwakarma, a blacksmith, hammers the hot piece of iron straight out of the burning furnace, there’s a palpable sense of dedication mingled with a hint of dissatisfaction in his demeanour. With each precise knock, he meticulously shapes the metal to craft a sarauta – a betel nut cracker that once held a revered… Continue reading Blacksmiths show an iron will in this MP village
Three generations of the Khatri family revive the bagh print
Two hours from Indore stands the small town of Bagh where the art of bagh printing flourishes. At the forefront of preserving this ancient craft are Ismail Suleiman Khatri and his family. His eldest grandson, Mohammed Bilal Khatri, has also demonstrated a level of dedication and skill that has not only kept the tradition alive… Continue reading Three generations of the Khatri family revive the bagh print
Immersing in tradition: A pictorial tale of West Bengal’s Charak puja
From Gajan to Charak puja is a long week celebration, starting in the last week of Choitro (the last month of the Bengali calendar) and continuing till the end of the Bengali year. In Bardhaman, West Bengal, a man gets ready in his traditional outfit that Gajan sanyasis (Shiva devotees) wear to worship Shiva during… Continue reading Immersing in tradition: A pictorial tale of West Bengal’s Charak puja
Celebrating the arrival of spring with the Fagli festival
Mata Naina Devi temple in Manikaran town of Himachal Pradesh wears a festive look with glittering, colourful streamers. The temple in Kullu district is decorated for Fagli festival that marks the beginning of Spring. Many deities from surrounding villages, with an umbrella over each deity, arrive at the Mata Naina Devi temple. Men, dressed in… Continue reading Celebrating the arrival of spring with the Fagli festival
Mangoes bring sweet returns in Jharkhand
Rajkumar Yadav, a resident of Bhoktadih village in Hunterganj block, Jharkhand, experienced a remarkable transformation through increased income and sustainable livelihood. What was once a barren land, exposed to wild animals, is now thriving with mangoes. This success story stands as evidence of the growing impact of the Birsa Harit Gram Yojna (BHGY) in Jharkhand.… Continue reading Mangoes bring sweet returns in Jharkhand
From pond to Padma Shri, Odisha’s aquaculture icon charts new waters
Known as the “Aquaman” of Odisha, unassuming farmer Batakrushna Sahoo isn’t one to fish for compliments. Thus, when his phone kept ringing and the voice at the other end kept telling him that he had been conferred with the Padma Shri, he repeatedly hung up. “I thought it was a prank call. Little did I… Continue reading From pond to Padma Shri, Odisha’s aquaculture icon charts new waters
Sparrow Saviors of Jeypore: A Tale of Community Conservation
In the bustling streets of Jeypore city, amidst the chaos of urban life, there exists a quiet revolution—a movement led by the community to conserve sparrows. It’s a story not just of birds and nests but of resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of conservation. Seemanchal, a humble contract worker by profession, found himself drawn… Continue reading Sparrow Saviors of Jeypore: A Tale of Community Conservation
‘More than my food business, it’s about uplifting my community’
Shakuntala Devi, a resident of Kulabira village in Gumla district of Jharkhand, started her own ragi-based food business on a small scale. She has subsequently expanded it and now also trains other women, providing them a livelihood. Here’s her story in her own words: Growing up in Gunia village with seven siblings, I learned the… Continue reading ‘More than my food business, it’s about uplifting my community’
Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Musical instruments are melodious repositories of heritage. Every note emanating from an instrument is a testament to the vibrant art humankind is capable of producing. Over time, certain instruments come to be identified as integral elements of certain cultures. In India, particularly so in rural India, musical instruments are used in festivities, auspicious occasions and… Continue reading Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Her rural oasis of green lends respite to Ludhiana
Ludhiana, known as Punjab’s most congested city, grapples with myriad challenges. However, joyous hope blossoms amidst the urban sprawl, concrete chaos and unemployment in the form of a sprawling 5.5-acre oasis of green located in a rural area on the outskirts of the city. It’s a special kind of joy that only a passionate gardener… Continue reading Her rural oasis of green lends respite to Ludhiana
Right to Health: A Holistic and Empathetic Approach
The right to health requires a shift towards preventive care, empathy from professionals, and empowering patients with information. -Dr Shirish Ghadi The world of 26-year-old Sushma, a mother of two young children, shattered when she found her husband Hanumant’s lifeless body in their farm’s well. Just a day prior, he received a life altering diagnosis… Continue reading Right to Health: A Holistic and Empathetic Approach
Reviving muga silk and more at Majuli island
Majuli island beckoned and Angana Bordoloi followed. The fashion designer, who set up Kiron Foundation to work towards rejuvenation of the local silk weaving craft of Assam, has come a long way since the dream first formed in her mind. About eight years after she first moved to this large river island in this northeastern… Continue reading Reviving muga silk and more at Majuli island
A low-power cold storage solution to help farmers
India is one of the world’s largest producers of fruit and vegetables. However, a sizeable amount of this produce goes to seed because of storage uncertainties. Factors like increased operating costs of cold storage, challenges in adopting new technologies and equipment failure are to be blamed for this. This is where a novel innovation by… Continue reading A low-power cold storage solution to help farmers
Unsung heroes of Odisha’s anganwadi centres
As the first light of dawn spills over the hills of Odisha’s Koraput, three women from Balaput village embark on a journey fraught with challenges and risks. Anganwadi workers Sunita Bevarta, Muni Harijan and Kuntala Gadaba traverse a perilous trail, navigating dense forests and fording a formidable river to fulfil their mission – ensuring the… Continue reading Unsung heroes of Odisha’s anganwadi centres
Jharkhand’s tribal cuisine gets a trendy twist
Phutkal chutney, jamun khukhri mushrooms, beng saag, maar jhor… Not the food preparations you may expect to see on a well-laid table. Well, you would certainly be proven wrong – and be delighted by it – if you head to The Open Field on the outskirts of Ranchi, where these and more such tribal cuisine… Continue reading Jharkhand’s tribal cuisine gets a trendy twist
Kashmir’s turquoise crafts may fade into oblivion
Turquoise crafts in Kashmir encapsulates the region’s rich cultural heritage and artistic prowess. Renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant hues, Kashmiri artisans skillfully incorporate turquoise gemstones into various art forms, including jewellery, handicrafts, and intricate woodwork. The striking contrast of turquoise against traditional Kashmiri motifs creates captivating pieces that reflect the region’s natural beauty… Continue reading Kashmir’s turquoise crafts may fade into oblivion