Livelihoods
From off-roading to healthcare – Kerala’s first woman ambulance pilot
From winning off-road jeep competitions to rushing the sick to hospital in ambulances - Kerala’s first woman ambulance pilot combines her passion for driving and service, while also being a role model for young women to follow their dreams.
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.
Ancient Mayurbhanj Chhau dance steps up revival
The dramatic 19th century martial arts Mayurbhanj Chhau dance is stepping up its revival thanks to renewed patronage of an erstwhile royal family and government support.
Common kitchens – what’s cooking in Kerala?
Work and other commitments vying for time, one cannot spare time to cook. What started out of necessity for two couples is making "common kitchens' spring up across Kerala.
From the bladder of a cow
Natural farming based on the clever use of cow waste is transforming lives in Andhra Pradesh as Sanjiv Phansalkar of the VikasAnvesh Foundation discovered close up.
Azolla “water weed” becomes cattle superfood
With the cost of maintaining livestock a constant burden for most poor farmers, azolla goes from being a pesky water weed to a sustainable and cost-effective superfood for cattle.
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.
Weavers keep Bastar’s pata saree tradition alive
Artisans are hopeful traditional handloom weaving will get a much-needed boost in Bastar, Chhattisgarh - home of the pata saree - as the government plans to start a weaving hub.
Fish on their plate, money in their wallet
In underdeveloped Mayurbhanj, Odisha, women sustainably cultivate fish that not only brings them money but ensures better nutrition for their family.
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.
Profiting from propagating native seeds
Hearing of a likely seed famine, marginal farmer Sudam Sahu of Odisha started conserving native seeds and now champions organic farming with those seeds.
Greening barren land – Bihar’s guava guru
Once a teacher fondly called ‘guruji,’ Satyendar Manjhi now turns barren land into guava orchards – all thanks to the inspirational advice of India’s ‘mountain man’.
What the budget means for rural India
The finance minister predicts big economic growth for the next two years, but will rural India be part of that growth spurt? From natural farming and “kisan drones” to more clean drinking water for the poor – here’s what the budget brings to rural India.
Will Dhinkia lose its betel vines to steel plants?
Unwilling to give up their profitable betel farms, residents of Dhinkia are protesting against the acquisition of their lands for an industrial plant.
Forget logging or hunting – two Assam villages embrace ecotourism
Giving up hunting and tree felling, two Assamese villages are conserving their forest habitat rather than let their natural resources erode. With their villages now on the eco-tourism map, they are embracing alternate livelihoods.
Assam’s rural theatre: Curtains up or down?
Despite competition from Netflix and YouTube, small theatre troupes in Assam enjoy a loyal patronage. Yet, with acting as their main livelihood, the artists face uncertainty during the pandemic.
Assam’s rural theatre: Curtains up or down?
Despite competition from Netflix and YouTube, small theatre troupes in Assam enjoy a loyal patronage. Yet, with acting as their main livelihood, the artists face uncertainty during the pandemic.
Meet Similipal’s young forest “Protection Assistants”
Meet the youths working with the forest department – designated as “Protection Assistants” – to prevent poaching, stop illegal timber logging in Similipal National Park and spread the word about the benefits of park protection.
Kashmir’s cricket bat industry goes for a toss
Kashmir’s political and pandemic lockdowns, never mind inadequate infrastructure, are dealing a severe blow to its 100-crore cricket bat industry, which experts say could otherwise be booming.