Odisha
How the commons are intertwined with Odisha’s tribal groups
Adivasi communities, especially women, have a deep connection with the commons, as they depend on these resources for sustenance and livelihood. Here are some interesting insights into the relationship.
Planting palm trees to prevent lightning strike deaths
Odisha tops the list of states with the most number of deaths caused by lightning. Now an environmentalist is on a mission to revive the traditional practice of planting palm trees to counter the problem.
Odisha’s tribal youth excel in Pencak Silat martial art
The Bhatra family from Modiguda village in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district has scripted an inspiring tale of triumph over challenges as the young athletes overcome all odds with perseverance and indomitable will
Inspiring rural women who defied expectations
They had only a dream to start with. And they have made their mark in various fields with a never-quit spirit. This International Day of Rural Women, we revisit some inspiring stories covered on Village Square.
Football bridges social divides in Odisha village of Lodhas
In a village in Odisha where dominant tribal groups had set unwritten rules of divisive boundaries, a unique social transformation of inclusion is taking place through football.
Rural youth pioneer water sports on Mahanadi
In Odisha, water sports that were once confined to the marine drive thrive in the Mahanadi River, attracting rural youth and offering them a new livelihood.
Innovative teacher leaves lasting impact on Odisha school
National award-winning former headmaster Subhash Chandra Rout’s unconventional teaching methods continue to inspire and transform education at Brundaban Government High School in Markandpur village of Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district.
Women reap success with rice seed business in Odisha
Women farmers in Ganjam district of Odisha turn entrepreneurs to fulfil local demand for good quality certified paddy seed.
Jailhouse RJs rock in Odisha prison
Inmates serve as radio jockeys for Azad Vaani, a thrice-daily broadcast created to entertain, inspire, and rehabilitate prisoners in Bhubaneswar’s Jharpada jail. They produce a variety of content, from drama to news updates, which help them find purpose and hope.
A woman’s fight against corruption in Odisha
While trying to earn through her SHG, so as to care for her widowed ill mother and abandoned niece and nephew, Minati Panda came face to face with corruption. Since then she has been working towards eradicating corruption.
MGNREGA: Armed with app, Odisha women show the way
Women of Talabaitarini village in Odisha set an example of tenacity, battling bureaucratic hurdles to finally receive the wages due to them under the rural employment scheme with the help of a mobile app.
Odisha’s vanishing tasar silkworm needs safety cocoon
Multi-pronged efforts have been launched to protect Similipal’s Modal ecorace silkworms, but more needs to be done to ensure that our future generations can continue to marvel at the delicate tasar silk produced by them.
Eco bricks offer hope against plastic pollution
India generates 3.4 million metric tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only 30% recycled. Amid growing concerns, youth in Angul district have found a solution – crafting eco-bricks from single-use plastic waste, offering a creative approach to tackle plastic pollution.
Lemongrass spreads scent of success in Odisha’s tribal land
The lemongrass fields sway with the promises of a brighter future for the tribal farmers of Odisha’s Keonjhar, offering a sustainable pathway to economic growth in the region.
Curtains down for Odisha dolls made of cow dung?
Though no way as fancy as the dolls that adorn upscale stores, Karadagadia village has carved out a niche for its toys made of cow dung, paper and flowers.
The ‘art houses’ of Odisha’s Santal tribe
The colourful murals painted by Santal women are a centre of attraction in Mayurbhanj district. The community believes that the artworks adorning the mud walls of homes appease their god and ancestors, ensuring their health and prosperity.
These unschooled Odisha women are running a farm school
Women farmers of Nuaguda village not only work to preserve traditional rice and millet varieties but also run a school to teach others how to follow sustainable agriculture practices.
It’s millets all the way for these women in Odisha
Passionate about farming, a woman revives millet cultivation, prompting other women to follow suit, and together they now run a successful millet-based food business.
Ganjapa – Odisha’s most colourful card game
Ganjapa, originating from Persian culture, became part of Indian tradition in the 16th century. It showcased hand-painted cards and indigenous playing styles. Sadly, this once popular game now suffers from a decline in its artistic heritage.
How Odisha’s Kondh tribe resolves conflicts
The community prefers internal conflict resolution instead of approaching the police or courts since the local mechanism is a cost effective process involving mediation by village elders.