VILLAGE VIBE
Deifying the river – India’s famous river aartis
Rivers have been deified by Indians for millennia. The river aarti, a reflection of this reverence, is nothing short of a majestical experience that makes many of India’s smaller, more rural cities come alive. Here are a few aartis in India that should be on your bucket-list.
Worth her salt, she champions heirloom recipes from ‘Dev bhoomi’
Namakwali founder Shashi Bahuguna Raturi shares her recipes for organic pisyu loon (flavoured salt), and her journey motivating the rural women of Uttarakhand to take on the world.
Happiness in rural India through the lens
The social media call out for photos by Village Square, ahead of the International Day of Happiness on March 20, attracted a host of submissions. Here’s a shortlist.
Snow and the spirit of sportsmanship
‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ The adage holds true for young boys of Gurez Valley, a remote region along the ancient Silk Route, home to the Dard Shin tribe in north Kashmir. The valley remains covered with snow and cut off from the rest of the world for nearly six months. However, this doesn’t dissuade youngsters here from indulging in what they love the most–Snow Cricket.
Crafting devotion: Potters from Puri
The sacred pottery used in the preparation and serving of Mahaprasad at the Jagannath temple is made by the Kumahar community. The skill, which has been passed down through generations, blends artistry with spirituality, preserving an ancient tradition that plays a crucial role in the religious rituals of temples in Odisha.
Baaghi finds a way
Amarpura, in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district, barely receives any rain but when it does, the heavy downpours carry away the topsoil and manure, destroying the crop. Rainwater that can be harvested for farming and domestic use goes to waste. For many, like Baaghi, this has meant losing their livelihoods.
The first green village of India – Khonoma
Khonoma village, located in Nagaland, was once known as a ‘warrior village’ for the fierce resistance it put up during the British colonial period. Today, the picturesque hamlet is India’s first green village, known for its rich cultural heritage, sustainable farming practices, and strong conservation efforts.
Saving biodiversity, one click at a time
Abdul Qayoom Sofi, raised in Kashmir’s Kanispora Baramulla, developed a profound bond with nature from childhood. Now Block Forest Officer for Jhelum Valley, he dedicates his life to preserving Kashmir’s wildlife, driven by a deep love for the land. His mission is to protect the biodiversity that shaped him.
IN VIDEOS
From earth to art: Larnai black clay pottery
Larnai black clay pottery, hand-crafted using locally sourced black clay and serpentine stone, is a traditional art form from Meghalaya. Known for its unique designs, it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Her cafe’s Kangri dham a big draw
Started by Manisha Thakur in 2022, Her cafe is an all-women-run cafe in Bir that serves local Himachali delicacies and provides the feel of a home-cooked meal in their village-inspired cafe setting.
All stakeholders on board with whale shark conservation
Conservation actions are in place for whale sharks, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, in Kerala. Village Square looks at one project initiated in the state by the Wildlife Trust of India in 2017, and the perspectives of the fishing communities on such efforts.
RURAL NEWS
South Kerala farmers are taking the entrepreneurial route
Reflecting a transition in the agricultural landscape of south Kerala, spearheaded by farmer collectives, farmers are voluntarily taking up entrepreneurship to propel them into higher earnings.
Yamuna Kumari: A pioneer in modern farming
Breaking barriers as a successful farmer, Yamuna Kumari from Jharkhand’s Bero village has inspired a community of women to take up high-value agriculture.
Tribal woman in Odisha champions heirloom seeds
Raimati Ghiuria, popularly known as the Queen of Millets, from the Bhumia tribal community of southern Odisha’s Koraput district, has championed heirloom seeds and local agrobiodiversity. She has also shared her knowledge of organic farming with over 2,500 farmers.
India’s unsung heroes – women navigating their way through a changing country. Her accomplishments, her struggles, her livelihood, her home, her hopes. Her life.
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Tribal woman in Odisha champions heirloom seeds
Raimati Ghiuria, popularly known as the Queen of Millets, from the Bhumia tribal community of southern Odisha’s Koraput district, has championed heirloom seeds and local agrobiodiversity. She has also shared her knowledge of organic farming with over 2,500 farmers.
She chose harsh farm life over a 6-figure American paycheck
Bhavani Akkina went from a high-flying corporate career in IT in the US to teaching sustainable living principles to farmers, children, police personnel and others at her native Chinatadepalli village in Andhra Pradesh. She tells Village Square about how and why she made the switch.
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Events
Chitrashaala – Village Square’s short film fest trains the lens on rural India
Watch powerful films like Giddh (The Scavanger) and Last Days of Summer, interact with film personalities Muzaffar Ali, Adil Hussain, Faisal Malik and others, and learn more about rural India at Chitrashaala, Village Square’s short film festival.
Programmes
Capacity Building Programme
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Development Communications Training
Village Square announces a certified training program for students interested in the communications domain. This internship program will give you an opportunity to get trained from leading industry experts and enhance all your skillsets i.e, required to be a good communication specialist. Starting from 30th November, 2023
Fellowship
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Village Square announces its fellowship
Village Square Fellowship 2023 is for youth to tell the powerful stories of rural India. The 9 months fellowship will include a monthly stipend of Rs 35,000 along with training from leading sector-experts.
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