VILLAGE VIBE
Village Square, turning the wheels of cultural diversity
The UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development encourages us to treat culture as a conversation, not a relic. At Village Square, we’ve been doing just that since 2016 – amplifying rural voices and reviving crafts to bridge India’s urban–rural divide.
Chai: A cup brimming with culture
In every corner of India, a cup of tea is more than a drink. It is an invitation, a habit, an enabler for conversations,. This International Tea Day (May 21), we go one cup at a time to explore India's richly brewed tea culture.
This is how IPL clicks in the outback
In the heartlands of India, where open fields and narrow lanes become makeshift stadiums, cricket isn't just a game — it's a way of life. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has further ignited this passion, bringing the glamour of professional cricket to the remotest corners of the country.
The hand that rocks the cradle
This World Mother’s Day, we celebrate the pure and selfless bond between mothers and their children across rural India. Through these powerful images, we witness the moments of love, sacrifice, and nurturing, reflecting the enduring power of motherhood in its many forms.
India’s Angkor Vat
Dating back to the 7th century, Unakoti is a treasure trove of rock carvings and murals in a sprawling forest in the state of Tripura. Thousands of pilgrims just flock to this destination to attend the annual Ashokastami Mela (fair) every April.
Dzukou valley, a treat for the senses
Dzukou Valley, nestled on the border of Nagaland and Manipur, is a breathtaking paradise known for its lush greenery and rolling hills. It's a popular trekking destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
This is how rural India cooks
Let’s take a peek into some rustic kitchens across the country to figure out what’s on the stove, and who’s beside it.
Agra’s leather industry struggles amid rising costs
As India’s largest shoemaking hub, with 7,500 footwear units employing 400,000 workers, Agra produces 65% of the country’s footwear. However, rising leather prices have made it increasingly difficult for businesses to sustain operations, putting the leather industry here, a key part of the city’s heritage since the Mughal era, in jeopardy.
IN VIDEOS
Nartiang Monoliths: Echoes of the past in Meghalaya
The Nartiang Monoliths, located in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills, are towering stone structures that honour the region’s royal heritage. These iconic monuments, steeped in history, stand as enduring symbols of remembrance and cultural significance.
A sacred forest of spirituality & tradition in Meghalaya
The Mawphlang sacred forest in Meghalaya is a stunning natural site with deep cultural significance. Protected by the Khasi tribe for centuries, it’s a peaceful place where nature, spirituality, and tradition come together.
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.
RURAL NEWS
Foraged by a tribal, relished in Japan
Tribe Grown provides a portal to tribals of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to sell their agri-produce, like turmeric, wild honey and A2 ghee, across the world.
How natural farming transformed this Andhra village
Natural farming has created a revolution in Andhra’s Pubbadaguda village, with farmers like Tammayya moving away from only growing ragi and paddy to learning about polycropping that fetches an income throughout the year.
The agritech revolution in India’s farm sector
Soil sensors, precision irrigation and AI-enabled apps – Indian farmers are becoming tech-savvy thanks to some innovative agritech interventions that are enabling the farm sector to modernise.
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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