Author: Village Square
When the goddess comes calling
Durga Puja is celebrated with pomp and glory not just in the cities, but towns and villages too. Village Square offers glimpses into the celebrations across rural West Bengal.
Fabulous village festivities you can attend this October
The changing weather in October heralds not just the onset of winter, but also a host of celebrations across the country. We list some special fairs and festivals from the rural tracts that you can visit and enjoy this month.
Air-cooled pushcarts to keep vegetables fresh for long
For vegetable hawkers who suffer losses due to deterioration in the quality of fruits and vegetables during summer, air-cooled pushcarts offer a simple cooling innovation to keep their produce fresh for longer periods.
‘Mother India’ to ‘Laapataa Ladies’: Rural themes in Oscars race from India
As Laapataa Ladies makes it as India’s entry to the Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature Film category, here are some other rural-themed movies sent as the country’s submission for the prestigious award in the past.
Why you must visit these stunning hill destinations
This World Tourism Day Village Square brings you a curated list of hidden hill stations from the Indian hinterland. From the pristine meadows of the Himalayas in the north to the rolling hills of the south, we’ve got a recommendation for every kind of mountain enthusiast.
Rural escapes that celebrate the romance of Indian villages
From quaint temples and ancient trees to art villages and traditional huts, there is much to be enjoyed in the remote, picturesque Indian villages. So pack your bags and hop on for a ride!
Simple tech to solve water distribution woes
An innovative shaft-based technology promises to transform water distribution, ensuring every household gets its fair share regardless of supply timing.
Cruise these historic Indian rivers in style
While rail and road have been the more popular ways of traversing the hinterland, this World Rivers’ Day we recommend a few charming river cruises in India that can take you touring around the countryside.
Gandhian-era Bageshwari charkha gets a makeover after 90 years
The traditional foot-operated Bageshwari charkha, which has had the same design for nine decades, has got a technological revamp now, helping shepherds in the Himalayan region produce fine quality wool at a faster pace.
Rural India wins big at the Paris Paralympics 2024
These Paralympians from rural India have overcome the odds, and their disability, to reclaim glory during the recent Paralympic Games in Paris. Here are six such athletes who are an inspiration for all.
Water revolution – Natural fibre tanks provide a low-cost storage solution
Innovative water tanks made from coconut, banana and flax fibre can transform water storage issues in drought-prone villages. The solution, developed by Jalvardhini, an NGO, and RuTAG IIT-Bombay, uses materials that are easily available and environmentally sustainable.
Independent cinema v/s Bollywood featuring Adil Hussain and Faisal Malik
What do Adil Hussain and Faisal Malik have in common other than their rural backgrounds and meteoric ascent to stardom? They were both at Chitrashaala, Village Square’s short film festival, to talk about their work, life and the struggles of showing good cinema in India.
Cold storage units running on pico hydropower help farmers earn more
With limited transportation and no cold storage facilities, farmers in Himalayan states sell their produce at the local market for a low price. Cold storage units powered by pico hydropower offer a cost-effective solution.
Hail these sports coaches for their illustrious proteges
This Teachers’ Day, Village Square tips the hat to the coaches of some of our sporting greats, winners of the Dronacharya Award, who hail from villages across the country.
Reel encounters with some special rural teachers
Over the years many filmmakers have paid tribute to the gurus in our lives by making films that depict the teacher-student relationship. Here are six such movies with rural stories that revolve around inspiring teachers.
Beacon of learning shines on through these teachers in Indian villages
A forest guard who doubles as an educator. A woman who trains others in tailoring. A ‘Dehati Madam’ who teaches English… Rural India is full of inspiring examples of teachers. This Teachers' Day we revisit some of these stories.
Discussing climate change through cinema
The climate change-themed short films screened at Village Square’s Chitrashaala film festival drew the audience’s attention to this pressing issue. The filmmakers in attendance – Jigar Nagda and Stenzin Tankong – spoke about the subject during a discussion at the fest.
How many of these lesser-known local greens have you tried?
Indian regional cuisine is full of nutrient-dense ingredients. This National Nutrition Week, which is observed in the first week of September, here is a list of six healthy foods from the far-flung corners of the country.
Celebrate a spectacular September at these rural festivals
A line-up of ceremonial celebrations across the hinterland gives Indians something to look forward to in the last month of the monsoon season, as September comes alive to showcase the rural culture in the country.
The humble coconut is trending now, and how!
Coconuts are more versatile than you think! On this World Coconut Day, we bring to you some innovative uses for the fruit that are gaining popularity and make it a must-have in daily life.