Author: Rakhee Roytalukdar

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How pregnancies are getting healthier in rural Rajasthan

Cash transfers and direct conversations with health workers are bringing in dietary diversity among pregnant women and boosting their nutrition levels in underdeveloped districts of Rajasthan.

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A new chapter begins for Rajasthan school libraries

Once abandoned as storerooms for old and broken stuff, school libraries are buzzing again—thanks to the Rajasthan Library Promotion Project that aims to develop the habit of reading among children.

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Rural women farmers plough their way to financial freedom

With a good push from self-help groups and NGOs, women who had never stepped out of their house without a man, are now earning a decent living and a lot of respect from farming.

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Sugna Devi: The “manure missy” of Rajasthan

Losing her husband to COVID was a huge blow for Sugna Devi. Desperate to provide for her children, she learned sustainable farming techniques and now makes and sells bio-pesticides and fertilisers. With a focus on chemical-free farming and soil fertility, she trains others also to make these bio-products.

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Weaving magic with skeins of thread

Honing her inherent embroidery and design skills, Ruma Devi overcame personal and market hurdles to become a fashion designer. Now she has a fashion brand in her name, employing 22,000 women artisans. She talks about her journey.

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Rajasthani women stitch their way to high fashion

A young woman’s idea of putting her embroidery skills to good use has resulted in a fashion brand that now employs 22,000 rural artisans and even weathered the pandemic by nimbly setting up online store.

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Women continue to roll beedis despite low wages, health risks

Due to lack of education and alternate sustainable employment avenues, millions of workers, especially women, endure beedi rolling. Familiarity and fear prevent them from switching jobs

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Accessible education for deprived rural students

Established in rural areas lacking in development, state-run model schools in Rajasthan are offering quality education for free to students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds

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Girls in rural Rajasthan show zeal for science

A rural student’s aspiration has broken gender stereotypes, inspiring girls to choose to study science subjects, with Atal Tinkering Labs, science fairs and other such initiatives increasing science literacy

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Vagad farmers stage progress marches

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Tribal farmers of the Vagad region have been marching through villages to find local solutions to farming and community problems through participation and discussion

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Seed guardians of Banswara revive traditional varieties

Village women in Banswara district of Rajasthan are setting an example as organic farmers by adopting and spreading awareness to revive indigenous varieties of crops that boost nutritional security