Suhail Bhat
Suhail Bhat is a multimedia journalist from Kashmir, currently based in New Delhi, with a Masters in Convergent Journalism, Diploma in Still Photography from Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi. He has 5 years of experience as a multimedia journalist, and his work has appeared in Al Jazeera, DW News, The Guardian, Voice of America, Himal South Asia, Article 14, India Spend, and more. He focuses on transgender issues, women,Human Right issues, environmental issues, and minorities. He was recently honoured with the National Foundation for India fellowship in the multimedia category. He was also a finalist for the Best Photo Essay in the 2023 Human Rights & Religious Freedom Journalism Awards in the US.
Chamba’s Minjar: A celebration of tradition, harvest, and culture
Have you been to the Minjar fair in Himachal’s Chamba district that has become a draw for tourists from across India? This photo essay captures the many moods of the festivities.
And now, AI sensors for buffaloes in Haryana
Indian scientists from the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) test AI sensors on buffaloes to prevent heat stress and other diseases.
Water sports make a splash in Kashmir
Efforts from all quarters to encourage water sports in Jammu and Kashmir are bearing heartening results. Here’s a round-up of the current scenario in photos.
Rising human-wildlife conflicts distress Kashmir villagers
As urbanisation and deforestation encroach on natural habitats, wild animals are coming in closer contact with humans. Villagers in Kashmir, many of whom depend on farming and orchard work, are finding themselves particularly vulnerable to these encounters.
Educational society transforms lives in rural Uttar Pradesh
Educating girls empowers them. The Pardada Pardadi Educational Society is making a difference to the locals of Anupshahr by schooling girls from underprivileged backgrounds.
From fields to skies: Rural women soar with drone training
Over 1000 women farmers have been trained in operating drones at the Drone Destination, enabling them to improve their farming skills and increase their income.
Kashmiri women break gender shackles at Muharram
With more women coming out to participate in the Muharram processions, the mourning rites are achieving a new aspect in Kashmir. Village Square does a round-up of this year’s observance in the Valley in photos.
This is why gucchi mushrooms are the world’s priciest
Morel mushrooms, also known as gucchi, may be the globe’s most expensive mushroom, but now climate change is impacting its availability. Village Square does a visual essay on what goes into sourcing the prized delicacy.
How the decline of launda naach has impacted the queer community
Launda naach, practised in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, dates back to when women, barred from dancing in public, were replaced by effeminately dressed men. Kajal Bhabhua, a trans performer, says the dance form is fading now.
Trans queen from Cooch Behar sets eyes on global stage
Hailing from a small district of Bengal, Arshi Ghosh, the winner of Miss Trans Queen India 2023, will represent India at the International Queen pageant in Thailand. She talks about her journey with Village Square.
Women wedding photographers click in Kashmir
More brides are finding comfort in being clicked by female photographers on their big day. Village Square meets two of them.
Tongawallas of Sopore persist despite modernisation
Horse-drawn carriages have been the choice mode of transport for residents of Sopore, in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the pressure to modernise could take a toll on this environmentally-friendly option soon.
This hospital’s accessible, affordable healthcare is a life-saver for villagers
For patients in remote villages of north Kashmir, who had difficulty accessing critical healthcare in urban hospitals, North End Hospital in Pattan has become a life-saver, especially for those seeking treatment under the government’s healthcare scheme.
Meet the poet on a mission to preserve Kashmiri language
At a time when the younger generation of Kashmiris is losing touch with their language, this poet is igniting their interest with her eloquent verses that describe the beauty of the Himalayan region.
Manipur woman makes clothes with lotus stem fibre
Bijiyashanti Tongbram, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Manipur, makes mufflers and stoles by spinning lotus stems. Her innovation caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Manipur’s transmen’s football team transforms lives
Ya_All, a UN-recognised LGBTI+ youth-led organisation in Imphal, Manipur, symbolises resilience and inclusivity in Northeast India. This groundbreaking initiative goes beyond sports, making a significant impact.
Dry winter hits Gulmarg tourism
Kashmir’s Gulmarg doesn't have much snow this season. A dry winter has been devastating to Gulmarg, one of Asia’s highest ski resorts, in India.
Transgender student uses art to reach hearts
Arnavi Sharma is a final-year student at the Institute of Music and Fine Arts in Jammu University. She strives to create awareness about the LGBTQ community through her artwork and especially for those struggling to own their identities.