Unnati Sharma
Unnati Sharma is a journalist, writer, and translator. She has worked with ThePrint as a Senior Correspondent specializing in politics, in-depth features, and art and culture stories. The intersection of politics and culture interests her, and she aims to write well-researched stories on gender, livelihood, rural governance, environment, and preservation of indigenous arts and music. She is a recipient of a jury appreciation citation from the UNFPA-supported Laadli Awards for her gender-sensitive reporting. She was also a Young India Fellow at Ashoka University. In her free time, she enjoys singing and listening to Indian classical music and reading Hindi-Urdu poetry.
Bihar’s Jeevika programme helps rural women rise from despair to dignity
In rural Bihar, the Jeevika programme, led by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society and supported by the World Bank, is empowering women from marginalised communities by providing financial support and livelihood opportunities.
Lado Panchayat — How Haryana’s rural women are rewriting rules of patriarchy
Haryana’s Lado Panchayat, born out of a movement in 2012, provides a platform for women to voice their concerns, challenge patriarchal norms and fight for gender equality and empowerment.
Bihar’s viral teacher inspires millions with her learning methods
Khushboo Kumari, a 31-year-old government teacher from a small village in Bihar, is known for her creative teaching methods that have gone viral online. She shares her experience with Village Square.
From Dongargaon to Toronto, Sthal brings rural realism to silver screen
Jayant Somalkar’s debut film Sthal, shot in 22 days in his home village with local non-professional actors, authentically captures the struggles of a young woman from rural Maharashtra fighting for education and independence in a patriarchal society.
Travel souvenirs take MP artisans on road to success
Pashoo Pakshee, a social enterprise founded by Savini Sonavaria, supports over 350 artisans producing nature-inspired souvenirs, provides fair wages and financial independence.
How this 29-yr-old cancer survivor is changing rural healthcare
DigiSwasthya, which provides accessible and affordable telemedicine services in rural areas, was inspired by the lack of healthcare resources in villages, and founder Sandeep Kumar’s own battle with cancer. It’s now having life-saving impacts in rural India.
Experience a slice of traditional living at this MP ‘ashram’
Reverse-migrating from Gurugram to their roots, this couple from Madhya Pradesh set up Jeevika Ashram near Jabalpur to embrace a traditional lifestyle, promote local crafts and give visitors an authentic cultural experience at their property.
World’s highest hamlet – What it’s like to live at 4,500 metres
Komic village in Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh stands as a unique blend of tradition and adaptation, where modern challenges meet ancient ways of life, and where the serenity of the Himalayas shapes every aspect of existence.
Meet the last alchemists of Agaria tribe, forging iron from stones
The Agaria tribe’s legacy of turning ‘kaleji patthar’ stones into high-grade iron is kept alive by this uncle-nephew duo from rural Madhya Pradesh, who use traditional methods passed down through generations.
Lado Pustakalaya: Women’s village library nurtures dreams of aspiring scholars
In Sarsod village of Haryana’s Hisar district, a library for women offers peace and uninterrupted study time, away from distractions and challenges at home.
Three generations, one melody: Meet Saas Bahu Ki Jodi
Geeta Parag, who forms the ‘Saas Bahu ki Jodi’, a trio of bhakti (devotional) singers along with her mother-in-law and daughter in Madhya Pradesh, overcomes social dictates and inspires young women and girls to embrace their musical heritage.
Blacksmiths show an iron will in this MP village
Faced with dwindling sales, blacksmiths in Kala Dumar village of Jabalpur are looking at giving a contemporary touch to their products to get good prices and also engage their future generation in the skill-based ancestral practice.
Main Bhi Curie: Haryana schoolgirls learn secrets of science
A school in Jalmana village of Haryana’s Panipat district witnesses ‘Main Bhi Curie’, a transformative initiative that aims to foster STEM education and scientific temperament among girls.
From homemaker to ‘Dehati Madam who teaches English’
With over 3 lakh subscribers on her YouTube channel, this “Dehati Madam” from Uttar Pradesh is teaching English and rewriting her destiny using a budget smartphone, mobile data and a strong desire to learn.
Cutting out prejudices, barbers shine at Bhind weddings
Mata Prasad, a naai from Khaneta in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, plays an essential role in transcending the typical barber's duties in the village's vibrant wedding celebrations.