COVID-19 Impact
Boom in Kashmir’s bloom business
Stuck at home in the pandemic, many Kashmiris became avid gardeners and are now turning their passion into a business by transforming their backyard patches into plant nurseries.
Uninhibited menstruation talk on “Hello Saathi” helpline
Want to have an uninhibited talk about menstruation? Try the “Hello Saathi” helpline, a game-changing scheme from the menstrual health group Uninhibited helping 150,000 people in less than two years, as two of its practitioners report.
Rural theatre acts out vaccine hesitancy
Setting the stage to bust myths around vaccine hesitancy, tribal dance and theatre productions manage to convert the unvaccinated in Rajasthan, proving the power of tailor-made messaging.
Kashmir’s cricket bat industry goes for a toss
Kashmir’s political and pandemic lockdowns, never mind inadequate infrastructure, are dealing a severe blow to its 100-crore cricket bat industry, which experts say could otherwise be booming.
Teenagers ensure children learn during lockdowns
As India commemorates National Youth Day on January 12, we highlight the passionate work of the many socially aware rural teens who volunteer their time and energy to teach village children during the pandemic.
Tourism-dependent islanders struggle to stay afloat
Villagers in Elephanta Island were filled with hope when tourism resumed after the COVID-19 lockdowns. But with fear of a third wave and few tourists showing up, they begin the new year with apprehensions.
Big money in small mustards
Around 3,000 farmers and migrant returnees in Majuli – Assam’s flood-ravaged and eroding river island – reap rewards from growing climate resilient mustard.
1 billion doses down
In nine months one billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are taken – a feat that would not be possible without the development community mobilising local influencers to help get the job done.
Kashmiri girls pedal out of taboos
Kashmiri women who cycled were once ridiculed. But the pandemic-induced lockdown spurred them to cycle their way to better health and fitness, breaking patriarchal shackles along the way.
Ration sustains marginalized households through lockdown
Relief package of dry rations alleviated the hunger and food insecurity of informal wage workers who had lost their livelihood during the pandemic.
Women volunteers allay vaccine fears in Jharkhand
Acting as a bridge between communities and public health services, setu didis addressed the concerns of villagers and convinced them to get vaccinated.
Pandemic pushes impoverished villagers into further debts
With income from marginal landholdings and rain-fed agriculture unable to sustain them, tribal communities migrate for work to clear loans. Pandemic has pushed them into perpetual debts.
Supplementary teaching helps students’ overall development
The activity-based program, aimed at age-appropriate learning of students in government schools, has also improved their academic performance, besides ensuring comprehensive progress
Villagers’ fear of vaccines wanes slowly with awareness
Counselling and convincing various village influencers, and encouraging youth volunteers on their campaign drives have helped communities get past rumors and fears to get vaccinated
How can rural India prepare for a third wave
Experience from Jharkhand proves that synergic effort involving local administration, community collectives and civil society organizations can help villages face COVID-19 third wave.
Kashmir’s cherry farmers face the impact of pandemic
Tangmarg’s cherry farmers, who find selling directly to tourists more lucrative, are in a fix as the popular tourist spots have been closed because of the pandemic
Decentralization to localization: Collectives and local development
Community collectives working alongside local administration have reversed pandemic situation and ensured livelihood support. With concomitant procedural measures, the synergy can continue beyond the pandemic
When COVID-19 reaches the vulnerable tribes in hilltops
Despite government’s efforts, reluctance to get tested and isolated, and not adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols, has led to an increase in infection among Odisha’s particularly vulnerable tribal groups
Community establishes subcenter for better health care
Sharing a cramped space with the anganwadi, the health subcenter lacked facilities. Villagers joined hands and opened a subcenter in spacious premises, enabling maternal care and COVID-19 vaccination
Maternal and child health sidelined amidst COVID-19 emergencies
Rural women dependent on public health care system have not been able to access maternal health care services as hospitals’ focus is on overcoming the COVID-19 crisis