Ground Report
Crafting devotion: Potters from Puri
The sacred pottery used in the preparation and serving of Mahaprasad at the Jagannath temple is made by the Kumahar community. The skill, which has been passed down through generations, blends artistry with spirituality, preserving an ancient tradition that plays a crucial role in the religious rituals of temples in Odisha.
An all-in-one post-harvest fix by IIT Kanpur
This Integrated Processing Machine developed by Tekorange Engineering Pvt. Ltd and RuTAG IIT Kanpur is a complete solution for post-harvesting processes at rice procurement centres.
Painting the wild: Winter art camp in Koraput
Once infamous as Odisha’s “red corridor”, Koraput is now a haven for artists from all corners of the country. At a winter art camp organised by Udyosha, the serene landscape of Damanjodi came alive on canvases.
Wood villas: Uttarakhand mountain retreats with stunning views
With the Uttarakhand government promoting Homestay Tourism in the High Himalayan Zone, a new breed of ecologically conscious chalet and wood villa developers are becoming gamechangers for the state’s tourism. And a ‘millennial’ Kumaoni is taking the lead in changing perceptions.
Millet-chocolate laddoos – fusion food and revenue for Rajasthanis
Recipe for success – mix a heap of millets, a handful of chocolate, a large amount of inspiration and an empowering self-help group and, voilà! Rajasthani women who never set foot outside their homes without a veil are now flying across India selling their food.
Farmer and pulse pioneer shapes a water-efficient future
As we celebrate World Pulses Day today, meet Balchandra Ahirwar, a pioneering farmer from the Bundelkhand region, who is championing water efficiency through pulse cultivation.
Mango plantations are reviving livelihoods in Chhattisgarh
Once a conflict-ridden region, the Community Model Mango Plantation Initiative has empowered tribal farmers in Sukma, Chhattisgarh to embrace sustainable farming practices, diversify their incomes, and reconnect with their ancestral land.
How a beloved community grandma overcame cancer
This is the story of Sarubai Laxman Kanade, a 65-year-old woman from Tirth Khurd in Maharashtra, and how she escaped from the grasp of cancer to reclaim her life.
A Bal Gram Sabha for kids
By imparting values of democracy and leadership, Bhata Dungariya, a nondescript village in Mandla, is grooming Gen Alpha to take on governance roles in the future.
Leaving a corporate job to take the road less travelled
Bismaya Mahapatra gave up his corporate career to work for marginalised communities in rural India. He changed his consultancy firm ‘Harsha’ to ‘Harsha Trust' in 2002 to work in a sustained manner with the poor rather than in a project mode. To set up the corpus for the trust, he donated Rs 10 lakh, his profits earned from his firm. The office initially operated out of his garage.
Munda women are safeguarding indigenous food systems
The Munda tribals of Chota Nagpur in Jharkhand are keeping their culture and identity alive by continuing to practice age-old traditions associated with agriculture.
Sacred Banni lends Amaritya a new lease of life
This is a story about how a village came together and joined hands with the Devnarayan Jalgrahan Vikas Samiti to combat deforestation and revitalise its natural resources.
A Santhal tribal’s journey from struggle to success
The success story of Biswanath Majhi, a Santhal from Mayurbhanj, is not merely a personal triumph but a powerful testament to the transformative potential of grassroots initiatives.
Rural India needs safe, climate-friendly resilient housing
As the demand for rural housing grows in India, there is an urgent need for safe, resilient housing which serves as a lifeline for families facing growing climate-related challenges.
My development journey from Barwani to Delhi
A childhood trip to village Barwani first introduced Sneha Mahapatra to harsh rural realities. Going back there as a 27-year-old reaffirmed her belief that her life’s vocation lay in empowering marginalised communities.
IIT alumni create Mobile Subjee Cooler to cut post-harvest losses
The Mobile Subjee Cooler is an efficient, eco-friendly and affordable solution to reduce post-harvest losses. The innovation, incubated by RuTAG at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, is empowering the farming community.
Economically empowered women can drive India’s growth
A latest edition of State of India’s Livelihoods (SOIL) Report, the flagship Report by ACCESS Development Services, highlights the potential of 'women-led development' and advocates the need to enable women to become active contributors to the economy.
From despair to dignity: Sonadei’s story of hope
Sonadei Nag’s journey from abandonment to empowerment showcases the transformative power of women’s collectives. Through SHG support, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, she overcame societal barriers to secure a future for her children, inspiring her entire community to thrive.
IIT helps innovate an efficient puffed rice machine
The compact, eco-friendly machine produces 50 kg of puffed rice per hour, taking out the drudgery from the process. The innovation has been incubated by RuTAG at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, empowering rural communities.
The thirst of Jaladihi: A village’s fight for water
It took a crisis for the villagers of Jaladihi, in Odisha, to realise their ability to move the establishment. Here’s more on the village’s tussle for water, and their victory over an indifferent system.