Village Vibe
Swara Bhasker kicks off The Bharat Youth Dialogues
Critically acclaimed actor and vocal champion of the poor Swara Bhasker will be in discussion with veteran journalist, Suparna Sharma in Delhi on December 15 for Village Square’s inaugural Bharat Youth Dialogues.
Youth Hub – the new buzz in Village Square
Village Square is excited to introduce its new Youth Hub initiative – a space for India’s urban and rural youth to interact, examine and activate ideas for creating a better India.
Naga tribes carve out their culture
The boldly carved wooden gates at the entrance of Naga villages once appeased ancestors. Today, the few that remain are symbols of old hopes and aspirations – a legacy many artisans are keen to conserve.
2021 Village Vibe photo competition winners
From over 2,500 beautiful submissions we received throughout the month of October for six categories, our esteemed panel of judges selected three winners from each category.
Kashmiris turn to eco-treks
The pandemic-induced reflectiveness means more Kashmiris are taking to the hills – becoming eco-conscious trekkers of the mountains they were once content to just look at.
Village Vibe photo competition and exhibition
Village Square gets over 2,500 entries for the “Village Vibe” photo competition - the winners will be announced at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on November 19.
“My pupils will one day play at the Olympics”
Karuna Purty beat poverty and prejudice to become a national hockey player. Now she coaches girls who have the same dream in their eyes that she had many years ago. Karuna Purty from Khunti district of Jharkhand talks about her journey in her own words.
Keeping Kurumba art alive
Ala Kurumba tribes inherited a flair for art from their forefathers who captured everyday life as rock paintings. But with only a handful of such artists left, they are desperate to keep this cultural expression alive.
Eco-activists root for bamboo
Bamboo could be the answer to Kerala’s persistent soil erosion and deadly landslides, say passionate environmentalists who plant hundreds of saplings and sing songs rooting for greater spread.
Rural social media stars showcase rustic charm
Pandemic spurs villagers to post videos of their rustic life, turning them into social media stars. In their own way, they’re bridging the rural-urban divide.
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.
Muharram mourning – the village way
With digital invites the norm, did you know the ancient tradition of door-to-door verbal invites still continues? That’s not the only custom that sets UP villages apart either.
Mass marriage party in Jharkhand
Tribal communities hold mass marriage celebrations not just for the big party, but to legitimise long-standing relationships, ensuring women and children have legal recognition.
Village shelter for animals in distress
One man’s passion for animals helps creatures in distress – from monkeys to donkeys, dogs to ducks – on the outskirts of Lucknow. But running an animal shelter isn’t always easy.
Visitor toll helps tribes develop their villages
District administration permits tribes to collect toll from tourists visiting Kataki waterfall. With the revenue, the toll committee upgrades the village and waterfalls, besides helping the needy
Tribes welcome revival of traditional cultural centers
Ghotuls, traditionally where youth learnt to take on responsibilities, fell into decline for many reasons. Tribes believe the government’s plan to revive them would uphold the tribal culture
Baul singers take to digital performances during lockdown
Minstrels of Bengal who carry on traditional baul singing were hit hard by the lockdown. Ticketed live streaming has enabled them to sustain themselves and their art
Students help revive traditional metal craft
Students with a passion for social entrepreneurship have helped traditional metal craftsmen to adapt to changing times with new designs, and explore new markets within the country and beyond
Lockdown drives embroidery artisans to alternate jobs
With sales dwindling to a low during the lockdown, artisans who undertake skilled embroidery, have been forced to shutter workshops and switch to other means of livelihood
Community restores private forests for sustainable future
Private forest owners have been restoring degraded lands, improving green cover and livelihood opportunities. The initiative helps in biodiversity conservation and maintenance of wildlife corridor as well