Village Vibe

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Rural India gets future-ready with these apps

As India celebrates National Technology Day on May 11, Village Square does a round-up of five tech apps that have elevated the quality of life for people in rural India.

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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.

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Summer vibes of India – National photo contest for school students

Calling all young photographers to don their caps and capture the magic of their holiday moments. Join the national school contest for the summer break and showcase your photography skills. Apply now!

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SARAS mela: Opening urban markets for rural products

The SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) melas provide artisans with a platform for direct interaction with customers. It does away with middlemen, and you know that a community stands to benefit from your purchase.

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I want to see girls stand up for themselves: ‘Skater girl’ Asha

From growing up in a tribal family in Madhya Pradesh to participating in a championship in China, Asha Gond has realised her dream. The ‘skater girl’ and her German mentor Ulrike Reinhard tell us about their journey and more.

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Rural anonymity to IPL glory: 5 cricketers who made it

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed the fortunes of many aspiring cricketers hailing from the small towns and villages of India. Here are five talents taking to the pitch in IPL 2024.

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The best regional summer festivals of 2024 

As the summer vacations approach, Village Square does a round-up of exciting regional festivals that you can head to this year.

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Straw artist Pradeepta Nayak preserves heritage using paddy waste

Armed with little more than paddy straws and a boundless imagination, Odisha’s national award-winning artist Pradeepta Nayak resurrects an ancient art form and empowers women in his native Jirala village through his craft.

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7 cooling drinks from the Indian heartland to enjoy this summer

As the summer intensifies, we bring to you some cooling drinks that Indians have been drinking through the ages to beat the heat. Reason enough to ditch sodas and other packaged beverages, and make a healthier choice.

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Stay at these lovely homestays to explore Sanchi, Bhimbetka in MP

An hour out of Bhopal, the village of Khari offers guests comfortable homestays run by villagers and nearby attractions such as the Kesla Dam, Bhimbetka caves and the Sanchi Stupa. Village Square does a recce.

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Escaping Mumbai’s heatwave in spectacular Spiti

Earlier in April, I went to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, momentarily escaping Mumbai’s brutal heat and humidity. Nestled at 14,000 ft., its cold, snow-covered mountainous landscape, sustainable living, and mystical beauty is truly a ‘world within worlds’ as Rudyard Kipling described it.

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The arts are bigger than us: Dancer Navtej Johar

Navtej Johar is a trailblazer in more ways than one. In an exclusive interview with Village Square, he talks about the past, present and future of Bharatnatyam, yoga and LGBTQ+ rights in India.

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Traditional skincare remedies that show grandma’s beauty wisdom

Have you heard of ‘100-times washed cow’s ghee’? Well, from sandalwood to saffron oil, here are five sustainable natural beauty products that have been a part of people’s daily skincare regime through the ages in India.

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The many shades of Varanasi ghats

Take a journey through the vibrant, colorful and iconic ghats of Varanasi - from bustling markets to tranquil sunrises and sacred evening aartis.

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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.

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Six books to bring children close to rural India

This summer vacation, take the kids on an exciting journey to Indian villages – right from the comfort of your home. Here are six books to acquaint children with rural landscapes, culture and lives.

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How a pungent delicacy is supporting Tripura’s indigenous community

Fermented fish business not only sustains indigenous livelihoods but also plays a vital role in meeting the high demand for fish products in Tripura, underscoring its significance in the state’s economy and culinary heritage.

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Loving Diljit Dosanjh as Chamkila? Here are 5 other celebs with Punjab roots

As actor Diljit Dosanj’s Amar Singh Chamkila and Crew make waves at the box office, we look at some celebrities from Punjab who are currently ruling the hearts of their fans.

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5 offbeat Himalayan heritage sites to tick off your bucket list

On this World Heritage Day we shortlist five lesser-known historical sites from India’s Himalayan states that you can plan to visit as temperatures peak this summer.

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Art, spiritualism and more to delight you at this Dharamshala fest

Get ready to participate in uplifting workshops and performances by eminent artists like Piyush Mishra, Raj Zutshi, Navtej Johar and others at Swara Mountain Arts Festival at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The six-day event begins on April 21.