Rural India is home of the original gig-economy worker. Enterprising villagers hop from tilling fields to tending shops, to door-to-door selling each day. Read the latest trends in micro-enterprises, rural start-ups and the shifting livelihoods of India’s villagers.
Livelihoods
How the patuas sustain their art of storytelling through scrolls
The patua art of storytelling through painted scrolls and songs now flourishes in varied adaptations, putting the art on the world map.
Bell metal fires fading out in Assam
The rising cost of raw material, coupled with the pandemic and stiff competition from other states, is dealing a blow to the ancient brass and bell metal industry of Sarthebari, Assam.
Saathi Ventures announces award for stories of micro-entrepreneurs
More than half of India's population is engaged in entrepreneurship, especially micro-entrepreneurship. To celebrate India’s massive micro-entrepreneurial economy, Saathi Ventures is conducting a micro-entrepreneurship storytelling challenge.
Sparking ideas for India’s next 75 years
The recent Indian Rural Colloquy brought together India's sharpest minds - from doyens of the development world to industry leaders, government secretaries and activists - all at the front of India's march to progress.
Lip-smacking tribal cuisines help women make a living
A tribal festival in Jharkhand popularises authentic tribal cuisine, ensuring traditional recipes are preserved and helping tribal women explore opportunities to make money serving their unique fare.
Mango cultivation not so juicy in Chittoor this year
Unseasonal heavy rainfall and winds are hurting the mango yields of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor farmers, who cater to local juice factories and export markets.
Homemaker turns soft toy entrepreneur
After attending a training programme, a Rajasthani homemaker becomes a craft entrepreneur, making soft toys and giving gainful employment to other women from her village.
Goa’s villagers struggle with fewer tourists
As if the COVID pandemic weren’t bad enough, the Russian war deals a harder blow to Goa’s tourism, forcing tourism-dependent villagers to find new means of income.
Chai and Bandhu brew a perfect blend for Chakla
Suspicious of his motives, his tea shop and Muslim identity, the people of Chakla village shunned Abdul Nazar until they realised his chai shop was a springboard to develop their village.