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
Safaris drive up Bastar tourism
A group of Chhattisgarh youth invest in sports utility vehicles to offer safari rides inside the Kanger Valley National Park, gaining an income and boosting tourism in Bastar.
Cycling 1400 km to get 1000 rural investors
The man behind Jharkhand's Mor Mitti initiative is cycling 1400 kms to New Delhi, hoping to pick up 1000 investors in his rural project along the way. We spoke with Biswambharnath Naik about his ambitious journey.
Famed Kashmiri carpets knotted for new parliament
Renowned Kashmiri carpets are being specially made for India's new parliament building, giving a boost to the region's famous crafts industry.
A bus driver now drives farm prosperity
Meet Amol Kadam, a bus driver who is helping his village with farming.
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.