Rural India
Rural escapes that celebrate the romance of Indian villages
From quaint temples and ancient trees to art villages and traditional huts, there is much to be enjoyed in the remote, picturesque Indian villages. So pack your bags and hop on for a ride!
Clicking rural India from a woman’s view
From widows of farmers in Maharashtra who had died by suicide to women drug users in Punjab and the gendered impact of water crisis in Uttarakhand, photographer Deepti Asthana’s work captures rural themes from the women’s perspective.
Claiming the streets: SHGs, women and public spaces
In rural India, women are boldly reclaiming public spaces through self-help groups (SHGs) and collectives. These gatherings are transforming village dynamics, challenging patriarchal norms and enabling economic empowerment.
How this 29-yr-old cancer survivor is changing rural healthcare
DigiSwasthya, which provides accessible and affordable telemedicine services in rural areas, was inspired by the lack of healthcare resources in villages, and founder Sandeep Kumar’s own battle with cancer. It’s now having life-saving impacts in rural India.
A behind-the-scenes peek into Ek Aadmi ka Nyota
We take a look at what went into the filming of the short film Ek Aadmi ka Nyota, which is a story derived from the personal childhood experience of its director Amit Kumar.
Here’s a film that takes masks of Majuli to the people
In an exclusive tete-e-tete, Mask Art of Majuli director Utpal Borpujari tells us more about the short film, set in the world's largest river island in Assam, which will be screened at Village Square’s Chitrashaala short film festival.
Chitrashaala – Student winners of short film competition announced!
The jury’s verdict is in! Judges from the Film Critics Guild have hand-picked the winners of Village Square’s competition for college students. Check out the winning movies that will be screened at the Chitrashaala short film festival.
Mixed signals for rural sector in latest Union Budget
India's 2024-25 Budget presents a mixed bag for rural development. With increased overall funding but cuts in crucial programmes like MGNREGS, the coming year will reveal if these allocations can effectively address the challenges faced by the rural economy.
Chitrashaala – Village Square’s short film fest trains the lens on rural India
Watch powerful films like Giddh (The Scavanger) and Last Days of Summer, interact with film personalities Muzaffar Ali, Adil Hussain, Faisal Malik and others, and learn more about rural India at Chitrashaala, Village Square’s short film festival.
Bahabanga festival: A cultural identity of the Santhals
The Santhals’ practice of welcoming a new season through rituals, songs and dances during the Bahabanga festival showcases their culture, and demonstrates how their lives revolve around nature and agricultural seasons.
With cans of filtered water, she exhibits ‘can do’ entrepreneurial spirit
Unable to sustain her family with an agricultural income, this Jharkhand farmer sees an opportunity in supplying filtered water. With the right support, she establishes herself as a successful entrepreneur and is raring to grow.
‘Queer voices are almost absent in the northeast’
Belonging to the LGBTQ+ community is tougher in the northeast, with its context of militarisation and political violence, says Sadam Hanjabam, the founder-CEO of Ya_All, a Manipur-based organisation working to empower the queer identity through sports.
Ornamental treasures from rural India
In addition to being a striking fashion statement, jewellery is also an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. Village Square brings to you a photo essay comprising vibrant ornaments from rural India.
Meet India’s youth climate activists with rural roots
This World Environment Day, Village Square speaks to youth activists with rural roots who are working towards climate literacy, climate change mitigation, flora and fauna conservation, river protection and preserving traditional knowledge in sensitive ecosystems.
In pics : Rural India’s lifeline – bicycles
In rural India, bicycles are indispensable, providing essential transportation for work, school and leisure, come rain or shine. They are the true lifelines, ensuring mobility and connectivity.
This paan seller is an inspiring life coach in rural Odisha
Narahari Malla, a 77-year-old paan shop owner in Baanbarada village of Odisha’s Puri district, imparts invaluable life lessons to students across multiple schools, teaching traditional values and holistic well-being.
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.
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!
Have you heard of Rajasthan’s mobile baba?
A middle-aged villager learns digital skills and teaches others, and uses digital tools to get his villagers the social welfare aids they are entitled to, earning himself the name of mobile baba.
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.