Rural India
5 must-see films that show rural India differently
There is more to the rural tracts of India than meets the eye. Village Square curates some internationally acclaimed films inspired by the Indian hinterland.
Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Rural India is a repository of folk music traditions. Here is a round-up in images of some of the musical instruments that are a part of this rich legacy. They certainly strike the right chord in the community, don’t they?
Kolha – A neglected village in Odisha’s Dhenkanal
Despite several decades of independence, Kolha Village in the district of Dhenkanal, Odisha, continues to be untouched by progress. Villagers here can only dream about proper road connections and electricity. Here’s more on their plight.
Winners of 2024 Village Vibe Photo Competition
See the winning photographs from this year’s photo competition and hear the winners share their experience of coming to Delhi and watch their pictures on display at Sunder Nursery.
Delhi grooves to sights and sounds of rural India
Vignettes from rural life came alive at a special evening held to felicitate the winners of Village Square’s Annual Photo Exhibition, as the Delhi audience were mesmerised by the winning photos and live folk music performances.
What this interim budget holds for rural India
While the Rural Development Ministry got increased allocation, with MGNREGS getting a boost, not all schemes saw hikes in the interim budget 2024-25 presented by the Union government on Feb 1.
Why urban youth should care about rural India
India’s youth have the potential to bridge the urban–rural divide and bring about social, economic and digital inclusion, and also ensure sustainable development.
Rural fieldwork: A mosaic of learning and experiences
Fieldwork, an essential part of sociological and anthropological research, needs a bottom-up approach for holistic development. The difference between theory and practicalities also throws up many challenges in rural research.
Community transforms education in rural MP
Community-driven education initiatives spearheaded by Transform Rural India show a way and bring hope to remote rural locations in the country.
Kholey Dai: It takes a village to host this festival
Folk music, local cuisine, scenic Himalayan setting. The upcoming Kholey Dai festival in a Kalimpong village has a lot of attractions for travellers, but at its heart lies the story of a community’s unity and resilience.
City student’s eye-opening account of village trip
It may need years of stay in a village for a visitor to understand rural challenges, but even a brief trip can make an indelible impression. This college student from Greater Noida gets a firsthand experience.
Learning the ABC of Toto language
Bengal’s Toto tribals, who come under the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, are striving to keep their endangered local language alive by teaching kids its new-created alphabet system.
MP village youth aims for Hollywood spotlight
Shibali Biswas, a 23-year-old filmmaker from rural Madhya Pradesh, defies the odds to showcase her vibrant tribal culture globally.
Book Review: The Indian Village by Surinder S. Jodhka
Published by Aleph Book Company, the book chronicles socioeconomic changes in Indian villages through interesting anecdotes.
Creative economy is empowering rural India
Creative industries are emerging as a powerful way for rural youth to explore new livelihood opportunities based on their traditional knowledge, using new ways to showcase their talents and support the community.
How I fell in love with rural India
Beyond the beautiful, majestic mountains of Ladakh, people’s immense love and warmth emerges as the highlight of a 10-day ‘voluntourism’ trip.
Jharkhand villagers waiting to see ‘light’
Residents of three hamlets in Jharkhand continue to live in darkness as electricity supply is yet to reach them. Lack of hospitals and schools in the vicinity adds to their woes.
The journey of Kerala’s Chalakudy river
This Rivers Day, explore Chalakudy River, central Kerala's life source, as it journeys for 130 km -- from serene Anaimalai Hills to the Arabian Sea, nurturing lush landscapes and livelihoods.
‘Education should make people capable of helping others’
Technology plays an extremely important role in providing access to education and addressing the big rural-urban literacy divide, says Indraani Singh, the founder of Literacy India.
Many Corners of Village Square – Stories and Insights from Rural India
Indian villages are full of stories that reflect the diversity, resilience and unique perspectives of its people. Capturing these stories and bringing them to the forefront is our coffee table book – ‘Many Corners of a Village Square’ Book your copy today