Insights and Experiences

Young people are at the forefront of change in India, whether campaigning for social equality, climate change or mental health. Village Square’s Youth Hub will showcase the change-makers and create spaces for interaction and examination to bridge the divide between India’s urban and rural youth who hold the future in their hands.

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Conserving the biodiversity-rich Dora Beel in Assam

Assam’s Dora Beel, a wetland and lake that’s home to river dolphins, has been facing threats of sand mining and pollution. Now conservation initiatives, including a local festival, are trying to make a difference.

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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.

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Entrepreneurship: Street vendors and market theories

An everyday sight on the street shows the great Indian spirit of entrepreneurship, the ingenuity of the masses, and their instinctive understanding of complex theories of economics and markets.

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Young football coach helps girls kick their way to empowerment

From a stone hurled at her to being locked up by her family, teen Muskan Kumari endured pain. But her passion for football is taking her places.

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Revelations from rural Jharkhand

For an urban youngster, no visit to a village ends without the mind asking questions, making comparisons and wondering what it would be like to be more than just a casual visitor.

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Of ducks, bulls and other lessons from a Santhal village

A rich traditional belief system, vast native vocabulary, nutritious diet and a society that works together – even a brief visit to a Santhali village is full of rich experiences.

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Bengaluru boy’s confessions from Jharkhand village

From sharing toothpaste to learning about the struggles for livelihood faced by villagers, a 5-day visit to rural Jharkhand was an eye-opener for this college student from Bengaluru.

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Every house has a traditional healer in this Odisha village

Bhoisahi in Khordha district remains a major destination for those seeking medical treatment, earning it the moniker of ‘Vaidya Gaon’.

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Breaking biases, building bonds

Learning from Indian villages and villagers: Three days of ‘rural immersion’ for scholars of Vedica Scholars Programme for Women at Pradan campus in Kesla, Madhya Pradesh.