-
Jan 18, 2025 | 
villagesquare.in | Harshal Mankar |Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir |Mamali Sahoo |Arushi Mishra
Over the past four-odd decades, the dense forests that once surrounded the Amaritya village gradually disappeared. The hills became barren and the groundwater table significantly dropped due to excessive water extraction. Even 800 ft-deep tube wells began to dry up. Irrigation was reduced from four to just two cycles per season as most of the rainfall occurring between July and September was lost to flash floods.
-
Jan 18, 2025 | 
villagesquare.in | Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir |AMIR MALIK |Mamali Sahoo |Arushi Mishra
January 14 is an important date for the townsfolk of Sri Muktsar Sahib, for it was on this day that 40 brave “muktas” lost their lives while fighting the Mughals in 1705. People within the town come together to commemorate this day while remembering the sacrifice of the heroes. Maghi, as the day is called, is special for the Sikh community. It falls on the day after Lohri, when people go to the historical gurdwaras in Muktsar to offer their respect to the gurus.
-
Jan 17, 2025 | 
villagesquare.in | Mamali Sahoo |AMIR MALIK |Arushi Mishra
In the heart of Mayurbhanj district, in the peaceful embrace of Kusumi tehsil, 69-year-old Biswanath Majhi has embarked on a journey of resilience and empowerment. His story is a testament to the transformative power of awareness and collective action.
-
Oct 11, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Shreya Pareek |Mamali Sahoo
The way local weavers work in small villages across India may soon change. Instead of the familiar sound of hand-powered spinning wheels, their homes may ring with a new sound – that of a revolutionary machine that will transform the age-old craft of bobbin winding. The machine not only promises efficiency but also lends hope for a better livelihood. The hank to bobbin winding machine, a simple and affordable solution to empower weavers, promises to be a game-changer.
-
Oct 11, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Shreya Pareek |Mamali Sahoo |Biswabijayini Mohanty |Kartik Chandra Prusty
Her presence radiates warmth and charisma, captivating all who cross her path. Meet Munni Padiyar Bisht, a 54-year-old with an infectious smile, luminous eyes and a distinctive red bindi gracing her forehead. Behind her unpretentious facade lies an epical tale of transformation, and the embodiment of an extraordinary character — Ravan, the demon king from the Ramayana.
-
Oct 10, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Mamali Sahoo
Widowed young, Basanti Nahaka of Regdakhol village in Odisha’s Angul district, has emerged as a successful micro-entrepreneur with the support of her producer group. Here’s her story in her own words. In the serene village of Gabarmunda, nestled in the tranquil Angul district, my life took a significant turn at the age of 17 when I married Plusti Nahaka in 2001. We settled in Regdakhol village, where we began our journey together as daily wage labourers while running a small grocery shop.
-
Oct 1, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Krupa Gandhi |Mamali Sahoo |Biswabijayini Mohanty |Kartik Chandra Prusty
Mental health is a major concern worldwide. Globally, one in eight people lives with mental health conditions. An epidemiological study by World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed a substantial disparity in care availability: for every 1,00,000 people, global availability of mental health practitioners is just nine; in low-income nations it’s less than one. India is not far behind.
-
Jul 16, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Juhi A. Vaishnav |Jahnavi Zondervan |Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir |Mamali Sahoo
In December, workers from the Vikalp Sansthan, which is based out of village Badgaon Bandh in Udaipur district, began a wall painting initiative for girls in the Gogunda block of Udaipur. They met with the students in Jaswantgarh, aged 10-18 years of age. Their principal, a poised, confident woman, was extremely helpful and supportive and strongly encouraged the girls to participate.
-
Jul 16, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir |Mamali Sahoo |Devashish Biswal |Unnati Sharma
Sirsiwala, a village in Punjab’s Mansa district. This is a place where mentioning the word “cancer” is avoided out of fear. The pervasive grip of cancer and the devastating toll of suicide tied to the illness and its financial toll have left an indelible mark on the residents“We don’t have any words to express it; cancer and suicides have turned us to stone,” said Nirmal Singh, a farmer battling throat cancer since 2015.
-
Jul 15, 2024 | 
villagesquare.in | Devashish Biswal |Unnati Sharma |Pallavi Srivastava |Mamali Sahoo
The Bahabanga festival holds profound significance within the Santhal community. The Santhals celebrate it with vigour and reverence. Deeply rooted in their cultural ethos, the festival encompasses various rituals, traditions and forms of artistic expression that embody the essence of the Santhal identity. The festival is a cherished celebration among Santhal communities, rooted in agricultural traditions and spiritual beliefs.
