बाएं से दाएं - उमेश, गांव के दो सदस्य, गुलाबी जी और मैं जब मैं कानपुर से भदोही...
Kanku Ben: A Model Sarpanch
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women...
The ABC … Of SHG
How SHGs work and what is their structure, from the author’s experience and observations in rural Uttar Pradesh.
The Fear Instilled: Stories From Sawai Madhopur
Free the child’s potential, and you will transform them into the world Where...
Mother Nature Has Arrived!
Few weeks ago on call with my father, I found myself telling him, “Oh, nothing...
16 Days Of Activism: Nukkad Natak
16 Days of Activism and the art of paying attention.
Dialogues On Education: What Is And What Can Be
It’s a mild November morning, as I walk through the village, when I spot her...
Pariksha Pe Charcha – A Tale Of Examinations In Sukma
A child trying to "by-heart" lessons before an exam One thing I feared the...
Bhikal Dhinda: Hidden Gem of Indian Instrumental Music
Artists are always interesting people to meet, as they come across as sorted beings to me, with whatever they are doing. Above is a picture of Bhikal Dhinda, a warli rock-star, or should I call him a flag bearer of tribal instrumental music. Any phrase would not do...
Lessons I Learnt From Organizing A Sale
I have organised events when I was in college and have also worked with a wedding planner on a big fat Indian wedding. I always knew that it requires dealing with a lot of people, working with multiple opinions and preferences, unforeseen troubles and non-stop...
Journey Of Food And The Farmer Producer Company
Among the many things I used to take for granted, in my carefree and comfortable life in Delhi, one was FOOD. Back there, I used to think that cooking is just a task, never realizing or questioning how and from where the ingredients come from. It dawned upon me only...
Living With Taboo And Stigma
Things that seem acceptable in urban educated society may not be the same everywhere. Until now, in my microscopic view of societal interactions, I have been living under an impression that the "normal' remains same across regions. Access to the best possible...
Making Learning Fun, One Activity At A Time
I always found my school days boring as I never really enjoyed classroom learning, which now seems quite rigid. During my college days, I came across the NCERT books and a few websites for Creativity Learning. I found them interesting and was motivated to use this as...
Eagles Eye, Subtle Pry: A Research Study On Honeybees
Early in the morning, I left for field work, in Palghar, Maharashtra where I'm currently working with Under the Mango Tree (UTMT), a social enterprise. This was one of the designated tasks that demands to deal with orchard owners. I’m trying to find a relationship...
Gun License, Hindu Identity: In Conversation With Locals Of Sitapur
While talking with people over snacks, there is so much that I learn about this place and its surrounding areas. The topic of gun license came up when I was interacting with parents of a girl, whom I teach in a school here at Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP). It...
Where There Is A Will But Still No Way!
Have you ever noticed how women in rural-setups react if you ask how she feels? Or how often does she laugh? Does she feel a sense of contentment? On hearing such questions, at first, she smiles and then, shuns the questions. Next, she looks at us with utter surprise...
कोटड़ा की ‘वेर प्रथा’
Kotra, a tribal region in Udaipur district of Rajasthan, is where I have been living at, for the past six months of my fellowship. Often confused with Kota at my home, Kotra is the part of Rajasthan that I never knew existed (perhaps my ignorance is the reason behind...
Iskool Se School, Chuppi Se Bolna: My One Month Journey
The jeep is waiting to fill itself in all corners. It is ten past eight. “Oh No! I am getting late again”, I said to myself and got up, changed in the usual green kurta and black pajama. I have already packed my bag, with books and water bottle. Next, I splashed my...
मासूम परिंदे!
बचपन एक ऐसा शब्द है जिसे सुनते ही मेरे साथ आप में से कईयों के ज़हन में भी कई खूबसूरत लम्हें और तस्वीरें तैरने लग जाती होंगी. नाना-नानी, पापा-मम्मी सहित घर के सभी बड़े लोगों से मिलने वाला लाड़-प्यार व उपहार याद आ जाते होंगे. खेल-खिलौने, चॉकलेट एवं पसंदीदा मिठाइयों की...
A Taste Of Rural Patriarchy And Urban Feminism
The moment 'Vaishali Express' touched the borders of Bihar, an uncanny sense of masculinity emanated from all corners of the train compartment. The frequency of glares and stares increased exponentially. The background of an 18-year long experience in Uttar Pradesh...
‘Parag Kosh Ke Daane’ And Sex Education Post 377
What do you say to 12 year old girls who are extremely happy about the legal status of LGBT community because now they can marry their besties!? Well, I could only say, “That's great but don’t be too sure that you only like women; you can like both men and women, even...
My Everyday Life In a Village Of Kanpur
Let me start with some honesty. Two months ago, when I got to know that I am supposed to work in Kanpur, that too not in the city but in rural areas, I was filled with anxiety. The organization wasn't known to me. I was envious of my co-fellows who would be working in...