A photo story of fellow Sanchita’s first six month journey in central India, where she is working with Jan Swasthya Sahyog
The Power Of Listening In Grassroots Work
In our lives, sometimes, we meet people where a conversation leaves a lasting impression on us. The author recounts one such instance.
Language Is A Challenge, Not A Barrier
Understanding the process and significance of qualitative data in a diverse language setting and its set of own challenges
My First Visit To A Rural Clinic
No amount of academic knowledge can truly prepare you for the reality on the ground of the rural primary healthcare needs in India
Men And Boys In Badgaon
How do interactions with the men and boys of a city shape our understanding of it? Does their behaviour make us feel safer or otherwise?
Shattering Preconceptions About Rural life
An English speaking farmer, a beautiful dam, cleanliness, women egging to move forward in life – this village visit was nothing like anything the author had imagined.
Fair vs Dark Skinned: A Reverse Bias
An experience of the author that highlights the invisible lines drawn based on appearance, background, and perceived social standing.
Micro-migrations To Make Ends Meet
The author hears first hand account of farmers who are struggling to meet ends in south Rajasthan; and what ways are they forced to choose.
Supporting Frontline Workers In Early Childhood Development
Our discontented Anganwadi workers need to be understood and empowered to guarantee the foreseeable future of the country
A Covenant with Nature in the Heart of Bastar
Examples of routines in the tribal villages of Bastar that brings one hope that not all is lost in terms of nature conservation practices
Down to the Last Rupee
Discover the harsh realities of rural poverty in India, from coping with emergencies to navigating high-interest loans
Art By Women, Imitates Women’s Life
During my first month at Sakhi Sangini, I had diverse community experiences. My favourite was a film screening for our SHG women
Bihar, Janeu, Raskadam And The Fall
How did such a glorious state, that Bihar was 800 years ago as a learning hub of the world, fall from grace?
Saurashtra, Gujarat – A Travel Vlog
Falak shares about her trip to Saurashtra along with the students
An Unfamiliar Side Of Deccan And Its Wool Chain
Since the day I started working with the Centre for Pastoralism (CFP), I have been travelling more frequently to new places. At CFP, we have divided the locations of our work with the pastoral communities, based on the climate/geography. The Himalayas, Semi-arid or...
A Tale of Two Analogous Events: Sickle Cell Anemia
As a fellow, the excitement of a field visit is unparalleled, especially before one has experienced it. This is largely due to the underlying fact that the human mind is curious for the unknown. In my case, the first month of the fellowship was about constantly...
जब किशोरियाँ सवाल पूछती हैं
हमेशा किसी भी कार्य की शुरुआत होती है एक सवाल से! किसी भी विचार में, बात में, विवाद में, चर्चा में या आंदोलन में। एक सवाल जो उठता है चिंगारी की तरह और थोड़ी हवा मिलने पर बड़ी और चमकीली लपटें पकड़ता है। जरूरत होती है बस उस चिंगारी को जगाए रखने की। भुज, कच्छ में ऐसा ही...
Conversations About Boundaries
"I think women's tolerance to male entitlement has come down as compared to our mothers' generation", said Rohini* sitting on one side of the canal. We were five India Fellows who had come to this beautiful village called Noor* for our rural immersion. Two other...
Meenakshi Devi and Her Never Give Up Attitude
A still from Meenakshi Devi's classroom My anticipation from the first field visit during our induction training was largely based on my stereotypes of villages. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie puts this across eloquently in her TedTalk 'The Dangers of a Single Story' She...
Redefining My Idea Of A Village
My father grew up in a village named Purana in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. My grandmother, whom I fondly call bou (mother, in Odia) still lives there. As a child, I visited and stayed there during summer and winter vacations. However, most of my ideas about the...
Of People And Places
Ever had the feeling where you were kicking yourself for leaving the good life behind? From being a reasonably well-off graduate student in Toronto, enjoying first-world comforts, to being completely drenched and hanging on for dear life, on the roof of an overcrowded...
A City That Existed Before : Palesar
"*Kishanlal is a farmer who is aspiring to make a "Pakka Makaan" which he is not able to. Money is a major constraint and he worries about his 'Kaccha Makaan' falling down due to the excessive rain, just like it happened with the few unfortunates who died last year....