Category: Fellowship

The story of Priyatama is one of resilience, dignity, and unwavering commitment to both her personal life and community. She is a single mother from Mahal Village, a small settlement in the rural coastal belt of Odisha, where she skillfully balances her professional and social commitments. When I met her, I saw in her a […]

Some journeys are more than just travel. They are moments of pure magic, deep connection, and unforgettable memories. On February 2, 2025, the most awaited part of our travel workshop finally arrived. We were off to the road to heaven—White Rann of Kutch and Dholavira. Seventeen fellows, brimming with excitement, boarded a bus from our […]

Introduction During a recent trip, I had the opportunity to explore Wanvashi, a village situated just 15 kilometers from the city of Jawhar in Palghar. Wanvashi is renowned for its history of sand mining and the resilience of its labourers who face significant challenges in their pursuit of a livelihood. During my visit, I had […]

While returning from the field today, I stopped midway in Khandala village, where the weekly Friday market takes place. I was walking through the vegetable lane when I heard a little girl calling her elder sister “Abba,” which means father. This caught my attention because, in most Muslim families, elder sisters are usually called Appi […]

The Beginning of an Uncertain Journey As I embarked on this two-year fellowship journey, uncertainty loomed large. I struggled to determine the right approach for fieldwork—what exactly needed to be done, how I would engage with the community, and most importantly, how I would navigate the language barriers. While I knew Kannada, the dialect spoken […]

Every person has a different lens to look at empowerment. Some see it with the lens of education some with the livelihood some with law and order and some can look it as rights and duties. Groups can bring strength and empowerment to the members while individual growth is much more evident in the groups. […]

I know it hurts. I know the silence within you is heavy. You were once full of life, wealth and history. But today, the world calls you a Ghost Town. How does it feel to be forgotten? That day, we came to see you. From a far, you looked lonely, frozen in time. Broken homes, […]

Ajendra grew up in the Gangetic plains, where water was abundant. In ancient times, water was a key factor in deciding where to settle, with people often choosing places near rivers, lakes, and seas. I believe northern India, with its many rivers, is one reason it’s so densely populated. However, this blog is about my […]

World Environment Day, traditionally celebrated on June 5th, took on a special significance in our rural landscape this year. Due to extended school holidays caused by scorching heat and increased humidity, the celebration was delayed. However, once the schools reopened, the event became a much-anticipated and exciting occasion for the students. Organizing an event of […]

‘Hey Poongodi.. Where are you rushing to this early in the morning? Have tea with us!’ said a voice.  While catching their breath, the second voice was heard saying , ‘I just had tea. By the way, you went to work on Karunanidhi’s farm yesterday, right? Did you get paid? ‘Not yet. We have one […]