Categories
Fellowship

The Making of a Sarpanch.

“Agar main sarpanch na hota, to shayad mai na hota” (If I hadn’t become Sarpanch, I might not be me). This is the story of Mr. Satish Thul, The Sarpanch of Satkondi village, located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Satish is a man whose life took a drastic turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing […]

Categories
Fellowship

Breathing Life into Water: The Impact of Phase 2 of Pond Rejuvenation

(16th–24th May 2025): Mahal, Dhinkia Panchayat, Erasama, Jagatsinghpur, Odisha. After the weed-laden waters of the village pond were cleared in Phase 1, the path was paved for deeper, more transformative change. Phase 2 of the rejuvenation project—carried out from 16th to 24th May 2025—was not merely a technical intervention; it was an expression of collective […]

Categories
Fellowship

Rural Governance: A Brief Guide

Understanding the governance system is fundamental for any individual willing to contribute to the development sector. As one of the primary established systems, government hierarchies exist to disseminate benefits for the local populace. With several schemes established, such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, and ample funds available, such as the District Mineral Foundation, […]

Categories
#PowerInYou Fellowship Impact Volunteering Volunteering Volunteering in India

The Art of Ending Things

Is ending something an art? Is that why we fail at it constantly? Take a few minutes to picture all the scenarios of having had to end things, in your mind. Can you honestly say you’ve done a good job of all of them? And it’s not like we don’t encounter the need or the […]

Categories
Fellowship

THE INSIDE OF A LOOM

(a photo story) HERE I PRESENT THE ‘STORY OF HANDLOOM STUFF’. SINCE THE LAST 2 YEARS, THIS IS THE PROCESS AROUND WHICH MY LIFE AND WORK ARE REVOLVING. HANDMADE HAS BECOME A VERY POPULAR WORD AND WE KNOW IT TAKES A LOT OF HARD WORK TO MAKE SOMETHING ‘HANDMADE’, BUT HOW MUCH WE NEVER PAY […]

Categories
Fellowship

The Unexpected Reward of Friendship

Reflecting on my fellowship journey, I’m reminded of the transformative power of human connection. What began as a professional endeavor unexpectedly blossomed into a beautiful friendship that enriched my personal and professional life. This bond has been a source of joy, growth, and inspiration, and I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. […]

Categories
Fellowship

Jalashree Radio Play: The Storytelling Initiative That Led to a Rain Gauge Installation

In an era where screen based distractions often overshadow fundamental lessons of sustainability, I wanted to find a way to engage students in water conservation without making it feel like a chore. That’s how Jalashree Radio Play was born an initiative that blends storytelling with education, ensuring that learning remains engaging rather than mundane. A […]

Categories
Fellowship

My Leaf-Bearing Friend

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, there will be a tree outside your room window. And if you’re even luckier, that tree will become your friend. I read something similar a while ago, and it stayed with me. Maybe because I too have a tree just outside my window. A tree that I’ve looked at every single […]

Categories
Fellowship

Breathing Life Back into Water: The Story of Thakura Gadia Pond in Mahal Village

Mahal, Odisha | May 14, 2025 Nestled along the rural coastal belt of Odisha lies Mahal, a small but vibrant village in the Dhinkia panchayat, rich in culture and resilience. Over the years, however, the community has grappled with one of the most pressing issues of our times—water scarcity. With handpumps running dry or delivering […]

Categories
Fellowship

Case 1: Resistance – to initiate!

Free yourself by practicing the art of starting where we are today and build for a better tomorrow Have you ever set a goal – something very important to you – in your personal / professional life only to back out later because of some genuine reason(s)? Let me share a simple example. I decided […]