Winning hearts with algae-based biodegradable leather
The bio-leather, created in 2020 from a mix of algae and organic waste, is an attempt to reduce “white pollution” — the plastic trash left behind in the water — as well as the impacts of the leather tanning industry. It mimics animal leather only in appearance, but the creator claims it is cruelty-free, waterproof, […]
“Sombhadra” Social Brand for Rural Self-Help Group (SHG) products
NRLM or Ajeevika Mission is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at promoting the economic empowerment of rural women through the Self Help Group (SHG) model. At the District level, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) is the nodal agency for handholding and promoting the SHGs. One of the modes of promoting […]
Space-tech for India’s agrarian woes : Odisha has a head start
Food, Farmers and Frenzy have for a year been the mainstay of India’s news-cycle as well as public discourse. While there can be longer debates on the implementation of the new farm laws, the case of rising Minimum Support Prices, sustained food grain procurement and middlemen remains a challenge for policymakers across the board. Farm […]
Tortured as a Child Labourer, He Is Now Helping Draft India’s Anti-trafficking Bill
Nearly one in 10 children are subjected to forced labour worldwide — with some pushed into hazardous work through trafficking, as per UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). Khem Lal Khaterji was all of six when he began his life as a child labourer. At an age when children are just learning to read and attempting […]
This School Is Empowering Students & Parents Alikeing
There are no less than 1000 schools of various hues on 150-kms route from New Delhi to Anupshahar, a small town on the banks of Ganga in Bulandshahar district in Western Uttar Pradesh. But, none like Pardada Pardadi School. The difference lies not only in school’s name but in everything it symbolises. In this exclusive […]
Aarohi : Making a better way for the future
Aarohi was founded by Oona and Sushil Sharma, a rural development specialist and a doctor, respectively in August 1992. With experience of social work in this region, they knew that life in the mountains was uncertain and difficult, but their love for this unique environment encouraged them to stay on. Aarohi’s mission is to create […]
Once A Child Labourer, Hero Helps Hundreds Of Homeless Get Care & Jobs
Anumuthu’s childhood was marred with poverty and struggle as a child laborer after he lost his father at only 7. Learning from his own experiences, today he provides dignity and care in the form jobs, medical attention, food and clothes to the homeless through his NGO Snehan. A few years ago, Puducherry-based Suresh (name changed) lost […]
Transformation Through Vision
Through a futuristic approach and well-devised communication strategy, INDCOSERVE was lifted from its ailing position to provide livelihood to small tea farmers in the Nilgiris. This was 2017. A discussion in one of the Committee Rooms of the Parliament House was underway. I was present as Secretary, School Education and Literacy. As it was an […]
Seeds of Prosperity
A small business or micro-enterprise can pave the way to a comfortable living, more so when regular or well-paid jobs are in short supply. This is especially true for individuals and families living below the poverty line. A vegetable cart, a roadside kiosk selling household items, a small home-based tailoring business, or a street food […]
Low-Cost, Innovative Check Dams Help 8,000 Jharkhand Farmers Save Water & Earn More
Around 25 years ago, villagers in the Khunti district in Jharkhand saw a massive amount of tree cutting carried out for development purposes. Locals say the activity was so rampant that about 100 trucks of wood were being carried every day. Moreover, the absence of afforestation drives to compensate for the massive environmental damage led […]
