August 2014
Right to Education is the Right to Life
Rakesh Lakra is a 3rd standard student at the Bihaband Primary School in Odisha’s Sundergarh District. He worries that if things continue as they are, he will not be able to learn much at school. With only one teacher, there is little discipline or teaching and chaos reigns supreme. A...
Caught between the lines
Bastar is one of the districts worst affected by the current naxal conflict in the state of Chattisgarh. There has been no development for the tribals from Abujhmad region. Their traditional handicrafts business is also diminishing. With Abujhmad’s sources of livelihood curtailing, 25 such families have already migrated to Silpi village....
A Tribal Affair – Jhara community demands ST status
The Jhara community of Chhattisgarh is in all aspects a tribal community. Their art also exemplifies that of the Bastar tribals. The Jhara community makes beautiful art sculptures primarily out of molten metal. Their art has been recognized by the government of India and continues to feature in government exhibitions...
A roof over our heads
Motiram Majhi is a farmer. He practices agriculture on a small piece of land that belongs to someone else. His house is broken; walls falling apart, part of sky visible through the huge gape in the roof. To support his family of five, he has to work as a daily...
This School-accident could have been avoided
Struggling with lack of classrooms and teachers, this school in Odisha narrowly escaped an accident that could have gone very wrong. You can help the students at this school get the needed facilities. Call to Action: Please call Mr. Shankar Prashad Majhi, the Block Education Officer, Titlagarh Block on 09437760646....
Save Niyamgiri: Voices from Ground Zero
India’s current obsession with economic development based on extractive mining projects is spelling doom for its indigenous communities. Their rights to land, livelihoods and self-expression, guaranteed by the constitution, are often violated to get such projects going. Ahead of the International day for Indigenous People, we bring you voices of...
Good Deeds over ‘Good Caste’
The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law as per the Article 17 of the Indian Constitution. It was drafted in 1949 specifically to eradicate & abolish the practice of Untouchability. Yet 65 years later, the practice still reigns in...
Omnipresent Corruption
A couple of months ago CC Neeru Rathod was able to eradicate corruption in Kanpura Primary School, where the organizer of the MDM was swindeling rations and funds. With the help of the community and the school staff, Neeru was able to end this corruption and get the the children...