Charkha Features

For 30 years, 55-year-old Ulfata Bano has trekked through knee-deep snow in Kashmir’s harsh winters, delivering 20-25 parcels daily. Without transport or protection, she remains her village’s only link to the outside world. This is her story.

Ravi Shankar from Bihar couldn't stand to see his people sleep on an empty stomach. Here's how he started the Roti Bank in Chhapra with his friends.

Zamruda Bano from Jammu and Kashmir earned her living through crewel embroidery. During the pandemic, she extended her knowledge to women of the valley who all earn a livelihood because of her.

Tired of the continuous burning of waste that added to the air pollution, Stanzin Dothon has taken matters of sustainability and proper waste disposal in his own hands.

Pranali Chikte from Vidarbha, Maharashtra, is cycling her way through drought-affected villages of the Western Indian state, spreading awareness on water conservation and the role of women in farming.

Kalyan Mankoti used to commute 35 km to teach his students in an Uttarakhand village before the lockdown. But he shifted to the village himself, to continue their education continued during the pandemic.

'Poshan Vatika', a pilot project by Prabhat Jal Sarakshan Yojana, roped in migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh to start harvesting fruits and vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, radish, papaya, lemon and guava on their land and earn from it during the lockdown.

There are over two hundred women in the Himachal Pradesh postal circle who work in the field delivering posts in some of the remotest of villages.

Varad appeals to travellers and motorists, “While travelling, please throw eggshells in the bushes adjoining the road. Yes, you can help nature even while driving in a car. We all can do our bit.”

“My income at the time was Rs 15-20 per day, and even that was not regular. On many days, I would just eat puffed rice as I could not afford a lunch-meal for myself.”