“We didn’t know what a Gram Sabha was or why it was held. We never attended because it was always held three kilometres away in Kodepur, where the Panchayat office is located,” shared Gaurubai Gedam, a resident of Gharpana, as she reflected on the general indifference of her village towards these meetings. This situation is common in many villages across central India. Small settlements or hamlets are often grouped together to form a Panchayat,

“The primary sources of trafficked individuals are states such as Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, while Nepal, Bangladesh, and emerging regions like Kenya are significant sources for cross-border trafficking,” says a recent study conducted by the NGO ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), titled “Sex Trafficking in Goa: Situation and Intervention (2019-2024) unveiling alarming trends of sex trafficking in Goa. The study analyzed data

In the face of escalating climate challenges, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity has become paramount. While global initiatives like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault serve as a safety net for seeds worldwide, local efforts such as the community seed bank in Thadsning, Meghalaya, represent grassroots movements that empower smallholder farmers to safeguard their agricultural heritage and enhance food security. The community seed bank in Thadsning

A recent cross-learning exposure, organized by Caritas India for its SAFBIN (Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network) program staff, showcased innovative approaches in food and nutrition security implemented by the SABAL program. Held across the SABAL program areas in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the three-day event brought together 16 SAFBIN program staff and farmers from Madhya Pradesh, facilitating hands-on learning with the Korku

Climate change has exacerbated the environmental degradation causing weak soil health, low agriculture productivity, losing biodiversity, and food insecurity. The importance of sustainable agriculture practices like organic farming and good agricultural practices cannot be overstated. By nurturing soil health and reducing reliance on chemical inputs, organic farming not only enhances crop yields but also promotes the well-being of farmers and their

In the face of increasing natural disasters, the importance of disaster preparedness and project formulation cannot be overstated, particularly in states like Odisha and Jharkhand. These regions are prone to a variety of calamities, including cyclones, floods, and droughts, exacerbated by their geographical vulnerabilities and socio-economic conditions. With a population that heavily relies on agriculture and natural resources, the stakes are high

For years, N. Joyrita and her family cultivated traditional crops like pumpkin, long beans, yam, and linseed. However, despite their best efforts, the yields from their land dwindled over time. The decreasing crop production placed immense financial pressure on the family, especially as they tried to cover the rising costs of their children’s education. But in 2023, a seed of hope was planted—literally—by Caritas India through the FARM Northeast

On October 22 and 23, the vibrant city of Ranchi, Jharkhand, played host to a two-day training session for the Caritas India Gram Nirman initiative, marking the commencement of its fourth year of impactful community development. This project, supported by Caritas Australia, exemplifies the essence of grassroots empowerment. Through its Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, Gram Nirman is not just transforming livelihoods but also instilling