Kanchan Yadav

I n today’s digital age, we rarely give our minds the space it deserves. After leaving my full-time job recently, I decided to do a 10-day Vipassana course—and honestly, I don’t remember the last time I felt this close to my own thoughts and emotions. Maybe not in the last 4–5 years. I had heard about Vipassana through a friend, and I’m grateful I took her advice. The experience has made me more observant of my feelings, my reactions, and the way my mind jumps from one thing to another. But my thoughts on Day 0 were completely different. When I reached the centre—a small one in Nagpur—I wasn’t sure how I would spend the next 10 days without my phone, without talking, without any distraction. Still, a part of me was willing to experience something new. Buddha statue in Dhaama Sugati, Nagpur Day 1 was about understanding the routine, and it felt extremely tiring. Waking up at 4 am, sitting for hours, and simply trying to make it to “lights out” became a daily goal at first. In the next f...

Aakrosh is a film that will remain etched in my memory forever — not for its grandeur or drama, but for the raw truth it portrays. The state of affairs, the plight of poor women, and the devastating impact of injustice on a common man — everything in this movie hits hard and stays with you. At first, I couldn’t help but feel anger toward Lahnya. He appears to have committed the most heinous crime imaginable — killing his own sister. In court, he stands silent, refusing to answer even a single question from the advocate. His silence feels like arrogance. It’s easy to assume his entire tribe must be criminal and inhumane — a people devoid of values, ignorant of the law, and unworthy of trust. This perception seems to strengthen when a social worker tries to reach Lahnya’s family. Despite his best intentions and relentless efforts, the family remains unresponsive. They turn a deaf ear to him. Even after risking his life to reach them, facing threats and hostility from the villagers, he...

When I think of school mornings, I remember two things: the weight of my school bag, and the tug of my Dadi’s hands gently braiding my waist-length hair. Me in my Dadi’s lap while my elder sister smiles at the camera. Back then, I used to sit cross-legged on the floor, grumbling about how long it took, while she sat behind me on the edge of the bed, her fingers moving with rhythmic precision. Without fail, each day, she would tell me the same story—word for word, with the same pauses, the same expressions. "Beta, jaise paudhon ko paani nahi doge toh wo nahi ugte, waise hi agar baalon ko tel nahi doge toh wo nahi badhenge." (If you don’t water plants, they don’t grow. Likewise, if you don’t oil your hair, it won’t grow.) And just like every day, I would pretend to hear it for the first time. Truth be told, I never liked oiling my hair. It made my scalp feel greasy, and my hair, sticky and outdated. It wasn’t cool . While she lovingly warmed up coconut oil and massaged my ...

It was my second visit to Jhabua in November 2024. As I sat with Nitin ji, engrossed in conversations that often wove seamlessly between development and grassroots transformation, he shared an idea that sparked curiosity within me. He spoke of an internship programme -  Jatan , a gateway for individuals to not just observe rural life but to immerse themselves in its rhythm, to feel its pulse, and eventually become a part of the grand narrative of change. At the time, I listened with interest, appreciating the vision but unaware of how deeply it would soon intertwine with my own journey. The conversation took its own course, but what I didn’t know then was that I was on the verge of being part of something historic -- the Gram Samruddhi Navkumbh , a confluence that would leave an indelible mark on my perception of grassroots leadership and collective empowerment. The Navkumbh was a sight to behold, over 5,000 village leaders from Jhabua and Alirajpur , standing together as cus...

Every time I step into a railway station, an odd wave of anxiety grips me. It doesn’t matter whether I’m there to board a train, drop someone off, or simply receive a loved one- the feeling remains stubbornly intact, like an unwelcome companion. The cacophony of hurried footsteps, the blaring announcements, the sight of people navigating their way through the maze of platforms- it all adds to the unease. For the past six to seven months, I’ve travelled alone by train almost every month, yet the nervousness refuses to fade. The first time I embarked on a solo train journey, I assumed it was the unfamiliarity that caused the unease. I told myself that with time, I would adapt, that the repetitive process of booking tickets, checking seat numbers, and boarding would eventually dull the nervous edges. But as each month passes, I realise that nothing has changed. It’s strange how a place brimming with movement and life can feel so overwhelming. The station is a hub of countless stories- tea...

Jhabua – a land where culture breathes, traditions thrive, and community spirit binds people together like an unbreakable thread. If you've ever set foot in this vibrant tribal heartland, you know that it offers an experience unlike any other. The warmth of the Bhil community , their unwavering hospitality, and their deep-rooted connection with nature leave an indelible mark on every visitor. Villagers of Jhabua celebrating using the folk instruments during a previous Halma Program  And now, Jhabua is gearing up for something extraordinary—the Gram Samruddhi Navkumbh 2025 . Imagine being part of a movement where 5,000 grassroots social leaders from 900 villages of Jhabua and Alirajpur come together with 500 guests from across the country—students, researchers, bureaucrats, policymakers, and philanthropists—all uniting for one common goal: sustainable and holistic rural development. Why You Should Be At Gram Samruddhi NavKumbh 2025! Gram Samruddhi NavKumbh isn’t just a conference;...

Nestled in the lap of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is a place that resonates with wilderness and wonder. Known for hosting the highest tiger population in the country, this destination has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Last week, I finally got the opportunity to visit Bandhavgarh, albeit on a work trip. Despite a packed schedule, Bandhavgarh gifted us unforgettable experiences, creating cherished memories that will stay with me forever! A beautiful gond art at the wall of Vanraj Homestay, Rancha Village, Umaria A Cozy Retreat at MPT White Tiger Resort Our stay was at the charming MPT White Tiger Resort, Bandhavgarh, which felt like a warm embrace after a long day. From the back of the resort, I could see the Charan Ganga flowing gracefully, its clear waters glinting under the sun. It’s fascinating to think that this serene river originates deep within the Bandhavgarh forest, carrying with it whispers of the wild. Sitting by the river, I found a rare moment of pea...

When I first visited Jhabua, nestled in the vibrant heart of Madhya Pradesh, I was unprepared for the wave of warmth that greeted me. The Bhil community, with their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to their land, surprised me with their unparalleled humility and hospitality. Their love and acceptance for a stranger like me felt almost unreal, like stepping into a world far removed from the guarded interactions we’re so accustomed to in cities. At Maniya Bhai's Home in Bhajidungra Village, Jhabua As I returned for my second and third visits, this wasn’t just a fleeting experience. I came to realise that this sense of open-heartedness is deeply ingrained in the values of the Bhil community. It’s not just a gesture of politeness; it’s a way of life. The warmth and generosity they exhibit aren’t reserved for special occasions or specific individuals—they extend it to everyone, even a wandering stranger. In contrast, urban life teaches us to value personal space and boundari...

Jhabua, nestled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, is a region that embodies the spirit of simplicity, warmth, and resilience. Having visited this beautiful district twice, I’ve come to cherish the connections I’ve built with its people, the Bhil community. Their hospitality, rich culture, and profound knowledge of the land never cease to amaze me. Every visit leaves me with new learnings and a deeper appreciation for their way of life. One of the highlights of my trips has always been staying with the tribal Bhil families in rural Jhabua. There is something uniquely grounding about living amidst nature, surrounded by people who live in harmony with their environment. Their food, for instance, is a testament to their simplicity and love. The large makka ki roti, made from locally grown maize and served with affection, is a meal that warms both the heart and the soul. The taste is enhanced not just by its freshness but by the genuine hospitality that accompanies it. These experiences, acco...

The Bhil tribe, native to the Jhabua region in Madhya Pradesh, has often been misunderstood and misrepresented. For decades, stereotypes have painted them as "dangerous" or even "uncivilized." Such misconceptions not only tarnish the image of the Bhil community but also hinder the appreciation of their rich culture, resilience, and contributions. My journey to Jhabua offered firsthand insights into the persistent prejudices faced by the Bhil community. In this blog, I discuss these challenges, shed light on the transformative work of organizations like Shivganga , and share my perspective on the path to building a more inclusive society. Credits: Shivganga Jhabua Educating Through Action Shivganga, established with the mission of empowering the Bhil tribe, has worked tirelessly over the years to uplift and preserve the community's heritage. By engaging in grassroots-level initiatives, the organization not only supports the tribe in areas like employment, agricul...