Kanchan Yadav

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;...