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...

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;...

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...

Idols of the Bhil deity, Baba Pithora The past few months have been a whirlwind of truly authentic experiences, with one event, in particular, changing everything for me—a spontaneous trip to Jhabua. This was also my first solo journey, and if you’re wondering why I chose Jhabua, I promise you’ll get the answer to this by the end of this blog. I'll also take this opportunity to apologize for my absence to the select few who genuinely check up on my website for some new reads regularly. Thank you for your patience and for waiting while I gathered stories worth sharing—I’ll strive to be more consistent from here on. For now, I hope you enjoy this journey through my time in Jhabua and the incredible people who made it unforgettable. Nestled amidst the vibrant landscape of Madhya Pradesh lies Jhabua, a district celebrated for its unique heritage and the heartwarming hospitality of its people, predominantly the Bhil tribe. My recent three-day tour here not only allowed me to explore the...