Under the peepal

Anup Ranjan Pandey speaks unhurriedly and deliberately about his work. He hesitates to describe himself as an artist, preferring to highlight his enthusiasm and love for the arts instead. It is true that the term ‘artist’ does not fit him, but not because of some hierarchical measure of ‘quality’. It is because the scope of his work extends to cultural preservation, community engagement, and much more.

Dedicated to forest conservation and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, Jisudan Disari is a pillar of strength for his community in the Barakutni village of the Koraput district. His journey from a traditional cultivator to a community leader advocating for ecological balance reflects his deep understanding of the intricate relationship between nature and human survival.

Far away from the deliberations of policy spaces and conclaves, in the Gangwar village in Telangana, Anjamma Nadimidoddi embodies the most sophisticated knowledge of concepts such as climate resilience and multi-cropping. Her seed collection of 80 millets, pulses, and oil seeds has received recognition from the United Nations during the International Year of Millets (2023).

Nadimidoddi’s extensive knowledge and experience have earned her a place on the expert panel on agro-biodiversity in Andhra Pradesh. Her farm has become a learning centre for government officers, scientists, civil society activists, and media personnel. They regularly visit to observe innovative farming techniques and seed preservation methods.

Rajkumari Devi, affectionately known as “Kisan Chachi” or “Cycle Chachi,” has become a symbol of endurance, innovation, and collective agency. From a small farmer to a successful entrepreneur and community leader, Rajkumari Devi’s life and work testify to the power of improving local livelihoods through collective entrepreneurship. Her path to empowerment was not easy. Entrenched patriarchal norms—an early marriage, and the pressure to bear male children—shaped her early adulthood. Yet, it was precisely these challenges that fuelled her determination to bring about change.

The Laporiya village near Jaipur in Rajasthan once stood as a symbol of destitution. Its broken mud embankment mirrored the challenges faced by its inhabitants: poverty, malnutrition, and an unrelenting battle against nature. Acute water scarcity was at the heart of these issues. Farming being the primary occupation for its 200 families, drought, dilapidated infrastructure, and dry wells cast a shadow on agricultural viability. Laxman Singh, born into a farming family in Laporiya, first attempted to usher in change in the form of a humble gathering of village elders, where he proposed the renovation of the village pond to improve its water-holding capacity. The response was underwhelming. He recalls doubts were raised about the plan’s viability, labour availability, and other aspects. Despite facing initial resistance from village officials for rule-framing initiatives, such as tree-cutting penalties and fines for hunting, Singh persisted.

Fusing the old with the new, this approach is a testament to Nuklu’s approach for tackling urgent economic, social, and environmental issues. "Our ancestors were conservationists," Nuklu asserts. "They knew how much to take, what to take, and what to preserve." Central to Nuklu's work is a commoning of the forests, tied in with robust community engagement and a return to the ethos of traditional governance structures.

Tambor Lyngdoh, a community leader from Meghalaya, has dedicated his life to forest conservation and sustainable development. As a descendant of the Lyngdoh clan, who have traditionally overseen sacred grove rituals, Tambor brings a unique perspective to environmental stewardship.

Radio jockey (RJ) Varsha Raikwar stands tall as the voice of empowerment in India's heart, nestled amidst the vibrant culture and rich history of the Bundelkhand region. With her velvety voice and magnetic personality, she has emerged as a local powerhouse, touching on a wide variety of topics from climate change and agriculture to health, women’s empowerment, and education.

Chami Murmu has been resolutely greening the barren lands of her state. One self-help group (SHG) after another, one difficult conversation after another, Murmu has dedicated her life to revitalising her community and the environment.

Padma Shri award recipient Tulsi Gouda, known as the "Walking Encyclopaedia of the Forest," has dedicated her life to reviving and conserving her ancestral forest land in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Born into the Halakki tribe, she grew up in lush greenery and has vivid memories of the trees. Deforestation and unregulated land use have threatened the region's biodiversity and the essence of her childhood memories. Gouda remains resolute in her efforts.