Contact
Home Blog Page 372

The Power of a Story: How Vidhi Golchha is Changing Lives Through Creative Writing

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

Laughter and the rhythmic scratch of pencils fill the air as a group of children sit cross-legged under the shade of towering trees. Their eyes gleam with excitement, their imaginations spilling onto the pages before them. Some are discovering, for the first time, the magic of storytelling.

At the center of it all is 16-year-old Vidhi Golchha, a student at The International School Bangalore (TISB) and the founder of CleverBox—a unique initiative that uses creative writing to empower children from underprivileged communities. “These children have so much potential, and all they need is an opportunity to express themselves,” she says, watching a young student animatedly narrate their latest creation. For the children from LR Nagar, a slum community battling poverty and limited opportunities, these workshops are more than just an escape. They are a gateway to confidence, self-expression, and a future shaped by their own words.

A Passion Turned Purpose

Vidhi’s journey with writing began long before CleverBox was even an idea. “Writing has always been my way of making sense of the world,” she shares. Her mother, Shikha Golchha, fondly recalls how young Vidhi would draw connections between everything she read, constantly weaving stories of her own.

Her love for storytelling eventually turned into a desire to help others find their voice. This passion took shape in 2021 when she enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, an international course that introduced her to the world of product development.

“I attended the course online and was introduced to the idea of transforming an idea into something tangible,” she says. “That’s when I decided to use creative writing as the foundation for my product.”

Winning third prize for her concept—a creative writing kit—gave her the validation and funds to turn her dream into reality. From there, CleverBox was born, a carefully crafted toolkit designed to make storytelling accessible and fun for young learners.

Vidhi’s commitment to literature extended beyond CleverBox. She balanced her academics with volunteering at the Bangalore Literature Festival and even authored a research paper on how reading fosters empathy and reduces stress. This earned her an opportunity to present at the Curiosity Conference at IIT Gandhinagar in 2025, further cementing her role as a young changemaker.

The Birth of CleverBox

CleverBox is more than just a writing kit—it’s a structured guide to storytelling based on Freytag’s Pyramid, a classic narrative framework typically introduced in eighth-grade private school curricula. Vidhi simplified it for younger children, transforming it into an interactive experience with flashcards, worksheets, and even tactile tools like clay to help kids visualize and shape their characters.

“I spent nearly a year refining the kit, testing it with children, and gathering feedback,” Vidhi explains. “Initially, it was just a plain brown box with some papers. But I learned new digital design tools to make the packaging vibrant and engaging. The animated characters and colorful presentation inspire creativity even before a child opens the box.”

Priced at Rs 699, CleverBox isn’t just a product—it’s a mission. A portion of its proceeds funds free kits for underprivileged children in grades 8 to 10, ensuring that storytelling isn’t a privilege but a right.

Transforming Lives, One Story at a Time

The most rewarding part of Vidhi’s journey has been her collaboration with NGOs like Global Concerns India and the Parinaam Foundation. “When I approached Global Concerns with my idea, they were incredibly supportive,” she says. “Their belief in teaching creative writing to underprivileged children reinforced my mission.”

Initially, Vidhi conducted her workshops in a dimly lit community hall in LR Nagar. But she soon realized that these children needed more than just lessons—they needed experiences.

“These workshops aren’t just about writing,” she says. “They’re about giving these children a new space to explore, a place where they can breathe freely and dream beyond their circumstances.”

Every Sunday, Vidhi gathers her students in Cubbon Park for an hour-long session filled with storytelling games and activities using CleverBox. Each child receives their own kit for free, allowing them to explore their creativity anytime.

Zeena Mani, a representative from Global Concerns India, has witnessed firsthand the impact of these sessions. “The children are so excited that they wake up at 5:30 AM, calling me if I haven’t arrived to pick them up,” she laughs. “Vidhi has a remarkable ability to understand their moods and capabilities, adjusting her classes accordingly. She’s patient, empathetic, and inspiring—especially considering she’s just a teenager herself.”

The results speak for themselves. From baseline to end-line assessments, the children’s growth is evident—not just in their writing skills but in their confidence. “They’re using literary devices like simile and foreshadowing in their stories,” Vidhi beams. “For kids who don’t have access to top-tier English coaching, that’s incredible progress.”

One parent shared that their child, once hesitant to write, now spends hours crafting stories. “Vidhi’s work has given these children something invaluable—a sense of self-worth,” Zeena adds.

Overcoming Challenges

Balancing academics and an entrepreneurial venture hasn’t been easy, but Vidhi’s unwavering dedication keeps her going. Journaling helps her stay on top of her projects, and her mother assists with NGO coordination and logistics.

“The children I work with inspire me,” Vidhi says. “Their resilience and creativity remind me why I started CleverBox. They’ve shown me that the human spirit is incredibly powerful, no matter the circumstances.”

A Future Filled with Stories

Vidhi’s next milestone is to compile her students’ stories into a book titled Write it Out, showcasing their creativity to a wider audience. She also aims to introduce CleverBox into government schools and is in the process of translating it into Kannada.

“Storytelling transcends language barriers,” she says with conviction. “Every child deserves a chance to tell their story.”

Vidhi’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. She isn’t just teaching kids how to write—she’s teaching them that their voices matter. And for the children of LR Nagar, that lesson is life-changing.

As the sun rises over Cubbon Park, a young girl tugs at Vidhi’s sleeve, eager to share her story. Vidhi smiles, leans in, and listens. Because in every child’s imagination lies a world of infinite possibilities. And all they need is someone to believe in them.

Harshini Kishore Singh: The Young Trailblazer Bringing Tech and Entrepreneurship to Rural India

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

In a small Tamil Nadu village, a young boy slips on a VR headset. Suddenly, his simple classroom transforms into a futuristic world of coding simulations and immersive experiences. This isn’t just a rare moment of wonder—it’s the reality created by Harshini Kishore Singh, a 22-year-old entrepreneur from Madurai, determined to bridge the digital divide for underprivileged children.

Through Rural Tech Rise, Harshini is introducing virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship to rural students—empowering them with skills that once seemed out of reach. And she’s doing it all while working night shifts in the IT sector to fund her mission.

From a Teenage Entrepreneur to a Changemaker

Harshini’s entrepreneurial spirit sparked early. At 16, she started a corporate gifting business and even personally delivered 100 Diwali gift boxes during the pandemic. Though her first venture failed, it led her to study BBA in Entrepreneurship at Jain University, Bengaluru, where her perspective shifted.

“At first, business was just about profits for me,” she admits. But volunteering with Teach for India, working with underprivileged children, changed everything. “Many had no parents, no homes. That experience made me see the deep gaps in Indian education.”

Determined to make a difference, she used her savings from various jobs—including a stint at Google Operations Centre, where she was the youngest employee at 18 earning ₹9 LPA—to fund her mission.

Fighting Cybercrime with DigiSafe

As cyber threats grew, Harshini joined DigiSafe, a cybersecurity awareness initiative founded by her sister, Sushmitha Kishore Singh. Becoming a certified Cyber Crime Intervention Officer, she began teaching school children how to stay safe online.

“During sessions, kids admitted to sending inappropriate pictures, only to have them misused. We worked with ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Centre) to resolve such cases and turn them into lessons,” she shares.

When Sushmitha moved abroad, Harshini took full charge of DigiSafe, successfully leading projects like creating 100 cybersecurity awareness videos for CBSE schools.

The Birth of Rural Tech Rise

While running DigiSafe, Harshini realized that rural children lacked access to even basic technology. That led her to launch Rural Tech Rise in 2024, bringing digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to rural students.

“We take VR headsets to schools, donated by an Australian university, so kids can experience technology hands-on,” she says. Unlike traditional teaching, her team develops its own curriculum in regional languages, making tech education accessible to those with limited schooling.

Shaping Young Entrepreneurs

Harshini doesn’t just teach tech—she’s changing how kids see their future. Instead of just aiming for jobs, they learn to think like entrepreneurs.

Her Shark Tank-style pitching competition, launched in 2024 in Sholavandhan, Madurai, has kids presenting business ideas for cash prizes.

Her core team of 10 members consists of students from Classes 7 to 9, whom she personally trained to start their own ventures.

Take Dharun, a 13-year-old who loved magic. “Before the session, I just wanted to perform tricks. But Harshini ma’am helped me turn it into Magic Net, where I use magic to teach science.” Today, he has taught 40+ children through his unique approach.

Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Up

Gaining community trust has been tough. “Many thought we were just after publicity,” Harshini admits. Registering the initiative helped build credibility.

Another hurdle? Limited resources. With self-funding, school visits are restricted to twice a month. To sustain the mission, Harshini works night shifts at Bright Champ, an EdTech company, counseling students on financial literacy.

“I work at night to fund my morning social work,” she says.

Her dedication has paid off—over 5,000 children across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have benefitted from her four ventures.

Looking Ahead

Harshini’s long-term vision is ambitious yet clear:

Provide scholarships for quality education
Expand her team to at least 100 members
Form global partnerships to scale impact

“If everyone takes care of their community, no child in India will be left behind,” she says.

At just 22, Harshini is proving that passion and persistence can rewrite futures. She’s not just teaching kids how to use technology—she’s showing them how to dream bigger.

A Message for Aliens? Mysterious Blue Light Shoots Into the Sky from Earth

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

A rare and enigmatic atmospheric event has captured the imagination of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. Known as blue jets, these lightning-like flashes surge upwards from storm clouds into the stratosphere, extending as high as 30 miles. Unlike traditional lightning, which strikes between clouds or from clouds to the ground, blue jets defy gravity, ascending towards space—making them a subject of both scientific curiosity and wild speculation.

What Are Blue Jets?

Blue jets occur when the positively charged upper layer of a storm cloud interacts with a negatively charged zone just above it. This results in a sudden discharge of static electricity, producing a striking blue flash that shoots skyward. Due to their brief duration (lasting only milliseconds) and the obstructing storm clouds, they are almost impossible to observe from the ground.

A Message for Aliens? Mysterious Blue Light Shoots Into the Sky from Earth

A Sight from Space

Recently, instruments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) recorded five blue flashes and a blue jet above a storm cloud near Nauru in the Pacific Ocean. These observations, published in Nature, have provided valuable insights into the origins and behavior of blue jets.

One of the recorded jets reached an altitude of 32 miles, lasting only 10 to 20 milliseconds. ISS sensors—including optical cameras, photometers, and a gamma-ray detector—helped capture this fleeting phenomenon. Additionally, ultraviolet flashes called ELVES (Emissions of Light and Very Low-Frequency Perturbations) were also detected, highlighting the intricate electrical activity in the upper atmosphere.

Social Media Buzz: A Signal from Aliens?

The mysterious nature of blue jets has sparked widespread intrigue on social media, with some users playfully suggesting that these skyward flashes could be signals from extraterrestrial beings. While the idea remains firmly in the realm of speculation, the visual spectacle of blue jets certainly fuels the imagination.

Why Studying Blue Jets Matters

Beyond their visual appeal, blue jets have significant scientific implications:

  • They disrupt radio waves, potentially affecting communication technologies.
  • Their electrical discharges could influence greenhouse gas concentrations, possibly impacting the Earth’s ozone layer.
  • Understanding them helps scientists study upper-atmospheric electrical activity, including similar phenomena like red sprites and gigantic jets.

While blue jets remain an elusive phenomenon, ongoing research continues to shed light on their role in Earth’s atmospheric processes. And as for messages from aliens? Science may not confirm it, but the mystery of these dazzling skyward flashes is enough to keep our curiosity soaring.

Ali Ai Ligang: Celebrating Assam’s Mising Tribe and Their Bond with the Land

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

As spring awakens the fields of Assam, the Mising tribe, the state’s largest tribal community, comes together in joyous celebration. Ali Ai Ligang, their most significant festival, marks the beginning of the sowing season—a time of renewal, tradition, and deep reverence for nature. Held on the first Wednesday of Fagun (February-March), this festival is more than just a cultural event; it is a tribute to the land that sustains them.

A Festival Rooted in Agriculture

The name Ali Ai Ligang translates to “sowing of seeds and roots”, symbolizing the start of a new agricultural cycle. For the Mising people, whose lives are closely tied to the rhythms of nature, this festival is a sacred promise to the earth, ensuring prosperity for the coming year.

Beyond farming, Ali Ai Ligang is a time of unity and gratitude, where families gather, traditions come alive, and the community collectively seeks blessings for a bountiful harvest.

Rituals and Traditions: Honoring the Sun and Moon

The celebrations begin with the hoisting of the festival flag, known as Laitom Tomchar, signifying the official start of the festivities. The tribe offers prayers to their deities, particularly Donyi Polo, the Sun and Moon gods, who are believed to govern all life.

A sacred part of the ritual involves offering traditional foods such as:
Apong – a locally brewed rice beer, essential in Mising culture.
Dry meat and fish – symbolic of strength and nourishment.
Rice and lentils – representing abundance and fertility.

These offerings are made with the hope that nature will, in turn, bless them with a prosperous farming season.

Cultural Splendor: The Dance of Joy

One of the festival’s most captivating highlights is the Gumrag dance. Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, men and women move in rhythmic harmony, their synchronized steps reflecting the spirit of joy, resilience, and prosperity.

The dance isn’t just a performance—it’s a spiritual invocation, seeking peace, happiness, and harmony with nature. Music, folk songs, and energetic celebrations fill the air, turning villages into vibrant hubs of festivity.

From Rural Roots to Urban Celebrations

Ali Ai Ligang has long been celebrated in Mising villages along Assam’s riverbanks. However, in the past four decades, urban centers like Jorhat, Guwahati, and Dibrugarh have embraced the festival, ensuring its traditions thrive even among modern generations.

Despite changing times and locations, the soul of the festival remains intact, keeping the Mising identity and heritage alive.

The Mising People: Guardians of the Land and Rivers

The Mising tribe belongs to the Tani ethnic group and primarily resides in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. According to the 2011 Census, their population in Assam stood at approximately 680,424.

Traditionally, they practiced jhum (shifting) cultivation, but over time, they transitioned to settled wet paddy farming, adapting to changing agricultural landscapes while staying deeply connected to nature. Their riverine lifestyle, shaped by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries, defines their customs, livelihoods, and festivals.

A Way of Life Rooted in Donyi Polo Faith

Spirituality is woven into the fabric of Mising life. They follow the Donyi Polo belief system, worshipping the Sun (Donyi) and Moon (Polo) as supreme cosmic forces. Their faith isn’t confined to temples—it flows through their daily rituals, agricultural practices, and community gatherings.

Ali Ai Ligang embodies this belief, reminding the community that humanity and nature are inseparably linked.

Preserving a Timeless Legacy

As the Mising people continue to celebrate Ali Ai Ligang, they do more than honor an ancient tradition—they pass down a legacy of resilience, harmony, and gratitude to the land.

In an ever-modernizing world, their festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous cultures, ensuring that heritage and history remain alive in every seed sown, every dance performed, and every song sung.

So, as the fields come to life this season, Ali Ai Ligang remains a beacon of hope, unity, and reverence for the earth—reminding us all that culture, like nature, flourishes when nurtured with love and respect.

India Takes Chairmanship of Bay of Bengal Organisation

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

India has recently assumed the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from Bangladesh. This transition took place during the 13th Governing Council Meeting held in Malé, Maldives. The event was part of a high-level conference focused on mainstreaming ecosystem approaches to fisheries management in small-scale fisheries.

About BOBP-IGO

The Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) was established in 2003 as a Regional Fisheries Advisory Body (RFAB). It provides policy recommendations on fisheries to countries around the Bay of Bengal.

  • The organisation’s primary goal is to enhance livelihood opportunities for small-scale fisherfolk in the region.
  • Member countries include India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
  • Cooperating non-contracting parties include Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Focus Areas for Regional Cooperation

India has outlined several key areas for enhanced cooperation, including:

  • Marine resource management to ensure the sustainability of fisheries.
  • Training and capacity-building programmes to empower fisher communities.
  • Research and policy advocacy to strengthen data-driven decision-making.
  • Addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing to protect regional marine biodiversity.

Role of International Organisations

India is seeking collaboration with global entities such as:

  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to align regional policies with global best practices.
  • The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) to support sustainable fisheries and strengthen the blue economy.

Future Vision and Goals

India’s leadership in BOBP-IGO aligns with its national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, which aims to:

  • Strengthen India’s regional leadership in fisheries governance.
  • Encourage sustainable economic development across member nations.
  • Contribute to poverty alleviation and improved livelihoods for coastal communities.

With its tenure as chair, India aims to drive forward policies that foster economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal.

Nvidia’s Evo 2: The AI Revolution in Biology

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

What if AI could decode the secrets of life itself? That’s exactly what Evo 2, Nvidia’s latest AI system, is doing. Announced in 2025, Evo 2 is the most powerful AI dedicated to biological research, capable of reading and designing genetic codes across all living organisms.

With 9 trillion genetic data points from 128,000 species, it’s set to revolutionize medicine, genetics, and even environmental science. From predicting diseases to engineering climate-resilient crops, Evo 2 is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Tech Behind Evo 2

Built with 2,000 Nvidia H100 processors and 40 billion parameters, Evo 2 is as powerful as leading AI models—but fine-tuned for genomics. It can analyze DNA sequences up to 1 million nucleotides long, revealing complex genetic relationships that would take years to uncover manually.

Breakthroughs in Medicine

Faster Disease Detection: Evo 2 has identified harmful mutations in BRCA1 (linked to breast cancer) with 90% accuracy, paving the way for early diagnosis and personalized treatments.

Targeted Gene Therapies: By analyzing massive genetic datasets, scientists can develop new drugs faster and better understand gene-related diseases.

Beyond Medicine: Saving Crops & the Planet

Stronger Crops: Evo 2 can help create drought- and pest-resistant crops, ensuring food security in a changing climate.

Fighting Pollution: The AI may even assist in engineering bacteria to break down environmental pollutants, offering new solutions for sustainability.

The Future of Biological Design

Unlike previous models that focused on molecules, Evo 2 can design entire genomes, including mitochondrial DNA and chromosomes. This could lead to:
Synthetic lifeforms for research and medicine
Gene-editing breakthroughs
A deeper understanding of genetic disorders

Open-Source & Global Collaboration

Nvidia has made Evo 2 publicly available via the BioNeMo platform, allowing scientists worldwide to build on its capabilities.

The next big goal? A virtual cell—a digital model combining genetic and environmental data to predict and prevent diseases before they occur.

The Future is Now

Evo 2 isn’t just another AI—it’s a game-changer for biology. With its ability to decode and reimagine life’s genetic blueprint, it’s opening doors to a future where:
Diseases are detected before they develop
Crops withstand climate change
Biology itself becomes programmable

The AI revolution in life sciences has begun—and Evo 2 is leading the way.

From royal roots to colonial tales—find out how India’s favourite mangoes got their unique names

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

Ever picked up a mango and wondered, “Why is it called that?” Well, you’re in for a treat because these names come with some fascinating stories!

One of the best things about summer in India is the arrival of juicy, sweet mangoes. From market stalls to dinner tables, these golden delights take center stage. But have you ever stopped to think about how different mango varieties got their names? Each one has a story rooted in history, culture, or even battle victories. Let’s dive into some of the most intriguing ones!

Alphonso: A Mango with Portuguese Roots

If mangoes were celebrities, the Alphonso would be the undisputed superstar. This premium variety is named after Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese general who came to India in the 15th century. Known for establishing Portuguese colonies, he also played a role in cultivating mangoes in Goa. Over time, the Alphonso mango became a symbol of luxury, and today, the finest ones hail from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, making them one of the most sought-after mangoes in the world.

Langda: A Farmer’s Dedication

Moving east to Bihar, we find the Langda aam, a mango with a rather unusual name. According to legend, this variety was first grown by a farmer in Varanasi who had a limp (and ‘Langda’ means limping in Hindi). Despite his disability, his orchard flourished, and his mangoes were so exceptional that people started calling them ‘Langda Aam’ in his honor. Today, it remains a North Indian favorite, cherished for its unique flavor.

Dasheri: Born in a Royal Garden

Some mangoes have truly noble origins. The Dasheri mango, loved for its smooth texture and sweetness, comes from Dasheri village near Lucknow. It was first cultivated in the royal gardens of the Nawab of Lucknow, and over time, its popularity spread far and wide. Today, it continues to reign in mango-loving households across North India.

Chaunsa: A Battle-Winning Mango

Imagine a mango named after a war victory! The Chaunsa mango got its name from Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chaunsa in 1539. Overjoyed with his triumph, he named this irresistibly sweet mango after the battle. Now, centuries later, it remains a victorious favorite in India and Pakistan.

Badami: Inspired by Almonds

Sometimes, names come from simple observations. Karnataka’s Badami mango is named because of its resemblance to an almond (‘badam’ in many Indian languages). Just like almonds, this mango is rich, creamy, and absolutely delightful, making it a summer staple in the southern states.

A Taste of History in Every Bite

Isn’t it amazing how each mango variety carries a unique story? These aren’t just random names; they are pieces of India’s rich history, culture, and traditions that we can actually taste. So, the next time you sink your teeth into your favorite mango, remember—it’s not just a fruit; it’s a sweet slice of history.

Because in India, mangoes aren’t just food—they’re a whole summer celebration!

AI Tools for Real-Time Antibiotic Resistance Tracking

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

A collaborative initiative involving IIIT-Delhi, CHRI-PATH, Tata 1mg, and the Indian Council of Medical Research has led to the development of AMRSense. This AI-powered tool analyses routine hospital data to provide timely and vital information about antibiotic resistance patterns. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, showcasing a six-year study across 21 tertiary care centres in India.

About AMRSense Tool

AMRSense leverages existing hospital data to predict trends in antibiotic resistance.

  • It identifies relationships between pairs of antibiotics and tracks resistance changes over time.
  • This approach is more cost-effective compared to traditional genomic methods.
  • It enables healthcare providers to anticipate resistance patterns and make informed treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.

AMROrbit Scorecard

Another key innovation from this research is the AMROrbit Scorecard. This tool provides a visual representation of resistance trends for hospitals.

  • By comparing local data with global averages, it helps identify areas needing urgent intervention.
  • The scorecard positions hospitals within an optimal quadrant of low resistance and low change rates, guiding targeted efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Clinical and Public Health Implications

This AI tool enhances decision-making in both clinical and public health settings.

  • Clinicians can make informed choices based on real-time data, ensuring effective treatments.
  • It supports antimicrobial stewardship initiatives by providing actionable insights, aiding hospitals in curbing resistance trends.

Limitations and Future Directions

Despite its potential, AMRSense’s effectiveness relies on consistent surveillance data.

  • In regions lacking digital access to such data, its efficiency may be reduced.
  • Future advancements aim to integrate environmental factors and antibiotic sales data, offering a more holistic perspective on antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Global Context of Antimicrobial Resistance

AMR remains a growing global concern.

  • The World Health Organization has underscored the necessity of robust surveillance systems to monitor and address resistance trends.
  • By leveraging AI, India can play a pivotal role in tackling this crisis, setting a precedent for global AMR mitigation strategies.
  • The integration of hospital data with broader public health metrics will be instrumental in understanding and combatting AMR on a larger scale.

Through initiatives like AMRSense, AI is emerging as a critical tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance, promising a future of improved healthcare strategies and more effective treatments.

From Spilled Milk to a Thriving Business: The Story of The Yard House

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
-
0

One evening in 2020, Indira Prashant stood in her dining room, scrubbing yet another stain from her tablecloth. As a mother of two, spills and stains were a daily reality. But as she watched the fabric wear thin from constant washing, a thought struck her—why wasn’t there a tablecloth that could withstand daily messes without sacrificing elegance?

That simple frustration sparked an idea. What started as a personal need turned into The Yard House, India’s first brand offering wipeable, anti-slip, plastic-free cotton tablecloths. In just three years, the brand has entered over 10,000 homes, selling more than 30,000 products—proving that necessity truly is the mother of invention.

From Passion to Purpose

Indira’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t conventional. With a Chemical Engineering degree from BITS Pilani, an MBA, and a career at Colgate-Palmolive and Flipkart, she stepped away in 2012 to focus on raising her daughters. That break rekindled her love for home decor.

“I’ve always been drawn to hardwood, brass, and antique textiles. Block printing and indigenous art fascinate me,” she says. But her battle with stained table linen led to the real breakthrough.

“I was using mattress protectors for my kids and realized there was a fabric that stayed soft while resisting spills. That’s when I thought—why not use this for table linen?”

500 Days, 11 Prototypes, and Unwavering Persistence

Bringing her idea to life wasn’t easy. “Manufacturers didn’t believe in the concept,” Indira recalls. But she refused to give up. She researched textile treatments, consulted experts at Anna University, and visited factories across Tamil Nadu and Gurugram.

After 500 days and 11 prototypes, she finally found support from two Jaipur-based block printers. The result? A fabric that retained cotton’s softness, resisted spills, and stayed put on the table—The Yard House was born.

Sustainability Meets Craftsmanship

Indira was determined to blend practicality with traditional craftsmanship.

“We source cotton from Erode and Surat, do block printing in Jaipur, apply the wipeable treatment in Tamil Nadu, and finalize the product in Bengaluru,” she explains.

Block printing, though beautiful, posed challenges. “Jaipur artisans have unmatched skill. The pressure applied to the block must be perfect, or the design smudges. We tried Tamil Nadu, but the quality wasn’t the same,” she shares.

Production remains slow and weather-dependent. “Each layer of color must dry completely before the next is applied,” she says. To meet demand, The Yard House introduced screen printing and woven solids while staying true to its artisanal roots.

A Pandemic Gamble That Paid Off

Launching a new product is always risky, but the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly worked in Indira’s favor. “Manufacturers had time to experiment,” she says. Her first collection—just 35 pieces—sold out within days.

What started as a personal project is now a thriving business. Today, The Yard House employs a team of seven women and works with five artisan partners, each employing around 70 craftspeople. The brand’s bestsellers include tablecloths and reversible placemats, with continuous expansion on the horizon.

Balancing Beauty and Function

One of Indira’s biggest challenges was making the fabric stain-resistant while keeping it breathable.

“Haldi and achaar stains are the toughest,” she admits. “Some suggested laminating the fabric, but that defeated the purpose of a plastic-free cloth.” Instead, the brand educates customers on fabric care. “We recommend busier prints for homes with frequent spills,” says Anjushri Anil Kumar, who works on design.

Attention to design sets The Yard House apart. “Anyone can copy a concept, but our aesthetic sensibility keeps customers coming back,” Indira explains. The brand has even applied for a design patent.

Bootstrapped and Profitable

Unlike most startups chasing funding, The Yard House remains proudly bootstrapped. “My mother is my partner, and we’ve been profitable from day one,” Indira shares.

With Rs 3 crore in projected revenue this year, 65% of sales come from the brand’s website and 35% from Amazon. Some customers have even spent up to Rs 65,000 on table linen.

“As a mother of two, their tablecloths have been a lifesaver. My table stays protected, and my home looks beautiful,” says Shantal Shashank, a homemaker from Chennai.

Looking Ahead: Global Expansion

Next up? International markets. “By the end of 2025, we aim to start exporting. We’re also expanding into other rooms—think screens, bedding, and more.”

For Indira, the greatest joy is seeing customers connect with her products. She vividly remembers her first non-friend customer, Smriti Khanna from Mumbai. “She had no reason to trust my brand, but she did. That was my turning point.”

As The Yard House grows, Indira remains committed to quality, design, and sustainability. With each beautifully crafted tablecloth, she is proving that practicality and elegance can coexist. With new collaborations and designs launching this summer, The Yard House is set to redefine Indian home decor—one table at a time.

NITI Aayog’s Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047

By
Dimple Arora
-
0

NITI Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank, is leading a transformative initiative aimed at shaping the future of multiple states through the development of state-specific vision documents. This ambitious project is part of the broader goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The annual report for 2024-25 outlines this visioning exercise, covering states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated teams within NITI Aayog are working closely with these states to create comprehensive strategies that align with national objectives.

Background of the Initiative

This initiative gained momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong emphasis on the significance of Viksit States during a governing council meeting. His call to action underscored the necessity of ensuring that aspirations for a developed India permeate to grassroots levels. By empowering individual states, the vision seeks to drive the nation’s socio-economic progress from the ground up.

Objectives of the Visioning Exercise

The primary objective of this initiative is to assist states in formulating holistic growth strategies that encompass:

  • Economic development initiatives that stimulate job creation and industry growth.
  • Governance improvements to enhance administrative efficiency and transparency.
  • Policies aimed at improving citizens’ overall quality of life.

This exercise is structured to foster a cohesive framework that integrates state and national policies, strengthening cooperative federalism and driving sustained progress.

State Support Mission (SSM)

The State Support Mission (SSM) serves as the umbrella initiative under which the visioning exercise operates.

  • Introduced in the Union Budget for 2023-24, SSM is designed to facilitate structured engagement between NITI Aayog and state governments.
  • It provides a robust platform for states to design and implement strategic roadmaps that align with national priorities while leveraging their unique strengths and resources.

Establishment of State Institutions for Transformation (SITs)

To further empower state-led development, NITI Aayog is advocating for the establishment of State Institutions for Transformation (SITs). These institutions function as multidisciplinary resource hubs, offering expertise and strategic guidance to shape state-level development policies.

  • As of now, 26 SITs have been notified, significantly strengthening state capacities for governance and long-term economic planning.

Summing Up

Through these targeted initiatives, NITI Aayog is ensuring that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 is not just a national ambition but a reality crafted at the state level. By integrating strategic state planning with national growth objectives, India is paving the way for an inclusive, resilient, and progressive future.

1...371372373...884Page 372 of 884