Kavita Kanan Chandra

THE recognition has brought the spotlight on education of girls, but it is just a beginning, every single girl deserves education, says Safeena Husain, founder of Educate Girls, the non-profit organisation that has been chosen for the Ramon Magsaysay Award this year.
Safeena, who grew up in Delhi and studied at Delhi Public School, graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1995. There was a gap year in her education, which she says was the lowest phase in her life...

Kavita Kanan Chandra
The adage, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ rings true for innovations that are taking place in the hinterland of India by barefoot innovators. Faced with challenges in their day-to-day lives due to economic hurdles, environment or geographic isolation, these common men and women use their inborn abilities, presence of mind and practical knowledge to innovate to better their living conditions. Use of indigenous, locally available materials and green technology; make...

From Mahatma Gandhi’s historic 1917 Satyagraha to the ancient Ashokan Pillars, and from the lush Valmiki Tiger Reserve to breathtaking sunsets, West Champaran in north Bihar is a land of discovery. Blessed with natural beauty and steeped in history, it offers both a patriotic pilgrimage and a nature lover’s retreat.
Tracing Gandhi’s footsteps
On April 15, 1917, a train steamed into Champaran carrying not just a passenger, but hope itself. Mahatma Gandhi had arrived to lead impoverished peasan...

Pulses, known for their low carbon footprint, water efficiency, and ability to improve soil health, are also an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients, writes Kavita Kanan Chandra
Pulses, a category of legumes, are among the most valuable crops globally, offering a range of benefits for food security, nutrition, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. These nitrogen-fixing plants enrich soil fertility, thrive in arid regions, provide protein-rich meals, and also serve as liv...

To explore the outdoors in Luxembourg is to discover a country that punches well above its weight—lush landscapes, a deep-rooted culture of outdoor sports, and a commitment to accessibility for all.
One afternoon, I found myself enjoying the antics of a flock of ducks at a pond, feeling relaxed, surrounded by stout trees. Around me, people were walking, running, playing, and picnicking. I was at Kockelscheuer, an urban forest just a 20-minute bus ride from the train station of Luxembourg City...

In the chaos and unrest that define much of the world, peace feels increasingly elusive. The celebration of Buddha Purnima on May 12 seemed more relevant than ever. The world can draw inspiration from the timeless teachings of Gautama Buddha, which guide us towards peace, harmony and spirituality. Embark on a spiritual journey in Bodh Gaya (Bihar), the sacred land of enlightenment where seekers from across the world gather to find solace. A sense of serenity pervades the Buddhist temples and ...

CHHATH FRSTIVAL: Seeking the blessings of SUN-ultimate source of energy

Our country is vibrant and the festivities add so many colours to our drab life. There is no dearth of festivals in India based on mythology but there is one festival intrinsic to people having roots in eastern UP, Bihar and Jharkhand is the ‘Chhath’ festival that falls on the sixth day of Deepawali. Instead of any idols, they worship ‘Sun’, the source of our very existence. Chhath is the festival to pay obeisance to the ...

Popular for its heritage tourism, art, and business scenes, Jaipur is emerging as a hub for many industries, attracting start-ups, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. The digital nomad community in Jaipur may not be as vibrant as tech-city Bangalore or the work-and-party hub of Goa, but it is steadily growing with a thriving tech industry. As a cheaper alternative to metro cities, both its comfortable lifestyle with all modern facilities and a relaxed small-town vibe work in the city's favor. ...

Food
Sikkimese cuisine is a delectable melange of Nepali, Lepcha and Tibetian recipes
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3 min read
As Indian travellers and townies discove r the mysteries of the Northeast which lies shrouded in the mists of cultural exotica, its cuisines have forayed into niche restaurant menus in many cities. Sikkimese food is the brave new fare, after the bamboo shoot, red pepper and pork-based dishes of Naga and Mizo gastronomy became familiar to urban diners.
Since Sikkim borders Nepal, with w...

Sculptures come alive here. The wooden fingers of the lady seem to move, a farmer with an abstract elongated face and body is cutting grass, and a Balinese man with wisps of hair folded under Balinese headdress ‘udeng’ and a frangipani flower tucked behind his ear stares at you. All these artworks are an eclectic mix of imagination, creativity and skills of the wood carvers of Bali.
The entire stretch of the five-km road cutting through the Mas village in Bali looks like a street museum of ha...

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Bali is known as ‘Pulau Seribu Pura’ or the island of a thousand temples. Large temple complexes with exquisite architecture, temples on top of mountains, in caves, near lakes, rock-hewn temples on coastlines and various smaller shrines in paddy fields and households dot the entire landscape. Balinese encompass the essence of Buddhism and Hinduism. Together with indigenous animist beliefs, there is also much to celebrate throughout the year.
Historically, much of the In...

Food
If you are one of those craving something spicy and hot in Gujarat when your palate does not approve of the sweetness in Gujarati thali, Kathiawari cuisine comes to the rescue.
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3 min read
If you are one of those craving something spicy and hot in Gujarat when your palate does not approve of the sweetness in Gujarati thali, Kathiawari cuisine comes to the rescue. And no matter how good the Kathiawari thali is in any other town of Gujarat, you will get the most authentic when y...

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3 min read
Though associated with Hinduism and thronged by devotees, Somnath and Dwarka could be equally engaging for anyone irrespective of faith. Its fascinating history, coastal location and magnificent architecture enthrall and enchant.
Standing tall by the shores of the Arabian sea in Kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat, the magnificent Somnath Temple appears imperturbable. The quietude of the place belies the turbulence witnessed through centuries of it being ravaged and razed by...