India

Q: Odisha is not much known for farmers' suicide the way we hear it in Vidarbha, Andhra Pradesh etc. But of late such cases are being reported in the media. What's the reason?

A: When you look at the issue of farmers' suicide, it's an indication of the crisis that exists in the agriculture sector. This is linked to monoculture and intensive or industrial farming model that have been implemented in the country. Vidharbha for instance has been in the news on the issue of farmers' suicide mainly because there is one NGO namely Vidharbha Jan Andolan Samiti which regularly compiles the figures of farmers suicide and feeds to the media. Unfortunately there are no such NGOs elsewhere to do a similar job. So therefore we do not get the real picture of farmers distress in other areas where conditions are equally bad. If suppose this NGO also stops compiling suicide figures, our impression about Vidharbha as a suicide belt of India will also disappear. In other words, not only in Vidharbha, agriculture across the country is in a terrible crisis.

The Sitaram Jindal Foundation formerly known as S.J. Jindal Trust, set up in 1969 is a charitable organisation engaged in promoting education, healthcare & rural development. The foundation believes in serving humanity without consideration of caste, creed, religion or gender. It has no political, religious or commercial affiliation. The foundation has set up several schools, colleges, hospitals and has awarded scholarships to more than 1 lakh students.

Established in 1932, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and the Allied Trusts, collectively form one of the largest private sector philanthropic organisations with an annual disbursement of Rs. 300+ crores. The Trusts offer individual assistance to students and to poor patients, make financial contributions to Institutions and provide financial support to over 600 NGOs in the country.

To administer their grant making and management activities, the Trusts are looking for a suitable professional for the position of Program Associate - Civil Society, Human Rights and Governance.

 This publication will serve to be useful reference material for policymakers, implementing agencies, environmentalists and those who enjoy the beauty and diversity of India’s water bodies.

Lakes are not only a source of water and livelihood for many of our populations, but they also support a large proportion of our biodiversity. The wetlands, shallower peripheral areas of large lakes, provide breeding and nesting grounds to huge population of birds, many of which migrate to India from as far north as Siberia.

The handbook was created as a result of several organisations expressing their interest in conducting an exercise similar to ASHWAS. The purpose of this handbook is thus to serve as a template for those wishing to carry out a similar effort in the other parts of the country.

Sanskriti Pratishthan has established the coveted Sanskriti awards and fellowships for young talent in different fields.

The Prabha Dutt Fellowship in Journalism encourages young women who wish to investigate and research on any topic of contemporary relevance. This fellowship will be given every year. The fellow may work on a book or monograph for subsequent publication within the given time frame.

The purpose of the Fellowship is to encourage young mid career women journalists to develop their potential by pursuing meaningful projects without having to work under the pressures of short deadlines. The Fellowship carries a grant of Rs 1,00,000 including travel expenses.The work can be executed in Hindi, English or any regional language.