Global Communities
“People of the Planet: Celebrating Cultures and Conservation”
Through both individual projects and collaborations under Bustards Media, I have worked with diverse communities, using storytelling and media to amplify their voices and document their challenges, achievements, and aspirations.
Community Nutrition Gardens – GIZ
As part of a team of four filmmakers, I directed and filmed a case study in the rural Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. This project, supported by GIZ, highlighted the impact of Community Nutrition Gardens under the Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience (FaNS) India program in collaboration with WASCA and MGNREGA. These gardens improved nutrition security, dietary diversity, and livelihoods for women self-help group members in Chhatarpur and Sheopur. The project showcased empowerment through grassroots initiatives.
Pandemic & Pardhi
During the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021, I received a National Geographic Emergency Storytelling Grant to document the impact of the pandemic on central India's tribal communities.
Supported by the Last Wilderness Foundation, Pandemic & Pardhi explores the resilience of the Pardhi and Baiga tribes amidst the pandemic’s challenges. The film depicts the transformation of the Pardhis from their traditional hunting practices to alternative livelihoods and highlights the pandemic's effects on forest-edge communities.
Awareness in Jaisalmer
In 2023, Bustards Media conducted awareness workshops for over 1,100 children in Dholia, Jaisalmer, in collaboration with local conservationist Radheshyam Bishnoi. These sessions educated students about the importance of local wildlife, focusing on the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, Rajasthan’s state bird.
PashooPakshee
For PashooPakshee, working on crafts for conservation. I led social media storytelling campaigns, documented their art centre, and developed a comprehensive outreach strategy. Our work increased sales by 141% through improved Instagram engagement and successfully connected PashooPakshee to B2B clients. We are also curating strategies to attract footfall to their craft-for-conservation souvenir shop in Bandhavgarh.
Green Earth Warriors – Laikipia, Kenya
Organisational Film Production (August 2023): Collaborated with Green Earth Warriors and WYSS Academy to produce a film showcasing the importance of youth involvement in environmental conservation.
Brand Kit Design (October 2023): Designed a comprehensive brand kit, including a logo and organisational font, to strengthen GEW’s outreach and stakeholder engagement.