A Journalist Transforms Into a Successful Farmer and Wins a Prestigious Award!

A journalist-turned-farmer from Andhra Pradesh, Gopina Krishna Prasad, has been honored with the National Millionaire Farmer Award for his innovative farming methods. Prasad, a native of Srikakulam district, received the award at the ICAR Millionaire Farmers Meet-2023 held in New Delhi. Prasad comes from an agricultural family in Kongaram village, where his father and elder brother had been cultivating 20 acres of land using traditional farming techniques for several decades. However, due to the lack of adequate water sources, they faced substantial losses despite investing significant amounts of money. In 2015, Prasad decided to leave his journalist job and venture into farming. He introduced natural farming techniques and polyhouse technology to cultivate watermelon, tomato, capsicum, and flowers for the first time in the district. Prasad successfully transformed his rocky land into fertile soil by digging a borewell near his farm. He also adopted mechanization of farm equipment and practiced natural farming methods for growing vegetables, pulses, paddy, and oil palm. With the support and guidance of scientists from the Amadalavalasa Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Prasad achieved remarkable success and became an inspiration to fellow farmers in the state. Recognizing his efforts, Bhagyalakshmi, a senior scientist and program coordinator, sent a proposal to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), leading to Prasad's nomination for the Millionaire Farmer Award 2023. Expressing his gratitude, Prasad stated that he took charge of farming to overcome his family's previous losses. Through the implementation of best management practices and the guidance of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientists, he has been able to cultivate various crops profitably on nearly 20 acres of land. Prasad's journey from a journalist to a successful farmer highlights the potential for innovation and success in the field of agriculture, serving as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and knowledge.

Majestic Marvel in the Desert: This Girl's School Redefines Architectural Brilliance

In the enchanting Thar Desert, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School stands as an amazing creation, seamlessly blending with its arid surroundings. Designed by Diana Kellogg Architects, this awe-inspiring structure symbolizes a beacon of knowledge and education in the remote Kanori community near Jaisalmer. At the heart of this architectural masterpiece lies a sanctuary for young girls to pursue their dreams. In a province like Rajasthan, where the literacy rate barely reaches 32%, this school aims to empower young girls and their mothers, providing them with a brighter future while promoting sustainability. The visionary behind this exclusive initiative is Michael Daube, the founder of CITTA, who recognized the importance of granting the girls of rural Jaisalmer their fundamental right to education. Collaborating with the iconic architect Diana Kellogg, based in the United States, Daube embarked on this challenging project, overseeing its inception and completion. Crafted to withstand the extreme desert temperatures, the school incorporates innovative technologies that automatically regulate overheating, enabling it to endure scorching temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, while keeping the premises cool. Kellogg conceived a stunning oval arcade which symbolizes the universal emblem of femininity, representing an infinity sign giving birth to an egg-like form. Covering an area of almost 9,000 square feet, the school features a curved design crafted by local craftsmen, who happen to be the fathers of the girls themselves. The entire structure, along with its architectural elements, has been carved from locally sourced yellow sandstone. With a focus on sustainability, rainwater harvesting techniques were implemented, and a rooftop solar canopy provides electricity for the building, further enhancing its sustainability. The fort-like structure of the school amidst the barren desert encompasses three impressive elliptical elements. The massive outer wall forms the backbone of the building, while an inner wall surrounds the classrooms and other areas, enclosing a central courtyard. Perforated sandstone walls protect the school premises from the scorching sun and desert dust, creating a shaded and clean courtyard where the girls can play even during the hot summer months. The interior of the classrooms exude warmth, with beige wooden doors, chocolate brown boards, and furniture that perfectly complements the overall design. Recessed circular spaces within the walls serve as artistic architectural elements, doubling as seating areas and leisure nooks for the girls. To add a touch of elegance to the school uniforms, renowned designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee drew inspiration from the intricate and enigmatic patterns of Ajrakh woodblock prints. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School represents a promising future for underprivileged girls and women in rural Jaisalmer. It serves as an architectural splendor in rural India, inspiring future projects aimed at empowering communities through education.