Kurukshetra Magazine November 2023 - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


1 Kurukshetra       November  2023
Page 2


1 Kurukshetra       November  2023 3 Kurukshetra       November  2023
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72     |     No. 1     |     Pages 52     |     November 2023
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Rajender Kumar
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year  :    ` 230
Contents
5
18
24
39
5 Nurturing Sports Talent in  
Rural India
Anurag Thakur
39 Leveraging Postal Network 
Promoting Talent in Rural India
Aman Sharma
12 PM Vishwakarma Yojana 
Empowering Artisans
S.C. L Das
24 Encouraging 
Micro-Entrepreneurship
Bhuwan Bhaskar
18 Developing Talent in Healthcare
Dr Santosh Jain Passi 
Dr Shipra Gupta
32 Integrating Technology into Rural 
Education and Capacity Building 
of Teachers
Purabi Pattanayak
46 Sustainability of Rural 
Enterprises 
Opportunities, Challenges and 
the Way Forward
Dr Sriparna B Baruah
Page 3


1 Kurukshetra       November  2023 3 Kurukshetra       November  2023
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72     |     No. 1     |     Pages 52     |     November 2023
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Rajender Kumar
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year  :    ` 230
Contents
5
18
24
39
5 Nurturing Sports Talent in  
Rural India
Anurag Thakur
39 Leveraging Postal Network 
Promoting Talent in Rural India
Aman Sharma
12 PM Vishwakarma Yojana 
Empowering Artisans
S.C. L Das
24 Encouraging 
Micro-Entrepreneurship
Bhuwan Bhaskar
18 Developing Talent in Healthcare
Dr Santosh Jain Passi 
Dr Shipra Gupta
32 Integrating Technology into Rural 
Education and Capacity Building 
of Teachers
Purabi Pattanayak
46 Sustainability of Rural 
Enterprises 
Opportunities, Challenges and 
the Way Forward
Dr Sriparna B Baruah
Kurukshetra       November  2023 4
In the hustle and bustle of Modern India, it’s easy to overlook the incredible talent that 
resides in the heart of our rural landscape. Beyond the bustling cities, the rural communities 
that comprise the heart of our country are teeming with opportunity , innovation, and creativity . 
Rural India is not only a storehouse of old skills, but it is also a cradle of modern abilities. 
Untapped talent exists in rural India and is just waiting to be identified and developed. Indeed, 
India can realise its full potential and enrich the country in unforeseen ways by creating chances 
and cultivating talent at the local level. In this regard, the Government of India has taken a 
series of initiatives to support and invest in rural India, fostering a more inclusive and united 
India.
The article ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Empowering Artisans’ provides a comprehensive 
insight into the recently launched Central Government scheme, ‘PM Vishwakarma’ on the 
occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti that indicates the robust reliance of the Government on 
sabka saath, sabka vikas, and sabka prayas. This article precisely conveys that empowering 
rural artisans is not only about preserving traditional crafts but also about uplifting the socio-
economic status of countless families in rural India. The scheme represents a bright future 
in which India's rich tapestry of cultural legacy is not only celebrated but also raised up and 
thrust into a thriving future, signifying a peaceful fusion of tradition and modernity.
The author of the article ‘Encouraging Micro-Entrepreneurship’ discusses how 
encouraging entrepreneurship can solve most of the challenges and problems that are faced 
by rural people. He has mentioned different schemes and programmes that aims to provide 
employment to the unemployed rural youth, increase rural household income and decrease 
the rate of migration from rural to urban areas, thus building a robust environment for rural 
prosperity.
As you turn the pages, the article ‘Integrating Technology into Rural Education and 
Capacity Building of Teachers’ focuses on explaining the process of creating true change 
across rural India’s diverse education landscape that requires a multipronged approach to ensure 
comprehensive and sustainable development. The author emphasises that a comprehensive 
strategy, teacher empowerment, and digital infrastructure for enacting radical reforms will 
define the future of the educational system in rural India. This article highlights all such 
initiatives that have been undertaken for the digital transformation of the education system in 
rural India.
This issue of Kurukshetra attempts to celebrate the latent talent of rural India by which 
we can create a more inclusive and prosperous nation. When India hosted the grand event of the 
G20, showcasing global investment and trade opportunities, it’s high time that we acknowledge 
the immense potential residing in the rural parts of our country and pave the path towards a 
brighter future by bringing the Vishwakarmas at the forefront as the 'champions of change.'
Enjoy reading!!
Page 4


1 Kurukshetra       November  2023 3 Kurukshetra       November  2023
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72     |     No. 1     |     Pages 52     |     November 2023
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Rajender Kumar
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year  :    ` 230
Contents
5
18
24
39
5 Nurturing Sports Talent in  
Rural India
Anurag Thakur
39 Leveraging Postal Network 
Promoting Talent in Rural India
Aman Sharma
12 PM Vishwakarma Yojana 
Empowering Artisans
S.C. L Das
24 Encouraging 
Micro-Entrepreneurship
Bhuwan Bhaskar
18 Developing Talent in Healthcare
Dr Santosh Jain Passi 
Dr Shipra Gupta
32 Integrating Technology into Rural 
Education and Capacity Building 
of Teachers
Purabi Pattanayak
46 Sustainability of Rural 
Enterprises 
Opportunities, Challenges and 
the Way Forward
Dr Sriparna B Baruah
Kurukshetra       November  2023 4
In the hustle and bustle of Modern India, it’s easy to overlook the incredible talent that 
resides in the heart of our rural landscape. Beyond the bustling cities, the rural communities 
that comprise the heart of our country are teeming with opportunity , innovation, and creativity . 
Rural India is not only a storehouse of old skills, but it is also a cradle of modern abilities. 
Untapped talent exists in rural India and is just waiting to be identified and developed. Indeed, 
India can realise its full potential and enrich the country in unforeseen ways by creating chances 
and cultivating talent at the local level. In this regard, the Government of India has taken a 
series of initiatives to support and invest in rural India, fostering a more inclusive and united 
India.
The article ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Empowering Artisans’ provides a comprehensive 
insight into the recently launched Central Government scheme, ‘PM Vishwakarma’ on the 
occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti that indicates the robust reliance of the Government on 
sabka saath, sabka vikas, and sabka prayas. This article precisely conveys that empowering 
rural artisans is not only about preserving traditional crafts but also about uplifting the socio-
economic status of countless families in rural India. The scheme represents a bright future 
in which India's rich tapestry of cultural legacy is not only celebrated but also raised up and 
thrust into a thriving future, signifying a peaceful fusion of tradition and modernity.
The author of the article ‘Encouraging Micro-Entrepreneurship’ discusses how 
encouraging entrepreneurship can solve most of the challenges and problems that are faced 
by rural people. He has mentioned different schemes and programmes that aims to provide 
employment to the unemployed rural youth, increase rural household income and decrease 
the rate of migration from rural to urban areas, thus building a robust environment for rural 
prosperity.
As you turn the pages, the article ‘Integrating Technology into Rural Education and 
Capacity Building of Teachers’ focuses on explaining the process of creating true change 
across rural India’s diverse education landscape that requires a multipronged approach to ensure 
comprehensive and sustainable development. The author emphasises that a comprehensive 
strategy, teacher empowerment, and digital infrastructure for enacting radical reforms will 
define the future of the educational system in rural India. This article highlights all such 
initiatives that have been undertaken for the digital transformation of the education system in 
rural India.
This issue of Kurukshetra attempts to celebrate the latent talent of rural India by which 
we can create a more inclusive and prosperous nation. When India hosted the grand event of the 
G20, showcasing global investment and trade opportunities, it’s high time that we acknowledge 
the immense potential residing in the rural parts of our country and pave the path towards a 
brighter future by bringing the Vishwakarmas at the forefront as the 'champions of change.'
Enjoy reading!!
5 Kurukshetra       November  2023
Anurag Thakur 
he nation witnessed something 
extremely rare and special a couple of 
weeks back. Amidst the pressure of the Asian Games, 
Parul Chaudhary faced the most defining 30 m of her 
life. Trailing behind Japan's ace runner, Ririka Hironaka, 
with the fatigue of a previous day's race burdening 
her, Parul summoned an unexpected burst of speed. 
In a heart-stopping moment, she overtook Hironaka, 
clinching not just the Gold in the 5000 m race but also 
her place in history. This was Parul's second medal of the 
Games, a feat that would immortalise her as a beacon 
of inspiration in the annals of sports. The 28-year-old 
athlete hails from Uttar Pradesh and her father is a small 
farmer in Iklauta village near Meerut. Parul has always 
T
The author is Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. 
Email: office-moyas@gov.in 
been a fighter on the track, in 2011, at a young age, she 
ran barefoot and competed 800 m in her school. Later, 
she decided to switch to 1500 m and 3000 m and took 
to 5000 m. Hence, it is a testimony to the fact that rural 
India has been a powerhouse of extraordinary talents like 
her. The Government of India, in recent years, has taken 
several initiatives such as the Khelo India Scheme, TOPS 
Scheme, etc. to build India as a sporting nation with a 
great amount of emphasis in the rural areas.
Sports in Rural India
In India, sports have long been a staple of everyday 
life. Numerous pieces of evidence exist to support the 
presence of thriving sports in India. There are several 
Nurturing Sports Nurturing Sports 
Talent in Rural India Talent in Rural India
The commitment of the government to building 
and upgrading sports infrastructure in rural 
regions is not only empowering athletes but also 
bridging urban-rural divides and enhancing the 
well-being of communities. These efforts are 
vital in defeating drug abuse, as they provide 
rural youth with a constructive and purposeful 
path, diverting their energy toward healthier 
and more fulfilling pursuits.
Page 5


1 Kurukshetra       November  2023 3 Kurukshetra       November  2023
A Journal on Rural Development 
Vol. 72     |     No. 1     |     Pages 52     |     November 2023
Kurukshetra seeks to carry the message of 
Rural Development to all people. It serves as 
a forum for free, frank and serious discussion 
on the problems of Rural Development with 
special focus on Rural Uplift.
The views expressed by the authors in the 
articles are their own. They do not necessarily 
reflect the views of the Government or the 
organisations they work for.
The readers are requested to verify the claims 
in the advertisements regarding career 
guidance books/institutions. Kurukshetra 
does not own responsibility. Maps used are 
for illustration & study purpose and may not 
strictly conform to the official map. Images, 
graphics and illustrations, wherever used, are 
mostly sourced from government channels 
and are indicative in nature. Final Editing 
rights will vest with Kurukshetra Team.
Sales Emporia : ? Delhi - BM (I/c), Publications Division, CGO Complex, Soochna Bhavan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003  
(011-24365609); Hall No. 196, Old Secretariat, Delhi 110054 (011-23890205) ? Kolkata - 8, Esplanade East, Kolkata-700069 
(033-22482576) ? ? Mumbai - 701, C-Wing, 7
th
 Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400614 (022-27570686)  
? Chennai - ‘A’ Wing, Rajaji Bhawan, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600090 (044-24917673) ? Thiruvananthapuram - Press Road, 
Near Govt. Press, Thiruvananthpuram - 6950001 (0471-2330650) ? Hyderabad - Room No. 204, 2
nd
 Floor, C.G.O. Towers, 
Kavadiguda, Hyderabad-500080 (040-27535383) ? Bengaluru - Floor, ‘F’ Wing, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 
560034 (080-25537244) ? Patna - Bihar State Co-operative, Bank Building, Ashoka Rajpath, Patna-800004 (0612-2675823)  
? Lucknow - Hall No. 1, 2
nd
 Floor, Kendriya Bhawan, sector – H, Aliganj, Lucknow - 226024 (0522-2325455) ? Ahmedabad - Sales 
Unit, Publications Division, 4-C, Neptune Tower, 4
th
 Floor, Nr HP Petrol Pump, Nehru Bridge Corner, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad 
Gujarat -380009 (079-26588669) 
CHIEF EDITOR 
Manogyan Rani Pal
EDITOR 
Shiela Chaudhary
JOINT DIRECTOR (PRODUCTION)
D.K.C. Hrudhainath
COVER DESIGN
Rajender Kumar
EDITORIAL OFFICE
Room No. 653,  
Publications Division,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 
Phone : 011-24362859  
Email : kurukshetrajournal@gmail.com
For Subscription Enquiries,  
Grievances, Renewals and Agency  
Information, Please Contact:
Journals Unit 
Publications Division, Room No. 779,  
Soochna Bhawan, C.G.O. Complex,  
Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
(Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM)
Phone : 24367453, FAX: 24365610
Email : pdjucir@gmail.com
Website : publicationsdivision.nic.in
@publicationsdivision
@DPD_India
@dpd_India
For Online Sale, please log on to  
bharatkosh.gov.in/product, and for  
e-books, please visit Google Play  
or Amazon.
Subscription 
1 Year  :    ` 230
Contents
5
18
24
39
5 Nurturing Sports Talent in  
Rural India
Anurag Thakur
39 Leveraging Postal Network 
Promoting Talent in Rural India
Aman Sharma
12 PM Vishwakarma Yojana 
Empowering Artisans
S.C. L Das
24 Encouraging 
Micro-Entrepreneurship
Bhuwan Bhaskar
18 Developing Talent in Healthcare
Dr Santosh Jain Passi 
Dr Shipra Gupta
32 Integrating Technology into Rural 
Education and Capacity Building 
of Teachers
Purabi Pattanayak
46 Sustainability of Rural 
Enterprises 
Opportunities, Challenges and 
the Way Forward
Dr Sriparna B Baruah
Kurukshetra       November  2023 4
In the hustle and bustle of Modern India, it’s easy to overlook the incredible talent that 
resides in the heart of our rural landscape. Beyond the bustling cities, the rural communities 
that comprise the heart of our country are teeming with opportunity , innovation, and creativity . 
Rural India is not only a storehouse of old skills, but it is also a cradle of modern abilities. 
Untapped talent exists in rural India and is just waiting to be identified and developed. Indeed, 
India can realise its full potential and enrich the country in unforeseen ways by creating chances 
and cultivating talent at the local level. In this regard, the Government of India has taken a 
series of initiatives to support and invest in rural India, fostering a more inclusive and united 
India.
The article ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Empowering Artisans’ provides a comprehensive 
insight into the recently launched Central Government scheme, ‘PM Vishwakarma’ on the 
occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti that indicates the robust reliance of the Government on 
sabka saath, sabka vikas, and sabka prayas. This article precisely conveys that empowering 
rural artisans is not only about preserving traditional crafts but also about uplifting the socio-
economic status of countless families in rural India. The scheme represents a bright future 
in which India's rich tapestry of cultural legacy is not only celebrated but also raised up and 
thrust into a thriving future, signifying a peaceful fusion of tradition and modernity.
The author of the article ‘Encouraging Micro-Entrepreneurship’ discusses how 
encouraging entrepreneurship can solve most of the challenges and problems that are faced 
by rural people. He has mentioned different schemes and programmes that aims to provide 
employment to the unemployed rural youth, increase rural household income and decrease 
the rate of migration from rural to urban areas, thus building a robust environment for rural 
prosperity.
As you turn the pages, the article ‘Integrating Technology into Rural Education and 
Capacity Building of Teachers’ focuses on explaining the process of creating true change 
across rural India’s diverse education landscape that requires a multipronged approach to ensure 
comprehensive and sustainable development. The author emphasises that a comprehensive 
strategy, teacher empowerment, and digital infrastructure for enacting radical reforms will 
define the future of the educational system in rural India. This article highlights all such 
initiatives that have been undertaken for the digital transformation of the education system in 
rural India.
This issue of Kurukshetra attempts to celebrate the latent talent of rural India by which 
we can create a more inclusive and prosperous nation. When India hosted the grand event of the 
G20, showcasing global investment and trade opportunities, it’s high time that we acknowledge 
the immense potential residing in the rural parts of our country and pave the path towards a 
brighter future by bringing the Vishwakarmas at the forefront as the 'champions of change.'
Enjoy reading!!
5 Kurukshetra       November  2023
Anurag Thakur 
he nation witnessed something 
extremely rare and special a couple of 
weeks back. Amidst the pressure of the Asian Games, 
Parul Chaudhary faced the most defining 30 m of her 
life. Trailing behind Japan's ace runner, Ririka Hironaka, 
with the fatigue of a previous day's race burdening 
her, Parul summoned an unexpected burst of speed. 
In a heart-stopping moment, she overtook Hironaka, 
clinching not just the Gold in the 5000 m race but also 
her place in history. This was Parul's second medal of the 
Games, a feat that would immortalise her as a beacon 
of inspiration in the annals of sports. The 28-year-old 
athlete hails from Uttar Pradesh and her father is a small 
farmer in Iklauta village near Meerut. Parul has always 
T
The author is Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. 
Email: office-moyas@gov.in 
been a fighter on the track, in 2011, at a young age, she 
ran barefoot and competed 800 m in her school. Later, 
she decided to switch to 1500 m and 3000 m and took 
to 5000 m. Hence, it is a testimony to the fact that rural 
India has been a powerhouse of extraordinary talents like 
her. The Government of India, in recent years, has taken 
several initiatives such as the Khelo India Scheme, TOPS 
Scheme, etc. to build India as a sporting nation with a 
great amount of emphasis in the rural areas.
Sports in Rural India
In India, sports have long been a staple of everyday 
life. Numerous pieces of evidence exist to support the 
presence of thriving sports in India. There are several 
Nurturing Sports Nurturing Sports 
Talent in Rural India Talent in Rural India
The commitment of the government to building 
and upgrading sports infrastructure in rural 
regions is not only empowering athletes but also 
bridging urban-rural divides and enhancing the 
well-being of communities. These efforts are 
vital in defeating drug abuse, as they provide 
rural youth with a constructive and purposeful 
path, diverting their energy toward healthier 
and more fulfilling pursuits.
Kurukshetra       November  2023 6
instances of sports, including archery, wrestling, horse-
riding, and chariot racing, throughout our epics like the 
Ramayana and the Mahabharata. For instance, archery 
has always been a very popular sport, dating back to the 
Mahabharata era; it was one of the prime warfare skills 
during that period. Reputed teachers such as Parasurama, 
Drona, and Agnivesha, elevated archery to the highest 
level and trained their students, like Arjuna, who became 
outstanding archers. Our country has had numerous 
remarkable victories at several international competitions, 
including World Championships, Commonwealth Games, 
and the Asian Games. However, one of the greatest 
things to have happened in the world of archery is the 
evolution and growth of women archers.  Recently at 
the Asian Games 2022, the women archers won 3 Gold 
and 2 Bronze medals, making our country proud at the 
International level. Young girls and women from rural India 
have role models who are like them, come from similar 
backgrounds and overcame challenges to succeed.  These 
women archers have challenged the traditional outlook 
of patriarchy; many have become champions of gender 
equality and promote women’s participation in sports.
Initiatives to Strengthen Sports in Rural Areas
The Government of India has embarked on a relentless 
journey to promote sports in rural areas, recognising 
that the potential for sporting excellence knows no 
geographical boundaries. The efforts made in recent years 
are a testament to the commitment of the Government 
to foster a culture of sports in rural India. One of the 
major schemes of the Union Government - the Khelo 
India Scheme - is being implemented by the Ministry of 
Youth Affairs and Sports through its five verticals, which 
promote sports in the entire country including the rural 
areas. Khelo India is the basic platform to showcase 
sporting skills and spot talent at the national level. It also 
provides development pathways for gifted and talented 
children to achieve excellence. Under the ‘Talent Search 
and Development’ vertical of this scheme, Khelo India 
Athletes are identified, selected, and provided annual 
financial assistance of ?6.28 lakh per annum per athlete, 
which includes ?1.20 lakh as Out-of-Pocket Allowance 
and ?5.08 lakh for other facilities like coaching, sports 
science support, diet, equipment, consumables, 
insurance charges, etc.
Additionally, the scheme offers pathways to budding 
sportspersons by providing nationwide platforms. The 
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with 
relevant National Sports Federations, the School Games 
Federation of India, and university sports promotion 
organisations like the Association of Indian Universities, 
organise national-level multi-sport competitions, namely, 
Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, 
and Khelo India Winter Games. The Ministry is also going 
to organise the Khelo India Para Games shortly.
A number of indigenous sports and games played across 
our country form an integral part of our cultural heritage.