The modern woman’s wardrobe is getting a makeover with traditional handlooms offering the alternative fabric for haute couture. Surekha Kadapa-Bose figures out designers’ latest preference

In the autumn of the lives, women in a home for elderly give vent to their creativity by making mats and rugs. Hema Vijay tells us how the activity gives meaning to the lives of the grannies

To counter ‘guns and drugs’, a culture that he saw abroad, Chetan Misra mentors children through football, which he believes is a tool for social and holistic development. Through ‘TheFootballLink’, he promotes the game, says Partho Burman

A batch of writers who went up to a hill town in Nainital district for a retreat had some fellow travelers – local school students. Well, both groups learnt from each other, says Vikas Datta

Beyond farms and Sikh shrines, Punjab has a lot to offer, says Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu in her book ‘Experience Punjab on the Road’. She tells Jaideep Sarin that even the countryside is urbane

Where do bureaucrats, corporate executives and other honchos of non-English speaking nations go to hone their English? Well, it is India. Hyderabad, to be more precise. A report

As ethnic khadi captures the imagination of dress designers and turns a favoured fabric for draping ramp models, those in the business are laughing all the way to the bank. Nivedita reports

Whatever the acronym BBC be to you, Mughlai biryani lovers of Mumbai-Thane salivate at the mention of it. Yes they have Borivali Biryani Centre, run by a vegetarian family, says Quaid Najmi

Halakki Vokkaligaru, a forest tribe in Karnataka, is facing an uphill task in carrying its hoary traditions as the younger generation is attracted to modern urban lifestyle, says Fakir Balaji

Women police in Jammu and Kashmir feel discriminated and neglected at home even as one from their force, now with the UN in Afghanistan, has won an international award, says Shazia Yousuf

In Meghalaya, where high voltage music reigns, Rida Gatphoh’s ‘The Musical Folks’ touches the heart of listeners with traditional notes, inspired by nature and wildlife, says Ninglun Hanghal

As Diwali sweetness is spread around, traditional Indian sweets, despite shortcomings, have managed to hold on in a market, invaded by chocolates, pastries and cookies, says Rahul Vaishnavi

Mary Kom has inspired many more. No, not young women to learn boxing but film makers to shoot biopic on sports stars, thanks to the success of the Priyanka Chopra starrer, says Sugandha Rawal

The Dalai Lama, who is active even at the age of 79, giving sermons and hobnobbing with world leaders, believes that he will be able to return to Tibet in his life time, says Vishal Gulati

She has been on a fast for 14 years because she is furious about a law that affects the people of Manipur. Excerpts from Kishalay Bhattacharjee’s book, ‘Che in Paona Bazaar’, on Iron Sharmila