What if a storybook could do more than entertain, and instead build a bridge between two Indias that rarely meet? That’s the idea behind a series of young adult storybooks that pair social consciousness with grassroots engagement, each one centred on the lived experiences of rural women while inviting urban readers into reflection and dialogue.
Drawing on real field stories from Utthan Gujarat, the series turns everyday rural realities, livestock and water, labour and resilience, into narratives that young readers can see themselves in. These creative educational resources serve as stepping stones for brokering community engagement & participation: embodying the spirit of Y-RAG & Uttan!
The Goat Doctor of Modhwa follows Kavita, a young girl who watches her mother become the village’s trusted “goat doctor” after learning basic veterinary skills through a community programme. On her first visit to Ahmedabad for a school exchange, Kavita discovers how little her urban peers know about livestock, water scarcity, and the invisible labour behind the food on their plates. Through letters and shared conversations, the girls begin to see each other’s worlds differently, learning that expertise and resilience come in many forms.
Between Wells and Water Tanks introduces Reva, who grows up in a village where water shapes every decision: when to work, when to rest, when to hope. In Ahmedabad, Tara rarely thinks about where her water comes from. When their schools connect through a Human Library session, the two girls start trading stories about climate, chores, and dreams for the future, and as they build a joint awareness campaign together, they discover that rural and urban futures are far more connected than they ever imagined.