Ethnobotany & ethnomedicine

“Tribal languages are a treasure trove of knowledge about a region’s flora, fauna and medicinal plants. Usually, this information is passed from generation to generation. However, when a language declines, that knowledge system is completely gone.” – Ayesha Kidwai (Centre for Linguistics, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) quoted by Abhijit Mohanty in “Seven decades after independence, many tribal languages in India face extinction threat” (Down to Earth, 26 August 2020)
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/governance/seven-decades-after-independence-many-tribal-languages-in-india-face-extinction-threat-73071
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=6879

Eco-spirituality in the face of climate change: Learning from the Kaani (Kani) community of Kanyakumari District – Tamil Nadu & Kerala

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ECO-SPIRITUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE WITH REFERENCE TO THE KAANI TRIBE OF KANYAKUMARI FORESTS Davidson Sargunam (Nagercoil) & S Suja (Associate Professor, Women’s Christian College, College Road, Chennai) ABSTRACT The Kaani tribal people live in 48 Tribal Settlements in the deep jungles and forests of Kanyakumari in the Western Ghats. They live in consonance with Nature … Read more

Learn from “insiders” to fight misconceptions: Ideas and practices worth sharing

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There’s much to learn from the positive contributions made by tribal communities on a daily basis. To start with, let’s learn from insiders and others who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that a precious heritage will continue to make a difference to people from all backgrounds – all over India and even beyond: “[I]t … Read more

Tips | Biodiversity, ethnobotany, health and nutrition

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Public health and food security depend on citizens’ willingness to “use and share resources in a sustainable and equitable manner”. The nation’s “primary conservers” – often tribal farmers – are now seen as guardians of biological diversity (Genome Saviour Award); and entitled to protection under the law known as Biodiversity Act. – M S Swaminathan, the scientist … Read more

1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction – UN International Day for Biological Diversity (22nd of May)

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Did you know? Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions. 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. | Learn more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/biological-diversity-day >> There is very little evidence that ecotourism in its present form is sustainable […] Tourism is inherently … Read more

Children’s books on the Irulas – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu

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Source: “Review: Three new children’s books on the Irulas” by Neha Kirpal (who writes primarily on books, music, films, theatre and travel), Hindustani Times, 19 July 2024URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/review-three-new-children-s-books-on-the-irulas-101721397538195.htmlDate Visited: 10 March 2026 “Our dream is to ensure that every child in India is equipped with access to quality education, and we believe stories can make … Read more