Mahatma Gandhi interested in promoting the Adivasi culture – Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam in New Delhi

Posted on 28/11/2020 by website administrator
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“The slogan today is no longer merely ‘Asia for the Asians’ or ‘Africa for the Africans’ but the unity of all the oppressed races of the earth.” – Mahatma Gandhi addressing two stalwarts of the struggle struggle in South Africa against apartheid), quoted by Vinay Lal in The Solidarity of Oppressed Peoples: A Tribute to E S Reddy, Anti-Apartheid Activist >>

The Hindu, New Delhi, November 22, 2011

To foster a better understanding of the unique lifestyle of tribal communities, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti is hosting a three-day cultural event of Adivasi communities at Gandhi Darshan opposite Raj Ghat here beginning this Wednesday.

To be attended by social activists, intelligentsia and tribals hailing from 18 States, “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” seeks to emphasis the point that Mahatma Gandhi was interested in promoting the Adivasi culture. And the event will also point out the fact that the simplicity that characterised Gandhiji’s life and his love for nature was similar to the Adivasi’s lifestyle. Besides a two-day cultural programme, the event features an exhibition of Adivasi crafts, “Jan Sansad” and an Adivasi march from Raj Ghat to GSDS. […]

“Close to the Gandhian world view, the event presents an alternative to the current consumerist culture. It will be an important opportunity to pay attention on present strife in tribal areas and listen to the Adivasi perspectives,” said GSDS Director Manimala at a press conference here on Monday.

Pointing out that the tribal areas of the country are passing through a difficult phase, Ms. Manimala said unbridled exploitation of natural resources and dispossession of the Adivasi communities from their natural assets and habitat has led to a long drawn strife and violence in these green and mountainous regions. “It is threatening the self-reliant and dignified lifestyle of the Adivasi communities whose co-habitation with nature has been unique all along.”

“During his life span, the Father of the Nation was aggrieved by the exploitation of tribal communities and tried his best to serve them. Sending Takkar Bappa, a social worker, to work for uplift of tribal people was a case in point,” said a senior representative from GSDS.

Since Independence, the lot of Adivasi has been exacerbating and it has now come to the stage when their identity is in danger. “So the event will give the voiceless tribal folks an opportunity to make their voice heard. […]

Source: The Hindu : NATIONAL / NEW DELHI : Bid to give voiceless tribals a chance to have themselves heard 22 November 2011
Address : https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article2648640.ece
Date Visited: 28 November 2020

More about Takkar Bappa and the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti >>

[Bold typeface added above for emphasis]

Learn more about Jawaharlal Nehru’s “five principles” for the policy to be pursued vis-a-vis the tribals >>
Photo © Indian Express

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