Ecology & environment

“In Central India, individual plant species figure in the first fruit ceremonies of the adivasi (indigenous) communities. During certain periods of the year, their fruits, flowers, leaves or seeds are not collected or consumed. This allows those species to rest for a few weeks or months during crucial periods for their growth or regeneration. The norms around these practices or methods are often embedded within the cultural-religious traditions of communities. As a knowledge system being transferred between generations, seldom are they explained or discussed in terms of ecology or conservation.” – Madhu Ramnath in “How culture threatens species A note on Caryota urens in South India” (Current Conservation 16.3, accessed 4 December 2022)
https://www.currentconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/16.3.pdf
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=20305

Niwano Peace Prize for Rajagopal P.V.: Recognition for “work based on Gandhian principles of ‘satyagraha’ and nonviolent activism” – Japan

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Source: Press release (February 16, 2023) by iwano Peace Foundation (Tokyo) URL: https://www.npf.or.jp/english/peace_prize/mr-rajagopal-p-v-to-receive-the-40th-niwano-peace-prize.html | https://www.npf.or.jp/pdf/40th_press_release_e.pdfDate Received: 24 February 2023 General V. K. Singh, Minister of State for External and Overseas Indian Affairs […] said that youth aspiring to be the fathers of tomorrow are like the salt of the nation. He reiterated that India is … Read more

Organic farming adopted among tribal farmers – Andhra Pradesh

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Tribal farmer Killo Dombu and his land cultivated under NABARD’s ‘Maa Thota’ scheme at Anthriguda hamlet in Ananthagiri mandal in Visakhapatnam district. Killo Dombu of Anthriguda village in Dumbriguda mandal is proud of his achievements. Almost every plant is productive on his one-acre plot which yields cash crops. The innovative methods of cultivation adopted by … Read more

Encouraging centuries-old life-skills of Irulas: Eking out a living outside forests – Tamil Nadu

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Janaki Lenin’s book [My Husband and Other Animals], a compilation of her popular column in The Hindu MetroPlus, offers insights into her husband Rom Whitaker’s fascination for animals, particularly snakes When he came to Madras, Rom was introduced to the Irulas, who quickly became his buddies, sharing, as they did, a common love for snakes. … Read more

Elephants & tigers: Recurring motifs and issues for India’s tribal communities

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“The tribals I was told about are elephant people. As far back as any one can remember, they have taken care of elephants. They understand elephants as no one else does. They grow up with elephants, and the elephants with them.” – Edward Rice in Mother India’s Children >> Some tribal communities inhabit regions where wild animals … Read more