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

The Mannans and the plantation zones established in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats – “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference)

by

Abstract 2: The Mannans and the plantation zones established in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats Paper presented for “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference) – New Delhi  ANU KRISHNASchool of Development Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai KEYWORDS: MANNANS, PLANTATION, CARDAMOM HILLS, CULTURAL IMPERIALISM, SETTLERS Plantation is a colonial … Read more

eBook | “Community participation should be appropriately rewarded”: Climate change and biodiversity – Madhya Pradesh

by

What does climate change mean for forests and biodiversity? An assessment of the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems in Madhya Pradesh indicates that, in the short-term, about 23% of the State’s forested area could be affected; over the longer term, nearly 50% could be impacted. The changing climate in Madhya Pradesh is likely … Read more

“Air, water and grains are essential to human nourishment” – Mahatma Gandhi

by

Gandhi spoke of Swaraj’s three basic khorak. But he also gave, in the same 1918 speech, a fourth khorak for Swaraj. And that lay in his words, “we have a right to question.” | Read the full article by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, titled “On another New Year’s Day: Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘khorak’ a 100 years ago” in The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/on-another-new-years-day/article22339609.ece … Read more

Learn more about tribal communities in Karnataka

by

Video | “Baihar Hana Sare” (Over the Green Field): Song 8 from Santali video album “Ale Ato” (Our Village) – West Bengal

by

8 Baihar Hana Sare (Over the Green Field) [Starting from 10:48] ThemeThis is the song we have composed for our Non-formal Santal school, the Rolf Schoembs Vidyashram. The students and teachers of the school sing it regularly. It describes how the school campus that is surrounded by trees was created on a green field and … Read more