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
Shyamali Khastgir – puppet stories based on tribal values
Moral values in puppet story – Up close at art campM. GANGULY, August 18 , 2009 Ranchi, Aug. 17: She is an art teacher-turned-social activist. She knows eminent activists of India and those of the US and Canada and believes in giving peace a chance. She was even arrested outside the Pentagon, US, for protesting against … Read more
Acknowledging indigenous peoples’ stewardship: Contributions to earth’s biodiversity – Cultural Survival
It is no coincidence that 80 percent of the earth’s biodiversity is found on Indigenous lands. It is because of Indigenous people’s stewardship and relationship with the environment. | Read the full text here: https://www.culturalsurvival.org/issues >> However, governments in Indigenous Peoples’ homelands and multinational corporations too often violate Indigenous Peoples’ rights by operating in their territories without … Read more
Video channel “Kaathadi” & Educational exhibition “Makkala Keeche” (Children’s Pockets): Success stories from Vidyodaya in Gudalur – Tamil Nadu
On March 17th, an education exhibition called “Makkala Keeche” (Children’s Pockets) was organized at Vidyodaya school. We saw children taking ownership to present their exhibits on Science and Maths, their paintings and craft items and some elements of Adivasi culture. More than 200 people visited the exhibition including parents and alumni. (From the left: Row … Read more
A state shaped by tribal civilization: “Look how deep into time these manifestations of culture go” – Jharkhand
The cultural mosaic of Jharkhand was dreamt about, shaped and polished by generations of communities, which have inhabited this land since time immemorial. From the legendary Asurs and Santhals, to the Banjara, Bihor, Chero, Gond, Ho, Khond, Lohra, Mai Pahariya, Munda, Oraon, Kol or Kawar-over thirty-two tribal groups (28 % of the total population of … Read more