Film on ancient tribal creation myth and Kerala’s eco system wins ‘Golden Conch’ for Best Documentary at MIFF 2014: ‘Have you seen the arana?’ – Mumbai

To watch the film trailer and more information, click here >> ‘Have you seen the arana?’ wins the Golden Conch for Best Documentary in the National Competition at MIFF 2014.The award citation: “This film is elegant, patient, meditative, and subtle. The director gently moves her audience towardsa deep appreciation of the tribal, mythical connections between … Read more

Celebrating the United Nation’s International Mountain Day with the Kaani community at Vellambi (Western Ghats) – Tamil Nadu

International Mountain Day was celebrated at the Vellambi Tribal Settlement, Keeriparai in the Western Ghats on December 11 by the Tribal Foundation. Addressing the indigeous Kaani people, environmental educator, S S Davidson said International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints … Read more

Tip | Educational resources and information on indigenous customs: Wiki Resource for Indian Biodiversity

Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus) – the National Flower of India. Find out more national and state symbols of India here >> We strongly believe that knowledge is the first step towards any kind of change. Thus, we created this Biodiversity Of India website. The BOI website, part of the Project Brahma Initiative, is an open-source, community driven project, much like Wikipedia, where anyone … Read more

International Day for Biological Diversity 2013: Tribal school programme in Kanyakumari district – Tamil Nadu

The Hindu, NAGERCOIL, May 23, 2013 The International Day for Biological Diversity was observed at Tholady [Kaani] tribal settlement in the Western Ghats of Kanyakumari district on Wednesday. The United Nations has declared May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase the understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Addressing the tribal people, … Read more

Voices from the forest: poetry inspired by the Irula way of life – Tamil Nadu

 On first sight, says Lakshmanan, he was appalled at their condition. “They had nothing. The education and health conditions of the people were very bad. They had no community certificates,” he says. Lakshmanan left with a heavy heart, only to come back again and again. He accompanied members of the Tamil Nadu Pazhankudi Makkal Sangam, … Read more