Literature – fiction

“While the danger of extinction looms large over some languages, many other languages have been thriving. For example, Gondi (spoken in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra), Bhili (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat), Mizo (Mizoram), Garo and Khasi (Meghalaya) and Kokborok (Tripura) are showing an upward trend because educated people in these communities have started using these languages for writing. They publish poems, write plays and perform them. In some of the languages, even films are being made.” – Abhijit Mohanty in “Seven decades after independence, many tribal languages in India face extinction threat” (Down to Earth, 26 August 2020)
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/governance/seven-decades-after-independence-many-tribal-languages-in-india-face-extinction-threat-73071
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=6879

eBook | Giving ‘voice’ to Adivasi communities in India and inspiring projects in other states: Bhasha Research and Publication Centre – Gujarat

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Bhasha Research and Publication Centre was founded in 1996 with the purpose of giving ‘voice’ to Adivasi communities in India. The Adivasi Academy is founded by Bhasha at Tejgadh in Chhotaudepur district of Gujarat as an institute to combine the functions of the national academies, museums and literary bodies in the country, with respect to … Read more

On the need for counselling and rehabiliting victims of human trafficking: Ranchi-based Asha Kiran “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (National Conference) – Jharkhand

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Plenary Session 5: Human Trafficking in Tribal India: A Focus on Jharkhand Presented by: Sister Gemma Toppo, Ursuline Convent, Ranchi, Jharkhand Chaired by: Dr. Ivy Imogene Hansdak, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Sister Gemma Toppo, founder-member of the Ranchi-based NGO, Asha Kiran, Ranchi, and recipient of the Jharkhand Samaan 2015, began the session by reflecting … Read more

An appeal for linguistic diversity as a democratic right – Professor Ganesh Devy at TEDx Mumbai

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Professor Ganesh Devy talks about how languages evolve. And how local Indian languages are dying, taking with them a treasure of historical knowledge and wisdom. “Why are you talking to sparrows?” [Prof. Devy narrates the reply of the Bo woman in the Andaman, the last speaker of her people’s language, who died 26 January 2010]; and … Read more

Comics “a natural step then for me to be able to better portray myself”: Creating an awareness that Indigenous people should be involved – Anishinaabe people (USA)

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Elizabeth LaPensée didn’t see Indigenous people portrayed accurately in comics, so she wrote her own When she was a little girl playing video games and reading comics, Elizabeth LaPensée didn’t see herself reflected. So, she resolved to change that. LaPensée, who is Anishinaabe and Métis,  is a professor in the department of media and information at Michigan State University. She … Read more