Forest Rights Act (FRA)

Tribals have been residing in forest land for generations, cultivating and collecting forest produce like firewood and fruits. They, however, do not have a legal document showing that they are owners of the land. Ever since the Forest Conservation Act, these tribals have been seen as encroachers or illegal occupants. After the enactment of the Act, … Read more

Mahatma Gandhi’s educational initiative for tribal areas facing serious neglect: Tribal Research and Training Institute at Gujarat Vidyapith (Ahmedabad) – Gujarat

Set up in 1962, the Institute carries out studies on the life, culture and economy of the tribal people of Gujarat . It has done extensive documentation and created a data bank on the living conditions of various tribes. The Institute has also been the coordinating centre for anthropological studies. It has conducted training programmes … Read more

Mahatma Gandhi interested in promoting the Adivasi culture – Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam in New Delhi

To foster a better understanding of the unique lifestyle of tribal communities, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti is hosting a three-day cultural event of Adivasi communities at Gandhi Darshan opposite Raj Ghat here beginning this Wednesday. To be attended by social activists, intelligentsia and tribals hailing from 18 States, “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” seeks to emphasis … Read more

Yelagiri’s traditional architecture: Tribal huts compare favourably with concrete structures – Tamil Nadu

On a gigantic rock at Pallakaniyur sits an example of Yelagiri’s own piece of traditional architecture, passed on for generations together. The dwelling of Govindasamy, with its unique structural design and construction techniques stands proof of the tribal culture of Yelagiri Hills. Govindasamy, a coolie, does not know when his house was constructed. “This has … Read more

Giving Irula healing practices a place in modern medicine: A new source of livelihood for “one among the six oldest Adivasi tribes” – Puducherry & Tamil Nadu

The term Irula means being capable of finding one’s path in dark forests, according to an Irula myth | Read the full report in the Times of India here >> Born in nature’s lap, Irulas share a symbiotic relationship with Mother Earth. They reside in the hills of northern Tamil Nadu and are one among the six oldest … Read more