A “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group” determined to overcome slavery and coercion: The Sahariya, a community of former hunter gatherers – Rajasthan

Sahariya adivasis in Baran in south Rajasthan have waged a quiet war against generations of slavery to local landlords. Pushed off agricultural land and struggling to sustain themselves on deteriorating forests, hundreds of Sahariya families here remained indebted as “hali” — among 31 forms of bonded debt prohibited by Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976 … Read more

Is “brick house” the only sign of development? – West Bengal

Dr. Boro Baski; translated from Bengali to English by Asha BaskiOriginally published in Anandabazar Patrika (India’s most widely read Bengali daily) I was born in a Santal village in Birbhun District. In my childhood I saw how my mother cleaned the courtyard every morning with cow-dung mixed with black charcoal and water, and how she … Read more

“Historical experiences of land encroachment, acquisition of forest land by the Government and tribal displacement”: Group inequality, development status & the position of women – Kerala

In the matter of poverty, group inequality is still a matter of concern for Kerala as we see in the following chapter: Absolute deprivation continues to be largely concentrated among the marginalised communities, such as the tribals (adivasi) and fishing community […] and the hiatus between the Scheduled Castes and non-Scheduled Castes is a distressing … Read more

“Our country holds promise for everyone”: Deb Haaland, an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings, confirmed as Secretary of the Interior – USA

I carry my life experiences with me everywhere I go. It’s those experiences that give me hope for the future. If an Indigenous woman from humble beginnings can be confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, our country holds promise for everyone. Source: Deb Haaland in “Reactions From Indian Country to Deb Haaland’s Confirmation as Secretary … Read more

Illustrated and bilingual resources suitable for urban and rural schools alike: A range of beautiful books published by Tulika & Tara

The first chaang, the first elephant, once had big eyes,Which the animals thought looked beautiful and wise.Then, along came a bird, a wagtail, and… Told in verse, this folktale from the Tai Phake people of India’s northeast is gentle and funny. Source: Why The Elephant Has Tiny EyesAddress: https://www.tulikabooks.com/general-picture-books/why-the-elephant-has-tiny-eyes-english.htmlDate Visited: 15 March 2021 “As kids, we … Read more