ePaper | Writing and teaching Santali in different alphabets: A success story calling for a stronger sense of self-confidence – West Bengal

Santali is one of India’s many Adivasi languages. Today, seven different alphabets are used to write in it. Some argue that this great variety does not help the community’s development. | Read the full article by Boro Baski (3,3 MB) >> Among South Asian Adivasis, we are the largest homogenous group. More than 10 million … Read more

Indigenous knowledge for sustainable development and food security: United Nations recognition of “Globally Important Agriculture Heritage Systems” practiced by tribal communities

The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – COP27 – builds on the outcomes of COP26 to deliver action on an array of issues critical to tackling the climate emergency – from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience, and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate … Read more

Audio | Blood Quantum, Racist Mascots, and Treaty Rights: National Museum of the American – USA

I would say blood quantum has always been an issue. I think Natives have always opposed it. It’s not how we decide who’s Native. It’s not accurate. It’s not even based on anything but what a government agent said 100 years ago. So, throughout history, it’s been pretty controversial. People are like, that’s not how … Read more

What keeps us together? Working side by side: Rabindranath Tagore’s play “Raktakarabi” & “Vidyasagar-Charit” in Santali translation – Sahitya Akademi

The Santali translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s Raktakarabi by Dr. Boro Baski was published by the Sahitya Akademi (www.sahitya-akademi.gov.in) in 2016. Free copies are available from ds.sales@sahitya-akademi.gov.in “The Jinn of that dead wealth we invoke. If we can enslave him the whole world lies at our feet.“ – Professor to Nandini (the protagonist puzzled to “see … Read more

Tribal communities have a right to collect, use and sell bamboo: “The adivasi is not the enemy of the forests”

“Today, bamboo is liberated,” proclaimed Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh at a function here on Wednesday, where he handed over to Mendha’s community leader Devaji Tofa a transit pass that would allow the sale and transportation of bamboo within the community. Ever since bamboo was given the status of a … Read more