Giving a fresh impetus to endangered tribal customs: “Art forms are aboriginal and yet scientific” – Jharkhand

A cultural renaissance of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Jharkhand is not a distant dream. In an attempt to prepare a directory of their dying livelihood skills, art forms and forgotten rituals as well as to revive the same, the state art and culture department has decided to organise a five-day workshop-cum-festival soon. […] … Read more

Adivasi societies – a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups in South Asia

Adivasi (a Hindi word that literally means the original inhabitants) is a term for a heterogeneous set of ethnic and tribal groups believed to be the aboriginal population of India. Adivasi societies are present in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other South Asian nations. Adivasi is officially recognized by the Indian government as “Scheduled Tribes” … Read more

Mahasweta Devi: Bhasha’s life time mentor remembered at the Adivasi Academy Tejgadh – Gujarat

An indefatigable crusader for tribal rights, eminent litterateur Mahasweta Devi was keen to be laid to rest at Tejgadh, a tribal village in Gujarat and also the site of the Adivasi Academy, says noted literary critic, linguist and tribal rights activist Ganesh Devy who wishes to bring some of her ashes to the academy that … Read more

eJournal | Call for rural schools in tune with local needs: Achieving Unesco’s goal of “integrated education”

Enrolment rates have improved in India, but especially in rural areas, the quality of primary education remains too poor. Our assessment was written by a member of the Santal community, one of India’s many Adivasi tribes. By Dr. Boro Baski Experience tells us that the mid-day meals and other schemes that serve retention at the … Read more

India’s tribal cultural heritage – Karnataka