Tribal voices worth listening to: On culture, land rights, employment, education and indigenous languages – Andaman, Kerala & Odisha

“Unless we affirm our culture and right and language, we won’t live. Our colour is good, our language is good, our art is good, our way of living is good. If we can respect your religion and your practices, why can’t you respect ours?” – G. Thenadikulam, Wayanad District “We say, ‘you don’t have to … Read more

Learn more about tribal communities in Telangana

Banjara Embroidery and Needle works are made extensively by the nomads of Telangana. […] [T]he popular tribe of Banjaras moved towards the Deccan Plateau in South India in 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb, a Mughal Emperor. They are now widely spread over Deccan Plateau, and they live in small villages which are known … Read more

Understanding the social, cultural, economic and environmental impact of tourism on local communities

PRESS RELEASEMake in India Child Labour and Tourism, June 12, 2015[…] Budgetary analysis shows that the allocation for child protection continues to receive the smallest share. HAQ, Centre for Child Rights, points out that just as the world community through the UN Human Rights Council is declaring its commitment towards better investment in the Rights of the Child, … Read more

“Protect women’s rights at India’s tourist destinations”: Considering the environmental, social and cultural impacts of tourism

In our quest for tourism that is more equitable, sustainable and just we have had on our radar the impact that current forms of tourism development have on women’s lives. […] On the social and cultural front, tourism also reflects social, economic and political power relations existing in society, therefore, initiatives taken in relation to tourism … Read more

Learn more about tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has recently embarked upon a scheme to take the unique culture of its ethnic Tharu tribe across the world. The intention is to put Tharu villages on the tourism map, and to create jobs and bring economic independence to the tribal population. […] The community belongs to the Terai lowlands, amid … Read more