“We have a song for every situation. We feel money takes away from the enjoyment of life. But to earn a livelihood, people have to learn other languages.” – Santal teacher Pada Murmu interviewed by Nandini Nair (OPEN Magazine, 13 January 2017)
https://openthemagazine.com/features/dispatch/santali-talking-time/
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=21581
The Indian state of Kerala has a high literacy rate and human development index compared to other states in India. But this has not extended to the tribal population of the state. Female tribal populations are particularly disadvantaged for a variety of reasons including vulnerability to exploitation and abuse. This study investigates factors contributing to … Read more
by Sarah W | Read her full blog here >> If you were to ask people to describe “Japan” or “the Japanese” in one word, there’s a pretty good chance that you’d hear one word over and over again: “homogeneous.” The Japanese have long prided themselves on the homogeneity of their nation, and it sure is easy … Read more
Goa, popularly known as ‘the pearl of the east’, is famous for its churches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. Goa is an important destination in every tourist’s journey. Goa is one of India’s special places, a State seemingly blessed with fabulous weather, even more fabulous beaches, lovely people, good food, hill-top forts, … Read more
Though India is hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, our small cluster of two Adivasi villages in West Bengal has not suffered infections yet. We do feel the economic impacts of course. […] Farm work has continued quietly. To many Santals, one lesson of the pandemic has been that agriculture provides the safest livelihoods. It … Read more