Communities with populations spread across state/linguistic borders are often known by different names by local authorities while “some of these communities figure in various classifications in the states” according to the National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: “There are many anomalies in terms of identification of these communities, from state to state. Many people also do not know what is denotified tribe and which authority is looking after their grievances. […] In some states they are called ‘tribal settlers’. In some states they are called ‘hidden tribes’ etc.” – Bibek Debroy in “An unfortunate legacy” (Indian Express, 5 January 2017)
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/crime-criminal-act-racial-discrimination-non-bailable-offence-criminal-tribes-act-an-unfortunate-legacy-4459258/
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=12284
Villagers at Sawra have decided to revive their traditional dances in an effort to preserve and showcase their rich culture. Satpuda Foundation (a wildlife conservation NGO working in central India) is encouraging this and other community initiatives. It is hoped that tourists going to Pench National Park will also visit local villages to understand the … Read more
Background The growing human population all along the coastal zone is vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges and other natural disasters, including sea level rise. The livelihoods of millions are likely to be affected as a result of both physical and social vulnerabilities. Despite inherent capacity among coastal communities to adapt and cope with changing scenarios, … Read more
Professor Ganesh Devy talks about how languages evolve. And how local Indian languages are dying, taking with them a treasure of historical knowledge and wisdom. “Why are you talking to sparrows?” [Prof. Devy narrates the reply of the Bo woman in the Andaman, the last speaker of her people’s language, who died 26 January 2010]; and … Read more
6 Dungri latar (At the Foothill) [Starting from 1:06] Version with subtitles >> ThemeA boy tells a girl:At the foothill in the stone quarry, I see you carrying stone chips on your head and become sad, Muni. For money and earthly pleasure you spoil your youthful body and your soul.The girl tells the boy:What can … Read more
There once lived an old man. Once he sowed chibdas on his farm. The old man would tend to his farm daily. Soon, the chibdas began to grow …