Tribal identity

“While benefiting from affirmative action in some cases, Adivasis or indigenous people in India also feel the claustrophobic confines of their identity which has been imposed on them by others, be it the colonial administrator, the colonial anthropologist, the missionary or the neo-liberal, neo-imperialist forces that rule global economy today.” – Santali poet, scholar and translator Ivy Imogene Hansdak  in “Is tribal identity relevant in today’s world?”, Inaugural Speech, National Conference “Tribes In Transition-II: Reaffirming Indigenous Identity Through Narrative” (2017)
https://indiantribalheritage.org/?p=23032

Children’s books on the Irulas – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu

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Source: “Review: Three new children’s books on the Irulas” by Neha Kirpal (who writes primarily on books, music, films, theatre and travel), Hindustani Times, 19 July 2024URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/review-three-new-children-s-books-on-the-irulas-101721397538195.htmlDate Visited: 10 March 2026 “Our dream is to ensure that every child in India is equipped with access to quality education, and we believe stories can make … Read more

Irula communities: Spread over the three southern States with a language marked by unique features – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Kerala

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3.10. Cultural Forms of the Irula People The life cycle rituals of the Irulas are markedly different from that of the other Hindu or Christian communities. They perform the life cycle ceremonies with the help of their women by well-established cultural patterns and do not depend on outside intervention to keep itself going. They celebrate … Read more

Practices admired by scientists worldwide, so “Leave the conservation to us”: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) observes World Bee Day on May 20 – Karnataka

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Source: “Adivasi honey harvesters demand forest control and criticise ‘unfriendly’ conservation measures”URL: https://india.mongabay.com/2022/11/adivasi-honey-harvesters-demand-forest-control-and-criticise-unfriendly-conservation-measures/Date Visited: 25 December 2022

Need for change of attitudes towards tribal people in India – Andaman

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Until there is a widespread change of attitudes towards tribal people in India, where they are still often viewed as ‘primitive’ and ‘backward’, tribes such as the Jarawa will never receive the respect they deserve. The Jarawa’s land and resources must be protected so they are safe from exploitation. It is only when they are … Read more

“You take us to be poor, but we’re not”: Proud Not Primitive, a campaign on communities that can take care of themselves

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The Jarawa of the Andaman Islands enjoy a time of opulence. Their forests gives them more than they need. ANVITA ABBI, PROFESSOR OF LINGUISTICS, JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY The Dongria Kondh grow over 100 crops and harvest almost 200 different wild foods, which provide them with year-round, rich nutrition even in times of drought. Over generations, … Read more