TRIBAL WELFARE

Tribal communities have a unique way of life that is often in harmony with nature. They have a wealth of knowledge and practices passed through generations to enhance rural livelihoods. 

The livelihoods of tribal communities in India are complex, dynamic, and multidimensional phenomena that vary with geographic location, type of community, age, gender, education, fluctuations in resources, services and infrastructures and social, economic, cultural, ecological and political determinants. The study also highlights the importance of community capacity-building and strengthening of local institutions for any livelihood strategy.

Indigenous peoples are successful in sustainable production and consumption systems through traditional knowledge and values of reciprocity with nature. They have been effective stewards of their lands and territories.

It is impervious to recognize the value of tribal communities’ knowledge and practices in enhancing rural livelihoods. By working with these communities, we can learn from their wisdom and create sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.

In the year 2022, we worked with two tribal communities. These tribes were one in Nagaland of the zeluang tribe and the other in the Malayalee Tribe of the Kalvarayan Hills in the Eastern Ghats. Tening is a village in the Peren district of Nagaland, and Karumandurai village is in the East Salem district of Tamilnadu. 

In Tening, we were stationed in a school hostel to provide health care and educational activities for school children. Living conditions were very remote, poor, with no water pipeline, fewer transportation and startling roads, poor nutrition and no healthcare facility. 

After a few weeks, healthcare, nutritional, and educational initiatives improved the overall picture of students in the hostel.

Karumandurai comparatively had better scope than Tening because of the terrain amongst other reasons. However, there were several School drop-outs during the COVID lockdown. 

Establishing a health centre system for school children and the rural public in a school, spoken English, orienting the teachers in communication methods and motivation to perform better were offered successfully.