IGNOU Regional Centre Trivandrum celebrated Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas with great fervour in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Birsa Munda, an Indian tribal independence activist, and folk hero on 15th November 2024
The following events were conducted on the day.
1. Visit to the tribal hamlet at Idinjar, Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram
The regional Centre functionaries visited the remote tribal hamlet at Idinjar, Thiruvananthapuram in order to have insitu programmes in association with tribal communities to commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The staff traversed dense and risky water bodies to reach the interior hamlet. A number of activities were conducted at the location which are detailed below
2.Formation of the Tribal Wall
A tribal wall was initiated with the members of the local tribal community to commemorate the occasion. Traditional tribal slogans and songs associated with tribal freedom struggle and some related to the socio-economic conditions were rendered by the tribal artisans
3.An appreciation of Tribal Medicine
The Regional Centre officials were acclimatised with a number of tribal medical practises including steam bath which is a activity encompassing the use of 69 tribal herbs, tribal Marma, tribal orthopaedics etc. The practical aspects of tribal medicine were explained by Mrs Chandika Kani, the Practioner of the art. Mrs. Chandrika Kani introduced the Regional Centre team to the various medical properties of the herb Arogya Pacha (Trichopus zeylanicus). The plant also known as miracle plant has many unique properties such as antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidaemic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic.The team form the Regional Centre discussed various methods for the protection of traditional knowledge with the tribal groups.
4.Introduction to Tribal Cuisine
The food culture of tribals of this area has evolved through practice over the centuries. The tribes men explained the preparation of tribal Kanji (Porridge) which has many medical qualities. The porridge is prepared using a number of tubers and herbs found in the forest of the area. The preparation of a beverage using Arogya pacha and other local ingredients was also introduced to the team. The team from the Regional Centre discussed the possibilities of commercializing the food products for the benefit of the tribals. An 5.Appreciation of Tribal Art forms
Mrs. Chandrika Kani introduced the team to several unique art forms of the tribal community including tribal songs and dances. The intricate steps involved in the performance of the art form were explained. Further the practice of traditional archery was introduced to the team members.
As a consequent of the visit the team form IGNOU could give valuable suggestions for conserving the environment, protecting traditional art forms and strengthening the commercialising the traditional knowledge of the tribal community for thereon benefit. The officials of the Regional Centre plan to submit project proposal for (a) protection of traditional knowledge and (b) augmentation of tribal income by providing known disruptive and environmentally friendly skills to the tribal population.
