December 04, 2022

Conserving tribal and indigenous knowledge

topic:	Indigenous people
located:	India
editor:	Bindu Gopal Rao

While indigenous peoples are proud of their traditions and customs, their way of life and knowledge are less known by the rest of the world - showcasing the need for deeper engagement between these two communities.

Speaking on the sidelines of Tata Steel’s Samvaad Heritage & Culture of Indian Tribes, which drew the attendance of 2,500 people from over 100 tribes of India and beyond, Sourav Roy, the foundation’s CEO, explained that “indigenous communities really understand what the planet stands for, through their wisdom and connection with nature. As these communities have their lineage in nature, therefore identity is more important. They have the answers to some of the most complex questions that all of humanity is facing. We need to create a platform where indigenous communities can engage with each other.” 

Incidentally, the pandemic did not impact rural areas as much as urban areas and this means there is much to learn from a way of life where respecting nature is paramount. In fact, the aspect of tribal healing techniques is something that has hardly been understood.

Using ingredients found in forests has been the mainstay of many of these medicines that have benefited people through ages. It is hence important that these healing practices are not lost because of lack of education and scientific evidence to back them up. 

Dr. Basavi Kiro, who belongs to the Oraons tribe in Jharkhand and practises homoeopathy and ethnomedicine, says diseases like malaria, kidney stones, gynaecological issues, anaemia and diabetes have been treated using traditional medicines. However, as alternative medicines are seen with suspicion, she is working on getting some of the natural medicines tested in government labs to help the 5,000-year-old Santhal medicines be part of the Government's Ayush initiative. 

In addition to their medicines, other aspects of their cultures, like language, need conservation since the death of their language is accompanied by the extinction of their  knowledge system. Through forums like Samvaad, the first dictionaries have been made for nine tribal languages and about six tribal languages are now being taught. This also makes sense as the national education policy talks of localisation of education and it is important to create spaces within education institutions for local languages.

A common platform for communities to come together ensures that different tribes speak to each other to understand the kind of issues they face and how they can overcome them. Bringing collective wisdom under one roof stimulates a valuable exchange and a cross-pollination of ideas, preserving a body of knowledge and a worldview that runs the risk of obliteration.

Understanding issues and angst of tribal communities - and sensitising non-tribal communities - helps mitigate prejudices and highlights models that have worked. Sharing the success stories of individuals and organisations can inspire positivity.

Photo by Chrissie Kremer

Call to Action

Empower indigenous communities and protect biodiversity

Support now