Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. Venkatagiri Dalavai, Special Officer of the Department of Tribal Welfare, expressed deep concern about the encroachment of religion into the lives of tribal communities, which have long been regarded as the original inhabitants of the land.

Speaking at a national-level seminar on the theme of ‘Tribal Transition in India: Issues and Challenges,’ organised by the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) in Mysuru recently, Dr. Dalavai delivered his thoughts at the institute’s Dattagalli premises in the city.

In his address, Dr. Dalavai remarked, “In recent times, the emergence of religious issues has ignited tensions within tribal communities. Traditionally, elements such as air, water and light held spiritual significance for tribals. However, we now witness the influence of religions within tribal cultures, inadvertently fostering divisions among them.”

While some tribes receive substantial support, others often find themselves marginalised. It is of paramount importance that we critically examine the origins of this disparity and unveil the underlying motives behind it, he opined.

He went on to underscore that the original settlers of the forests face significant challenges in adapting to modernisation, with insufficient Government intervention to aid them in overcoming their difficulties. Dr. Dalavai emphasised the Govt’s responsibility in addressing tribal grievances and actively participate in their holistic development.

He believed that this approach would enable tribal communities to preserve their unique identities while effectively engaging with the demands of modern society. Dr. Dalavai also called for a paradigm shift in the treatment of tribes and in the methodologies used for researching their lives and cultures. He highlighted a striking paradox concerning tribal dietary habits. Although tribal communities traditionally practise abundant animal hunting as an integral part of their heritage, drawing from practices outlined in their epics and deriving sustenance from the forest, these traditional dietary norms often face criticism and censure from Governing Bodies.

He expressed his dismay at this situation, explaining that despite their deep-rooted affinity with the forest, tribal groups are frequently restrained from utilising the resources available in the forest environment. He criticised projects such as resorts and reservoirs for their failure to account for the distinctive needs and lifestyles of tribal communities, which he referred to as the true children of the forest.

In addition to Dr. Dalavai’s thought-provoking insights, Dr. L. Srinivasa, Director of KSTRI, shared the Institute’s noteworthy achievements, which included an exhaustive empirical study involving 26 distinct tribal communities and a comprehensive evaluation of 18 Govt.-sponsored projects and activities.

Understanding nature’s cues to save lives

Dr. Dalavai’s presentation also delved into the remarkable survival of the Jarawa tribe during the devastating Tsunami of 2004, which wreaked havoc in India, Indonesia and several other countries. The Special Officer recounted a gripping narrative of how the tribe’s acute observation of natural signals enabled them to anticipate the impending disaster.

Responding with extraordinary swiftness, the tribe relocated to higher ground, carrying their belongings and even their pets with them, thus narrowly escaping the catastrophic event. Dr. Dalavai seized upon this episode as compelling evidence of the profound and intrinsic connection between tribal communities and the natural world, underscoring how their keen understanding of nature’s cues saved their lives.