Gujjars appeal to PM for special package

June 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Srinagar, June 6 (PTI) Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh”s two-day visit to Kashmir from tomorrow, Gujjars of the state have sought a comprehensive socio-economic package to resolve their pending demands. The demands include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth schedule of Constitution and a special census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals.

“Gujjars had been demanding a tribal university in the state prior to 2007 when the first-ever National Tribal University was established in Madhya Pradesh. This demand is still pending with the Centre,” said Dr Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a frontal organisation of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Rahi, Gujjars constitute 20 per cent of the total population of the state. The university, if established, could promote studies and research in tribal art, culture, tradition, language, custom, medicinal systems, forest-based economic activities, including special studies in the flora and fauna, and advancements in technologies relating to natural resources of the tribal areas of the state, he said.

“The case for inclusion of Gojri language in the Eighth schedule is pending with the Union Government since 1991 which is adversely affecting the development of tribal culture of Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Rahi. The community demanded that a special census be conducted of lakhs of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals of Jammu and Kashmir who are presently under seasonal migration along with their livestock in the upper reaches of Northwestern Himalayas.

He said Gujjars are demanding raising of a full-fledged ”Gujjar Regiment” in the Army on the pattern of Jat, Rajput and Dogra Regiments since 1947, which is still pending with the Union Government. The organisation also appealed to the PM to provide a “special rehabilitation package” for lakhs of Gujjars and Bakerwals in the state, besides constituting a task force to ensure speedy implementation of development schemes in Gujjar-populated areas.

The community demanded job share in central government and special employment drive for Gujjars.

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Tribal culture, a source of strength in Manipur culture

April 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipur is home to different tribes who live together in perfect harmony.

Located nearly 70 kilometres from Imphal, the Machi Block in Chandel District is surrounded by green mountains and is completely cut off from the modern world.

The 72 villages in the area that have a population of 24, 000, is mainly inhabited by the Marin, Kuki and Khoibu tribes.

They live in houses made of tin and bamboo.

Their main source of income is weaving and farming.

Banana, pumpkin, and rice are the main crops, cultivated.

“We go to a factory at Mao to get seedlings of passion fruits for Rs.2 each. Our forefathers have been growing bananas for a long time. We are just carrying forward the legacy of banana cultivation,”said Maenai, local of the Machi village

A luxurious lifestyle is not for these people, but basic amenities are.

They want pottable water, good healthcare, education for the children and better roads.

Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a central scheme was implemented in the region with the aim of improving connectivity.

Likewise, the National Rural Heath Mission programme is also providing better health facilities to the region.

Locals opine that the government is actively involved in development works.

“The Government is helping us with developmental work in our village. Roads and drains are under construction. We are hoping for further development of our village after the district council election,” said Kapingam, of the Machi village.

“The Government has introduced various developmental schemes in our village. But their proper implementation in various far-flung areas as yet has not been achieved,” said Hopson, another resident.

The Machi Block has a school too, which caters to the educational needs of the people.

Hockey is the favorite game of children here.

There is hope for development and progress from the forthcoming Manipur District Autonomous Council elections, which will be held after a gap of 20 years.

People in the region are happy with the decline in militancy.

Locals opine that the situation has improved in the state.

“There has been much improvement in the law and order situation in the area. The governance or the reach of an ability to access the villages has sufficiently improved in last few years. There is more effective domination by forces particularly Assam Rifles and other forces in Chandel district. I am grateful to that,” said H Dilip Singh, District Commissioner, Chandel District.

Kukis are even supporting elections and actively participating in Government programmes.

“UNC is against the election. Only Nagas are against it, not Kukis. They have some grievances,” said Hopson, a local, Machi village.

The tribals in Machi Block have witnessed a change in their lifestyle with the ongoing development work.

And things will only get better with time. (ANI)

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Tribal culture, a source of strength in Manipur culture

April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Imphal, Apr 19 (ANI): Manipur is home to different tribes who live together in perfect harmony.

Located nearly 70 kilometres from Imphal, the Machi Block in Chandel District is surrounded by green mountains and is completely cut off from the modern world.

The 72 villages in the area that have a population of 24, 000, is mainly inhabited by the Marin, Kuki and Khoibu tribes.

They live in houses made of tin and bamboo.

Their main source of income is weaving and farming.

Banana, pumpkin, and rice are the main crops, cultivated.

“We go to a factory at Mao to get seedlings of passion fruits for Rs.2 each. Our forefathers have been growing bananas for a long time. We are just carrying forward the legacy of banana cultivation,”said Maenai, local of the Machi village

A luxurious lifestyle is not for these people, but basic amenities are.

They want pottable water, good healthcare, education for the children and better roads.

Recently, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a central scheme was implemented in the region with the aim of improving connectivity.

Likewise, the National Rural Heath Mission programme is also providing better health facilities to the region.

Locals opine that the government is actively involved in development works.

“The Government is helping us with developmental work in our village. Roads and drains are under construction. We are hoping for further development of our village after the district council election,” said Kapingam, of the Machi village.

“The Government has introduced various developmental schemes in our village. But their proper implementation in various far-flung areas as yet has not been achieved,” said Hopson, another resident.

The Machi Block has a school too, which caters to the educational needs of the people.

Hockey is the favorite game of children here.

There is hope for development and progress from the forthcoming Manipur District Autonomous Council elections, which will be held after a gap of 20 years.

People in the region are happy with the decline in militancy.

Locals opine that the situation has improved in the state.

“There has been much improvement in the law and order situation in the area. The governance or the reach of an ability to access the villages has sufficiently improved in last few years. There is more effective domination by forces particularly Assam Rifles and other forces in Chandel district. I am grateful to that,” said H Dilip Singh, District Commissioner, Chandel District.

Kukis are even supporting elections and actively participating in Government programmes.

“UNC is against the election. Only Nagas are against it, not Kukis. They have some grievances,” said Hopson, a local, Machi village.

The tribals in Machi Block have witnessed a change in their lifestyle with the ongoing development work.

And things will only get better with time. (ANI)

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Museum in Tamil Nadu showcases tribal lifestyle

September 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Palada (Tamil Nadu), Sep 3 (ANI): A museum in Tamil Nadu’s Palada district provides an insight into the life of tribal communities living in Nilgiri Hills as it displays traditional tribal weapons, utensils, musical instruments, jewellery and costumes.

The museum, established in 1983, is funded by the State Government to conserve and protect testimonies of tribal life.

“In this museum we have various items used by tribals in ancient time. In the Nilgiris area, there are six tribal communities living here. They include Todas, Kothars, Kurumbars, Irulars, Panayars and Kattu Naickers. We have displayed the various items, weapons and medicines used by these tribes,” said Murugan, Curator, Tribal Museum, Palada.

Tourists and other visitors, including researchers in anthropology have said that the museum has enhanced their knowledge about tribal culture, festivals and allied traditions.

“This museum is very important to us for taking records in the college and schools and I have seen this only in this place. Wherever (else) I went, I have not seen like such instruments. It’s very useful for me also,” said Mohana Nandini, a student of anthropology.

Another visitor Minu Darshini said that the ‘tour’ of the museum was enriching, as she got to know more about the lifestyle of the tribals.

“I had read about tribals and their way of life only in books.

But, here I can see for myself how actually they lived, the kind of equipment and weapons they used for hunting animals. It’s really nice and beautiful,” said Minu. (ANI)

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Visit Chandigarh’s international dolls museum to relive childhood

August 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chandigarh, Aug.8 (ANI): Visiting a doll museum could be a joy of different sort. Taking out a few hours to visit such a place along with family on any given day can feel like having revisited the joys of childhood.

Chandigarh’s International Dolls Museum is a place that can fascinate the hidden child in us. We come to realize this fact only after visiting this place.

All spruced up and renovated, this museum houses dolls that reflect the art and culture of various countries.

As we step into the museum inside Bal Bhavan in Chandigarh’s Sector 23, it feels as if hundreds of dolls smile back at us.

Set up in 1985, the museum is home to over 350 dolls brought here from 28 countries. It was the brainchild and initiative of Rotarian R. K. Saboo, who would bring back a doll from every country he visited for the children of Chandigarh.

Dressed in traditional costumes, the dolls originally belong to countries like Argentina, Austria, Belgium, France, Russia, USA, Germany, Finland, and Israel.

The museum has recently been renovated and now wears a new look and feel.

“We have taken one doll from one country and each country has a description about their culture, population so that the students who are most catered in this region, can come and have a look at a particular country and culture and dolls,” said Vidya Nand Singh, Consultant with the International Dolls Museum in Chandigarh.

“Secondly Chandigarh Association is also promoting International Tourism. Keeping this in mind we used all information, which can be beneficial for the tourists in India and abroad. We have displayed Indian dolls from each state and the special attraction is the tribal dolls. As we know that India has a rich tribal culture and we have displayed 20 -25 dolls of various tribes in the country,” Singh added.

The museum is divided into four section – international dolls, Indian dolls, activity corner, and history of dolls.

The Indian dolls have been collected from all states of the country and dressed up in area specific attires that showcase the culture and lifestyle of the region.

Also, an interesting section here belongs to dolls representing popular fairy-tale characters like Aladdin, Ali Baba, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow While. All of them have been designed and made by local artists.

The museum has been planned in such a way that it fascinates not only children but also people of all age groups.

“It is a pleasurable moment visiting here. We came to know about different country dresses and dolls. We also came to know from where Teddy Bear started and we came to know that the first Teddy Bear was made in USA. There are so many dolls here and this place is especially good for the kids,” said Ruhi, a visitor.

“It is a good concept and we get to know a lot about culture and dresses of people across the world. We got to know about different countries and their dresses. It is a good outing,” said Kamal, another visitor.

The Chandigarh administration intends to make the International Dolls Museum one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the city.

However, it has a long way to go before it can match other international dolls museums in the country. By Sunil Sharma(ANI)

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