Twitter
Advertisement

Need to project tribal history beyond andolans, says Gujarat University professor Arun Vaghela

They, however, have a rich cultural past that goes way beyond clamouring for their rights; that's what we need to know, says Vaghela

Latest News
article-main
Tribal women
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

Tribal students and scholars from Gujarat came together on Thursday for a rather pressing cause. Given the importance of narration and proper representation, they were asked to find out facts and figures that would help trace their real history. Nearly 600 tribals attended this one-of-a-kind national seminar organised by the Gujarat University to celebrate International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People.

Experts speaking at the event discussed various issues surrounding the tribal community. Voicing a strong need for change in the way tribals are portrayed in textbooks, GU professor Arun Vaghela said, "The tribal history available with us is a lopsided account and very disappointing. In fact, until a few years ago, the history of the tribal communities would not even be a part of the curriculum. While that has changed for the better, the narration still focuses on protests and andolans by tribals. They, however, have a rich cultural past that goes way beyond clamouring for their rights; that's what we need to know."

He added: "For example, a 14-year-old tribal girl fought a lion to save her brother, and these are the kind of stories that need to be highlighted in textbooks. Our tribal communities are perhaps the only ones where the female sex ratio is high. In terms of marriage and other cultural practices also they are often much more progressive. Then on what ground are they called 'backward'?"

Requesting the tribals to gather more knowledge to arrive at the root of their problems, Vidyut Joshi, former vice-chancellor of Bhavnagar University said, "Very less of tribal history has been documented. You all need to look beyond your cultural ceremonies to find out the reason behind years of suffering."

Joshi also discussed the issue of rehabilitation that crops up while constructing dams. He said: "When dams were built, tribal lands were taken away, but irrigation facilities were made available to non-tribals. This is just one of the problems. You cannot be known and remembered for your quaint cultures alone. Discuss and investigate the truth and learn to take a stand instead of cowering to injustice."

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement