According to the 2011 census, 26.3% of the total population of Jharkhand belongs to tribal groups, and 91.7% of them live in villages. Tribal groups have largely lived in or around forests, with a rhythm akin to nature, so that their life cycle revolves around it. They do not merely depend on natural resources for their livelihood — their identity, culture, autonomy, conscience, tradition, ethos and very existence are based on them.
Dr. Ramdayal Munda, a tribal legend, described the true character of the tribal community as “casteless, classless, based on equality, a community-based economic system, co-existence with nature, consent-based self-rule, dignity and autonomy”.
A culture at risk
Regrettably, these inherent characteristics of the community are rapidly disappearing. The status of Adivasi children and women is pitiable; they suffer from anaemia and malnourishment. According to government data, per 1,000 live births of Adivasi children the neonatal mortality rate is 39.9, the post-neonatal rate 22.3, the infant mortality rate 62.1, the child mortality rate 35.8 and the under-five mortality rate 95.7.
There is a lack of political unity among tribals. A recent development among tribal youth is that they prefer to hide their identity. Tribal youth are far from tribal philosophy and do not like to farm, and many of the younger generation do not speak their tribal language. There is a fear that the whole tribal culture will be lost.
SIGN’s commitment
SIGN therefore has a very important role to play in reviving tribal culture and heritage, and a huge task in working for the people in collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand. SIGN is determined to promote the tribal value system, because it supports the communitarian aspect of life and promotes unity.
