In addition to relying on forest products, they make eco-friendly waste plates out of sal leaves to supplement their meagre income. Additionally, they cultivate turmeric and market its powder.
In order to increase awareness and defend the rights of the indigenous population around the world, August 9th is observed as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The Dongria Kondh, the original residents of the Niyamgiri highlands and forest, are no longer seen as weak tribal communities whose subsistence relied on small forest products.
They are now self-sufficient. Niyamgiri Hills’ women have developed their own independence. In addition to relying on forest products, they make eco-friendly waste plates out of sal leaves to supplement their meagre income. Additionally, they cultivate turmeric and market its powder.
Shifting farming was once a viable solution for these indigenous populations’ means of subsistence. They are currently involved in numerous initiatives supported by the state government to achieve economic viability.
According to sources, there may be 10,300 Kondh tribal members living in 30 villages in the Kalahandi district’s Kalyansinghpur, Bisam Cuttack, and Muniguda blocks.
Education wasn’t a top focus for them before. They have moved their attention in recent years from shifting cultivation and cultivating forest crops to schooling since they only want to fit in with society as a whole.
It should be highlighted that Dongria villages have historically fought to defend Niyamgiri from Vedanta Resources, a London-based business. It is thought that the protests against Vedanta Resources gave them new hope.
“Kondhs are now involved in many types of livelihood activities because we all want them to become part of the society,” Rayagada District Collector Swadha Dev Singh remarked. They have undoubtedly made significant lifestyle changes.
It’s clear that our way of life has changed, said Kusha Wadka, a young Dongria. We still consume mandia and jau, but our outlook on life has changed. From our neighbourhoods, both men and women have graduated from college. Our way of life has improved.
We have become independent, a woman who lives in Wadke Sindhe stated.
We have been independent, a Wadke Sindhe inhabitant said. I have since begun producing and selling sal leaf plates.
Prasanta Patnaik