Bamboo crafts from Uravu
Uravu is a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Kalpetta of Wayanad district in Kerala.
It was set up in 1996 to promote bamboo processing and to impart training in it. The inhabitants of Thrikkaipetta village, mostly tribals, find a livelihood in the bamboo processing unit founded by Uravu.
The organisation is involved in the production of handicraft products. Close to nature and eco-friendly, bamboo is a fine alternative to the harmful chemical staples.
Many items from bamboo, such as chairs, baskets, pen, CD-covers, files and many more office and household materials are produced here.
Wayanad, a northern district in Kerala has many interesting places to visit. The Pookot lake, Thirunelly temple, Kuruvadweep, Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary are some among them. The district is also home to the largest number of tribal population.
Kurichya Tribe in Wayanad
The Kurichya Tribe is one of the most ancient tribes that ever resided in India. Their ancestry dates back to the times of Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The Kurichyas reside in the Wayanad district, one of the most loved hill stations in northern Kerala. Wayanad is nestled within the lofty mountains of the Western Ghats. A considerable population of Wayand are tribals. Besides the Kurichya tribe, the other adivasis (tribals) primarily consist of sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Ooralis and Kattunaikkans.
The Kurichya tribe of Wayanad is equipped with an incredible martial tradition. In fact, it was this tribe who represented the army of Pazzhassi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah, who battled hostilities with the British forces in a number of combats. The descendants of those warriors are still known to be professional archers. The brilliancy of Kurichya archery has recently been demonstrated in umpteen centres.
Recorded history of Kurichya tribes of Wayanad in northern Kerala is available since the 18th century. During olden times, this land was ruled by the Rajas of the Veda tribe. In later days of British imperialism, the king Kerala Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam had to severely contest the colonialists, tremendously failing in his attempt. When the Rajah was driven to wilderness of Wayanad, he organised a colossal war. It was then that he composed the Kurichya tribals into a sort of people`s militia and engaged the British in numerous guerrilla face-offs. And it is for this precise reason that the Kurichya tribals are still esteemed as skilful warriors.
No religion is predominant in Wayanad in northern Kerala. A distinguishing characteristic of Wayanad is a large adivasi (tribal) population. Though adivasis belong to Hinduism, primitive forms of worship still exist among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to pacify the spirits of ancestors are still widespread. Two deities commonly worshipped by the tribals are Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan. They also worship Hindu Gods of various temples in the district. Adivasis do not have any temple of their own. Paniyar, Adiyan, Kurichya, Kurumar, Kattunaikkar, Kadan and Oorali are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichya tribe are the most developed among them. They engage themselves as small landowners, whereas the members of other tribes are mostly labourers. The chief tribal arts performed in the district are Vattakali and Koodiyattam. The Kurichyas perform these arts by employing Nellukuthu pattu.
The Kurchiya tribes of Wayanad in northern Kerala constitute to a population of 29,375 (according to the 1981 census) and speak the languages of Kurichya, Kurichia and Kurichchia. The tribe comes under the categorisation of unclassified Dravidians.
‘Bamboo rice’ ( Tribal food -Wayanad )
‘Bamboo rice’, collected from the seeds of flowered bamboos, has become a major source of income for tribals living in the interiors of Wayanad wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.The sanctuary, a rich abode of bamboo groves, has witnessed enormous flowering of the tropical tree this year. With this, the indigenous communities in the region, who earn daily bread by collecting and selling forest products, has got an unexpected harvest.Small tribal groups, mainly women and children collecting bamboo seeds, have become a common scene in the sprawling jungle fringes here.A tribal group, that collect bamboo seeds on regular basis, said they usually sell unprocessed seeds for Rs 50 to Rs 70 a kilogram at the local shops in Sulthan Bathery and Pulpalli near here.The processed bamboo rice would fetch Rs 100 per kilogram.But, in the open market, the price is up to Rs 200 per kilogram, says an NGO working among tribals here who help them to sell products in outside markets.With resemblence to paddy rice and wheat-like taste, bamboo rice is comparatively much richer in protein.Not only tribes but local people here also consider it as a good substitute for rice. A wide range of delicacies like payasam, unniyappam (sweet balls), uppumavu and puttu, made of bamboo rice, are high on demand in the tourists centres and homestays in Wayanad, a major highrange tourist hub in Kerala.
Wayanad,the district of Kerala,India is considered the most backward district of Kerala.It is the district where backward tribals namely Paniya,Kattu Nayikar,Adiyar,Kuruma and Kurrichias are living.They were living with the means which they got from the forest.Due to deforestration and settlement of non tribal people here,the tribals are in a critical position at present.
Vanavasi Ashram trust
Vanavasi Ashram trust was founded in 1996 by Dr.Appanu Nambiar a retired professor of education and registered on 15th of July 1997 with an objective of uplifting the tribals of Wayanad.The members of the trust also consists of three tribal chieftains,a medical practitioner, a lady teacher and a retired school teacher(secretary).
Pazhassi Raja tribal school was started with 41 tribal children in 1997-1998 by the Vanavasi Ashrum trust. There were 3 teachers who were responsible both for teaching and crafts and agriculture.The trust has got 4.75 acres of land on lease for growing paddy,pulses,bananas and vegetables.A cow was donated by a well wisher.
In 1998 there were 100 students, most of them were residing in the school itself. The temporary buildings were constructed with the help of social workers and parents.Funds were also collected from the public.AID INDIA and ASHA for education partly supported to meet the expenditure of food and honorarium of the staff .
In 1999-2000, the number of students remained almost the same because of the problems in fund,which was mainly collected from the public.AID Boston and ASHA for education continued the financial help in the second year also.This could partly meet the food and honorarium of the staff.
In 2000 – 2001 more students were admitted. ASHA for education donated $2000 .The trust also received limited amount of grant from Govt of India which is admissable to voluntary organisations in 2000-2001.No other agencies has given any financial assistance for this year. There are 213 tribal children(128 boys and 84 girls) studying in the school.Almost all of them are residing in the school itself.Some of them are orphans and wards of unwedded tribal mothers. The class rooms are now makeshift hostels. Seperate hostel buildings are not constructed yet for want of funds.There are 10 teachers and 14 non teaching staff working in the school and hostels.
The system of education is almost ‘Gurukula’, were the students and teachers live together and share their expenriences as in a family.The students,teachers and parents work together to grow vegetables,tappioca,banana and pulses.Students are taught stitching,tailoring,basket making,clay modelling,mat making,music,yoga and archery.As it is a tribal area archery is taught with due importance.Achery competitions are held for men,women and children every year.
The trust has been running the school for the last 4 years.Now significant
change has come in the attitude of the tribal community towards education and health care in this area.Most of the tribal children in the school are keeping
good health.Some of the children are talented in Music and folk arts
and they are encouraged to develop their talents by the school.
The trust is quite confident that the it can attract most of the tribal children in Wayanad if dedicated work is continued.
Kanavu - unconventional school
Kanavu, a very unconventional school which attracted international attention, is situated in the picturesque Cheengodu Hills in Nadavayal village, about 11 km from Kalpetta. It is set up by writer, activist and film director K. J. Baby and this school is exclusively meant for educating Adivasi children and cultivating a sense of pride in them. The unconventional teaching methods include training in traditional performances and music, as well as martial arts (Kalarippayattu) training.
History
`Kanavu’ which means `dream’ had been a dream project of writer-turned activist K. J. Baby. When he started the school about 17 years ago, it was just a thatched structure on six acres of land. Over the years, the school has grown with more students being enrolled in and it became a successful model in educating the tribes without destroying their genuine talents and traditions. Many scholars and academicians visit the school to know more about the innovative methods used in imparting knowledge to tribal communities. During 2007, Kanavu was registered as a trust, and the ex-students took over its administration.
Teaching method
The school intentionally did away with conventional practices like classroom and syllabus. Tribal folksongs and rituals were incorporated in the training sessions and this helped to reinforce a sense of identity in the community. Self-reliance is also taught here. Training is given in such a way that it helps develop the skills in students – be it music, painting, dance, farming, martial art or the like.
At the same time the children are also encouraged and trained to attend competitive exams. Students are encouraged to observe surroundings, and scientific awareness is also inculcated by stimulating interest in the environment. Supplementary information on the local area is given through books, pictures and slides.
The school follows the gurukul system in which the teachers live with the students and receive no remuneration for their work.
Kanavu has been identified as a unique experiment in cultural formation and learning and it can boast of a history of training many students who are now working at different parts of India. All the students of Kanavu have a reputation of being good performers of folk dances and songs and the self-reliance and self pride in them stand in testimony of the success of the institution.
