The issue of poor tribal community representation in India is a complex and longstanding problem that has several dimensions, including political, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Tribal communities in India, often referred to as Adivasis or Scheduled Tribes, make up a significant portion of the country’s population, with over 700 distinct tribal groups.
There are several reasons contributing to this issue.
Lack of Access to Education: Many tribal communities face barriers to education, such as a lack of schools, qualified teachers, and the language gap, which limits their access to quality education. Without education, tribal individuals often find it challenging to participate in the political process and other sectors of society.
Economic Disparities: Poverty and economic disparities are prevalent among tribal communities, making them vulnerable to exploitation and marginalization. Limited access to resources, land, and livelihood opportunities can further hinder their participation in the political process.
Cultural and Language Barriers: Adivasi communities have their distinct languages, cultures, and traditions. The dominance of mainstream culture and languages in political and administrative processes can alienate them and limit their active participation.
Lack of Awareness: A lack of awareness about their rights and entitlements often hinders tribal communities from engaging with the political system effectively.
Efforts have been made to address these issues, such as affirmative action policies, land rights legislation, and the establishment of autonomous councils in certain tribal regions. However, the challenges are deep-rooted and require a multi-pronged approach that includes improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, and ensuring the effective implementation of existing policies.
Empowering tribal communities through education, skill development, and awareness campaigns, and ensuring their representation in decision-making bodies is crucial for addressing the issue of poor tribal community representation in India. Additionally, it is essential to respect and preserve their cultural heritage while integrating them into the larger fabric of the nation.
Rooftop positively aims to bring a gradual difference in this scenario. Tribal communities are known for their art and culture which is still a blindspot for the masses of India at large. Rooftop collaborates with Indian traditional artists which makes generations-old art accessible to art enthusiasts.
Through Maestro Courses, Rooftop collaborated with Padma Shri awardee Bhuri Bhai hailing from the Bhil community. Bhil art which was practised by the village women on mud walls, was brought to paper and canvas by artist Bhuri Bai. Rooftop’s Maestro Course enables the art lover to access the elementary, intermediate, and advanced courses of Bhil art conducted by the Padma Shri awardee.
Similarly, other such rural artists who have put their community on the global map have collaborated with Rooftop to bring their traditions, art legacy, and the importance of their art culture to the forefront. From Warli to Pattachitra, Mata ne Pachedi and much more Indian art are collated through accessible videos of artists on Rooftop.