Jenukuruba
… Learning ‘fair & compassionate economics’ from a Jenukuruba Chieftain…
It was the year 1989 and was around the time that I was slowly beginning to understand the indigenous way of life. These were also some of the best years of my life and I cherish the memories of my association with some of the elderly tribal chieftains of Heggadadevanakote. … Continue reading
The transformation of Chikkaputti
Many years ago, I ran chasing young Manjula (whom I used to fondly call Chikkaputti), a 7-year-old Jenukuruba tribal girl. She was determined to escape being caught and was trying her desperate best to avoid coming to our school. Not someone who would give up easily, I went after her as she took flight into the forest by jumping over the shallow trench separating the school form the neighbouring Bandipur National Park.… Continue reading
Samvaad 2015–an ethereal experience
Puttamma, a 60-year-old Kadukuruba tribal from the Bandipur forests of Karnataka was excited. She had just completed a fascinating 2-day journey to reach distant Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. This was not only the first time that she was traveling anywhere outside the district of Mysuru but was also her first time on a train.… Continue reading