The Department of Social Work at Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College (NGPASC) in collaboration with the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA), organized a Tribal Camp at Banakudi village, Nilgiris, recently.
The event focused on understanding and appreciating the culture, lifestyle, and history of the Irular and Kurumbas tribes.
Thirumoorthi, project manager of the association and Puspha Kumar, Public Relations Officier of the association provided an insightful explanation of these tribal communities. He highlighted their unique cultural practices, traditional lifestyles, and historical significance.
He also mentioned that the Irulars are known for their expertise in forest-based activities and traditional healing, while the Kurumbas have a rich heritage of art, music, and spiritual practices deeply connected to nature.
The session served to foster cultural awareness and appreciation among the participants.
The students also met Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru, District Collector of Nilgiris. She appreciated the social work students for their efforts and encouraged their contributions to tribal welfare and cultural understanding.
Sangeetha, an expert in CSR projects, conducted a session for MSW students, explaining Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). She detailed its importance as a community-based approach to identifying and addressing local issues.
Her insights emphasized empowering communities by involving them in decision-making processes for sustainable development.
Muthusamy provided an overview of the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association’s history, highlighting its founding by Narasiman.
He shared insights into Narasiman’s vision and dedication to uplifting the Adivasi communities in the Nilgiris through welfare initiatives, by laying the foundation for NAWA’s impactful work.
