Raising our voices

Pre-pandemic training on using social media

In 2016, #AdivasiLivesMatter (ALM) began as a campaign on various social media platforms to initiate conversations and throw light on the life and cultures of Adivasi and tribal regions and their peoples. The movement soon turned into an organisation that has helped train Adivasi youth, provide relief during the pandemic, and even put out stories and narratives from their perspective over the past five years.

Since then, the organisation has conducted regular training in Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Tripura, in writing, video-making and more but when the pandemic hit, all operations had to be moved online. Even amidst this scenario, the group was keen to keep its spirit alive, and so launched the first edition of the Adivasi Awaaz Summit, a four-day event leading up to the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, on August 8. The sessions comprise talks, panel discussions and musical performances geared towards amplifying indigenous experiences.

A tutorial in Tamil Nadu

"It was started by Ashish Birulee, Isha Chitnis, and Ankush V with the idea that Adivasis and tribals of India do not get the recognition they need in modern media. Even when they do, it's very stereotypical. Adivasis are either considered ‘junglees' or seen as the face of protests. These groups constitute a huge demographic, so there's obviously more to them than just that," says Tripura-based Hamari Jamatia, content manager at ALM.

"The event will include talks on journalism, filmmaking and social media. We're also organising a music event where Adivasi bands from across the country will perform. We're trying to focus on music in indigenous languages; a mix of modern and traditional styles," adds Jamatia.

On: August 3 to 8
Log on to: adivasilivesmatter.com/adivasiawaazsummit