Maharashtra: How fashion helps prevent inter-tribal conflict

Natural colours from vegetables, herbs, and mud, which our ancestors have used, are now embraced by sustainable fashion brands in the West

A community led by Manisha Madavi, a Gond tribe member hailing from the forests of Gadchiroli, who was crowned Mrs India in 2021, has started an endeavour that uses fashion and modelling as a tool to help comprehend each other’s culture and to curb potential inter-tribal conflict. On August 6, the event, saw the crowning of Mr and Mrs Koya, accompanied by a protest against anticipated atrocities for World Tribal Day.

Leading this initiative is Manisha Madavi, a Gond tribe member hailing from the forests of Gadchiroli, who was crowned Mrs India in 2021. On August 6, the event, saw the crowning of Mr and Mrs Koya, accompanied by a protest against anticipated atrocities for World Tribal Day. Addressing the motivation behind this initiative, Manisha explained, “Tribal youth are increasingly drawn to Western fashion due to the influence of social media. Natural colours from vegetables, herbs, and mud, which our ancestors have used, are now embraced by sustainable fashion brands in the West.”

Manisha garnered participants from tribes across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana through social media posters. Annapurna Meshsham, an anchor and participant, emphasised the event’s purpose, “This gathering unites India’s diverse tribes, fostering understanding and preventing future conflicts. We will discuss the loving nature of tribal people and protest against the violence in Manipur,” she said.

Rajkumar Bhawdas Uikey, from the Raj Gond tribe, expressed how the loss of the Gondi language motivated his participation, deepening his understanding of his identity. Manisha explained the essence of tribal fashion, intertwined with nature and sustainability. Beyond fashion, Manisha’s vision encompasses sharing tribal traditions, stories, and sustainable practices that could gain admiration worldwide.

Suchita Motwani, who attended a tribal cultural event and fashion show in Pune, expressed her belief in these women’s potential to compete on international stages like Paris Fashion Week. Sister Brita, a social worker and project coordinator for the welfare of the Warli tribe, underscored the transformative impact of this initiative. “For the first time in my 20 years of tribal welfare work, I witnessed their confidence and progress. Through fashion, they defied stereotypes,” she said.

Aug 6
Day the event was held

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