UPSC Articles
Namath Basai: A unique programme in Kerala
Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions; Education & GS-I – Society (Tribes)
In News:
- Namath Basai is a unique programme being carried out in Attappady, Kerala.
- Under it, tribal children are taught in their mother tongue.
Key takeaways
- The programme is being implemented by the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK).
- SSK is a programme for the school education sector (pre-school to class 12).
- Aim: To improve school effectiveness.
- It offers pre-recorded classes through a YouTube channel.
- It is available in three tribal languages of the Irula, Muduka and Kurumba tribes.
- It is being introduced in tribal belts of Wayanad and Idukki as well.
- Classes are offered in the Oorali, Mutuvan and Paniya languages in Idukki.
Important value additions
Kurumba Tribe
- Popularly known as: Mala Pulayans, Hill Pulayans and Pamba Pulayans.
- Traditional occupation : Foraging and shifting cultivation.
- Art of body tattooing.
- Skilled in manufacture of baskets and mats
- Religion: Animism (belief in spirituality of objects, places, and creatures) and Totemism (Worship of any species of plants or animals thought to possess supernatural powers)
Irula or Irular Tribe
- Occupation: Agriculturists
- Grow Paddy, Ragi, dhal, plantains, chillies and turmeric
- Religion: Majority worship Vishnu (Rangaswami and Siva). Some worship the tiger and practice animism.
Mudugars or Muduka tribe
- Have social divisions at kal (clan) level.
- Traditional Occupation: Food gatherers and hunters.
- Religion: Hinduism (Worship Shiva)
