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.
