World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. First held in 1973, it has been focusing on environmental issues such as marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. It is a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually. Each year, the program has provided a theme and forum for businesses, non government organizations, communities, governments and celebrities to advocate for environmental causes.
On this occasion, we bring forth the humble yet magnanimous practices of tribals living the district of Purulia in West Bengal who through their tradition and art are upholding sustainability.
Purulia is a land of natural beauty with its lush green landscape, verdant hills and dense forests that make it a perfect tourist destination by giving a rustic ambience and peaceful surroundings to weary city dwellers. The district is also known for its archeological excavations and the relics of ancient buildings and temples.
Tribal ethos enriches the mystic charm and natural beauty of this land of red soil and red blooms of Palash which is home to different tribal communities like Santhals, Kurmis, Kherias-Sabars to name a few. Song, dance, and art are an intrinsic part in the lives of the tribal people living here.
Yet it is still one of the most backward districts of Bengal. There is a severe water-scarcity problem and this region is not as very agriculturally fertile compared to the gangetic planes of the rest of the West Bengal. Due to its remote location, the socio-economic development of the region has been minimal. Among the people living in the region, the people of the indigenous tribes as a whole are more backward. Usually the villages are made up of 8-10 houses and so most of the villages here are still deprived of other basic amenities including electricity or paved roads. The rate of education and the rate of livelihood are very low. They have an ultimate scarcity of drinking water. In summer, water from wells dries up so water has to be collected by digging sand.
Despite the adversities, the artists, and artisans of the district carry on their culture.
Eco-friendly utilities
For instance, Sabar tribal groups from Purulia are one of the most primitive tribal groups who are now scanty in population. The members of this community make amazing utilities out of dried grass, sabai , kashi and date leaves since ages. Their hand made products are a wondrous replacement to non biodegradable alternatives used in cities.
A Purulia born spinning activist Rubi Rakshit is helping these artisans reach out to the mainstream customers.
“Being a resident I have known these artisans since years. I have always wanted to help them and so I went to these artisans in person and had a close look at their products. These days the items are more customer-centric so I found that there was a need to revamp them. Soon I started directing them into making jewelry, rakhi, sun shield, etc that have quite a demand among the urban customers,” said Rubi Rakshit to Life Beyond Numbers.
Yet the extreme climatic conditions are the major hurdle in the flow of production for the artisans are unable to work. Rakshit understands them and stays by their side patiently as a guide.
As of now, the major source of income of the artisans has been to sell the products at several fairs across the country. But that is not really feasible.
”The people are here are very much connected to nature and calling them to cities for business is not a solution. Most of them fall ill when they have to stay in urban areas for prolonged periods. Here is where I am trying to help. I am trying to bring bulk orders to them and also inviting middlemen who would buy their products and take it to cities without them having to travel. Although I believe that the way they can explain about their products can’t match the description given by someone like us when it comes to sales,” shared Rubi shedding more light into the challenges of the tribal artisans.
Besides this being a spinning activist, Rubi is trying to teach the tribals the art of Charkha so that they can make their own hand made and eco-friendly clothing.
“Unfortunately due to cost factor and ignorance most tribals use cheap polyester clothing these days as they are picking up the ways of the city. I want to stop that for spinning is the need of the hour and hand-made clothing and products as well. I teach them this art so that they make their own clothes and also sell the surplus to become financially independent,” told Rakshit.
Purulia Chhau Masks
Purulia is widely known for its Chau Dance. Popular among Santhals, Kumars, Mahatos, Kalindis and Sahish tribal communities, the dancers sport colorful masks that represent the essentially local culture. It is the use of these beautiful masks and the exclusive style of dance, make-up and colorful costumes that have made this dance popular all over the world. Many consider this form to be a kind of martial art because of the physical strength and agility involved in the dancing. Earlier the productions were primarily based on mythological stories from the Ramayana, the Puranas etc but presently contemporary issues like Santhal revolt, Kargil war etc are used as themes.
But how is Chau Dance sustainable? It is so because the wide eyed masks used in the dance are made of pulp, painted with indigenous colors and decorated with peacock feathers, zari (gold and silver embroidery) and jute – used to make knitted eyebrows and thick hair on the demon masks.
The masks have made it to tribal fairs and are often used as showpieces in urban setups these days.
“Yet the tribals are forgetting their dance and music due to the urban exposure. You now find DJs replacing the traditional songs that spoke of the culture and nature. We try to make them conscious but the wave is too strong. Also, there are few people who work for brick kilns and get good sum of money in exchange of that. This has reduced their urge to make the indigenous products as that requires a lot of patience and mood. Still proper marketing, exposure, and awareness about these things will save what is eroding with changing times,” concluded Rakshit.
To help Rubi Rakshit and her team keep up the good work kindly contribute in the below bank account details.
Account number – 50200051669221
IFSC – HDFC0002675
Name – MG Gramodyog Sewa Sansthan Foundation
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