The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Save Nilgiris campaign seeks to help indigenous tribes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 04, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Save Nilgiris campaign seeks to help indigenous tribes

Swahilya

It aims to raise awareness of the pressing problems of the district

MUSIC OF THE MOUNTAINS: Kota community members from the Nilgiris perform at a cultural programme in Chennai on Friday. — Photo: K. Pichumani

CHENNAI: They came in a noisy procession playing their pipes and trumpets. It was an indicator of the evening of vibrant music and dance that was to follow.

Dharmalingam Venugopal, coordinator of the Save Nilgiris Campaign, explains that this is the welcome note of the people of the Nilgiris. The Save Nilgiris Campaign, South Zone Cultural Centre and the Development Promotion Group on Friday jointly organised the "Music of the Mountains" featuring tribal music from the Nilgiris.

Mr. Dharmalingam said the Todas, Kotas, Kurumbas, Badagas and Irulas and other tribes had been studied in detail and the Nilgiris was known for its bio-diversity. The Save Nilgiris Campaign sought to raise public awareness on the pressing problems of the district through meetings and conferences.

N. Murali, president, Music Academy, said the music was uplifting and it was for a cause worthy of support. "This provides a rare opportunity for the audience to listen to the folk music of the Nilgiri hills. Folk music always has a rustic charm about it," he said. The tribes of Nilgiris had a rich cultural tradition narrated through song and music. The indigenous tribes were well documented in Asia, but there was little awareness about them in cities such as Chennai.

Mr. Murali said that there were socio-economic problems as the tea industry had not been doing well for the past five years. Small tea growers were affected the most and youngsters were leaving villages to look for jobs outside the district.

A.C. Mohandoss, director, South Zone Cultural Centre, said the centre was engaged in preserving various dying art forms and music. R. Bakthar Solomon, chief executive officer, Development Promotion Group, said the campaign started 20 years ago.

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