Documentary Screening on World Tribal Day

Title of the event: Documentary Screening (Baiga Tribe)

Type of Event:

Date: 9 August 2024

Venue: Meeting Room

Organized by: Department of Sociology and Social Work

Activity Coordinator – Dr. Arti Sharma

No. of Participants/Beneficiaries: 13

The documentary about Baiga Tribe has been created by Ministry of Tribal Affairs to throw light Baiga people, an indigenous tribe primarily residing in central India, especially in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The film delves into various facets of their existence, highlighting their unique cultural practices, traditional lifestyles, and the challenges they face in the modern world.It is imperative of  the students of Sociology and Social Work to develop some practical understanding about the tribes.The Baiga are renowned for their deep connection to nature. Traditionally, they practice shifting cultivation, known locally as 'bewar' or 'dahiya', which involves rotating plots of land for farming without plowing, as they believe it would harm their Mother Earth. Their diet primarily consists of coarse grains like kodo millet and kutki, supplemented by forest produce such as fruits, vegetables, and tubers. A staple drink in their diet is 'pej', made from ground maize or the water left from boiling rice, which helps keep the body cool. The mahua flower holds significant importance in their cuisine and rituals, being used to prepare beverages and various dishes.

Through the documentary one could see how Baiga men typically wear a loincloth and cover their heads with a piece of cloth, while women wear dhotis. On special occasions, men don shirts, jackets, and turbans, whereas women adorn themselves with saris and silver jewellery.

Challenges and Modern Pressures:

The documentary also sheds light on the adversities faced by the Baiga community. Historically, they have been subjected to forced evictions from their ancestral lands, often under the guise of conservation efforts, particularly for tiger reserves. These displacements have disrupted their traditional way of life, leading to socio-economic challenges.

After the screening , the students were asked to talk about their observations and what are the possible suggestions for assisting people of Baiga Tribe. The discussion highlighted the fact that awareness of tribal problems can be the starting point of addressing all the essential concerns. There has to a better focus on jobs ,education and

The film provides a comprehensive portrayal of the Baiga tribe's rich heritage, emphasizing their harmonious relationship with nature and the ongoing struggles they face amidst external pressures