Kerala's Muthuvan tribe comes together to protect their language, culture

The Hindu

2 days ago

A rare convention of the ingenious Muthuvan community has taken on a novel mission to protect their language and culture. The Muthuvan Adivasi Samudaya Sangam, an organisation of the community, is organising a three-day special conference that began at the Chempakathozukudy tribal settlement near Suryanelli in Munnar, on Friday. The event is being conducted as part of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9.
C. Rajendran, a member of the Muthuvan Adivasi Samudaya Sangam (State committee), and a district panchayat member, stated that the convention decided to uphold the traditions of the community. 'We have decided to stick to our tribal language while conversing among ourselves. Besides, the members are also urged to adhere by our traditional culture,' he said.
'The convention also decided to adapt to the changes in the new world and hear the voices of elderly Kanis (tribal head) in each settlement,' said Mr. Rajendran.
According to the organisers, over 2,000 community members from various parts were in attendance. Around 130 Kanis also represented their settlements. The tribal members who attended the event also wore their traditional attire. During the meeting, the community members stated that their tribe exists in harmony with the forests and wild animals, while ensuring its protection.
Around 25,000 members of the Muthuvan tribal community are living in the Idukki, Ernakulam, and Thrissur districts, the organisers said.
Writer and journalist M.J. Babu, who attended the inaugural meeting, said, 'Muthuvan tribal heads are known for their profound knowledge about the forests and wildlife. The community members played a crucial role in ensuring the protection of the Kanan Devan Hills and are continuing in that mission.'
Kerala Police Academy director K. Sethuraman was the special guest of the meeting. Adimaly, assistant tribal development officer M. Kandaswami, inaugurated the public meeting. Munnar wildlife warden K.V. Harikrishnan delivered the tribal day message. Tribal poet Ashokan Marayur and journalist and writer M.J. Babu, among others, attended the conference.
On the concluding day on Sunday, there will be a discussion about tribal education and farming. A Muthuvan tribal procession was held as part of the conference from Suryanelli to Chempakathozukudy.