AHMEDABAD, Gujarat(SAR NEWS) --Jai Adivasi 2010 (meaning Victory to Tribals) is a multi-coloured calendar with unique features. Its much more than a calendar. Like in the past few years, the Jesuits-run Shakti Legal Aid Human Rights Centre, a well-known non-government organisation, has brought out the calendar in collaboration with NGOs like Adivasi Maha Mandal, Gujarat.
The information, illustrations, photos, etc., given in the tabloid-size calendar have an awakening or educational purpose. This is seen from the presentation of each page of the 12 months of the calendar. Jai Adivasi 2010 has special relevance to Gujarat as the state has 15 per cent of tribal population among its 5.5 crore people.
The January 2010 page has a short write-up on the life, mission and achievements of Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Martin Luther King (Jr.) of America. The write-up says that many leaders like Mahatma Gandhi have dreamed of social awakening and dedicated their lives to realise their dreams and given us the leadership and encouragement even facing oppositions and great difficulties. The final sentence says, Even in our Adivasi society there are many people with leadership qualities.
The same page is illustrated with photos of great leaders like Dr. Ambedkar, Gandhiji, Martin Luther King (Jr.) and Barack Obama with their key messages like Get educated, organised and fight for rights (Babasaheb Ambedkar); My Life is my Message (Gandhiji); I have a dream (Martin Luther King Jr.) and Yes, we can (Obama).
On the page of February 2010, one sees similar illustrations, write-ups and messages of great tribal leaders in India like Bhirsa Munda (of Jharkhand), Tathya Bheel (of Madhya Pradesh) and their specific contributions to tribal society. On the same page, a few tribal leaders of Gujarat and Maharashtra and their contributions to tribal welfare are also highlighted.
Every page or every month of the calendar has highlighted one or other aspect of tribal life. Forest, land and leadership aspects are highlighted in March. April month has highlighted various groups of tribals like Chaudhari, Gamit, Vasava, Dodia, Bheel, Rathwa, Garasia, etc.
Tribal languages are highlighted in the month of May. June and July months have photos, illustrations and write-ups about tribal music and musical instruments.
Tribal dance (August), tribal festivals (September), uniqueness of tribal houses (October) are highlighted in different months as indicated in brackets.
November and December months have illustrations and information about legal matters and government projects like food security, National Rural Employment Guarantee of Employment of 100 days per family, among other things.
All in all, the calendar creates awareness about tribal dignity and rights besides giving a call for leadership and development.
