The “Namath Basai” programme, a unique initiative by the Kerala State government in India, aims to teach tribal children in their native languages. The scheme operates under the canopy of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), an encompassing program that oversees school education from pre-school to class 12. It strives for enhanced school effectiveness through equitable learning opportunities.
The Role of Samagra Shiksha Kerala
Implemented by Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), the Namath Basai initiative works towards providing equal educational opportunities, primarily focusing on improving schooling and equitable learning outcomes. It has seen considerable success in preventing tribal children from dropping out of online classes, by teaching them in their mother tongue.
Methodology and Impact
In an effort to prevent student dropouts in rural communities, the Namath Basai programme offers pre-recorded classes via a dedicated YouTube channel. Currently, classes are available in three tribal languages specific to the Attappady valley in Palakkad District, Kerala. These languages belong to the Irula, Muduka and Kurumba tribes. This linguistic approach has substantially reduced dropout rates among tribal children.
Distribution of Classes
Buoyed by its success in the Palakkad District, the programme is being expanded to the tribal belts of Wayanad and Idukki. Courses are presented in the local Oorali, Muthuvan and Paniya languages in Idukki. Meanwhile, Wayanad, which houses the most significant number of tribals in Kerala, has also started to benefit from this initiative.
Insight into Tribal Communities
Kurumba Tribe
Known as Mala Pulayans, Hill Pulayans and Pamba Pulayans, these tribes traditionally forage and practice shifting cultivation. They gather forest products such as honey, wax, soapnut, turmeric, ginger and wild cardamoms. The Kurumba tribe is skilled in the art of body tattooing and manufacturing baskets and mats. Their religion is animism, believing in the spiritual powers of objects and places, and totemism, worshipping species of plants or animals thought to possess supernatural powers.
Irula Tribe
Noted agriculturists, the Irula or Irular tribe cultivates crops like paddy, ragi, dhal, plantains, chillies and turmeric. While the majority worshipped Hindu gods Vishnu and Shiva, some tribes people practice animism with tiger worship.
Muduga Tribe
The Mudugars or Muduka tribe is traditionally a community of food gatherers and hunters, with social divisions at clan level. They primarily adhere to Hinduism, extensively worshipping the deity Shiva.
“Namath Basai” is an exemplary programme that prioritizes tribal children’s education using culturally-sensitive methods encouraging community participation and reducing student dropouts. It serves as a beacon, demonstrating how linguistic inclusivity can profoundly impact education within marginalized communities.
