By Kavya-People & Nature Collective, Fazeela –Community willbeing
In the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, where nature, culture, and community are deeply intertwined, Keystone Foundation continues to champion initiatives that strengthen cultural pride, ecological resilience, and community well-being. Two powerful events exemplify this effort: the Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, “Nanka Maath, Nanka Theeni,” and the Disaster Management Training combined with the International Indigenous Day Celebration – Bardhayya… 2025.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration – “Nanka Maath, Nanka Theeni” (Our Language, Our Food – in Kattunaikka language)
Gothradeepam Library, in collaboration with Keystone Foundation and HUME Centre, hosted a two-day celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day under the theme “Nanka Maath, Nanka Theeni”. In the Kattunaikka language, this phrase translates to Our Language, Our Food.
Day One began with a heartfelt welcome song, written and composed by our health worker Amritha and sung by the children of Gothradeepam. Our Block Panchayat President and community film director, Leela Santhosh, attended the inauguration. In a symbolic and touching moment, village head Velli Mooppan blessed the young children with thudi and cheeni, passing on the rhythm and music of our ancestors.
The morning sessions included:
- Importance and Usage of Indigenous Languages – with voices from Paniya, Kurichya, Kuruma, and Kattunaikka communities, moderated by a Kuruma scholar (MA, MPhil in Anthropology).
- Indigenous Communities: Past and Present – led by an Assistant Professor from Farooq College and researcher Vinodh Mancheeri, moderated by Ramu Sir, with rich and thought-provoking discussions.
The day also featured:
- A drawing and painting exhibition by youngsters from Paniya, Kurichya, and Ravula communities — their very first exhibition, a proud milestone for them and for all of us.
- The Gothra Paithruka Pradarshanam by the Nilambur PNC team showcases valuable heritage items.
- An exhibition of uncultivated edible leaves by the Keystone team, highlighting traditional knowledge of wild and seasonal greens.
The evening cultural program featured first-time stage performances by Mini Karimam (Ravula community) with a cholappaattu on a bamboo chola, and Raju P.V. (Kattunaikkan) with community songs and stories. Vinu Kidachullan (Paniya community) concluded the night with Paniya songs and reflections on change, resilience, and the struggles of his people.
Day 2: Nanka Theeni
Day Two opened with a session on The Importance of Traditional Food, led by Dr. Seetha Kakkoth (Professor of Rural and Tribal Sociology) and Tapco Extension Officer Baiju K.S. from the Ravula community. They shared insights into the food habits of the Cholanaikka and Ravula communities.
This was followed by a Traditional Food Fest featuring 62 dishes lovingly prepared by mothers and grandmothers from the Paniya and Kurichya communities. Every visitor to the library had the joy of tasting them all. The session was inaugurated when Theyi and Anju, representing the mothers, offered a dish to Dr. Seetha and Baiju.
In the afternoon, a Panel Discussion on Food and Health brought together an Assistant Professor from the Kurichya community, a traditional practitioner, an allopathic doctor, an organic farmer, and the CEO of PAN India. Moderated by Gothradeepam Coordinator Pradeesh K.R., the discussion was lively, informative, and inspiring.
The final event was Cultural Night, beginning with the vibrant beats of Sinkari Melam by Paniya artists. Inaugurated by Ranjani Prasad with the lighting of the chiraath, the night featured Nellukuth Paattu of the Kurichya community, Vattakkali and Kambalanatty of the Paniya community, Muram Kali, and spirited performances by our children.
Over these two days, Gothradeepam Library became more than a venue — it became a living space of memory, pride, and unity. From songs to stories, food art, every moment reminded us that our languages, our knowledge, and our traditions are treasures we carry forward together.
Bardhayya… 2025 – Disaster Management Training & International Indigenous Day
Keystone Foundation and Karulai Grama Panchayat organized a disaster management training and International Indigenous Day celebration under the name of Bardhayya… 2025.
The program was inaugurated by Karulai Grama Panchayat Vice President Mr. Suresh Master. Chennan Potti Village, Moopan, Mr. Jayakrishnan presided over the function.
Keystone Foundation Subject Coordinator Mr. Sunil Nedumkayam welcomed the programme. Keystone Additional Program Coordinator Mrs. Faseela gave a presentation. Greetings were given by the Karulai Grama Panchayat 6th Ward Member
Shri. E. K. Abdurahiman, ‘Ghandhe’ Group Member, Mr. Vinod Mancheeri, Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society CRPs Ms. Ajithamani, Ms. Saritha E. B, Kerala Aadhivasi Forum Member, Mrs. Lakshmi Babu, ‘GOTHRA’ Member, Mrs. Kalyani Krishnankutty, Thoduve Community Foundation Secretary, Mr. Aneesh, Forest Rights Coordination Committee President, and Mr. Manivarnan spoke.
Keystone Foundation’s Wayanad Technical Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Rafi, gave a class on disaster management. Mr. Aneesh Neerpuzha Mukkam and Mr. Madhavan Pulimunda, who are doing social work in the tribal area, were honoured. Vegetable seedlings and farming aids were also distributed to the participants of the program. Keystone Foundation Technical Coordinator, Mr. Shyamjit Palakkayam, also expressed a vote of Thanks
