By Ranjani Prasad, Programme Coordinator, People and Nature Collectives
Header Photo: Anokha Venugopal
On 21st September 2024, Keystone Foundation organised a Youth Festival as a gathering and building new networks of graduates and educated indigenous youth from across the Nilgiris district, titled Tribal Graduation and Education Festival’ / Pazhangudiyanar Pattamallippu Matrum Kalvi Urungainaipu Vizha. Nearly 270 educated youth, of which almost 140 were women, attended the festival, where they were felicitated in a convocation ceremony for continuing their educational aspirations against several odds.
The purpose of the programme was to recognize graduates in the district, and network them on a platform that aids in communicating scholarships, job opportunities, government schemes, entrepreneurial and livelihood options that are available to students from marginalised backgrounds. Youth engagement powers much of Keystone’s development action in the Nilgiris, and this was an occasion for attendants to exchange experiences and tribulations of formal education and access to opportunities post-education.
The students who participated in this event were from the Irula, Alu Kurumba, Toda and Kota communities and there was representation from several regions, including Sigur, Pillur, Aracode, Hassanur, Kadambur, Coonoor, Ooty, and Konnavakarai.
Graduates from different tribal communities light the lamp and give speeches on their educational experiences. Photos: Anokha Venugopal
As part of this programme, Keystone Foundation’s Founder Director, Pratim Roy, Director, Jyotsna Krishnakumar, and indigenous community teachers Jayanthi, Nalla Muthu and Dharmaraj distributed Certificates for their achievement along with a folder of information for fresh graduates and scholarship seekers. A panel discussion of several graduates from all the communities took stage to share their experiences of completing formal education, success and struggles of higher education. Through their speeches, the graduates motivated other young people to continue pursuing higher education for better livelihood opportunities and development of their communities. Rajeshwari, an activist and researcher from Social Watch (Chennai) gave a talk on the government scholarships available for students hailing from a Scheduled Tribe background and related schemes. There was also an exhibition celebrating Youth Engagements through Keystone Foundation, divided into four sections: Food Sovereignty, Land & Culture, Climate Resilience, and Coexistence.
The programme also included a group activity where different student groups responded to questions on their current aspirations. The day ended with festivities and Irula music and dance, played by a traditional group of musicians (Arakol) from the Aracode region.
Attendees experience the exhibit, looking at a wild/farmed seeds display and the Land & Culture section. Photos: Ranjani Prasad
Feedback:
Students participated in a digital survey, which revealed interesting insights about their need for support. Some responses involved desires to appear in the Public Service Examinations, availing scholarships and financial aid from governments, job opportunities post graduation, etc. Based on some of the responses, we understood that nearly 82% of the respondents had not registered with the employment office, or were unaware of the subsidies available to them. Over 70% of the respondents wished for support in the form of tutorials and study support, job search, or mentorship in securing skilled jobs. For Keystone Foundation, there were significant insights into job preferences amongst the youth. The survey also revealed exciting opportunities to build interest groups and clusters of young leaders who can liaison more effectively with government departments to incentivise higher education.
Following this event, Keystone Foundation hopes to continue engaging with the network of educated youth and building key awareness related to social issues, job opportunities, training for capacities development and skill building.
Keystone would like to extend a massive congratulations to all students for working so hard to complete their education. We are so excited to see where the future takes you.
Festivities and dancing! Left photo: Anokha Venugopal. Right photo: Ranjani Prasad.
