For the six tribal women from various remote settlements in reserve forests in Coimbatore, it was the first time they went out of the district. However, they could not have chosen a grander occasion.
For, they were invited by a Union Ministry initiative to take part in its first-even rare food festival featuring traditional and ethnic cuisines organised in New Delhi between January 16 and 19 by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India).
Their products received such a good response that the ministry invited them for a second time to take part in another food mela held from February 8 to 21.
The six women - Priya (22), M. Sumathi (37), and S. Kaliammal (29) from Keelpillur tribal settlement, N. Radha (27) from Manar tribal settlement, V. Sulochana (38) from Kopaneri tribal settlement and M. Umamaheshwari (32) Colony Pudhur Tribal settlement - prepared 19 food items such as athirasam, payasam, muruku, laddu, idly/dosai, pongal and herbal coffee.
These six were among the hundreds of tribal women to have benefitted from the courses conducted by the Avinashilingam Jan Shikshan Sansthan (AJSS), which was established in 1984 by the Avinashilingam Educational Trust.
In April, the AJSS began six projects of the total 10 it had proposed under Rs 10 lakh worth project of National Mission for Empowerment of Women.
It aims to train 150 tribal women in Karamadai forest range in eight types of arts and crafts such as Warli Art, Coffee Painting, 3D Painting using forest waste, Sand Art, Cardboard Painting, Cutting and Tailoring, Bridal Makeup and Artificial Jewel making.
Ms. Priya says they were initially scared of going to an unknown place without knowing Hindi. Now, after two trips, they have gained the confidence to go anywhere in the country.
“We got good income and publicity in participating in both exhibitions. More importantly, we gained courage and self-esteem,” she adds.
V. Balasubramanian, AJSS Director, says they work closely with the Forest Department to empower tribal men and women.
The initiatives range arts and crafts, food preparation and literacy programmes to make them understand the importance and the benefits of training and education.
Literacy centres were started at Sirukinaru, Kethaikadu and Veerakkal tribal settlements with the Forest Department providing classrooms and solar lighting.
