Tribal people always have special place in society, thanks to their unique culture, tradition, and language. Though there is no script of their own, the unique legacy is somehow being passed on to the next generation for centuries.
But with the present generation giving importance to regular education and study in English, Telugu, and Odia, tribal heads of the Savara community are worried over preservation of their culture, tradition and, language for posterity.
Savara, which is spoken by around 3.8 lakh people in the North Andhra region, needs to be protected since it is the one of the important languages of tribal people of the region.
A NGO — The Action in Rural Technology and Services (ARTS) — which has been studying their lifestyle for the last two decades, published two books ‘Savara Jivanatarangalu’ and ‘Adivasi Kalachakra’.
“It took me more than five years to depict their lifestyle in those two books. The books will surely help the next generation of the Savara community. The government can also use the information since use of medicinal plants and protection of nature, rules and regulations in the community were mentioned at length,” said Nuka Sanyasi Rao, author of the books and ARTS director.
According to him, the Savara society has its own literature with songs, stories, and games. They have their own agriculture and crop systems. They actively participate in crop festivals and rituals such as Thimsa by wearing traditional ornaments. The tribal group has its own painting called ‘Ethisma’ on their walls by reflecting their daily life through pictures.
The tribal people have their own goddess called ‘Jakaramma’. However, Sambara Potamamba, Malathamma, Kapparamma, Goureeswari, Mukkidipolamma and Chapari Konda Devatha are famous.
Women can express their grievances freely by sitting on particular tree or rock called ‘muganali metta.
The village elders will listen to them and resolve the problem.
Savaras mostly depend on herbal medicine for chronic diseases also. They never hurt pregnant animals and they give a lot of importance to nature.
It took me more than five years to depict their lifestyle in those two books. Those would sure to help next generation of Savara community. The government can also use the information since use of medicinal plants and protection of nature, rules and regulations in the community were mentioned at length
Nuka Sanyasi Rao
ARTS Director
NGO publishes two books on the community
