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Session 2: Examining Adivasi-Indigenous discourse
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Jyothsna
1:13
Akash points to the 'Tana Bhagat Movement' in Chattisgarh that began in the 20th century, led to divisions within Adivasi communities.
1:15
He notes that the Tana Bhagat movement also led to the rise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in areas occupied by Adivasis.
1:17
Akash Poyam on Adivasi knowledge and what non-tribal researchers should keep in mind when working with indigenous groups. 
Akash emphasises that aside from sanskritisation,  there is also the concept of 'Rajputaization', where several Adivasi communities began assuming  Rajput identities.
1:18
He contends that although Adivasi communities have never been a part of the institution of caste, organisations like Babu Dharma Sabha began  conducting janaeu (sacred thread) ceremonies among the Adivasis.
1:21
Reflecting on the words of Ram Dayal Munda, who deemed Adivasis as "sub-humans and un-humans", Akash notes that all of these discourses were backed by 'the civilising movements' brought forth by the RSS and Brahminical communities.
1:22
1:24
He also delves into the Anti-Brahmanical movements of Adivasi communities that remained invisible in the mainstream framework of society. Akash notes that the everyday life of Adivasis heavily revolves around spirituality.
1:27
Citing the example of Sonu Bhilwae, who died by suicide, after opposing the practice of Durga Puja, Akash also contends that the current, younger generations across borders go against their Adivasi ancestors, who have imbibed brahminical traditions, as part of adapting to a 'Sanskritised' discourse.
1:30
He goes on to draw parallels with the rise of the Gondwana Ganatantra Party, who have voiced the need for separate religious identities for Adivasi communities, away from the shadow of Hinduism.
1:32
Akash: "In order to oppose Durga Puja, the Gonds wrote letters to their district collector that Ravana was their god. This developing discourse not only protests against right-wing ideologies but also has a strong angle of spirituality, in them."
1:35
Akash Poyam on caste representation in media 
1:37
Responding to a question from the audience, Dr. Maroona says that Adivasis are not collateral damage, they have their own agency and are children of nature. They need to learn from so-called advanced areas of the world and unlearn what they have been doing and induce a sort of global village.
1:40
"The idea of being sub-human is contemporary and colonial. Unfortunately, the government also reduces us to terms like 'displaced people.' We are not seen as humans, but merely as numbers and letters," adds Akash.
1:55
2:01
He goes on to talk about how the cultural practices of Adivasi groups are used for commercial purposes, citing the example of the national tribal dance performance of the Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh, at an exhibition, whose performance was diminished, as the viewers paid more attention to photographing them.
2:07
Akash Poyam and Dr. Maroona address issues surrounding Adivasi -Indigenous discourses.
2:08
That wraps up Session 2 of the colloquium. Thanks for being with us. Stay tuned for Session 3.
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