The workshop aimed to train the principals and teachers about the pertinent physical and mental health topics in the context of the tribal ecosystem and help them in implementing the training in their respective tribal schools.

Learning centres set up in remote villages of Malkangiri district in Odisha persuade children of migrant labourers to return to schools that had closed during the pandemic. These centres, steered by community volunteers, offer remedial classes and help enrol kids in the government schools.

The formation of three consecutive low pressure areas in the Bay of Bengal has resulted in heavy downpour in the coastal state. The floods have not only disrupted transport and connectivity across the Mahanadi river basin but also posed serious worries for the farmers who are staring at losses. Also, there is little hope of respite for the affected population as there is forecast for further rainfall tomorrow.

Biswanath Tudu’s work has helped promote the Ol Chiki script of the Santali language. In 2010 when Biswanath Tudu got the Akademi Award, there were less than 100 Ol Chiki litterateurs in Odisha who read and wrote this unique script, but now their number has increased to over 300.

A high yielding variety of Kufri potatoes has been introduced in Koraput in Odisha where over 7,000 farmers are reaping profits. These ‘rain’ variety potatoes are sown in July during peak rains and harvested in October.

Weaving palm leaves together to make decoration pieces, and weaving traditional headgears with siali leaves are the ancient crafts of the Bhumij tribe. A Balasore-based charitable trust is working with villagers to keep the craft alive.