Distributing rice, lentils and soap among vulnerable communities during COVID-19

Although the strictest lockdown conditions were eased in Southern India, people in tribal areas are still facing impaired access to food supply. Where limited transportation facilities and shortened opening hours of grocery shops restrict people’s possibilities, it adds onto job loss in the formal and informal sector and a third wave of COVID-19 infections. Access…

Raising awareness in a worsening mental health crisis in India

How an Indian psychiatrist engages to break the stigma COVID-19 has forced people all over the world to stand still, to stay at home, to distance themselves from stabilizing social environments, to lose job opportunities and to let go of dreams. Some have lost their loved ones, others are on the brink of financial ruin,…

Soap making day to protect tribal communities

The COVID-19 virus is a huge risk to all, and even more for ethnic minorities. Tribals comprise a substantial minority population of India, making up 8.6% of India‘s population, or 104.2 million people, according to the 2011 census. One of the most impactful activities to combat infections is soap and hygiene practices. But soap is…

Also this is our world: a Toda village and a sacred stone

Toda tribes live in the highest altitude of the Nilgiris mountains in South India, mainly in the surroundings of Udhagamanalam (Ooty) and Kunda taluks. They are part of the pastoral tribes and worship buffalos. The ‘hamlets’ of Todas comprise only a few houses. Todas normally live in half barrel houses. Nowadays there are only ca….