Keeping it Local: Change and Development in an Indian Tribal Community

Few people know about the indigenous people of India and even fewer understand them. They are a gentle people, living in the rhythm of their natural environment, a hidden resource rich in knowledge. However, their language and culture are under threat of extinction as Globalisation brings the outside world and its practices closer, ever more rapidly. This book is about one such group in a remote corner of the state of Andhra Pradesh, struggling in their efforts to develop ways of life fast disappear. The Adivasi Abhivrudi Samskruthika Sangam Araku valley (AASSAV-the tribal community development society, Araku valley), a fully indigenous organization which are out of a bilingual literary programme, has had a positive effect on this community in India. The organization has struggled to over come many obstacles-in its role, activities and relationships. This book tells the fascinating 18 -years story of seeking a local form of sustainable development-a search based on values of dignity and courage. This book will be interest to all those who have a particular concern for minorities, indigenous people and culturally marginalized groups, It offer insights for academic institution, national and international agencies. Governments and NGOs as the lessons which can be learned from the experience of this group are common everywhere. The book includes thought-provoking question which will challenge readers to think seriously about their own practices and methods.