A Nomad Called Thief: Reflections on Adivasi Silence

The essays in this books focus on the inadequacies in the way adivasis have been looked at and thought about, resulting in their complete marginalisation and oppression. The essays are the result of the author’s deep involvement with tribal peoples, their cultures and literatures, and also with the problems they face in the ‘modern’ world. Interesting and pertinent questions are discussed-tribal aphasia, tribal silence in the face of the threat to their physical environment and to their physical environment and to their knowledge systems; the violence experienced by tribals, and also the inducting of tribals in the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002; tribal knowledge systems; and the relevance of Gandhi to our troubled times. The essays bring together the author’s insights from his decades of work as an activist, student and teacher working with adivasis on issues as varied as health, microfinance, education and literature. The essays also highlight initiatives such as Budhan an Dhol (adivasi news magazines), the Adivasi Academy where the world is studied through adivasi eyes, and the setting up of the unique Museum of Voice.