Tribals should be made aware of rights

NASHIK, MAY 18: GENUINE tribals are, today, facing a serious threat to their very existence. Meanwhile imposters are reaping the benefits o...

NASHIK, MAY 18: GENUINE tribals are, today, facing a serious threat to their very existence. Meanwhile imposters are reaping the benefits of reservations, according to the president designate of the sixth Tribal Literary Conference scheduled to be held in Nashik on May 24 and 25, Bhujang Meshram.

Meshram pointed out that it was necessary to make the tribals literate and conscious of their rights.

He said that the genuine tribal had been isolated from the mainstream and was neglected. He stated that a revaluation of tribal culture, untainted by foreign influences, was necessary.

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He also stressed the need to develop self-respect among tribals through mass awareness and education. He said there was a need to bring them into the national mainstream. Educated tribals could help bring about this change he hoped.

He pointed out that while â€˜bogusâ€™ tribals were reaping the benefits of reservations in education and jobs, the genuine ones were facing hurdles in obtaining caste certificates and relevant papers from officials.

He said that tribal literature, which was an extension of Dalit literature would help create awareness among tribals.