Vazachal is a small rainforest in Kerala near the Anamalai hills. Home to the tribal population of Kadars, it provides forest produce to this primitive tribe. First-year students of Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Amritapuri campus recently had the opportunity to learn more about the Kadars, when they visited Vazachal.
“We organized a tribal camp at Vazachal titled Vongal after the tribal name for a hornbill. Our aim was to bring students closer to nature and observe the life of Kadars,” stated Dr. Renjith Pillai, Head of the Department of Social Work.
During the camp days, the students observed tribal folks going deep into the forest, for collecting timber, honey and other forest produce.
“In the past, these folks used to cultivate food grains like Ragi but after the Government intervened, asking them to grow cash crops, and promising free food grains, the cultivation patterns changed. The sad thing is that this venture didn’t really help these folks,” the students shared.
Students had the opportunity to attend Oorukuttam, with forest officials and the local councilor. Similar to a community meeting, this provided a platform for the tribal population to share grievances and talk about their needs.
“Alcoholism is very prevalent here and the money they make, goes for buying alcohol. Both men and women consume alcohol almost daily. This has become a part of their culture now,” stated Ms. Veena Suresh, Faculty, Department of Social Work.
The students provided awareness about the dangers of alcoholism to the tribal folk.
Interacting with the Public Health Centre officials, they learned about the common diseases, the available facilities, provision of health camps and awareness programs.
Medical facilities are provided for free by the Government, yet problems persist. “Tuberculosis is very common. The victims often don’t realize the seriousness of the disease and neglect taking proper medication,” stated Mr. Joby T. Lal and Ms. Jasmine R. Pereira, first-year MSW students, who helped coordinate the camp visit.
Students had the opportunity to attend Oorukuttam, with forest officials and the local councilor. Similar to a community meeting, this provided a platform for the tribal population to share grievances and talk about their needs.
“Alcoholism is very prevalent here and the money they make, goes for buying alcohol. Both men and women consume alcohol almost daily. This has become a part of their culture now,” stated Ms. Veena Suresh, Faculty, Department of Social Work.
The students provided awareness about the dangers of alcoholism to the tribal folk.
Interacting with the Public Health Centre officials, they learned about the common diseases, the available facilities, provision of health camps and awareness programs.
Medical facilities are provided for free by the Government, yet problems persist. “Tuberculosis is very common. The victims often don’t realize the seriousness of the disease and neglect taking proper medication,” stated Mr. Joby T. Lal and Ms. Jasmine R. Pereira, first-year MSW students, who helped coordinate the camp visit.
