Life & Economy

People

The Madia Gond tribals are natives of the Dandakaranya forests where the Lok Biradari Prakalp is located. Until the beginning of the project in 1973, they were unaware of clothing, education or even basic medical care. They even ate a preparation of live ants and salt.

A very gentle race, they have compassion for fellow beings and are fiercely loyal. Anyone who visits Hemalkasa is fascinated by the innocence, cheerfulness and integrity of the Madia Gonds.

The Madia language has no script and is totally unrelated to either Hindi or Marathi - the lingua franca of Maharashtra.

Economy

The tribals are skilled craftsmen and hunters. They even make their own liquor. Today agricultural extension activities are practiced. These include the use of better quality seeds, diesel pumps for irrigation and rendering all possible help and advice pertaining to agriculture. Having received practical education in agriculture, the tribals now cultivate paddy, and vegetables like eggplant, ladies finger, beans, tomato, radish, fenugreek and chilly.

Traditionally exploited by forest officials, Naxalites or other civilians, the Madia Gonds have now learnt to calculate, demand and pay the right price for what they buy and sell.

Read more about Lok Biradari Prakalp at lokbiradariprakalp.org