encouraging words from Delhi.....

(words of encouragement from Ms.Nandini Sundar)







(Homework in progress)

In today's world, the need of the hour is good education.Although the govt. has made an attempt to ensure literacy in villages by opening schools, the children do not get the required facilities and guidance.As a result of this and monetary constraints they are forced to discontinue their education and work for a living.

Pungaar is an attempt to redefine the future of tribal children. At the outset, a few children from various areas of Chattisgarh have been provided accomodation, food, books,school uniforms,cycles and readmitted to schools around Raipur. While teaching them to move forward in life we also want to make sure that they do not let go of their traditions and tribal heritage.Along with regular schooling they also learn their language Gondi, which is slowly dying .They also learn their traditional songs, dances and agricultural methods. This dream of turning out self reliant children for a brighter tomorrow, requires a lot of support from well wishers and samaritans.We wish to request you to support our venture.

"Rela Paat" song by Pungaar Farm Team

singing "Rela Songs" while planting rice....

the Pungaar Farm Team working on the field,planting rice and singing "Rela Paat"

Introduction to Pungaar Sanskritik Samiti..........

(entrance to the farm/ashram with Middle School students standing in front of the 20 acre farm)



We are hoping for people to come forward and help us in all possible ways.

Our immediate requirement right now is to provide tutor for these students.Any individual or group who can spare few hours in the evenings or on holidays will be of great help for Pungaar(meaning flower in Gondi language).

Place of worship and their study area

The children eating and their kitchen

Our library in the making...

CHILDREN ADMITTED TO SCHOOLS

Our Ashram programme has finally taken off and we have about 14 children all admitted into schools in village Katadih and Datrenga.

We are providing for their stay and food at Bhatagaon.The children belong to 11yrs to 16 yrs. of age and have started attending classes.Three cycles have also been provided to them .

We wish to arrange for a private tutor too, to help them cope with subjects like Maths, Science and English.

OUR NEW PROGRAMME

(with their favourite pet)




Pungaar will be arranging for the education and stay for around 20 students of the Gond community in schools in around Raipur. Along with the regular schooling they will be imparted training in agricultural methods, gondi language and literature, culture, dance and music. They will also be educated about the KOYA PUNEM , or the reiligious teachings of Pari Kupar Lingo, the great philosopher of the Gond Samaj.
A starting step for the organisation.......

The Shivratri at Narayanpur was a grand affair.All the local dieties were welcomed with great fanfare and gaeity at the nightlong 'jaatra'.The special feature of the jaatras are the 'angas' that arrive ceremoniously from different villages.
The Anga is made from four bamboos that are placed one across the other like a square. It is carried by bearers who are in a trance.The spirit of the Anga dictates their movement.They move synchroniously and cannot place the Anga down until reaching its predetermined place.
It is said that the when the Anga grows old and a new one needs to be made, the anga appears in the dream of the person who has to craft it.
The Anga has its own house or a room for itself in every village and is decorated with coins, feathers, coloured cloth and brass figurines....

The power of the supernatural is very evident in the people who bear the Anga.How else can we explain their synchronious dance and movement over such long distances they traverse with the Anga on their shoulders.

The drive from Jagdalpur to Dantewada is truly very scenic...a canopy of trees, ....{that are decreasing gradually due to the road construction by the BRO}.

One gets to see glimpses of ancient tradition alive even today..alive, ironically in the totem poles made for the dear departed that are decorated colourfully, depicting elements of their daily life and nature.

A few old pillars have been protected by building shelters around them while others stand mute spectators to the development activities being carried out, that settles as dust on their magnificent figures.....

Change is inevitable.....but, should we let go of our past..?

Bastar is home to the Mariyas, the Muriyas, the Dorlas, the Parjas, the Gadbas and many other native tribes.A pot pourri of different practices, cultures.

Bastar is probably one of the few places where the Ancestor is BUDDHA DEV or GOD.Ancestor worship is very essential before any important event in the community.

Maa Danteshwari is the tutelary Godess of the Royals who once ruled Bastar and is worshipped all over Bastar...as Maa,Maai, Devi.

The tribal world of Bastar is a land of mystery and magic too. Their strong belief in Black magic and spirits illustrates this.They believe that the departed visit them and therefore offer liquour and tobacco to the memorial totem pillars that they erect in their memory..........

Dance and music is their mode of entertainment.Lord Lingo is the diety of music and dance.He is said to play 18 instruments at a time.

People are avid drinkers, mahua, sulfi, laanda or rice beer is very popular.

Weekly markets, cock fights add to the vibrant life in Bastar..

Although violence has now raised its ugly head....for the poor man life goes on.......in quest of a brighter morning.