Photos: Odisha’s Dongria Kondh girls break barriers for education
Updated On Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST
Inspired by the feat of 14 Dongria Kondhs clearing class 10 exams this May, many tribal families in Odisha have decided that their girls won’t merely be helping hands at home but instead venture to seek education and brighter futures.
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Updated on Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST
The Dongia Kondhs are among the remote tribal communities in Odisha. They featured in the state’s categorization of “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVGT).” This year in May, 14 girls from the community cleared the class 10 exams –a first for the community. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Updated on Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST
The tribe inhabits the plateaus of Niyamgiri Hills and their population is mainly concentrated in the districts of Rayagada, Koraput and Kalahandi. The main occupation of the community is cultivation; they practice subsistence agriculture. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Updated on Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST
As per the 2011 census, the Dongria Kondhs have a population of about 8000 with just a 10% literacy rate. The female literacy rate is a dismal three percent. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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The Dongria Kondh Development Authority (DKDA) set up in 1978 to mainstream the community through development activities runs two residential schools in Rayagada district where 400 girls are studying from classes one to ten. Subarna Jakesika (centre) now studying at ITI College in Rayagada, is an example of the initiative bearing fruit. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Purnima Haika, a student of science in Eklavya Model Residential School at Rayagada, was the topper among the 14 girls this year, scoring 77%. The story of these girls crossing a milestone has boosted confidence in education and is helping other girls dream big. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Pinki Kandagaria, a resident of Muniguda village, is another product of the Kansur residential school. She scored 60% in class 10 and is now studying information technology at the autonomous Government College, Rayagada.“I want to become a software engineer,” she said. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Skill enhancement workshops like the scene above at Chatikona village act as precursors for older women to take up formal education. “A silent revolution is underway in the lives of these tribal communities. It is encouraging, especially as the district has a history of high infant and maternal mortality rate propelled largely by illiteracy, early marriage, poor hygiene and superstitious beliefs,” said Guha Poonam Tapaskumar , Rayagada’s collector. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Updated on Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST
Subarna Jakesika (R) from Kurli village is one of five girls enrolled at ITI Rayagada. Though she scored 43% marks, her parents wanted her to pursue higher studies. Helped by teachers, she managed to get admission and six months later, she is now studying electronics and mechanics. (Vipin Kumar / HT Photo)
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Updated on Dec 15, 2017 05:40 PM IST