In an endeavour to foster social inclusion and contribute to the socio-economic development of tribal communities, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has involved them as custodians to its afforestation projects in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This approach has provided livelihood opportunities for 165 tribal families from the Irula Tribe in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu, and the Chenchu Tribe in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.
HMIF has also focused its efforts towards conservation of endangered cultural art forms that are on the verge of extinction. They have been working towards preservation of Kattaikkuttu Sangam Theatre of Tamil Nadu, Sohrai Wall Art of West Bengal, Ottam Thullal Dance of Kerala, Kawandi making of Karnataka. Their efforts have helped in creating livelihood opportunities for the artists and contributed to their social wellbeing.
Upliftment of Tribal Communities:
- Chenchu Tribe in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: HMIF has identified five villages inhabited by over 150 families of the Chenchu Tribe to empower them through improvement in farming skillsets, and livelihood generation activity spanning 250 acres of land. This initiative not only contributes to environmental conservation but also integrates families from the native tribe as custodians of the agro-forest, empowering them economically and fostering self-sufficiency.
- Irula Tribe in Irungattukottai, Tamil Nadu: HMIF has also undertaken a transformative initiative in the SIPCOT area near Hyundai Motor India’s factory in Chennai, integrating 15 native families of the Irula Tribe, to maintain a green-patch of over 5,000 trees and a nursery on 12.16acres of Open Space Reserve (OSR) land. This endeavour has not only converted the barren turf into a lush green forest, but also serves as a source of income for the tribal community, promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Both these areas started off as barren parcels of land, and are now a lush green forests with flourishing agro-forestry practices, rich flora and fauna, maintained by the respective tribal communities.
Conservation of Culture and Endangered Art Forms:
- Kawandi making by Siddi Women of Karnataka: HMIF is imparting training, equipment and resources to women in Karnataka as part of its conservation efforts for propagating Kawandi making technique, enabling them to enhance their skills and generate income opportunities.
- Kattaikkuttu Sangam Theatre of Tamil Nadu: HMIF has been actively involved in promotion and organising shows in collaboration with renowned Kattaikkuttu director and play writer, Mr. P. Rajagopal.
- Sohrai Likhan Painting by Santal Villages in West Bengal: The Sohrai Likhan conservation is another project taken up by HMIF with women of Santal villages in Purulia, West Bengal. The Sohrai art is a traditional wall painting done by the women of Santal villages using their fingers on their mud homes, in preparation of harvest festivals. The art form became endangered due to rapid migration of people for livelihood, but HMIF has empowered these local artisans by providing them with appropriate platforms to showcase their talent and sustain their living.
- Ottam Thullal Dance of Kerala: Introduced in the 18th century by a renowned poet of the time Kunchan Nambiar, Ottam Thullal is a recite-and-dance art form of Kerala which is often laced with humour intended at highlighting critical aspects of the society. The art form was confined to a small region of Kerala, but through HMIF’s efforts, it earned a national showcase platform through Kalamandalam artist Aswathy Narayanan. HMIF has also provided three grants to the artist for promoting the art form, thus ensuring preservation and continued national visibility of this cultural heritage.
Speaking on the impact of these conservation efforts, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head - Corporate Affairs, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, "Hyundai Motor India Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to social responsibility and Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’ By integrating the members of the Chenchu and Irula Tribes in its afforestation efforts and assigning them as custodians, we not only contribute to their upliftment, economic and social wellbeing, but also strive to empower them to showcase their inherent talent and preserve their traditions. We aim to create a platform where these communities can flourish and pass on their traditional knowledge to the future generations."
HMIF's initiatives in tribal welfare and upliftment of art are in alignment with Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and underscore its commitment to inclusion, social responsibility and sustainable development.
