Aadhi: solega inter-generational knowledge sharing

The Aadhi programme was conceptualised in 2019 in response to concerns from Soliga elders about the loss of their traditional knowledge and practices. ‘Aadhi’, which is a Soliga word for ‘path’, attempts to find new pathways to facilitate inter-generational sharing of traditional knowledge from elder Soligas to the youth. It also provides a space for youth to re-think their history and explore their identity as Adivasi youth in today’s world.

Soliga youth are engaging with their elders to collect audio-visual documentation in their own language, on various domains of traditional knowledge, such as food, medicine, stories and songs, and many more. A YouTube channel ‘ಸೋಲಿಗರ ಕಾಡಿನ ಗೇನ ‘(Solega Traditional Knowledge) that showcases videos created by these youth who are part of the Aadhi programme, and focuses on the community’s local ecological knowledge and culture was launched at the Dodda Sampige Granthalaaya in June 2022 at the BR Hills (photo). The videos are edited by the youth, and are approved by a committee of Soliga representatives from all four talukas of the district. This is what makes the channel different from others – it is of the people, by the people and for the people.

In March 2023, a chart of ‘Soliga Sounds’ was released at the general body meeting of the Zilla Sangha in Chamarajanagar. This chart represents the sounds of the Soliga language, created in consultation with community members. Since the language has no script, the spelling system is based on the Kannada script, with some important differences. In the same month, Aadhi youth travelled to the Nilgiris to interact with Adivasi youth from the Betta Kurumba, Paniya, Iruliga and Kattunaayakan communities.

The Aadhi programme is based on a collaborative approach with the community members and with their leaders from the Zilla Budakattu Girijana Abhivrudhi Sangha, and is facilitated by PUNARCHITH with support from the Rainmatter Foundation. Dr C Madegowda and Dr Aung Si are key advisors, and Dr Samira Agnihotri leads the programme along with Lakshmi M. Priyam Vadaliya is the design consultant for the programme.