Colourful paintings of their culture attract PVTGs
Adilabad: The colourful Multipurpose Centres constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) in identified villages are attracting the public, particularly members of the local Kolam and Toti communities.
The wall paintings, depicting Adivasi culture, festivals, and traditional attire, are especially striking. They evoke a sense of pride and self-respect among the community by showcasing their indigenous culture and history.
These multipurpose centres have been established in villages inhabited by the Kolam community, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). In the erstwhile Adilabad district, the construction of several centres has been completed, some are still underway, and others are yet to begin.
The Central government is also working to provide basic amenities in these villages, including roads, drinking water, Anganwadi centres, school buildings, electricity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
In the erstwhile Adilabad district, 149 villages inhabited by PVTGs have been identified. Under the scheme, a total of 390 PVTG villages have been recognized, 197 in Adilabad, 20 in Mancherial, 24 in Nirmal, and 149 in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.
The multipurpose centres will serve as community hubs and livelihood training facilities for PVTG villages in the erstwhile Adilabad district.
Kolam Adivasi Atram Motiram of Chowpanguda, Wankidi mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, said a multipurpose centre is being constructed at Sadakguda in their gram panchayat, which will be used for various purposes.
He noted that the wall paintings are highly attractive and give PVTGs a sense of ownership when they see depictions of the Gussadi dance, Kolam boys walking on stilts, the Mahua (Ippa) tree, sacred to Adivasis, and the elephant, a cultural symbol of strength.
Motiram added that Kolam children, elders, and youth naturally feel the building belongs to them when they enter, touch, and closely observe these paintings. He described the multipurpose centre completed and painted in Limbuguda, Wankidi mandal, as particularly appealing, with artwork close to the community’s heart.
He also highlighted paintings of Adivasi legend Komaram Bheem and his close associate Komaram Suru, both from the Kolam tribe, as a major source of pride for the community.
