Priyanka Gandhi urges Centre to integrate tribal knowledge into Eklavya Schools’ curriculum

Kalpetta: Wayanad MP and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has urged the Union Tribal Affairs Minister to integrate traditional tribal knowledge into the curriculum of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), citing the need to preserve indigenous wisdom and cultural identity.

In a letter to Union Minister Jual Oram, she said EMRS institutions currently follow only a standard academic syllabus, leaving students disconnected from their cultural heritage. “The students are not taught anything about their knowledge systems,” she noted, stressing the value of these traditions in fostering harmony between humans and nature.

During her recent 12-day constituency visit, Priyanka Gandhi visited several tribal hamlets and EMRS campuses, interacting with students and teachers. She called for culturally sensitive modules on tribal crafts, customs, social structures and heritage, alongside academic lessons. She also recommended appointing teachers from tribal communities to ensure more authenticity and relevance in teaching.

She also added that climate change threatens indigenous ways of life, making the preservation of tribal ecological wisdom vital for the future. Referencing the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Ashram School in Noolppuzha as a model, she praised its impact on local communities such as the Kattunaikkars. Established in 1991, the school has helped bridge educational gaps for tribal children historically excluded from mainstream learning.

She also proposed an annual nationwide celebration of tribal traditions across all EMRS institutions, complemented by a conference involving non-EMRS schools to foster wider understanding of India’s tribal heritage. 

EMRS schools, run by the Union government, provide free residential education from classes VI to XII for Scheduled Tribe students from remote areas.