Namath Basai: Kerala | 22 Aug 2020

The Kerala State government is carrying out a unique programme called “Namath Basai” of teaching tribal children in their mother tongue.

The programme is being implemented by the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK).
- SSK is an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
- It aims at improving school effectiveness measured in terms of equal opportunities for schooling and equitable learning outcomes.
It has succeeded in retaining hundreds of tribal children in their online classes using their mother tongue as language of instruction.
- Teaching in the tribal language has to a good extent stopped students from dropping out, which is quite usual in hamlets
It offers pre-recorded classes through a YouTube channel in three tribal languages in Attappady valley in Palakkad District Kerala.
- These languages belong to the Irula, Muduka and Kurumba tribes.
It is being introduced in the tribal belts of Wayanad and Idukki as well. Classes are offered in the Oorali, Muthuvan and Paniya languages in Idukki.
- Wayanad has the highest number of tribals in Kerala followed by Idukki.

Popularly known as Mala Pulayans, Hill Pulayans and Pamba Pulayans.
Traditional occupation : Foraging and shifting cultivation
- Collect forest products like honey, wax, soapnut, turmeric, ginger and wild cardamoms.
- Art of body tattooing.
- Skilled in manufacture of baskets and mats
Religion: Animism (belief in spirituality of objects, places, and creatures) and Totemism (Worship of any species of plants or animals thought to possess supernatural powers)

Occupation: Agriculturists
- Grow Paddy, Ragi, dhal, plantains, chillies and turmeric
Religion: The majority worship Vishnu under the name of Rangaswami and Siva without differentiation.
- Some practice animism and worship the tiger.