Traditional Occupations

Agriculture: The Malasar practice subsistence agriculture adapted to the hilly and forested terrain. They cultivate crops such as millets, rice, and tubers.
Hunting and Gathering: They rely on hunting and foraging for fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants, integrating these activities into their daily lives.
Housing: Their traditional homes are often made from locally available materials like bamboo, wood, and palm leaves, reflecting their close connection to the environment.

Social Organization:

Community Structure: The Malasar have a tribal council or village elders who play a crucial role in decision-making and resolving disputes within the community.
Rituals and Festivals: Their cultural practices include various rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that are closely tied to nature and seasonal changes. They celebrate festivals related to agricultural cycles and forest deities.

Language

Language : The Malasar speak a language that belongs to the Dravidian family, closely related to the languages spoken by other tribal groups in the Western Ghats. Their language is typically oral, with traditional knowledge and stories passed down through generations.

Modern Challenges and Developments

Integration and Development : In recent years, there have been efforts to integrate the Malasar into broader social and economic frameworks while attempting to preserve their cultural heritage. Government programs and NGOs work towards improving education, health, and infrastructure in tribal areas.

Education and Health

Education: Access to education has improved, but challenges remain in terms of educational infrastructure and resources in remote areas where the Malasar live.

Health: Healthcare access is gradually improving, with efforts focused on providing medical services and promoting health awareness among tribal communities.

WE, AS AN ORGANISATION WENT ON TO HELP BY PROVIDING A TRUNK BOX (FOR ALL 35+ FAMILIES) FOR THEM TO KEEP THEIR VALUABLES SAFE FROM NATURAL CALAMITIES AND ANIMAL ATTACKS WHICH THEY FACE ON DAILY BASIS (AFTER MEETING AND ASKING THEM THEIR NEEDS).

WE ALSO PROVIDED SOME CLOTHES – SHIRTS, KIDS WEARS AND SAREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF 100+ PEOPLE ALL TOGETHER. THERE ARE STILL LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO IS UNAWARE OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND LESS EXPOSED TO MORDERN DAY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE.

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE MANUFACTURER (MR. PRAKASH KUMAR & FAMILY) OF THE TRUNK BOX. AFTER KNOWING ALL THESE INFORMATION THEY FOUND TIME TO COME WITH US & PROVIDED SOME CLOTHES. ALSO, PROMISED TO HELP THEM WITH WHATEVER HE COULD PROVIDE FOR IMPROVISING THE LIVELIHOODS OF THIS TRIBAL PEOPLE.

WE WENT THERE AFTER HEARING ABOUT THEM FROM ONE OF THE GOVT PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTER IN THAT TRIBAL AREA (FROM WHERE WE GOT A ROUTINE REQUEST FORM TO OUR TRUST). HER SCHOOL HAS 17+ TRIBAL STUDENTS FROM THIS COMMUNITY AND SHE HAS BEEN WORKING HARD TO BRING THESE TRIBAL KIDS TO SCHOOL ON DAILY BASIS WITH SO MANY EFFORTS. WITH HER PERSEVERANCE SHE HAS BROUGHT THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM 2-3 STUDENTS TO 17+ NOW. EVEN THOSE 2-3 STUDENTS WERE THERE JUST BECAUSE THEY HAD A CHANCE TO HAVE FOOD, CLOTH-SCHOOL UNIFROM, WATER ON DAILY BASIS. SHE HERSELF IS SPONSERING ONE OF THE BEST STUDENTS AMONG THIS TRIBAL STUDENTS TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCTION IN A GOVT MIDDLE SCHOOL IN PALANI. SHE INSPIRED US TO FIND MORE SUCH PEOPLE AND HELP THEM WITH THEIR NEEDS AND BECAUSE OF OUR HELP SHE SAID MORE STUDENTS ARE LIKELY TO GET INTO SCHOOL STARTING A NEW BEGINNING TO THEIR RIGHT TO EDUCATION.

LINK TO ILLAM LOCATION GMAP - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hfyg5dsbXkVPdkBq9

LINK TO SCHOOL LOCATION GMAP - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRJFi8vdaDZm88ph7

LINK TO SCHOOL LOCATION GMAP - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QPvSi36Sdn1dhQkx9

LINK TO SCHOOL LOCATION GMAP - https://goo.gl/maps/MhLJggkici27bGDc9