20 years of Chembakolli

ActionAid celebrates 20 years of its Indian village with a new story book and online celebration

Chembakolli, a village in southern India, was founded following an unprecedented march in December 1988 by 10,000 Adivasi (indigenous people). Coming together to reclaim their tribal rights to live in the forests near the town of Gudalur, the march was a huge success, winning the respect of the government and local people. The Adivasi were able to settle in many hamlets on the land, including Chembakolli, as well as establish their own school and hospital.

To celebrate this anniversary, ActionAid is launching The Chembakolli story, an audio CD and story book, and inviting all UK schools to take part in an interactive, online march.

The Chembakolli story is a beautifully narrated audio CD accompanied by a story/activity book and poster. The CD covers the events of the past 20 years in six parts, each with descriptive sound and music clips recorded in the village.

The online march goes live during October, enabling teachers and children to create their own character and personalised placard before joining the virtual march.

Starting in Gudalur, the virtual route follows the footsteps of the real march, 20 years ago. In the town, the marchers can click on local landmarks, including market stalls, the hospital and school, and meet real life people and read their stories. As more people join the march, the route will extend into Chembakolli where visitors can learn about life in the village by clicking on parts of the village, local people, and an elephant.

Janet Convery, head of ActionAid Schools, said: ‘The story of the gentle Adivasi people claiming their right to live peacefully in lush forests of southern India has captured the hearts of primary school children in the UK. With the new resource, they can now hear the full story of the past 20 years told in the words of Marigan, an inspirational village elder well known to Chembakolli followers.

‘The Adivasi people are always amazed by the support they get from schools and are looking forward to seeing the on-line march grow as children join the 20th anniversary celebrations.’

To buy The Chembakolli story (£20 including p&p) and join the online march go to www.actionaid.org.uk/chembakolli