Thampu launches tribal rights campaign in Attappady

Attappady-based tribal collective Thampu has launched a month-long campaign focussing on the rights, health, culture and empowerment of tribal communities.The campaign began on August 9 marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. It will conclude on September 13 marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Rights with a tribal arts festival.Thampu chairman and Gothrabhoomi editor Rajendra Prasad inaugurated the campaign on August 9.He said observances of important days should help draw wider public attention to the achievements, cultural life, problems and concerns of tribal communities.As part of the campaign, documentaries titled Mankei, Haritham and Gaavu, directed by Mr. Rajendraprasad were screened on the second day, followed by an interaction with the directors.Kerala Tribal Youth Federation executive committee member Suja Gonchiyoor inaugurated the programme.A one-day conference of tribal youth was also held as part of the campaign. Attappady tribal singer K. Panali inaugurated the conference.Two campaigns titled ‘Resource rights through the Forest Rights Act’ and ‘Health is our birth right’ were also launched as part of the programme, Thampu convener K.A. Ramu said.The first campaign was inaugurated at Pattanakkallu tribal settlement by Mr. Rajendraprasad. Ooru Moopan Shailvan presided. ST promoter Sudheesh Pattanakkallu also spoke.The health campaign will include visits to tribal settlements, interactions with children, cultural programmes for children and visits to anganwadis.Thampu health wing convener Revathi Pottikkal said the programme would continue until September 13.Mr. Ramu said Thampu was organising the month-long programmes to focus on the rights and empowerment of indigenous communities. Published - August 25, 2026 07:04 pm IST