5 neighbours have shared what matters to them — in their own words.
“Many generations definitely play these traditional games, and the places where these games are played are the village common ground or at the head of the village.”
“ବହୁ ଜମାନେ ଏ ଯୋ ପରମ୍ପରିକ ଖେଳ ନିହାତି ଖେଳନ୍ତି ଆଉ ସେ ସବୁ ଖେଳ ଖେଳିବାର ସ୍ଥାନ ଯୋ ଗାଁ ଦାଣ୍ଡ ବା ଗାଁ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ଉପରେ ଏଇ ସବୁ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଏଇ ସବୁ ଖେଳ ଖେଳନ୍ତି।”
translated from Odia
Nearby, the main topics revolve around the critical need for cultural preservation and ensuring equitable participation in local governance. There's a strong emphasis on maintaining traditional games, practices, songs, and dances, alongside the vital transfer of traditional forest and indigenous knowledge from elders to the youth 💡. However, a significant challenge identified is that women's voices are not being given importance and they face barriers to full participation in the Gram Sabha. To address this, there's a clear call for decisive steps to actively promote and preserve this rich cultural heritage 传承 and to empower women's involvement in community decisions 🗣️.
“In our society, the youth are following these traditional practices, and they intend to preserve them.”
“It is absolutely necessary for the youth to learn traditional forest and indigenous knowledge from elders and preserve it for the next generation.”
“It is essential to take decisive steps with strong commitment towards promoting traditional songs and dances, as well as preserving cultural heritage.”
“Women's voices are being heard in the Gram Sabha (village council), but their voices are not being given much importance. Also, women are not able to participate.”
