New Delhi: Seema Jadaon is an artist and conservationist from a village near the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, a popular destination for tiger lovers. In Delhi for the exhibition `Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre’, organised by Sankala Foundation in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (between 17-20 October), she believes her art will take the message of wildlife conservation to a wider, urban audience.
Her thoughts resonate with Dr S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, who inaugurated the four-day exhibition at the Indian Habitat Centre. He said India’s development story was intertwined with environmental conservation. The government’s commitment to the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes through various schemes is visible. The concept of Antyodaya scheme is based on the principle of upliftment of the marginalised groups and ensuring that no one is left behind.
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These four days in Delhi were full of learning for Seema who has never stepped out of her village in Rajasthan. Art has given her an identity. “I would make paintings of gods and goddesses until I explored the tiger reserve and started painting nature and wildlife, particularly the tiger.’’ Her family supports her in this endeavour. She hopes that tribal art gets a steady market and can sustain communities who live in and around tiger reserves. Seema goes from village to village talking to people about the importance of wildlife conservation, emphasising the need for harmony between humans and animals.
The exhibition’s primary focus was to depict the close and emotional bond between tribal communities and forest dwellers and nature, especially the connection with tiger. Several tribal communities live in and around tiger reserves and have contributed to wildlife conservation through their beliefs and lifestyle.
Seema’s mentor Gajanan Singh Tongariya is a renowned artist of Ranthambore. He has developed a new style called Ranthambhore Chitra Shailee and runs an art academy that also organises summer camps for schools where he trains others in the craft and also sensitises them about tiger conservation. The academy runs on the contribution of its 10 members who contribute 20% of their sales proceeds for the activities.
Growing up in the lap of a beautiful village near Indravati Tiger Reserve in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, Hemlata Bhardwaj came to Delhi to participate in this exhibition Her expertise is wrought iron craft which is very popular in the region. She picked up the skill from her elders and also did a one-year course on wrought iron craft conducted by the Zila Parishad and specialises in nature, wildlife and home décor.
This is her first visit to the National Capital and she looks forward to interacting with a cross section of society. “There should be more events like this one as these provide exposure and a market for the small artists. Also, these help in conserving the rich culture of the country because more and more youngsters are moving away from traditional skills. She explains that educated youth look for jobs for a steady income and believe that arts and crafts do not guarantee them livelihood or income. If a market and income is guaranteed, many people would return to their roots.”
Hemlata, her friend and colleagues also engage with the locals in preserving the environment, particularly wildlife, through street plays, and other traditional media during Dussehra/Diwali melas and special days.
The tribal art exhibition, Silent Conversation: From Margins to the Centre succeeded in highlighting not only the deep-rooted connection between tribal communities and nature but also the pivotal role traditional art can play in promoting wildlife conservation.
The exhibition serves as a vital platform for tribal artists, offering them exposure and recognition while simultaneously addressing critical conservation issues. As these artists shared their stories and experiences, the event underscored the importance of preserving traditional art forms and supporting local communities in their conservation efforts.
