Bhopal: Tribals in Madhya Pradesh are set to be taught basic science in order to popularise the subject and dispel myths surrounding various ways of life.
Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous organisation of Department of Science and Technology, has partnered with the Madhya Pradesh Council for Science and Technology (MPCST) to help the tribals, starting with the Gonds, to understand things like – ‘why water kept in copper utensils promotes health’, ‘how to support the environment’ and dispel myths like witchcraft.
“Street plays, based on science, would be staged in 150 schools and 100 haat bazaars in Baiga (tribal) dominated villages of Dindori district,” senior scientist in Vigyan Prasar, BK Tyagi, said. He added that the project would begin in August.
“We also wish to fight social evils like witchcraft lynching, which are quite prevalent in the tribal belts of Madhya Pradesh,” he said.
Sensing radio penetration in tribal pockets, Vigyan Prasar and MPCST has also produced radio programmes in the local Gond language, to be aired from All India Radio’s Jalabpur and Jagdalpur stations.
“The project aims to focus on gender disparity, health hazards, dietary needs, biodiversity, wildlife, snake bite, myths, indigenous knowledge, pollution, superstition and so on,” said MPCST director Navin Chandra.
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