Dialogue With Ulka Mahajan

Guardians of the Forest: An Urgent Dialogue with Ulka Mahajan on Indigenous Rights and Ecological Sustainability
In the next episode of "The Legacy of India’s Imagination," I bring you a dialogue with social activist Ulka Mahajan.
In 1989, Ulka Mahajan and her friend Sumitra moved to the Raigad district in Maharashtra with the objective of organizing the Katkari community. The Katkaris' traditional occupation was making 'kaat,' an ingredient used in 'paan,' derived from the bark of Khair trees.
Ulka has dedicated her life to bringing dignity to the tribal population, who often face exploitation by contractors and displacement due to industrial development.
During our dialogue, we discuss the unique relationship Adivasis have with forests and how their wisdom and connection to nature are being violated, causing significant ecological harm. Ulka shares her advice for future generations, urging us to open our eyes to the violence we perpetuate under the guise of development and strive to restore the relationship between Mother Earth and its native communities.
This dialogue was conducted in Ulka's native language, Marathi.