Unique contests to promote tribes in India

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation Ltd (TRIFED), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India has launched two interesting competitions, Be the Brand Ambassador of Tribes India and Be a ‘Friend’ of Tribes India Contest in association with mygov.in, the citizen-government engagement platform.

These competitions have been launched to promote tribal craft, culture and lifestyle. Through these innovative contests, awareness about tribal heritage, arts, crafts can be enhanced among the general public, an official press release said. With more knowledge and awareness about tribal heritage, it is hoped that citizens will also contribute to overall tribal empowerment by purchasing more tribal products,” according to an official press release.

For the “Be the Brand Ambassador of Tribes India” stories featuring any tribal product (s) from customers across the country, are invited. The stories should highlight his/her experience in using the product and provide details of the product and the place/shop from where it was purchased. The stories are to be presented in the form of short videos ranging from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. The tribal products may include gents or ladies' apparel, jewellery, accessories, paintings, metal crafts, terracotta and pottery, decorative items, food and organic items, cane and bamboo items, stationery, furniture, home furnishings and cuisine among other products. Participants will have to share their stories in the form of a link to the video uploaded on YouTube. The contest will be on till 14th May 2021. Fifty entries will be selected and  awarded a Gift Voucher, which will be valid at all Tribes India Showrooms and Tribesindia.com. More details are availale at https://www.mygov.in/task/be-brand-ambassador-tribes-india/

Following the success of its first Quiz contest on Indian culture which was organised in association with MyGov in February, TRIFED has launched the second edition of the Quiz. Called “Be A Friend of Tribes India”, the quiz went live on MyGov on April 2, 2021 and will be on till May 14, 2021. 50 winners of this quiz will be awarded a Tribes India Gift Voucher, valid on Tribesindia.com and all Tribes India outlets. The quiz can be taken at: https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/be-a-friend-of-tribes-india-2021/

“Tribes constitute over eight per cent of our population however, they are among the disadvantaged sections of the society. An attitude that pervades among the mainstream is the erroneous belief that they have to be taught and helped. However, the truth is otherwise – the tribals have a lot of teach urban India. Characterised by natural simplicity, their creations have a timeless appeal. The wide range of handicrafts which include hand-woven cotton, silk fabrics, wool, metal craft, terracotta, bead-work, all need to be preserved and promoted,” the press release added.

TRIFED, as the nodal agency under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has been working to improve the income and livelihoods of the tribal people, while preserving their way of life and traditions. It has also put in place several initiatives to familiarise the people with the rich and diverse craft, culture of the tribal communities across the country and to help the tribal population in the area of marketing development of their rich products.