Adding a little ‘Soliga’ to your life

Thick green forests that playfully allow only a selected few sun rays to pass through, small ponds on either sides with wild buffaloes majestically sipping in water, butterflies and birds of unimaginable blend of colors flying across, rhythmically swaying green leaves that give voice to the winds – it makes for a perfect destination for the creative lot looking for uninterrupted creativity and imagination.......

 It is a treasure for naturalists and trekkers. Probably, the Creator took ages to create this green empire, called Biligiri Rangaswamy Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, popularly known as BR Hills, now a Tiger Reserve, located in Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka.

Situated at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats, it is a home to flora and fauna of both the mountain ranges. Mother Nature alone seems to be the ruler in this place, very much unlike the cities where we, the “intelligent” human beings, are tirelessly making efforts towards bringing every little thing under our control.  Anybody is bound to be speechless for a moment, given the mesmerizing beauty of BR Hills and everyone has something to take back home from the forests – a worthwhile experience or a feeling of rejuvenation. But there was one man who could see through the thick forests of BR Hills, into the lives of “Soligas”, a tribal community that has inhabited the hills for hundreds of years, who believe in and practice a way of life that is interwoven with nature, with a culture that reflects harmony with Mother Earth. And he is Dr. H. Sudarshan, who has spent more than three decades of his life making an incredible impact in the lives of these shy, innocent people, providing Soligas with access to quality health, education and livelihood opportunities, while ensuring they are still connected to their invaluable roots.

A glimpse of the Biligirirangaswamy Hills, located at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Ghats

Doddasampige - The Big Champak Tree...the spiritual place of worship for the Soligas

Founded by Dr. Sudarshan, Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) has been serving the Soligas for more than three decades, shaping them into confident and self-reliant individuals, well aware of their rights. A few days spent at BR Hills, being amidst nature, wildlife, the Soligas and amidst a team of dedicated people making a difference to them was an incredible journey.

The Karnataka Forest Act in 1963 banned the practice of shifting cultivation, forcing the innocent tribes to settle in organized communities which was unlike the lifestyle of semi-nomadic Soligas. This had an adverse effect on the livelihood and lifestyle of the Soligas, disturbing their close harmony with nature. The efforts of the government and its one-sided laws that focused on so-called ‘development’, had turned a blind eye towards these innocent people and the detrimental effects it could have on their lives. At that point of time, when everything was in a muddle, Dr. Sudarshan entered into the lives of Soligas, bringing in a ray of hope.

Talking about the education the Soliga children are getting, it matches the present day education system while it instills respect and pride in Soliga culture and values. Environmental studies, herbal gardening and value education form an intrinsic part of the curriculum. I realized being here that the concept of localization of education  brings a sense of attachment and respect for one’s origin and keeps the younger generation connected to the healthy practices of their ancestors, thus preserving their unique identity. Many of the students who were the first generation school-goers, have completed their high school education in VGKK are now pursuing graduation and post graduation. The most inspiring part is that many of them who have completed higher education have returned to serve the community. Jade Gowda, who was in the first batch of students and one among the six people who were taught by Dr. Sudarshan himself, did post-graduation and PhD in Agriculture. He is currently the President of VGKK.

The VGKK hospital has embraced a multifaceted approach to the health issues – a preventive, curative, promotive, and rehabilitative approach, making quality healthcare accessible to the tribal and local people. VGKK has promoted the concept of sustainable extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and has built Tribal Enterprises to process them. The vocational training and production centre that included furniture-making using lantana, honey processing and the food processing (juices, pickles, jams and spice powders) has provided ample opportunities to the local people to generate income and employment throughout the year.

The Gorukana resort, a project of VGKK that stands amidst the thick forests of BR Hills symbolizes sustainable and responsible tourism. While Gorukana majorly employs the Soligas and the local people, the tribal naturalists take the tourists on a wildlife safari. The benefits received through Gorukana are being steered back for the development of the local community and wildlife conservation. The finest strengths of the local community – their knowledge and talents, the affluence of the regional resources and the inimitable beauty of nature and wildlife of BR Hills, the exemplary dedication of VGKK and its team for decades together lead by Dr. Sudarshan’s undeterred dreams, have all been interwoven with sustainability to make Gorukana, an exceptional masterpiece. Through the project Gorukana, the Soligas are utilizing their own unmatchable knowledge about nature and biodiversity, clubbed with their rich culture and talents to make a living and simultaneously contributing towards the development of their own people and preserving their unique identity.

The Gorukana Eco-Resort

Something that I truly appreciate is the fact that the Soligas believe in simple, dowry-free marriages and follow it even today. That is an outstanding lesson to we urbanites who are increasingly adopting extravagant marriages, often accompanied by hefty dowry. Even the educated lot is not an exception to this. While a major section of the so-called civilized society, who time and again speak and hear about ‘change’ are shamelessly following this system, here are the Soligas, residing in jungles, with minimal access to education, proudly talking about ‘dowry-free’, ‘simple’ marriages. I truly wonder what civilization and education actually epitomize when unearthed.

After many heartfelt interactions and unending conversations with Soligas, I realize that the values of life – honesty, respect for each other, the concept of sharing, community living, the unbound love for a stranger guest and a harmonious life with Mother Nature – are so deep-rooted and very much alive in some of the most remote places of our country. I wonder, ‘Has technology, modern amenities, the fast- paced life, the rat- race to be on the top, accessibility at the click of a button – everything created by man to simplify our life actually making it more complicated? I believe we need to pause for a while and “think” what really makes us happy and if we are missing something significant in our lives.

At a tribal school located in the forest interiors...

A tribal man preparing a healthy sumptuous meal....

During lunch hours..

After all my experiences with VGKK and the Soligas, I can appreciate life better and still wonder how some of the simplest and unexpected people give us the most enriching experiences that stay with us for a lifetime. I decided to add a little more “Soliga” into my life – ‘Soliga’ symbolizing simplicity, solidarity, gratitude and a life of harmony with nature.