- A student from the Bonda Tribe cracked this year’s NEET, becoming the first Bonda tribe member—a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group—to study medicine.
- Admission into medical college marks a historic moment for the Bonda tribe, symbolizing a new chapter in their collective history.
- The Bondas, one of India’s oldest tribes, lived in isolation until a few decades ago, with minimal outside interaction.
- The Bonda tribe reside in the hilly regions of Odisha’s Eastern Ghats, particularly in the Malkangiri district.
- They speak the Bonda language, an Austroasiatic language with a rich oral tradition.
- The Bondas are primarily subsistence farmers, relying on shifting cultivation and forest produce for their livelihood.
- Their society is matriarchal, with women playing a dominant role in family and economic activities.
- Known for their unique attire, the women wear minimal clothing and heavy silver jewellery, while the men carry bows and arrows.
- The tribe faces significant challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to healthcare and education. However, efforts are being made to integrate them into broader societal frameworks while preserving their cultural heritage.
Dig Deeper: Read about the PVTGs and the spread of Modern Education in the hinterlands of India.
