Whose Forests?

Front

Who is Suryamani?

Back

Suryamani is a 'Girl Star' who loves the forest and teaches children about it.

Front

What do the children do in the forest?

Back

They jump, run, climb trees, sing songs, pick flowers, and look for birds.

Front

What does Suryamani say about reading the forest?

Back

She says, 'To learn to read the forest is as important as reading books.'

Front

What is the relationship between Suryamani and the forest?

Back

Suryamani and her family depend on the forest for their livelihood.

Front

What happened when the contractor came to Suryamani's village?

Back

The villagers were afraid and could no longer pick leaves from the forest.

Front

What does Budhiyamai say about the forest?

Back

She says, 'We the people of this forest have a right over it. The forest is like our collective bank.'

Front

What is the Right to Forest Act 2007?

Back

It gives people living in forests for at least 25 years the right over the forest land.

Front

What is 'Torang'?

Back

Torang is a center opened by Suryamani to teach about Kuduk culture and forest rights.

Front

What does Suryamani want for her community?

Back

She wants her people to feel proud of being adivasis and to keep their traditions alive.

Front

What is jhoom farming?

Back

Jhoom farming is a method where land is left fallow for years and then used for crops.