Compiling knowledge about tribes
Roohani Sawhney is a Social Anthropologist, Author and a Fine Artist. Her research work is dedicated to exploring indigenous practices in the context of the postmodern era. A background in Sociology compelled her to tread into the field. She is one of the authors of The Last Avatar Book. She wants her work to be more than recreation and be an instrument to evoke social and personal reformation. Roohani is a Senior Content Writer at Psi Digi Tech. She has experience of working as an Innovation Fellow at National Innovation Foundation of India and as Research Assistant at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
The objectives of The Last Avatar Project are to conduct an in-depth analysis of the traditional practices, help retain traditional forms of art and culture, documentation and preservation of the cultural and traditional aspects, bridging the gap between the communities and the masses and encouraging local trade and self-sustainable models. The methods of achieving these are through promotion and propagation of local art and traditional practices, publications and documentaries, connecting masses to the communities. Additional projects of social benefit are carried forward in accordance with the community’s needs.
The Last Avatar (book) consists of visual documentation/portraits of the people belonging to tribal communities and other unique ethnic groups. It explores the traditional heritage of respective communities. It tries to break the stereotypical viewpoint of the masses towards these communities. It provides the reference point for the researchers or anybody interested in gaining knowledge in context to their culture and traditions. The book covers the following tribes; Aghori, Ahir, Apatani, Banjara, Bhil, Bhopa, Bison-Horn Maria, Brokpa, Gaddi, Garasia, Halakki, Siddi, Kandha, Konyak, Raika and Ramnami Samaj. Various workshops are also conducted- traditional art workshops are held by the people and for the people, so that they value what they have, as by saving ourselves we are saving our culture.