ARPO Earthlore Fellowship: Cultivating Cultural Ambassadors in Wayanad
The first two months of the Earthlore Fellowship, supported by the Tata Trusts, saw remarkable progress in team cohesion, confidence, and musical development among the fellows.
At ARPO, our commitment to nurturing India’s indigenous musical traditions takes tangible form through the Earthlore Fellowship. This immersive program, started at Mananthawady, Wayanadu from April 2025, aims to equip young tribal and non-tribal musicians with essential skills, expand their networks, and position them as cultural ambassadors on national and global stages. We believe in elevating the status of these artists to that of recognized professionals.
For its inaugural cohort, the fellowship carefully selected 20 musicians: 17 tribal artists from Wayanad and Coorg, chosen through rigorous interviews, and 3 non-tribal co-fellows from across India. This deliberate mix fosters rich collaboration and mutual learning.
The first two months, housed at the scenic Priyadarshini Tea Environs in Wayanad—a unique tea estate managed by a tribal cooperative—provided a foundational learning experience. Fellows engaged in intensive, 12-day monthly sessions, blending residential and day-scholar participation. Daily schedules were structured focusing on comprehensive artistic development.
Our curriculum in these initial months covered critical areas: Vocal Techniques led by playback singer Sreekanth Hariharan, Musical Arrangements by composer Charu Hariharan, and intensive Rhythm training with senior cmposer and percussion artist Viveick Rajagopal. Fellows also learned practical Microphone and Sound System Usage, enhancing their technical proficiency. Essential Language & Professional Etiquette sessions, a Theatre Workshop for team-building, and vital Legal Awareness on topics like the POSH Act were also integrated. A unique module on Instrument Making & Innovation saw professional maker Parvinder Singh collaborating with tribal fellows to enhance traditional instruments for contemporary performance.
Our pedagogical approach prioritized cultural sensitivity, simplifying complex concepts and leveraging multilingual communication. The emphasis was on hands-on, interactive learning and deep collaboration.
The progress observed in just two months has been remarkable. Fellows quickly developed strong team cohesion and a robust mutual support system. Their confidence has surged, and initial hesitations have given way to proactive engagement, with participants actively seeking new knowledge and opportunities. This early success underscores the fellowship's potential to empower and celebrate these vital cultural voices.
