ARPO Impact: Jenu Kuruba Musicians perform at Mahindra Fest

J.B. Ramesh, a visionary Jenu Kuruba tribal leader, is on a mission to safeguard his people's traditional music and art. Recognizing a dwindling interest among younger generations, he founded "Girijana Samagra Abhivridhi Kala Samsthe" with the aim to inspire and ensure the continuity of their rich cultural heritage.

In March 2024, Ramesh and his fellow Jenu Kuruba musicians achieved a significant milestone, performing on the prestigious stage of the Mahindra Percussion Festival. This remarkable journey was facilitated by the Archival and Research Project (ARPO).

ARPO's Crucial Partnership

The collaboration between the Jenu Kuruba musicians and ARPO began in March 2022 as part of the broader Earthlore project. Through ARPO's steadfast support—encompassing training, audience development, and identifying income-generating opportunities for their music—the vibrant sounds of Jenu Kuruba reached this esteemed global platform.

A Captivating Performance

At the Mahindra Percussion Festival, a convergence of leading percussion artists, including Grammy-winning talents, the Jenu Kuruba musicians delivered a truly captivating performance. Led by Charu Hariharan's quartet and enriched by the vibrant sounds of Majeesh Karyaad's Kozhikode Nantahala Kootam group, their performance seamlessly blended Karnataka and Kerala percussion traditions. The unique fusion of tribal, folk, and classical instruments resonated deeply with the festival's celebration of India's diverse musical heritage. It was a historic moment, etching the village rhythms of the Jenu Kuruba people onto a new, global canvas.

A Heartfelt Expression of Gratitude

For the Jenu Kuruba tribe, this performance represented the culmination of a long-held dream. Ramesh J.B. eloquently conveyed his profound appreciation: "We are incredibly grateful to ARPO for recognizing the immense value of our music and providing us with this unparalleled platform. Without ARPO's unwavering support, this extraordinary opportunity would have remained merely a distant dream for our tribe."

Aligning with ARPO’s Mission

Sruthin Lal, Director of ARPO, underscored the significance of this achievement: "At ARPO, we are especially delighted to witness the Jenu Kuruba tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), take center stage at an event of such national prominence. In an age often dominated by mainstream music, it is absolutely crucial to acknowledge and uplift the immense potential of tribal artists and their unique traditions, particularly those from vulnerable communities."

He added, "When we initially engaged with the Jenu Kuruba elders, a primary concern was the younger generation's diminishing interest in their traditional music and art forms. However, we are now observing a remarkable resurgence, with increased enthusiasm among the youth to learn and carry forward this precious cultural heritage. This transformation stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of cultural preservation and its profound ability to inspire future generations."