Samagata Foundation backs ARPO Earthlore documentation project
ARPO is proud to announce a significant partnership with the Samāgata Foundation in support of the Earthlore Documentation Project. This crucial collaboration reflects a shared commitment to preserving the rich—yet often at-risk—cultural traditions of India’s tribal communities.
The Earthlore Documentation Project is a year-long initiative that deploys teams of documentary filmmakers, researchers, and cultural specialists to work closely with selected tribal communities. In 2025, the project will focus on the Mannan and Paliyar communities of Idukki, Kerala.
Through deep engagement with the communities, the team documents invaluable songs, stories, rituals, and practices that form the core of their cultural identity. The project also involves rigorous research and facilitation of collaborations with creative industries and tribal artists.
Visit ARPO Earthlore YouTube channel
In the past, ARPO has worked with the Jenu Kuruba community of the Wayanad–Coorg region, the Irular of Attappadi, and the Kothar of the Nilgiris, building a growing archive of tribal oral heritage.
Watch a music video we create under ARPO Earthlore previously
The support from the Samāgata Foundation is instrumental in enabling this extensive fieldwork. It ensures ARPO can uphold the highest standards of ethical documentation and collaborative research—preserving cultural expressions not just for archival purposes but to celebrate and share them widely.
Initially, the initiative was supported by Experion Technologies. Later, we got a major documentation grant from the Kendra Sangeet natak Akademy for the project.
The partnership with Samagata Foundation is a meaningful step toward amplifying the voices of communities whose heritage might otherwise be lost. It offers a vital resource for future generations and contributes to a deeper, more inclusive understanding of India's pluralistic cultural landscape.
