Keywords: Indigeneity, language, culture, education
Bio: Boro Baski, Ph.D, is a trustee of Ghosaldanga Bishnubati Adibasi Trust and the co-founder of a Non-formal Santal school, Rolf Schoembs Vidyashram, near Santiniketan, West Bengal. The school has an innovative approach to Santal education with Tagore’s emphasis on learning through play, music, arts and mother tongue. He has translated three books and written several articles in national and international journals and edited volumes.
[…] Education should not be alien thing and it should be part of life. If education cannot be experienced, that education has no value.
– Boro Baski
In this interview, Boro Baski discusses:
- The challenges around cultural disconnect for Santal youth in going to West Bengal state schools
- The need for education to be culturally relevant as well as help participate in one’s community authentically
- His journey in creating and refining a school for Santal children – preserving culture a well as empowering autonomy
