Question

The UN defines indigenous populations, “as comprising the descendants of peoples who inhabited the present territory of a country at the time when persons of a different culture or ethnic origin arrived there from other parts of the world and overcame them”. At present there are about 30 Crore indigenous peoples spread around the globe. Identify the challenges that the indigenous people are facing and the demands raised by them.

Answer 1

Indigenous people are those who live in the same or similar natural environment and have similar life style. When they lose their land they also lose their livelihood. The loss of land endangers their existence itself and this is their biggest challenge. 

The needs of indigenous people (Adivasis):

• They should have their own existence and individuality.
• They are living in their land from time immemorial. 
• They should get the land in which they live. If they have no land their livelihood will be lost. They demand equal rights in the world gatherings.