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ARISE CHARITABLE TRUST
WHO WE ARE
Arise Charitable Trust is a beacon of hope for the Irular tribe, a marginalized community facing poverty and discrimination in rural India. Founded in 2019, Arise Charitable Trust strives to empower the Irular people by equipping them with the tools they need to build a brighter future. Arise tackles educational challenges by offering after-school tutoring for children, helping them bridge the gap in the education system. Recognizing the importance of vocational skills, Arise also provides training programs for adults, opening doors to new job opportunities.
Beyond academics, Arise plays a crucial role in educating the Irular community about their legal rights. Many Irular people are unaware of their entitlements, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Arise works to bridge this knowledge gap, empowering the community to stand up for their rights. our efforts extend to protecting the environment and the traditional lands of the Irular tribe, ensuring the preservation of their heritage.
Arise Charitable Trust's mission goes beyond individual empowerment. We envision a society built on equality and justice for the Irular people. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, Arise seeks to create lasting change that dismantles the barriers that have held the Irular community back for generations.
The History of Irulars
The Irular community, a tribal group residing in the southern states of India, has a long history dating back to the prehistoric era. They were once considered forest-dwelling hunters and gatherers, known for their unique knowledge of the natural environment. However, as India developed, the Irulars have been pushed to the margins, and their traditional ways of life have been lost. Today, they are struggling to survive, facing many challenges that have been exacerbated by modernization. The Irulars were originally semi-nomadic, migrating between forest areas in search of food and shelter. They relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering forest resources for their survival. Over time, they developed a deep understanding of the natural world and developed unique skills that allowed them to survive in the dense forests of South India.
However, their way of life was disrupted by the arrival of the British and the modernization that followed. The British cleared large tracts of forest land for agriculture and plantation, leaving the Irulars with little access to the natural resources they depended upon. The Irulars were forced to adapt to new ways of life, and many of them became bonded laborers on plantations and in other industries
The Irulars faced further oppression during the caste system in India. They were considered untouchables and faced discrimination and exclusion from the rest of society. This has led to a cycle of generational poverty and oppression, with many Irular families struggling to meet their basic needs.
Today, the Irulars face a host of challenges that have made it difficult for them to survive. Poverty, lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are some of the significant challenges. Irular children often drop out of school at a young age due to financial constraints, and there is a lack of basic facilities such as clean water, electricity, and proper sanitation in Irular communities.
Despite these challenges, the Irulars have a rich cultural heritage that they are proud of. Their music, dance, and craft-making skills have been passed down from generation to generation. However, they struggle to preserve their cultural traditions in the face of modernization and the pressures of assimilation into mainstream society.
The Irular community has a long history that has been marked by struggle and oppression. Despite facing many challenges, the Irulars have managed to preserve their cultural heritage and continue to hold onto their unique identity. Arise Charitable Trust is one organization that is helping to empower the Irular community by providing educational opportunities and fighting for their rights. With the help of organizations like Arise, the Irular community can continue to thrive and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
OUR STORY
John Samuel and Megala Manikkam, social work students, encountered discrimination against the Irular tribe while interning in a rural Indian village in 2016. Witnessing abuse and neglect of Irular children in school, they investigated further and discovered widespread issues. This sparked their dedication to improving the Irular community's lives.
They started by raising awareness and encouraging school attendance. Recognizing the broader challenges of healthcare, livelihood, and living conditions, they founded the Arise Charitable Trust.
Through collaboration and fundraising, Arise provided healthcare, education, and vocational training to the Irular people. They also advocated for public awareness about the tribe's struggles and their need for empowerment. Arise established after-school tutoring centers and has grown significantly. Their efforts resulted in a reduced dropout rate and increased school attendance among Irular children. The community is taking charge of their lives, with a visible improvement in living conditions. Arise Charitable Trust's work continues, making John and Megala's vision of an empowered Irular community a reality.