Odisha, often celebrated for its vibrant tribal heritage, is home to 62 tribal communities, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These communities have preserved ancient traditions and unique ways of life for centuries, living in remote and often inaccessible regions of the state.
Among them, the Bonda Tribe of Mudulipada in Malkangiri district stands as one of the most distinctive and culturally resilient. Once isolated from mainstream development, the Bonda community is now slowly stepping into a new chapter — one that blends cultural pride with economic empowerment.
Interacted with the beneficiaries of the Skill Development Programme from the Bonda Tribe at Mudulipada.
Their journey through tailoring and multi-processing units stands as a testimony to their resilience, cultural pride, and strong resolve to move towards self-reliance and a… pic.twitter.com/Qm4Shcy1Ci— Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati (@DrHariBabuK) September 11, 2025
Understanding PVTGs
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are the most marginalized among India’s tribal populations. Recognized by the Government of India, these groups are identified by specific characteristics:
- Pre-agricultural level of technology
- Low literacy rates
- Stagnant or declining population
- Economic backwardness
- Dependence on forest-based livelihoods
In Odisha, PVTGs reside in the forested and hilly regions of districts like Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Keonjhar. Their daily lives revolve around subsistence agriculture, gathering forest produce, and practicing traditional crafts.
A Glimpse Into the Bonda Way of Life
The Bondas are one of India’s oldest tribal groups, known for their distinct culture and appearance. Women wear minimal clothing — traditionally a strip of cloth around the waist — and adorn themselves with elaborate bead necklaces, metal jewelry, and headgear. They speak Remo, a rare Austroasiatic language, and follow matriarchal customs, where women often play leading roles in household and economic activities.
Living in high-altitude villages, the Bonda people rely on shifting cultivation, forest produce, and small-scale animal rearing. Their diets are simple but rich in natural foods like millets, wild greens, and seasonal fruits. Social life revolves around nature worship, community rituals, and festivals tied to agricultural cycles.
From Isolation to Empowerment: A New Chapter Begins
For decades, the Bonda community remained untouched by formal education, healthcare, or economic infrastructure. But in recent years, targeted interventions by the government and NGOs have sparked transformational change.
As part of a Skill Development Programme under the Odisha Livelihood Mission (OLM) and other tribal empowerment schemes, Bonda youths , especially women are now receiving vocational training in tailoring, food processing, and micro-enterprise management.
During a recent interaction with these beneficiaries in Mudulipada, their stories revealed more than just newfound skills. They reflected hope, pride, and a desire to shape their own futures.
“We never imagined we could earn on our own or run a business,” shared a young Bonda woman from the tailoring unit. “Now, we’re thinking of starting our own ventures.”
These efforts are not just economic — they are deeply social and emotional victories. Young tribal women, who once lacked access to basic education, are now literate, skilled, and confident. Their income supports their families, and their success inspires others in the community.
Culture and Development: A Harmonious Coexistence
What makes the Bonda story so special is their ability to embrace progress without losing their identity. They continue to speak Remo, wear traditional clothing, and participate in community rituals — even as they stitch garments in tailoring units or package food products for the market.
This balance of heritage and innovation proves that development need not mean cultural erasure. Instead, it shows how indigenous wisdom and modern opportunities can coexist — enriching not only the community but also the broader society.
Towards a Self-Reliant Future
The journey of the Bonda community is part of a broader shift happening across Odisha’s PVTG communities. With support from schemes like:
- Van Dhan Vikas Karyakram
- Special Livelihood Programs for PVTGs
- Community-run micro-enterprises
these groups are gradually moving from subsistence to self-reliance. The focus is not just on financial empowerment, but also on healthcare access, education, women’s leadership, and preservation of tribal languages and customs.
Conclusion: A Model of Inclusive Development
The transformation unfolding in Mudulipada is more than a local success story — it is a model for inclusive and respectful tribal development. It shows what’s possible when communities are given the tools to grow, rather than being forced to conform.
The Bonda Tribe, with their fierce cultural pride and newfound skills, are no longer passive recipients of aid. They are active agents of change, walking confidently toward a future where tradition and progress go hand in hand.
As Odisha continues to invest in the empowerment of its tribal communities, the story of the Bondas reminds us that true development is not about leaving identities behind — it’s about lifting them up.