SAKTI is a non-profit organization based in the South-Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Led by its Founder, Dr. Piratla Sivaramakrishna, aged 75 years, SAKTI has undertaken numerous initiatives, including:
Distribution of Land Records: Ensuring the rightful ownership of land by tribal communities.
Training Tribal Youth: Developing skills among tribal youth as barefoot land surveyors.
Drawing Traditional Customary Boundary Maps: Mapping the boundaries of tribal habitations.
Restoring Rights in Inland Fisheries: Advocating for the rights of tribes in inland fisheries.
Checking Fake Tribal Certificate Holders: Protecting the integrity of tribal identity.
Ensuring Justice for Exploited Tribal Women: Providing legal support and advocacy.
Enhancing Vigilance in Markets: Collaborating with the government to protect tribal interests.
Invoking Benevolent Legislation: Challenging injustices in court when necessary.
SAKTI has successfully carved out a democratic space in a region fraught with complex problems. However, the tribes, being first-generation literates, often struggle to acquire the skills needed to use governance tools, such as maps, records, and schedules. Some, with limited knowledge, have unfortunately become middlemen, misleading their own people.
The impact of globalization on tribal lives across the country, coupled with non-recognition of rights, harassment, or eviction without proper settlement of rights, has led to a dramatic decrease in the tribal population. This video is made from the data we have collected over 30+ years of work, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by not just one community, but by all of us.
