Language divides Paniya kids and teachers

Paniya language cannot be understood by others. There are several terms in the language which mean the exact opposite of Malayalam. Though Paniya kids are coming to Anganawadis, they return early without finding the ambience friendly.

Kozhikode has 2903 Paniya people in colonies of Kodenchery, Chembukadavu, Pathipara and Vattachira. Non poficiency of staff in language made the Anganawadis unattractive to Paniya kids.

The Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Development studies of Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIR TADS) has recommended that Anganwadi staff knowing Paniya language should work.  In tribal areas of Kozhikode. The non-proficiency of the staff in Paniya language has made the Anganawadis unattractive to the Paniya kids.

          As per the district administration’s requirement, KIRTADS prepared the report after surveying 12 tribal  settlements in the district.  Chembukavu, Mele Ponnamkayam, Kottakunnu, Muthappanpuzha, Chipilithodu, Kuravikandy, Nooramthodi,Naakilampadd, Odapoyil, Kolikunnu and Kakkananachery.  The report Recommends that either Anganwadi staff should be arranged for better interaction between the governments and tribal people.

          “Paniya language cannot be understood by others.  There are several terms in the langauge which mean the exact opposite of Malayalam. Though Paniya kids are coming to Anganwadis, they return early without finding the ambience friendly,” said           KIRTADAS deputy director (training) Dr.K.S.Pradeep Kumar. He added that songs, stories and folklore associated with Paniya culture should be taught in Anganawadis. Paniya famlies are fast losing their unity and strength.

          The district has 2903 Paniya people scattered across the colonies of Kodenchery, Chembukadabu, Pathipara and Vattachira. The survey study also highlights the reckless drnking habit and disease such as sickle cell anaemia and tuberculosis taking a toll on  tribal health;

          “The problems could be solved to good extent through women empowerment by means of creating job opportunities, MGNREGA and Kudumbasree, said district  tribal   development officer B.Rajeev Kumar. The report has been submitted to the district collector.