Chaiti Mahotsav: Celebrating Tribal India.
To complete our project, we have used 5 computers and 2 smartphones for communication, collection, compilation, and designing our website. The internet was a huge help as it halved the hard work in finding accurate information from reliable sources. Communication between team members was made possible through our Whatsapp Community. Applications such as Clipchamp and audacity helped us to process video files. Thanks to our school, we were able to complete all of the tasks in the school's computer laboratory.
What information tools and technologies did you use to complete your CyberFair project?
What has been or will be the impact of your project on your community?
As mentioned earlier as well, our project will change the perception of people about Tribal people, who constitute a major part of our local community, who are considered 'Backward' and 'Primitive'. It will also pose a positive image of the local community at the global level. In addition to that, our project will also inspire people to appreciate and promote indigenous art and culture. Our project received very positive feedback and encouragement as it would enhance the image and distinctiveness of the Rayagada District as a whole. There are many people who, even though living in Rayagada, do not know much about their local culture and for whom our web site will be an eye-opener. It will also make the local tribals take pride in their culture and in them belonging to the tribal community.
In what ways did your students act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.
While collecting information for the project, our team came across a lot of people who gave us a lot of handy information and advice. While attending the Chaiti Festival, we interviewed many visitors, performers and sellers asking about how they ended up visiting and participating in the festival. We also had requested local social media influencers for helping us in our project by providing us with relevant data and information. We also reached out to already known contacts such as family members and relatives for guidance and information. We physically talked to many prominent persons of our community for obtaining more detailed information for the project. On our way to gathering all the content required to make the project possible we renewed old contacts and also made many new. One such example was us meeting prospective women enterprise, while attending the festival. They were very delighted when we interviewed them and were also happy that students of their locality were doing such a good work of bringing their hometown and its culture into the sight of the world. One of them was so impressed by our work that she asked our team to remain in contact with her so she would know how the final project would turn out. Not only her, but almost everyone whom we contacted had similar feedback for our project. They commended us for our efforts to bring local culture to the forefront.
How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?
Our project deeply engaged various members of our community as helpers and volunteers, essential for its success. Initially, we reached out to teachers, local artisans, and community leaders who had expertise in our project's theme, the Chaiti Mahotsav of Rayagada district. We found them through personal connections, recommendations, and online research.
Our teachers, in particular, played a pivotal role. They provided invaluable guidance and support, offering insights into research methodologies, data analysis, and project presentation. Their mentorship was instrumental in shaping our project and ensuring its completion within the stipulated timeframe.
Additionally, local artisans generously shared their knowledge and experiences, enriching our understanding of cultural traditions and aesthetics associated with the Chaiti Mahotsav. Their firsthand insights provided authenticity and depth to our project, enhancing its overall impact.
Furthermore, our community members, including family and friends, contributed significantly. They assisted with data collection, provided feedback on project drafts, and offered moral support throughout the process. Their involvement underscored the importance of collective effort and community collaboration in undertaking such projects.
We are immensely grateful to all our helpers and volunteers for their unwavering support and dedication. Their contributions were indispensable, shaping our project's outcome and enriching our learning experience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each individual who played a part, both locally and from afar, including those who provided assistance via the internet. Their involvement exemplifies the spirit of community cooperation and underscores the power of collective endeavor in achieving common goals.
Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises
As mentioned earlier as well, our project will change the perception of people about Tribal people, who constitute a major part of our local community, who are considered 'Backward' and 'Primitive'. It will also pose a positive image of the local community at the global level. In addition to that, our project will also inspire people to appreciate and promote indigenous art and culture. Our project received very positive feedback and encouragement as it would enhance the image and distinctiveness of the Rayagada District as a whole. There are many people who, even though living in Rayagada, do not know much about their local culture and for whom our web site will be an eye-opener. It will also make the local tribals take pride in their culture and in them belonging to the tribal community.