Preserving Tribal Culture Through Tribal Children Centric Design (TCCD): A Case Study of Ashram Shalas in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India

The paper examines the decline of tribal culture within ashram shalas (residential school) and cultural preservation through tribal children-centric design (TCCD) in ashram shalas. Emphasizing culture as vital to any community, the early age at which cultural knowledge can be instilled in students during their school years plays an important role for overall and cultural development of students. Modern educational trends prioritize new-age learning, inadvertently contributing to the erosion of tribal culture, particularly notable in Gadchiroli. Survey data from tribal children, parents, and teachers underscore the absence of cultural preservation efforts in schools, necessitating the development of culturally relevant educational environments not alien to tribal communities. Site observations reveal deficiencies in policies, infrastructure, built and unbuilt spaces within ashram shalas and schools, further undermining efforts to support and sustain tribal culture. The paper advocates for TCCD, advocating for the integration of tribal architecture style, landscape (an important aspect of tribal culture) community spaces like ghotul (dormitory for training purposes) and mandap (hall), planning, use of vernacular materials and construction techniques and innovative teaching methods. These strategies are essential for safeguarding the rich tribal Gond culture within school settings, fostering a sense of cultural belonging and identity among tribal students. Adopting TCCD is posited as crucial to effectively integrating tribal cultural values into educational practices.