My Letter edition published in Indian Express dated June 13. 2009.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/well-spoken-now-act/475775/0
The Chhattisgarh government’s decision to allow free access and consequent development initiatives in the Abujmarh tribal forest area is a welcome step more so given the unfortunate circumstances that led to entry restrictions in the early ‘80s. Recently, I was fortunate to experience the Gond tribes’ rich culture in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. I got a deep insight into “Gotul”. Originally meant to protect the sanctity of the relationship of a newly wedded couple, “Gotul” evolved over time into a symbol of social and communal harmony. In this light, the incident involving the foreign TV channel was deplorable. A closer look at these tribals would only enhance our own “civilised” understanding of human relationships.
— Abhishek M. Chaudhari
