THE NATIVE DRUM BEATS

Men and women whose success has done their indigenous communities proud

CONRAD K. SANGMA, 

44 Chief Minister, Meghalaya, Garo tribe

An alumnus of St Columba’s School in Delhi and with management degrees from Wharton and Imperial College London, Conrad K. Sangma seamlessly combines his tribal identity with a ‘mainstream’ persona. The son of former Lok Sabha speaker, the late P.A. Sangma, he has been trying to build up his NPP, or the National People’s Party, as a representative voice of the Northeast.

“EARLIER, THE TRIBALS FELT ALIENATED. TODAY, TRIBAL YOUNGSTERS ARE CONFIDENT, COMPETITIVE AND RARING TO SHOWCASE THEIR CAPABILITIES”

PABIBEN RABARI, 38 Entrepreneur, Rabari tribe

Brought up in poverty in Gujarat ’s Kutch, Pabi ben Rabari was a homemaker before she dec­ ided to concentrate on the intricate embroidery of her Rabari tribe. After she invented a new form of stitch work, Hari Jari, avenues opened up, and her brand, Pabiben, is now a fashion staple with exports to 45 countries. Her Banyan Tree Foundation employs 300 tribal women, with an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh.

“VILLAGE WOMEN SHOULD GET OPPORTUNITIES TO EARN HANDSOMELY WITHOUT LEAVING THEIR HOMES”

LIPIKA SINGH DARAI, 38 Film director, Ho tribe