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About Manyapragathi

Across the world, more than 476 million Indigenous peoples live in over 90 countries, representing 6.2% of the global population. They are custodians of ancient cultures, knowledge systems, ecological wisdom, and sustainable living practices. Their deep spiritual and symbiotic relationship with land, forests, and biodiversity shapes unique worldviews and development pathways rooted in harmony with nature.

In India, Indigenous communities—officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes—form a population of 104.4 million (2011 Census), accounting for 8.63% of the nation’s people. Spread across 30 States and Union Territories, India is home to 705 notified tribal groups, each with distinct languages, cultural practices, and ecological knowledge.

 

Tribal Communities in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, Scheduled Areas extend across five districts—Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, and West Godavari—covering 36 mandals and 4,765 villages. The state is home to 34 tribal groups, including 6 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). With a population of 27.39 lakh (2011 Census), Indigenous communities constitute 5.53% of the state’s demographic profile.
These regions are governed under the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, where the District Collector acts as the Agent to the Governor, and the Project Officer, ITDA, serves as the Additional Agent to ensure peace, welfare, and good governance in tribal areas.

 

MANYAPRAGATHI: Our Identity and Purpose

Manyapragathi Association (Certificate of Registration No. 181/2014) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the upliftment and holistic development of Indigenous communities.
The name reflects our core essence:

• Manya — Indigenous, aboriginal peoples

• Pragathi — Progress and development

• Association — A collective striving for shared empowerment

Rooted in the realities and aspirations of tribal communities, Manyapragathi works to safeguard Indigenous rights, strengthen education systems, preserve cultural heritage, and promote biodiversity and forest conservation.

Indigenous peoples, often described as the children of nature, have historically endured exploitation, social exclusion, and deprivation of basic civic services. Many remain isolated from mainstream systems of education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and technological advancement. This systemic disparity has placed several tribal communities in prolonged poverty and marginalization.

Manyapragathi seeks to bridge these developmental gaps by ensuring that Indigenous communities receive equitable access to opportunities, resources, and representation—without compromising their cultural integrity or ecological heritage.

 

Our Commitment

The central mission of Manyapragathi is to promote the welfare and empowerment of Indigenous peoples by focusing on:

• Preservation of cultural heritage, native languages, and traditional wisdom

• Strengthening tribal education, rights awareness, and access to higher learning

• Ensuring access to healthcare, nutrition, drinking water, and sanitation

• Supporting socio-economic and socio-technological development

• Advocating for the implementation of tribal and forest rights laws

• Promoting environmental sustainability, including:

  • Climate change awareness

  • Global warming mitigation

  • Biodiversity conservation

  • Ecosystem and wildlife restoration

  • Forest protection and sustainable management

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