Central idea: Thirty-one tribals belonging to the ‘Hakki-Pikki’ community from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan due to violent clashes between a paramilitary force and the country’s armed forces.
Who are the Hakki-Pikkis?
| Description | |
| Origin | Migrated from northern India to Karnataka. |
| Traditional Occupation | Traditionally known for bird hunting, which was later outlawed. |
| Language | Indo-Aryan language called ‘Vaagri’ and use Kannada for daily business. |
| Location | Predominantly found in Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru districts of Karnataka |
| Lineage | A matriarchal community, where women have an important role in decision-making. |
| Traditional Knowledge | Known for selling indigenous medicines developed based on their knowledge of plants and herbs. |
Language and UNESCO Listing
- ‘Vaagri’ has been listed as one of the endangered languages by UNESCO.
- This indicates that the language is at risk of becoming extinct in the future, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting it.
