Tag: indigenous rights

Goan Personalities

Goa’s Directorate of Art and Culture to Premiere ‘Ulgulan’ — A Tribute to Tribal Icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, will soon premiere ‘Ulgulan’, a one-hour film dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter from Jharkhand. The production marks the conclusion of a year-long national celebration commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, observed across the country by the Government of India.

At just 18 years old, Birsa Munda founded his own faith, Birsayat, and went on to lead a powerful movement against British rule. Though he lived only 25 years, his leadership and courage inspired countless others to rise in defense of their rights and land. His rallying cry of “Jal, Jangal, aur Zameen” — meaning Water, Forest, and Land — remains an enduring symbol of tribal identity, self-determination, and resistance to oppression.

Directed by Sainath Parab, ‘Ulgulan’ has been produced by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, as a cinematic homage to the indomitable spirit of Birsa Munda. The film also features a guest appearance by Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Goa, whose participation underscores the government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.

Through evocative storytelling and powerful performances, ‘Ulgulan’ captures the essence of Birsa Munda’s life — his vision of unity, resilience, and justice for his people. The film stands not only as a tribute to a national hero but also as a reminder of the ongoing importance of safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities and honoring their contributions to India’s freedom and identity.

Entertainment

PIL Filed Against Prada Over Kolhapuri-Inspired Footwear: Petitioners Demand Apology & Compensation

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, July 3, 2025 — Luxury fashion label Prada has landed in legal hot water in India after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court accusing the brand of cultural appropriation. The controversy erupted after the Italian fashion house launched a sandal design bearing a striking resemblance to India’s iconic Kolhapuri chappals.

The PIL, filed by a collective of craft advocacy groups and legal activists, calls for:

  • A formal public apology from Prada
  • Compensation for affected artisan communities in Maharashtra
  • An immediate halt to further sales and marketing of the product

🧵 What Sparked the Backlash?

Prada’s recently released footwear — marketed as a “heritage leather sandal” — bears multiple design elements traditionally found in Kolhapuri chappals, including:

  • The distinctive T-strap and toe-ring design
  • Handcrafted leatherwork resembling patterns from Maharashtra’s Kolhapur region
  • A minimalist, open-toe construction

Despite this, the product made no mention of its Indian origins or the artisans who have preserved and passed down the Kolhapuri style for generations.

“This is not just about a shoe,” said one of the petitioners. “It’s about erasure of heritage and denial of rightful credit and benefits to indigenous craftsmen.”

👣 Kolhapuri Chappals: A Cultural Symbol

The Kolhapuri chappal, handcrafted by artisans from the Kolhapur district in Maharashtra, is protected under India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is regarded as a symbol of traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Artisan networks and local cooperatives across Maharashtra and Karnataka have worked tirelessly to revive and sustain this form of heritage footwear in domestic and international markets.

“It is deeply disrespectful for a global luxury brand to lift our design without acknowledgment,” said a spokesperson from the Kolhapuri Artisan Federation.

⚖️ Legal and Ethical Questions

The PIL raises broader questions about intellectual property, ethical design, and fair trade, especially when it comes to global brands capitalizing on traditional knowledge without giving due credit.

The petitioners have urged the court to direct Prada to:

  • Include proper labelling and attribution in future collections
  • Create a royalty-based model for Indian artisans if such designs are reproduced commercially
  • Fund community-based artisan development programs

🗨️ What’s Next?

The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Prada’s legal representatives and scheduled the next hearing for later this month. Legal experts say this could set a precedent in cultural appropriation and GI protection law in India.

Meanwhile, the controversy has gone viral on social media, with hashtags like #KolhapuriNotPrada and #RespectHandmade trending as users rally behind Indian artisans.

🧵 Conclusion

As the case unfolds, it reignites the conversation around ethical fashion and the importance of recognizing traditional craftsmanship in the global design ecosystem. Whether Prada responds with reform or resistance remains to be seen — but for now, all eyes are on the courtroom and the cobbler’s bench.