On November 10th, 2024, as the early winter winds began sweeping through southern India, we at Beyond Ethical made a journey not just to donate, but to connect — with the tribal communities living near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
With the season turning colder, we carried with us bedsheets, groceries, and essentials to help support the local community. But what we received in return was far greater — wisdom, warmth, and a glimpse into a way of life deeply rooted in nature.
A Culture in Harmony with Nature
The tribal communities of Bandipur, such as the Jenu Kuruba, Soliga, and Betta Kuruba, have lived for generations in close harmony with the forest. Their lives are intricately connected to nature through:
- Natural Farming: With deep knowledge of soil, cycles, and seasons, many families engage in chemical-free traditional agriculture, growing millets, pulses, and forest-based crops.
- Animal Husbandry: Cattle, goats, and poultry are integral to their livelihoods, raised in ways that respect both the animals and the environment.
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Honey Collection: Their ancient techniques of collecting wild honey without destroying hives is not just a livelihood — it’s a delicate craft passed down through generations, showing respect for bees and the forest.
This deep ecological wisdom aligns beautifully with our brand’s ethos a life and livelihood built on sustainability, responsibility, and respect for the earth.
Spending Time Together: More Than Just a Visit
Our goal was not just to donate bedsheets and groceries — but to listen and learn.
As we distributed the items, we spent meaningful time interacting with the community members, sharing stories, meals, and laughter. They opened up about the challenges they face especially in winter from limited access to warm clothing and basic supplies to difficulties in accessing healthcare and education.
Many elders spoke of the loss of traditional livelihoods due to deforestation or changing forest policies, and the younger generation’s struggles in balancing tradition and modernity.
With us were team members who captured beautiful photos of these moments, of children receiving the donations with shy smiles, of elders sharing stories of the forest, and of our team sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the community. These aren’t just images; they’re reminders of human connection, humility, and the shared journey toward a better future.
A Season of Care, A Lifetime of Commitment
As winter approaches, the needs of vulnerable communities grow more urgent. What we gave on that day — bedsheets, groceries — may seem simple. But when matched with empathy and presence, they offer warmth beyond just the physical.
We returned from Bandipur not only inspired by the resilience and resourcefulness of the tribal communities but even more committed to continuing our mission - to support rural and indigenous communities, not just through ethical sourcing and sustainability, but through ongoing engagement and care.
Looking Ahead
Beyond Ethical’s journey is built around respecting tradition, nurturing communities, and creating conscious change. Our visit to Bandipur was a reminder that sustainability is not just a practice — it’s a relationship.
We thank the tribal communities of Bandipur for welcoming us with open arms. This is just the beginning.
