1st Edition
The Apatani Way of Life Shaping a Culture Through Bamboo, Cane and Land Use
1. The Cultural Landscape 2. Of Field and Forest 3. Of Bamboo and Cane 4. Crafting Bamboo and Cane 5. Vulnerability and Hope
Biography
Ritu-Ngapnon Varuni better known as Ritu Varuni is a trained architect and designer, who wears many hats that include natural architecture, craft and furniture design, writing and poetry to creative thinking and ethical learning, and natural Himalayan farming. After completing her research thesis in Nagaland in the nineties, she was based in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam for six years, working on researching and developing the use of bamboo in housing and craft along with other grassroots work. Her design work under her studio name of ‘E’thaan’, has centred around traditional Indian craft design and skill development for most of her working life and has been exhibited in India and internationally. She has written many articles for books and journals. Currently based in Himachal Pradesh, Varuni is the founder-director of the Himalayan Rilung Foundation, which is focused on developing a hands-on, skillbased experential learning programme centred around the Himalayan environment called ‘Mountainwind’.
"Ritu's book on the Apatani way of life gives a significant glimpse of attunement with nature. Bamboo and cane are more than physical natural materials here. These have a texture and feeling that kindles the human spirit and brings people together in inclusive and wholesome ways. From here and other similar places will come the topsoil for rejuvenating modern social life."
Professor Mr Savyasaachi (retd), Head, Dept of Anthropology, Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi, India.
"A perceptive account of the bio-cultural landscape of the Apatanis and their indigenous knowledge systems developed over time. Relevant and insightful; the book also reflects upon the challenges faced in preserving the traditional ethos with the changing social, economic and belief systems. The author’s quest for remedy and hope is unequivocal."
Ms Koj Rinya, IFS ,Currently the Secretary(Horticulture), Govt, of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
