Odisha Model Takes Up Cudgels For Tribal Communities, Especially Women

Bhubaneswar: Voice of Tribals (VOT), as the name suggests is an initiative that encourages the tribals to raise their own voice against any kind of injustice and protect their rights, identities and respect “Jal, Jangal, Zameen’ (Water, Jungle, Land).

Founded by a 25-year-old model, Rhea Resham Bari, VOT also extends support to the tribal women and their families in Odisha and Jharkhand who have been a victim of violence and/or any kind of exploitation.

VOT has been vocal about issues like rape, sexual harassment, trafficking, acid attacks, and other oppressions on tribal women. VOT pledges to stand in unity for zero tolerance to any kind of impartiality.

How did ‘Voice of Tribals’ come about?

We started volunteering as we believe that women’s safety in India or anywhere around this world has been one of the major concerns, especially the safety of indigenous women.

The upsurge in violence against indigenous women and the undisclosed records of their unendurable sufferings instigated us to form VOT. In July 2020, an 18-year old tribal girl was brutally raped and murdered and the case was neglected and delayed. The suspect was set free and the family was being targeted. When the case came to my notice, I decided to give it my all and make sure that the family gets their due justice. A lot of people came forward to help the family too when they learnt about the case.

You are also a handloom enthusiast. In what way are you promoting Odisha handloom?

I believe that ‘change begins within yourself’. Today, everyone talks about sustainability, natural dyes, eco-friendly products, and supporting local businesses but how many of us are actually willing to make that shift in our lives? I understand it takes time hence lately, I have developed a taste for handloom and it is a conscious effort to keep promoting Odisha handloom and our weavers on the national/international platforms. I hope that the whole world learns about the richness of our state, Odisha.

I appreciate and love to associate with brands like Galang Gabaan by Lipsa Hembram, Johargram and Tarini, who are working tirelessly to support the weavers even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every small step counts as long as we are all doing our own bit.

What are your future plans in modelling and your initiative for the tribals?

There is still a long way ahead for me in terms of modelling. I have many dreams and aspirations to fulfil and I am working towards them. The pace is relatively slow right now as a lot of our work has been cancelled/postponed because of the current situation but the key is to stay positive and keep hustling.

Meanwhile, I am hoping to extend the participation for Voice of Tribals. The more people join us, the more support we can gather and the more lives we can change.

How did modelling happen and what are your experiences in the profession?

As clichéd as it may sound but I knew that the fashion industry is where I belong. I just didn’t know how to make my way so I tried everything I could to make a name for myself. I am extremely grateful that alongside everything I kept meeting the right people who always encouraged me and guided me to make the right choices in life and career.

Talking about early fears, the fact that a model’s shelf-life is short, is a huge challenge in itself. With the kind of young talent that we have at present, it is highly competitive as only the best makes the cut. With the new age of digitalism, the journey gets tough.

This pandemic has also taught me that apart from following one’s passion, one must also have a fixed source of income to support one’s goals. Right now, many of the models/artists do not have work and it is affecting their mental health, causing depression, anxiety and other disorders leading to suicides. I hope as much as we promote healthy work ethics, we must also promote a lifestyle where mental health is a priority too, taking a break as and when required, avoiding toxic people and behaviour, social media detox, etc.

(Pictures Credit: Aniket Goswami)