A community led by Manisha Madavi, a Gond tribe member hailing from the forests of Gadchiroli, who was crowned Mrs India in 2021, has started an endeavour that uses fashion and modelling as a tool to help comprehend each other’s culture and to curb potential inter-tribal conflict. On August 6, the event, saw the crowning of Mr and Mrs Koya, accompanied by a protest against anticipated atrocities for World Tribal Day.

Leading this initiative is Manisha Madavi, a Gond tribe member hailing from the forests of Gadchiroli, who was crowned Mrs India in 2021. On August 6, the event, saw the crowning of Mr and Mrs Koya, accompanied by a protest against anticipated atrocities for World Tribal Day. Addressing the motivation behind this initiative, Manisha explained, “Tribal youth are increasingly drawn to Western fashion due to the influence of social media. Natural colours from vegetables, herbs, and mud, which our ancestors have used, are now embraced by sustainable fashion brands in the West.”