Meet Bhavna Choudhary from The Indegenous: Protecting the Rights and Cultural Heritage of Underprivileged Communities in India

In a world where the voices of underprivileged communities are often overlooked or misrepresented, one woman's dedication is paving the way for change. Bhavna Choudhary, the founder of The Indegenous, has taken it upon herself to make sure the voices of over 500 million indigenous people worldwide are heard in the right way loud and clear, ensuring their cultural heritage and human rights are no longer ignored. So, what exactly is The Indegenous, and how is it making waves in preserving the rich heritage of India's tribal communities? Let’s take a deeper dive.

Here's Everything You Should Know About The Indegenous

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The Indegenous is a not-for-profit organisation created in 2021 with the intent to advocate for indigenous communities worldwide. The organisation’s core mission is to empower these backwards communities by providing them with the resources to reclaim their rights, preserve their cultural heritage, and actively participate in global conversations about their futures. Through vital research and advocacy, The Indegenous pushes for policy changes in healthcare, political participation, and indigenous rights at international forums. 

What started as an initiative to combat social and political inequalities has now evolved into a powerful voice for cultural preservation and youth engagement. By digitally documenting art, knowledge, and stories, it ensures these rich traditions endure. This powerful movement is bringing tribal communities to the forefront, amplifying their voices in global conversations about culture, rights, and sustainability, and making a tangible difference in their lives.

The team of The Indegenous took the initiative to create digital libraries to preserve indigenous knowledge, languages, and art forms. These efforts provide a platform where indigenous people can share their rich cultural heritage with the world, ensuring that their traditions are not lost in the passage of time. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, The Indegenous is using this power to preserve and elevate the voices of those whose stories are at risk of fading away.

One of the standout projects of The Indegenous is its North East India Database, the first-ever dataset compiled by indigenous researchers to document demographics, languages, and cultural practices. Free for all, this resource is a game-changer in academic research and policymaking.

Another powerful initiative is the Healthcare Report on Assam, highlighting the dire state of maternal and child healthcare in the region. The findings are pushing for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, directly influencing government policies.

And let’s not forget Indigenous Representation in AI, a groundbreaking study shedding light on how artificial intelligence fails to accurately portray indigenous cultures. The study is already influencing tech giants to rethink their datasets.

In short, The Indegenous isn’t just preserving history, it’s shaping the future.

The Vision Behind The Indegenous: Bhavna Choudhary’s Commitment to Cultural Preservation

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Bhavna Choudhary, the Founder and Principal Coordinator of The Indegenous, didn’t just stumble upon this cause—she was born into it. Hailing from the Tai-Ahom community of Assam, her roots deeply influence her commitment to indigenous rights.

Armed with degrees from Ecole Polytechnique and Georgia Institute of Technology, Bhavna’s academic prowess and professional experience—including working with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific—have given her a unique edge in navigating the complexities of indigenous advocacy. 

So, what drives Bhavna? It’s the realisation that indigenous peoples have long been spoken about but never spoken for. She’s here to change that. Through the organisation, Bhavna envisions a world where indigenous peoples are recognised not just as a marginalised group, but as an integral part of the global fabric. She wants to carve out spaces for indigenous voices in politics, education, and sustainability, ensuring that their rights and traditions are protected in an ever-changing world.

Looking ahead, Bhavna aims to expand The Indegenous’ reach across multiple continents, ensuring indigenous voices are heard in international policy forums. Creating solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable to the challenges that lie ahead. Whether it's promoting digital literacy among indigenous youth or advocating for fairer healthcare policies, leveraging technology, and using AI, she is laying the foundation for long-term change. By combining her technical expertise with her deep-rooted understanding of indigenous issues, Bhavna is positioning The Indegenous as a pivotal force in global advocacy for indigenous communities.

She is not just leading a movement, she’s redefining what leadership looks like for indigenous communities worldwide.

Why We Must Support The Indegenous

The work of Bhavna Choudhary and The Indegenous has never been more crucial. With indigenous cultures at risk of disappearing, this organisation is fighting to ensure these traditions thrive for generations to come. Supporting The Indegenous isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about justice, empowerment, and ensuring indigenous communities have the same opportunities and rights as everyone else. Whether through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts. Indigenous voices deserve to be at the forefront, and thanks to Bhavna Choudhary and her team, they finally have a platform. Now, it’s up to us to listen.