Carrying traditions, facing storms: The untold story of the Gujjar-bakarwals

In the scenic valleys and rugged mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjars and Bakarwals live a story not often heard. For hundreds of years, these nomadic tribes have moved between hills and plains, following the seasons. They are deeply connected to the land and are loyal to their traditions.

Their way of life is more than just moving around; it shows how they have withstood the challenges of nature and time. However, as the modern world evolves, it becomes harder for communities like the Gujjars to maintain their traditional lifestyle. Their seasonal migrations, once a smooth relationship with nature, now come with difficulties like insecurity, poverty, exclusion, and conflict.

Today, the Gujjars and Bakarwals face new challenges. They struggle against systems that seem not to care, fighting for basic needs like education, healthcare, housing, safety, and respect. Their strength remains, but strength alone is not enough in a world changing faster than their traditions can adapt.Their story is about more than survival; it is a fight for recognition, rights, and respect. They are calling for real help to ensure their ancient way of life does not quietly disappear into history.

• Without Shelter in the Land They Call Home

For the Gujjars, "home" is a concept that's always changing. They live in temporary shelters, such as huts and tents, because they are always on the move. This traditional way of living makes them vulnerable today. Without legal rights to permanent homes or land, they often face eviction and neglect.

Not having a permanent address denies them basic rights like electricity, government services, and even the right to vote. When they try to move closer to towns, they are often met with mistrust because of their livestock-rearing practices.This issue is similar to problems faced by other nomadic groups worldwide, like the Bedouins in Israel and the Roma in Europe, who also struggle to find acceptance in a world favoring permanent residences.

• Vanishing Herds, Vanishing Hopes

The Gujjar-Bakarwal community has long relied on livestock—such as sheep, goats, buffaloes, and horses—for survival and identity. However, their herds have faced significant threats in recent decades.The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1990s severely impacted their livelihood. According to a 2011 report, livestock numbers fell sharply during that turbulent time. Although some recovery has been made, ongoing issues like reduced grazing lands, poor veterinary care, and climate change continue to threaten their traditional livelihood.Without meaningful interventions, the cultural and economic backbone of the Gujjars is at risk of disappearing.

• Trapped in Poverty

Poverty among the Gujjars goes far beyond a lack of money. It affects health, education, sanitation, access to banking, and the ability to improve their situation.Their traditional jobs provide only subsistence-level income, and limited access to markets, healthcare, and government credit keeps families stuck. Many rely on traditional medicine for both human and animal care, driven by necessity rather than choice.Women's health issues, particularly during menstruation and pregnancy, are exacerbated by a lack of sanitary products and healthcare.

• Migration, Fear, and the Cost of Survival

The Gujjars live a nomadic life, moving around with their animals. This makes them face not just tough natural conditions but also prejudice and violence from society. In April 2017, there was a shocking event that showed how unsafe life is for them. A Gujjar family was traveling with their animals in Reasi district of Jammu. Suddenly, a large group of about 200 people attacked them, wrongly saying they were stealing cattle.

Five family members, including a nine-year-old girl, were beaten very badly. This incident made many people angry and concerned about the dangers Gujjars face. Even after this, harassment keeps happening, showing that these marginalized communities are not well-protected. The government of Jammu and Kashmir later made a rule that nomads cannot be kicked out without approval from the Tribal Affairs Department, but this rule is not always followed properly.

• A Language Barrier That Silences Dreams

A big problem for Gujjars is communication. They speak Gojri and live far from cities, making it hard to get information about government programs, rights, or opportunities.Even elected leaders have trouble solving this issue, leaving many Gujjars cut off from important information. The Tribal Research Institute of J&K says this gap must be closed if the community is to benefit from development.Without direct help, Gujjars might stay invisible, with their needs ignored and their rights not recognized.

• Healthcare: A Dream Far Away

In the remote areas where Gujjars travel, there are almost no hospitals or clinics. In emergencies, reaching a city hospital can mean life or death.Pregnant women, children, and the elderly suffer the most. Preventable deaths happen because basic healthcare services are missing. Mobile clinics, vaccination drives, and health education could prevent many deaths.Many countries have shown how mobile health units can transform rural healthcare. Jammu and Kashmir can learn from these models.

• Weddings Before Childhood Ends

Among the Gujjars, marriage often happens very young, for both boys and girls, due to cultural traditions and economic reasons. This causes many young people to lose their dreams.Girls often leave school early, missing education. Boys have to become adults too soon, without skills for jobs. Early childbirth impacts women's health badly, leading to high maternal death rates, according to UNICEF.To change this, we need not just laws, but also community programs that offer young people different futures.

• The Endless Wait for Employment

Economic marginalization leads to unemployment, and Gujjars face this too. Although there are reserved government jobs, few Gujjars qualify due to low education levels.Those who do succeed often stay in a better economic class, continuing to access benefits while the poorest remain left behind. This situation leads to discussions about changing reservation policies to help the truly disadvantaged.

• Rays of Light in a Long Tunnel

Despite these challenges, positive steps are being taken. Gujjar-Bakarwal hostels provide safe spaces for tribal students. Scholarships encourage higher education. Infrastructure projects try to reduce regional inequalities.In 2018, an important project started in Rajouri’s district. Schools moved with migrating families to ensure children continue learning during travels.If such efforts expand and receive strong support, they could bring significant change for the Gujjars.

- Mobile schools and mobile health units need to become widespread and effective.Roads should connect tribal areas to cities, creating opportunities.

- The Forest Rights Act should be applied in reality not only in papers to Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing traditional land use.

- Awareness campaigns about health, hygiene, rights, and government programs must reach tribal areas.

As Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen teaches, true freedom means giving people real chances to live the life they desire. This is about expanding their "capabilities."

• Strength Etched Across the Mountains

The Gujjars and Bakarwals are more than just wanderers; they embody strength, history, and adaptability over time. Their narrative plays an essential role in India's history, demonstrating bravery during hardships and loyalty to longstanding traditions.Supporting them means preserving a culture that enhances India's diversity. It involves respecting their resilience and the wisdom passed down through generations.

As they journey across mountains and valleys, facing societal changes, they deserve more than just survival; they deserve respect, opportunities, and belonging.Their story is too important to be lost. It should be celebrated with pride and compassion, and there should be a real commitment to improving their lives for the future.

• The writer can be contacted at shahidhakla360@gmail.com