On the outskirts of Bhopal in Neelbad, stands a one-of-a-kind school made entirely of mud. This Mitti Ka Ghar allows children (from the neighbouring tribal communities) to learn in a surrounding that echoes the earthy notes of their homes. This was a crucial detail, architect Revathi Kamath believed, when she set out to build the school pro bono in 2012. Kamath is no more, but her ethos lives on in the specifics.

Since it came to life in 2017, Mitti Ka Ghar has focused on welcoming children from de-notified tribal communities — the Pardhi and Gondi tribes specifically. To better understand the weight their work carries, we revisit the archives.

Prior to independence, certain communities were earmarked for being ‘criminal’. Post independence, the Criminal Tribes Act was repealed in 1952, which decriminalised — or de-notified — these communities. But they haven’t been able to shake off the stigma.

Scattered around the bastis (slums) of Bhopal — and across pockets of the Indian hinterland — their hamlets stretching far into the forest, these tribes live far removed from the modernities of urban life; they are strangers to the concept of education.

But in Mitti Ka Ghar, they’ve found refuge and hope.

The mud school is an endeavour by Bhopal-based ‘NGO Muskaan’ that focuses its energies on informal urban settlements and villages, particularly de-notified tribes.

Here, education becomes a tool for change.

Sounds brilliant, right? But, there’s a problem. Muskaan is uncertain how much longer they will be able to continue. The Mitti Ka Ghar, you see, needs restoration. And that needs you.

As you read this, a team of architects is hard at work, racing against time to make the architecture structurally sound for the upcoming academic year. Your support can speed this up.

Local wisdom and architectural brilliance

Brajesh (45) has a way with math. Having taught the subject for over a decade now, it’s second nature. Brajesh is well aware of where his skills will earn him a corner office. But, he “never wants to leave” Mitti Ka Ghar. Having grown up in a mud home, a feeling of nostalgia has tailed him closely ever since he first set foot here. It’s the same for the children. The........

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