Gujarat PhD Scholar Preserves Cultural Heritage by Documenting 134 Tribal Lullabies in Nine Dialects

A groundbreaking cultural preservation effort has emerged from Gujarat, where 34-year-old Jeetendra Gavli has documented 134 traditional tribal lullabies or *halarda* across nine different dialects that lack written scripts.

Gavli's comprehensive research spans six districts of Gujarat - Dang, Valsad, Navsari, Bharuch, Tapi, and Narmada. Rather than merely recording the songs, he meticulously explained each lullaby's meaning and cultural context, creating a valuable resource for future generations.

The study reveals how these lullabies serve multiple developmental functions for children, helping them recognize voices, understand language, grasp musical concepts, and connect with their heritage. Interestingly, both men and women participate in singing these songs, which contain elements of affection, humor, courage, and nature descriptions.

Gavli's achievement is especially significant given his background as the son of uneducated farmers, now becoming the first PhD holder from his village. His personal connection to these traditions adds authenticity to his work preserving vulnerable oral cultures threatened by modernization.