Totem Resource Centre – Grassroots NGO in Wayanad, Kerala

Since 2014, Totem Resource Centre in Wayanad, Kerala has grown as a space where knowledge meets lived reality by working closely with Adivasi, Dalit, and other marginalised communities to understand, respond, and act on everyday challenges around livelihood, education, health, and social justice.

Rooted in long-term field engagement, the Centre brings together students, researchers, and practitioners through internships, trainings, and community-led programmes, creating opportunities to learn not just about communities, but with them. Totem believes in blending evidence-based research with the depth of local knowledge systems, building pathways that are both sustainable and inclusive.

As the old African proverb reminds us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” That spirit of collective learning, dialogue, and action continues to guide Totem as it works towards shaping more grounded policies and meaningful change.

Totem Resource Centre is grounded in anthropology and sociology, and strengthened by digital technology.

Shaping Stories, Crafting Connections.