Tribals should not lose their identity, individuality and culture, while being brought into the mainstream, author and Founder of Dastkari Haat Samiti, Jaya Jaitly, said here today.

Speaking at the 24th session of the Indian Art History Congress on the theme “Dimensions of Tribal and Folk Art of India” held at a private college in the city, Jaitly said that change being brought to any system should not intrude upon older values.

“Once they are brought out of the forest areas, they should be provided with opportunity. They should not be given subsidy or reservation, but respect so that they are ensured of a peaceful and happy life,” the former President of Samata Party, said.

She lamented that instruments and equipment of tribes, used in primitive time for their livelihood, were now being used for destruction. Every art, tattoo or textile of the tribal had some significance, symbolising their ways of living.