INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY FIELD

Abstract: This study examines the role of Oorukoottam, a grassroots tribal governance institution, in facilitating educational transformation among the Paniya tribe in Wayanad district of Kerala. Historically marginalized due to bonded labour, poverty, social exclusion, and linguistic barriers, the Paniya community has experienced persistent educational deprivation despite constitutional safeguards and state interventions. Using primary data collected from 75 respondents through a structured interview schedule, the study compares the educational quality of life of the Paniya community before and after the introduction of Oorukoottam. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed rank test, paired sample t-test, and ANOVA, reveal a statistically significant improvement in educational awareness, attitudes, participation, gender equality, and community engagement after the intervention. The findings indicate that Oorukoottam has functioned as an inclusive, participatory mechanism that positively influenced educational outcomes across the community, independent of personal and demographic variables. The study concludes that decentralized, culturally rooted governance structures like Oorukoottam are crucial for addressing educational marginalization and promoting sustainable social development among tribal communities.