Meet the Kolam tribe from Adilabad, the guardians of the forest who continue to live in close connection with their land. For generations, they have depended on the forest for their food, medicine, and livelihood. They cultivate crops, gather forest produce, and treat nature with respect, taking only what they need.

Among the many treasures they collect is Budum Pandu, a rare fruit found only in the jungles of Adilabad. It is soft, slightly tangy, and full of fibre and antioxidants. Locals say it is good for people with diabetes as it has a low glycaemic index and is not too sweet.

“We start our day before sunrise and walk deep into the forest,” says Tekam Kamla Bhai, a Kolam woman from Indervelly. “The trees are like family to us. We know when the fruit is ready just by the smell and the sound of birds around it.”

During the harvest season, Kolam families travel together to collect the fruits. “We carry them back in bamboo baskets and share them with neighbours. Whatever remains, we sell in the weekly market,” she adds. Their knowledge of when and where to find the fruit has been passed down through generations.

Some tribal communities have also begun making preserved versions of forest fruits like mango pulp and Budem Pandu. “It helps us earn a little extra when the season ends,” says Kamla Bhai. “But more than money, it keeps our old ways alive.”

If you ever travel to Adilabad, try to find Budem Pandu. You won’t see it in supermarkets, but you might find it in the hands of those who’ve lived closest to the forest, sharing its taste and stories with pride.