A literacy project in the eastern hill ranges of India is reported, based on 20 years of involvement, at the beginning of which the tribal language, Adivasi Oriya, was not yet a written language. The literacy rate among tribals in the agricultural community is about 10%. Researchers studied the tribal language, gave it an alphabet, adapted the Telugu script to the language, and studied the grammar. An Adivasi-Telugu-English dictionary was published in 1989. The literacy project began in 1979 with government support, although the tribal staff had an average of a grade 5 education. Subsequent years of the project saw increasing numbers of participants; by 1989, more than 5,700 tribal adults achieved full literacy in the mother tongue, although only 4.5% of new literates were women. The success of the project is attributed to two primary factors: the primary attention given to the illiterate tribal, and the attention given to time management. Monthly meetings, support of village elders, mother tongue literacy with transition to state/regional language, staff development, and follow-up of new literates are also cited. Biographical stories by one female and one male participant are included. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (LB)