Paper short abstract:

The use of Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Development has been acknowledged worldwide. Attempts are being made to preserve indigenous knowledge for the future generations not only as a subject of cultural heritage but these knowledge also provide traditional environment management techniques which are key to sustainable development.

Paper long abstract:

Arunachal Pradesh which is the north-easternmost state of India is home to as many as 29 major tribes and more than hundred sub-tribes. The tribes have their own cultural identities and dialects which present a unique scenario of unity in diversity in North-East India.

This paper deals with the Galo tribe, one of the prominent tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The Galos have a rich repository of indigenous knowledge which is passed orally from generations to generations. This indigenous or traditional knowledge of the Galos are undocumented.

This paper presents a brief introduction to the many aspects of indigenous knowledge of the Galo tribe and how the indigenous knowledge as practiced by them not only contributes towards sustainable living but also helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment. It examines the relevance of indigenous system of the Galos for sustainable living.

Due to the advent of modern ways of life there is an erosion of the Indigenous Knowledge of the Galos which is a matter of grave concern. Thus the main aim of this paper is to document some of the important indigenous knowledge of the Galos before these practices get swept away be the tide of modernity.

Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses socio-cultural change in rural Pakistan with respect to the interrelated demographic, technological, and policy related factors. The paper highlights change and continuity in culture and society in rural areas of South Punjab, Pakistan.

Paper long abstract:

Pakistan is located at the crossroads of the Persian Gulf, South and Central Asia. This location gives Pakistan geographic as well as cultural diversity. It comprises diverse cultures due to complex history, migrations, wars, calamities, diverse geographic features and economies. In rural areas of Pakistan, the scarcity of agricultural land, growth of industry, migration, and shift towards nuclear families are indicative of sociocultural change due to the population growth. Similarly, the use of modern technology in agriculture and other activities of life have not only changed the built environment and landscape but also reshaped human relationships. One of the result of the above two factors is the abandonment of labour/services-production exchange between the peasants and the landlords. This paper discusses sociocultural change in rural Pakistan with respect to the interrelated demographic, technological and policy related factors. The paper highlights change and continuity in Pakistan through anthropological analysis of rural areas in South Punjab.

Paper short abstract:

This study unearths socio-economic conditions of the tribal women inhabiting mountainous region of Western Himalayas in India whose at least one family member has out-migrated.

Paper long abstract:

This study was conducted in tribal district of Kinnour in state of Himachal Pradesh in India which is nestled in the Western Himalayas. Several tribal groupings inhabit this region- known for hostile geo-climatic conditions, located at an altitude above 10000 feet and borders China. Main objective of the study was to understand socio-economic conditions of tribal women and to know about their domestic chores, social engagements and other activities being carried on to earn their livelihood. Using interview schedule and Focused Group Discussions information was collected from 225 women inhabiting Sangla valley of the district whose at least one of the family members had out migrated,.

It discerned that overwhelming majority of families is polyandrous, women pursue agricultural and household activities whereas men perform outdoor activities. Though having crossed forty, significant number of subjects is unmarried but command love and respect in the family, kinship, village and community. Up to hundred percent of the seats are being occupied by women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. Majority of the respondents has awareness of most of government schemes and welfare programs meant for upliftment of woman. However, huge gap is discernible in the awareness of informants and being benefitted from welfare oriented programs. It calls for necessary steps by government to evolve mechanisms to ensure their proper implementation. Measures also need to be taken to provide healthcare and to look after welfare of particularly such women whose spouses or sons have out-migrated.

Paper short abstract:

The paper broadly organized into three sections, the first sections attempt to map out the political economy of agrarian reforms and its reflections on quantitative and qualitative shifts associated with education regimes in Andhra Pradesh, the second section analyzes the context of commercialization of education and production and consumption of knowledge, and the third section highlights how the educational divide sustains and contribute to the continuity of social divide and represent the rupture of heterogeneity in education system.

Paper long abstract:

Universalization of quality education gained critical significance in the context of modernization of nations and societies. Though, historically the indigenous traditions attached critical significance to the institution of education as an agency in shaping society. However, the traditional education is characterized by inclusion of selected few and exclusion of masses from accessing education. The historical deprivation of education witnessed a fundamental departure during the colonial rule by opening education for all irrespective of caste and gender. The colonial policy of education continued with vigor with more emphasis on universal literacy and universalization of primary education in the post Independent India. However, the goals and objectives of education system tend to be conditioned by class interests of the society. The nature and direction of education in Andhra Pradesh is linked to the broader agrarian shifts and socio-cultural articulations. The qualitative and quantitative expansion of public and private educational systems reflects the class character where the former represents the elite demands and the latter represent aspirations of the masses.

Paper short abstract:

Participation of women in sports is gradually gaining acceptance in our society which help them to develop a strong character and leadership quality in them. The change in the global perspective from late 1950's made the education reformers to think positively towards Physical Education for women.

Paper long abstract:

"You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of women"- as said by our first prime minister - Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Sports are not merely a means of recreation but an institution. It is gaining credibility as a tool of both cultural exchange & international political negotiation. The twenty first century has seen a phenomenal growth in the super structure of international and transnational sports organization providing a cornocopia of sports competition. Higher standards of sports and record breaking performances have been developed through "Integrated approach by use of knowledge from Basic and Applied Sciences".

Sociologist George Sage (1974)has observed, "Sports is a pervasive human activity that to ignore it is to overlook one of the most significant aspects by contemporary society. It is a social phenomenon, which extends into education, politics, economics, arts, mass media and even international diplomatic relation. Involvement in sports as participants or indirectly as a spectator almost considered a public duty by people. It has been observed, that if there is any religion- it is sports."

Mankind all through the ages has been endeavoring to equip its younger generation with knowledge, experience and skills, so that it may face the realities of life with courage and confidence. Such fundamental human tendency has given rise to a social organ called educational system. Therefore the educational system in society became an agency to transmit racial experience, social ideals and philosophy to the younger generation to meet the future challenges ahead in real manner as possible.

Paper short abstract:

The success of Democracy depends on the decentralization of political power to the village communities. The study of political participation of Lamani tribal women gives us important clue to the understanding of the nature, function and organization of Lamanis.

Paper long abstract:

The present research paper deals with the political participation of Lamani tribal women in Kudaligi Taluk Lamanis of Bellary District in the Karnataka state. Kudaligi Taluk Lamanis is about 40 kilometres away from Bellary District; it is situated beside the Bellary and Bangalore highway and is having adequate transportation facilities. Lamanis live in settlements called tandas a little away from towns or villages. In the past, the Lamanis were nomadic. They moved in groups with their belongings and cattle. Perhaps tanda is a Dravidian word, which means a group.