An exclusive interview with Dr. Bishnupriya Sethi, eminent social worker and Kandh tribe researcher

 

Koraput district is known for the existence of different tribal groups. How were you inclined towards taking up research on the ‘Kandh’ tribe?

In Odisha, out of 62 tribal groups, 52 are residing in Koraput district. Among those, the language spoken by the Kandh tribe is quite different. I once got an opportunity to listen to their language and was determined to take up research on their language, culture and tradition.

Has modernization impacted the Kandh tribal community?

Of course yes! After getting exposed to the modern civilized world, the Kandh tribes have adopted modern means in their culture, tradition and lifestyle. To bring them to the mainstream, the District Cultural Society took initiative in 1996 and introduced PARAB, a tribal festival that provided them an opportunity to interact with the outside world. Besides this, they have also proved their worth at the Adivasi Mela held in Bhubaneswar.

What is the role of a woman in the Kandh tribal community?

In Kandh society, women are allowed to participate in meetings and put forth their opinion in any discussion. They are hugely respected within their own community and are also treated as head of their families. They enjoy enough freedom in their community from selecting their life partner to taking any important decision. If anyone insults them within the community, then death punishment is awarded for the same. Interestingly, the punishment is fixed by the father, brother and society of that lady.

Do you find any peculiarity in the festival celebration during your research work on Kandh tribal?

Yes! Festivals have a significance in Kandha society. Festivals like Nua Khai, Amba Nuakhai, Kandul Nuakhai, Diali, Push Punei, etc. are celebrated in a unique way which are mostly based on agriculture. But these festivals are also interlinked to their old traditional systems. Their ancestors used to depend upon animal hunting before they accepted agriculture as their profession. To keep alive this age-old tradition, the Kandha tribes go for animal hunting (bena sikar) even today. Adolescent and young ladies generally give a grand welcome to people returning from forests after hunting animals. They are escorted to their local village deities namely Mati Debata, Duma Debata and the hunted animals are offered to them and worshipped. After the rituals are over, they arrange a feast, cook the meat and enjoy by singing, dancing and also take wine during the festive time. They celebrate their festivals with music and dance called Dung Dunga. They believe in living in the present and are hardly worried about the future.

How far has the government policy given protection to Kandh tribes and their culture?

As per the Section 46 of Tribal Department of Odisha, for economic development and improvement in education in tribal villages, the government has established schools, provided basic educational amenities and improved hygiene standards in the school campus. Besides, several governmental agencies like DKDA (Dongaria Kandh Development Agency), FAAR (Friend Association and Development of Rural Reconstruction), NABARD (National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development), ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency) and NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) among others are working continuously for the uplift of tribals. As a researcher, I feel the initiatives taken by the state government is truly praiseworthy. Their initiatives have brought massive changes in their living standards and also made them literate and civilized.

Any message for the young researchers?

My only advice is: whichever field of research you choose, ensure that it always maintains a perfect integration between the old and new generation and never ruin the old culture.