Dr Sanjay Ketan Jena is a leviathan among the academicians and has produced as many as 40 creative books and research papers, documentations besides his doctoral thesis on sociology of munch interest and value. An academician with a difference, Dr Jena does not confine himself to the cloistered four walls of the classrooms but comes out into the open to discuss and interact with his students as he believes in the Plato’s method of education that the best of it is carried on through conversion. He has added feathers into his cap by being a member of syllabus committees of various autonomous colleges and the Council of Higher Education and also a member of the Board of Studies. His books contain his novel theories and ideas which, when carried to their logical ends, will serve as a deterrent to the evils of modernisation and urbanisation.
In an interview to The Pioneer, Dr Jena spoke to Sugyan Choudhury at the end of a seminar at the precincts of the Sri Sathya Sai College for Women, Bhubaneswar.
Has the original purpose of modernisation adopted by our planners reached the desired targetsIJ
Modernisation in India commenced with the Western contact through the establishment of British rule. The contact brought about many changes in the domains of knowledge -- social, cultural, political and literary. Following Independence, the modernisation process in India has undergone a basic change from its colonial pattern. India adopted modernisation as a model of development. Modernisation has led to the betterment in utilisation of the manpower, resources and techniques preexisting to the Indian society. The Indian society is getting advanced and better in every aspect of life. People are using better technology, education, lifestyles. life has become new, interesting, approachable and easy for the people. A majority in terms of attitudes and thinking people are trying out new definitions of values, cultural dimension and new working principles that are altogether making the lives and standard more high.
People are moving away from Indian cultural values, lifestyles and pattern which are making them western but not modern. Unfortunately, there has been a breakdown in the process of modernisation in India. The major sources of the breakdown in the process of modernisation in India are structural inconsistencies such as bureaucratisation without integration. Caste is indeed still in existence but in a vastly changed form. The basic direction of the contact with West marches towards modernisation of the total life, but in the process the variety of traditional institution got reinforced. There is a weakness, a need contrarily between tradition and modernity.
What is the impact of modernisation on culture and traditionIJ
Many reform movements came into being; several traditional beliefs and practices dysfunctional to society were discarded; and many new customs, institutions and social practices were adopted. If modernisation includes changes in the way people see marriage, it is anti-Indian. The Indian style of life has seen marriage as the single binding force to close-knit families. With the modernisation seeping, we see more divorces and more live-in relationship. It is not good from the context of Indian culture.
Where does the modernisation lead humanity and where is the endIJ
Modernisation has resulted in improving quality of human life but has both good and adverse effects. In the present scenario, modernisation of life is must to survive as per Darwin’s law. There is no end to the process of modernisation.
Is modernisation is antithetical to the age-old Indian cultureIJ
Modernisation is not antithetical to the age-old Indian culture. Modernisation does not require replacement or disruption of the Indian culture as a whole. Only those cultural elements need replacement which are functional for the society. Modernisation requires remoulding of culture in India.
How do you suggest of containing the negative impact of modernisationIJ
Society has to accept the elements of modernisation without affecting its own organisation and the way of life. It has to assimilate the elements within its system without disruption of cultural elements which are functional to society.
Modernisation has failed to liberate working women at their places of works. What are the remedial measures you contemplate to liberate themIJ
In spite of modernisation of our society and exposure of women to the process of modernisation, they are not able to have their dignity and liberty .Modernisation helps people live safely and with dignity. That has not happened in case of all women. Violence of all types against women is on the rise. Modernisation requires attitudinal changes. We have a patriarchal mindset. It should be changed. Awareness should be created among males to ensure dignity of women. Women should themselves come forward to protect their rights. Steps should be taken to enforce the laws enacted in favour of women.