Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies, Barkatullah University, Bhopal in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangharalaya, Bhopal organised a two-day National seminar on Tribal livelihood: Status, Challenges and Possibilities from December 6 and 7 at the Department of Sociology Building, Barkatullah University, Bhopal.
Host of the Seminar, Prof SN Chaudhary in his Welcome Address gave a brief introduction about the seminar which explores the concept and philosophy of tribal livelihood in the changing scenario and different dimensions of tribal livelihood. In the inaugural session, Key note address was delivered by Prof. MN Karna, Ex Director, AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna. He delivered his address with special reference to livelihood issue of tribes of North-East India.
The Inaugural session was presided over by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Barkatullah University, Bhopal- MD Tiwari. In his address he highlighted that seminar is very relevant in the contemporary scenario and efforts should be made to improve the livelihood of the tribal through such discussion and discourses which would be useful for policy makers and planners. Hitesh Bajpai, Chairman, Madhya Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the inaugural session. In his address he pointed out that focus should be on the applied aspect of knowledge. He said when we look at the livelihood of tribals, we should focus on the happiness index, availability of opportunities, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom of life choices.
Prof SR Mondal, Chair Professor of Anthropology and Sociology, Centre for Himalayan Studies, University of North Bengal, Darjeeling and Director of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangharalaya, Bhopal graced the occasion as the Special Guest in the inaugural session. Prof SR Mondal said that while discussing tribes and tribal life we must enquire theoretical and empirical issues with conceptual clarity.
Guest of honour of the inaugural session Prof YS Sisodia, Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research, Ujjain highlighted that there is a lack of delivery mechanism when we talk of tribal development issue. He urged that engagement of tribals in decision making is very important.
On this occasion Report prepared by Rajiv Gandhi Chair in Contemporary Studies entitled “Tribe, Castes and Development” was released by the distinguished Guest.