Summary:
DN Singh
.
Once again there is a raging debate over the loss of the homogeneous quality of the tribal communities in Odisha.
A team of experts led by Anil Dhir, who represents the INTACH chapter in Odisha, is of the opinion that the majority of tribal groups in the state are in a slow departure from their roots due to various factors.
A kind of seminar was organized in Koraput to harp on such issues last Friday inviting suggestions from people.
Talking to this author Dhir said that, it is for all to see a marked shift in the lifestyles of some tribes as they are slowly yet steadily moving away from their culture, traditions and the homogeneous quality they are known for.
“ Developments at what cost?” wonders Dhir.
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What is more worrisome is their detachment from the nature with which their association is centuries old.
There was a time when they used to get everything from the forests including food and medicines.
Even they used to weave the clothes from some barks of trees.
But, now with the introduction of developmental schemes by the government and the non-government agencies, many new things have made their way into their lives.
It is not only in Odisha but the trend is almost panned India.
Many anthropologists in the past have expressed their concern over the lack of a balance between their(tribes) lifestyle and development.