Media
Sangeet Natak Akademi takes up several important activities to promote and disseminate traditional art forms of the country
- July 31, 2023
Source: Press Information Bureau
Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna (Fellow) has been conferred from 1952, symbolizing the highest standard of excellence on a national basis, recognizing the sustained individual work of the highest professional order and contribution to the practice and appreciation of these arts through teaching and scholarship. The Akademi Ratna (Fellow) is conferred, as per the existing constitutional provision under Rule 12(vi) of the Rules and Regulations of the Akademi. As per the rule, the fellow is elected by a majority of at least three – fourth of the members, of the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, present, and voting. The fellowship is considered for artistes of outstanding merit in the field of Music, Dance and Drama or such persons having rendered outstanding service to the cause of music, dance & drama through their scholarship, research or original contributions as Fellows of the Akademi, provided they have been recommended for the election by the Executive Board. The total number of fellows is limited to 40.
Promotion of indigenous crafts of North-Eastern Region
- July 27, 2023
Source: Press Information Bureau
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC), has as its objectives the development and promotion of the indigenous crafts of the North Eastern Region (NER) by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and generating economic, cultural and social opportunities for them. NEHHDC launched its e-commerce portal, https://purbashree.comand operates mobile outlets “Purbashree on Wheels”. NEHHDC has also gone live on online marketing platforms viz. Amazon, India Mart, Trade India, Flipkart, GoCoop, GeM and most recently ETSY to connect the artisans with markets in India and abroad. For design interventions, technology up gradation, marketing collaboration etc. NEHHDC has signed over 30 MoUs with various entities; inter alia, Indian Institute of Management, Shillong; National Institute of Fashion Technology, Shillong; National Institute of Design, Jorhat etc. The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), and Government of India has nominated NEHHDC as ‘Nodal Agency’ for implementation of projects under the "Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)". NEHHDC is also registered as a Training Partner (TP) with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) under the flagship program of Skill India of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Devastating rights violations against Indigenous People must end
- July 17, 2023
Source: UN News
Indigenous Peoples have the ancestral wisdom to guide humanity towards a more sustainable use of the Earth’s resources, yet they are systematically discriminated against and excluded, UN rights chief Mr Volker Türk warned on 17 July 2023. He was speaking in Geneva at the annual meeting on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, referencing in-depth conversations he had had in recent months with Indigenous representatives during missions to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Kenya. He described the “unprincipled and devastating impact of extractive industries on the environment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Their dispossession from ancestral lands, and the militarization of their territories.” He said they had described the negative impact of the climate crisis on their communities and “the scope of systemic discrimination and exclusion.” “It’s clear that these violations must stop”, he told the meeting.
Kiwi fruits sustain growth on AP tribes’ habit of consuming bugs
- July 10, 2023
Source: The Pioneer
Researchers have discovered that the indigenous Apatani tribes in Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Valley, through their consumption of Kiwi fruits’ bug-Chafer beetles are effectively managing the fruit crop in an environmentally sustainable manner, without the need for harmful insecticides and pesticides. The study, published in the journal Current Science, revealed that not only has the usage of toxic insecticides been eliminated, but the yield of kiwi crops has actually increased in areas where entomophagy (insect eating habit) is practiced. Impressed by these findings, the researchers emphasized the importance of encouraging such entomophagy practices to be adopted in other regions as well, as a means of managing pest species in an environmentally friendly manner. The study, titled “Traditional knowledge of pest management and entomophagy: perspective on kiwi crop management by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, North East India,” involved interviews with community members and kiwi farmers from seven villages each in the Ziro Valley and Yachuli region, as well as six villages in the Bomdila region-important kiwi-producing areas. Field visits were conducted, and all activities related to insect harvesting were documented through photographs.
Merge indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology for a better planet
- July 10, 2023
Source: The Week
Colonial influences have diluted the potency of a culturally bio-diverse nation such as India to the extent that people today credit Western technologies and knowledge systems as the reason for any manner of progressive development in India. It is therefore not surprising to note an excessive glorification of high-tech infrastructure and technologies in the name of modernisation when the reality, however, is the exact opposite. Recent studies render the global north responsible for 92 per cent of the prevailing climate breakdown since historical times while the contribution of the global south is a meagre 8 per cent. As per this, India alone (of the rest of the global south nations) harbours 34 per cent of the climate credit. The concept of modernity is a construct of the human mind. There are several examples of self-sufficiency, resilience, and capacity building embedded within the social infrastructure of any nation; known to have withstood the trials of time. Ancient Indian societies were known to be far more advanced for their times; even prior to colonial infiltration. India is renowned globally for its array of diverse, regenerative, and restorative approaches to living and management of the local environment via local and contextualised native solutions. The biggest challenge associated with the utilisation of Western solutions in the global south context lies in their reduced efficiencies which stem from their biases towards the problems of the global north.
Indigenous knowledge and practices essential to ESG, expert says
- June 22, 2023
Source: CPA Canada
Mr Scott Munro, CPA, deputy chief executive officer of the First Nations Financial Management Board in Vancouver, is passionate about seeing more Indigenous professionals take leadership roles to help address major issues impacting Canada. After addressing CPA Canada’s 2023 ESG symposium, Mr Munro spoke with CPA Canada about how Canadian businesses can benefit from incorporating Indigenous leadership, practices and values into their ESG-related activities. Their traditional ways of living are based on the knowledge and traditions passed down from elders and ancestors. Seven-generational thinking examines how today’s actions and decisions will impact the way people live, and emphasizes the need to understand the long-term impacts on future descendants and generations.
Indigenous knowledge crucial to managing wildfire risk
- June 21, 2023
Source: India Education Diary
Wildfire risks could be reduced by strengthening Indigenous knowledge in management strategies, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).Combining traditional knowledge and techniques with modern approaches, Indigenous communities in Bolivia are finding new ways of dealing with increasingly flammable landscapes that threaten their lives and livelihoods. Studying how the Monkoxɨ indigenous people use and manage fire in the dry forest, shrublands and savannah of the Bolivian lowlands, the researchers found they not only protect their territories but also ensure more political self-determination. In doing so, the Monkoxɨ are changing the terms of the conversation about the role of indigenous knowledge in wildfire management. Dr Iokiñe Rodríguez, an associate professor in UEA’s School of International Development, led the research, with Mirna Inturias from Bolivia’s NUR University, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, and Elmar Masay from the Union of Indigenous Communities of Lomerío (CICOL).
Integrate traditional knowledge with scientific for climate resilient Arunachal Pradesh: DyCM
- June 21, 2023
Source: Arunachal Observer
Deputy Chief Minister Mr Chowna Mein has called for integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific advancement to create inclusive and sustainable roadmap for climate resilient Arunachal Pradesh, in his message to a three-day capacity development workshop for gram panchayats, which begun in Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) ON 21 June 2023. He also advocated evolving action plan in tune with Pakke Declaration 2047 to address current issue of climate change and ensure a climate resilient future for Arunachal Pradesh. The workshop, on ‘planning and implementation of local climate change adaptation plans under Pakke Tiger Reserve-2047 declaration on climate change resilient and responsive Arunachal Pradesh’, is a joint initiative of departments of Environment, Forest & Climate Change EFCC), Panchayati Raj, Rural Development and Department of Disaster Management
Several festivals are held across India that celebrate, and raise awareness about, local food
- May 22, 2023
Source: Outlook
At these festivals, you will come across fascinating displays of seed diversity, foods, and interact with seed savers from different regions. They highlight the importance of local food systems to sustain people and nature in a diversity of rural and urban contexts. And include food tastings from local restaurants, local produce like regional fermented drinks, live music, and even workshops on wellness. And they are a great boost to the local community. You will also witness several tribal rituals, folk music and dance at this event.
Meghalaya takes a step toward wellness tourism
- May 03, 2023
Source: Times Travel
The Meghalaya Government is likely to blend Ayurveda with the Khasi traditional healing system in a bid to promote health tourism in Meghalaya. As per the government, this initiative might do wonders in both health as well as tourism sector. Recently, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr AL Hek informed that the Mebai Tribal Health and Wellness centre will soon be inaugurated, where one can experience this unique concept of Khasi traditional healing system and Ayurveda together. This region is rich in medicinal plants, therefore, starting such an initiative will add to the economy of the state. It is expected that this concept of holistic therapy would attract many to visit the state and experience something offbeat.