Paper
The Problem of Interlinking the Advancement in Science and Technology with Traditional Knowledge Systems for Achieving Inclusive Sustainable Development: A Special Focus on the Tribal Communities of Jharkhand, India
presenters
M. Ramakrishnan
Nationality: India
Residence: India
Department of Anthropology & Tribal Studies, Central University of Jharkhand
Presence:Online
Keywords:
Folk-Model, Indigenous Stand Point, Community Life, Co-existence, Innovation
Abstract:
It is obvious that science, technology and innovation are indispensable components and they play a critical role in sustainable development. However, there is always a demand for considering the indigenous and tribal communities within the agenda of sustainable development for two reasons: to include them in making the task as inclusive on the one hand and to incorporate the traditional knowledge systems embedded in their cultures with the sustainable development agenda. Officially declared as a tribal state, the state of Jharkhand located in the northeastern part of India is known for being the habitat for 32 tribal communities and among them, many of them are indigenous and primitive. This study attempts to accommodate various forms of traditional knowledge systems available to these communities for evaluating and assessing their compatibility and adaptability with the science and technological tools and frameworks. Therefore, this study gains significance as it attempts to present a holistic dimension of sustainable development in terms of scientific and technological dissemination that focuses on the promotion of economy, education and traditional (local) knowledge systems. The advantage of this inclusive approach to traditional knowledge systems is to deal with various aspects of human life such as health, education, food security, natural resource management, disaster management, preparation and maintenance of material culture, prediction and management of weather and climatic conditions, cattle and livestock management, etc, and also the challenges associated with these systems. Despite being considered the most vulnerable communities, due to their poor access to health systems and other modern amenities, and also due to less exposure to modernization and globalization phenomena, they are known for possessing a well-developed traditionally developed knowledge system that are even considered suitable for the well-being of the other non-tribal communities. Based on the data collected from the tribal communities through intensive fieldwork with both observation and interview methods, this study promises to use the interdisciplinary framework to handle the most vital issue of interlinking science, technology, and indigenous tribal communities in addressing sustainable development. Finally, this study also presents the interjections of both folk and scientific models in terms of their common interests and logical foundations.