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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Promoting Sustainable Development and Indigenous Knowledge Production: Portraying the Women of the Kani Tribal Community in Kanyakumari, India

presenters

    ANUSUYA DEVI R

    Nationality: Indian

    Residence: Tamilnadu

    NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUDUCHERRY , KARAIKAL

    Presence:Online

    Dr. Smrutisikta Mishra

    Nationality: India

    Residence: India

    National Institute of Technology Puducherry

    Presence:Online

Of the different arrays of knowledge production systems that serve for sustainable environmental development, one crucial perspective is the anthropological perspective Anthropological perspective highlights the detrimental effects of anthropocentrism on ecosystems. While anthropology has often focused on cultural dissemination, there's a pressing need to shed light on local ecological concerns. People living close to nature and the ecosystem produce and transmit a specific knowledge of the local ecosystem over generations, called local knowledge. On the other hand, academic knowledge involves systematically recorded knowledge solely based on empirical findings. Reimagining anthropological knowledge consists of intersecting both knowledges to tackle social challenges effectively. Kani tribes are one of the tribal communities living in the Western Ghats, mainly in the Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts of Tamilnadu, and have rich cultural diversity, language, and medicinal knowledge, distinguishing them from the other tribals living in the region. They speak Kani Language. The present paper talks about the importance of reimagining anthropological knowledge and tries to bridge the gap between local and academic knowledge by considering a secluded tribal community residing in the Western Ghats of India. Kani women have deep-rooted connections to their ancestral lands' forests, medicinal plants, and biodiversity. It emphasizes recognizing and valuing their marginalized knowledge systems, fostering inclusive sustainable development through collaboration, and empowering Kani women who are often marginalised in academic discourse. By engaging in collaborative knowledge production process, anthropologists can foster more inclusive and equitable approaches to sustainable development. This paper underscores the significance of empowering Kani women as change intermediaries in sustainable development initiatives. The project aims to promote sustainable development practices rooted in indigenous knowledge systems, including fostering environmental stewardship, community resilience, and socio-economic empowerment of Kani women. Moreover, the study aims to amplify Kani women's voices, celebrate their heritage, and inspire collaboration for inclusive progress.

Keywords:

Anthropocentricism, Kani Tribes, Academic Knowledge