Documentation Centre for Tribal folklores likely: Kyndiah

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Shillong, Sep 20 (UNI) The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is considering setting up of a Centre for documentation of oral and ancient knowledge systems of Northeast India, Union Minister Patty Ripple Kyndiah said today.

''Folklore represents our unique socio-cultural heritage and they should be protected,'' Mr Kyndiah remarked, while inaugurating the 29th Indian Folklore Congress and a national seminar, 'Oral discourse and ancient knowledge systems of Northeast India' at the Northeastern Hill University here.

He said the oral and ancient knowledge systems of this region are facing of extinction under fast changing modern ways of life.

India's 85 million tribal population is in a transition phase he said, adding that his ministry is working on a draft Tribal policy that would ensure all round development.

Responding to the plea of Indian folklorists not to use the term 'tribal', often associated with derogatory senses like, 'backward' and 'primitive', the minister said the issue required brainstorming.

''Being a tribal myself, I am inclined to accept views expressed by many scholars about the term tribal,'' he stated.

Earlier, in his keynote address Indian Folklore Congress president Prof. Jawaharlal Handoo urged folklorists, sociologist and anthropologists not to use the term 'tribal', which according to him is often licened to pejorative senses like, 'backward' and 'primitive'. However, he asked social scientists to address the issue in their respective communities.

Terming North East as the 'folklorists paradise', Prof. Handoo also stressed the need of setting up a documentation Centre for the region.

''The unexplored ancient knowledge systems in the region needs to be preserved before they get extinct,'' he said, urging Mr Kyndiah to take the initiative to set up the Centre.

UNI RRK PL MQA VC1916

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