(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Innovative Science Project to Preserve Tribal Culture

(JUNE-2024)

Innovative Science Project to Preserve Tribal Culture

Introduction:

One of India’s most remarkable characteristics is its unity amid variety. The world’s second-largest tribal population is found in India. According to data from the 2011 Census, 8.9% of India’s population is classified as tribal. The tribal people throughout the country have rich traditions, cultures, and heritage with unique lifestyles and customs.
The Department of Science & Technology, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt, of India and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt, of India have recognised the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities and has taken significant steps to support science projects aimed at this goal.

Efforts from the Department of Science & Technology

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt, of India plays a significant role in preserving tribal culture through various science projects that integrate scientific research with cultural conservation efforts.
DST supports projects aimed at documenting and preserving indigenous knowledge systems of tribal communities. These projects often involve collaborations between researchers, anthropologists, and tribal elders to record traditional practices, medicinal knowledge, oral histories, and cultural rituals. By digitising and archiving this information, DST helps ensure the continuity and accessibility of tribal culture for future generations.
For tribals’ cultural heritage conservation, DST is involved in science projects aimed at conserving and restoring cultural heritage sites associated with tribal communities. This may involve the use of advanced scientific techniques such as remote sensing,
geographic information systems and 3D modeling to assess and monitor the condition of heritage sites, plan conservation interventions, and raise awareness about their significance.

Efforts by the North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR) under DST

The North East Centre for Technology Application & Reach (NECTAR) under DST is providing technology applications through various science projects and garnering support for sustainable harnessing of the tribals’ cultural heritage. It has expanded honey production in Nagaland, produced eco-friendly yoga mats from water hyacinth, bamboo-based science project and also helped in promotingthe bamboo sector through value addition and providing market linkages.

Flute Technology of Culm Cutting or Stem Setting Technique

In tribal cultures, the flute-making tradition is intertwined from centuries. NECTAR has developed a flute technology of culm cutting or stem setting technique which enables fast regeneration of bamboo. This method involves selecting specific sections of bamboo culms, carefully cutting them at precise nodes, and then replanting them in the earth to propagate new bamboo plants. Once these plants mature, they provide a sustainable source of bamboo for crafting flutes. This holistic approach not only ensures a steady supply of raw material but also fosters a profound connection between the craftsmen and the land, as they cultivate and care for the very plants that give life to their musical instruments. Through this project, tribal communities sustain their cultural heritage with economic benefits.

Gasifiers and Other Bamboo Products

NECTAR also initiated many other bamboo products which are having huge industrial applications like bamboo processing ‘waste’ for high-grade charcoal and activated carbon. It can be used as deodorant, disinfectant, medicine, agricultural chemical and absorbent of pollution and excessive moisture.
Centre has also supported various technologies for the production of mechanised bamboo blinds, acrylic products, fiber-based hygiene products, etc. Bamboo furniture is another industrial application where NECTAR has extended its support through science projects.
Gasifiers based on bamboo, has been developed to produce clean and renewable electricity and a range of valuable by-products such as high-grade charcoal. NECTAR has supported few gasifiers units in few places of NE.

Bamboo-based S&T Projects

NECTAR has supported the development and commercialisation of bamboo-based S&T projects to preserve the tribal cultural heritage. Few projects are given below:

Conversion of closed plywood units to bamboo ply;

Composites of jute and plastics;
Bamboo-based gasification for power generation & thermal applications;
Bamboo-based charcoal making to utilise waste and meet rural fuel requirements;
Edible bamboo shoot processing for low-fat high fibre dietary requirement;
Bamboo pulp-based hygiene products for rural areas;
Development/customisation of machinery according to available bamboo species; Development of fire retardant;
Earthquake resistant and easy to install pre¬ fabricated as well as permanent bamboo-based structures for rural and urban housing, schools, hospitals, disaster mitigation for plain and high-altitude areas.

Bamboo Water Tower

Bamboo Water Towers are fascinating structures found in various tribal cultures, especially in regions where bamboo is abundant. These towers serve as a traditional method of water preservation and storage, often ingeniously designed to capture and retain rainwater for community use during dry seasons or droughts.
Bamboo Water Tower is designed with modern science applications to harvest water from the atmosphere including rain, fog, dew, etc. providing an alternative water source for communities that face challenges in accessing drinkable water.

Conclusion:

Overall, various science projects have played a pivotal role to preserve tribal culture with harnessing the potential of tribal communities’ traditional knowledge with scientific research and capacity building, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development and environmental conservation of Northeast India. Science projects for tribals in India aim to protect and preserve tribal culture with a symbiotic relationship between biodiversity conservation and community well-being. By leveraging scientific expertise, traditional wisdom, and participatory approaches, these initiatives contribute to the preservation of tribal culture while promoting ecological resilience and social equity.