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     HOME >> AISWACS > Partners in Development
    AS WE SURGE AHEAD - TOGETHER

    A number of organisations and Institutions both in the Govt. and Non Govt. setors have been our partners in development. Among them

     

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    FUTURE ROAD MAP

    It is not correct to correlate our struggle for survival as obstructionistic to development. We too are human beings and need as much the source of sustenance as others do. We too want development - but in accordance with our culture and values; through our own institutions/organosations consciously deciding our own future.
    However, we have long been dominated over to stray away from our culture, traditions and values. Our struggle for the present is to remain cohesively adherent to the Principles and values cherished by our ancestors. We abhor class struggle and race for better materialistic world. We therefore appeal to Govts, Human Rights Organisations, Development Partners - the whole world Community to be our partners in establishing a new world order based on indigenous/tribal (Adivasi) culture and values. Each one of us have a role to play to create a better tomorrow.

    AWAITING PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT

    Adivasis - The Heritage People
    Adivasis (indigenous communities) are the heritage people. They still believe and continue to live by the basic human values of love, caring-sharing, co-operation, consensus mode of decision making, practise of human spirituality which the so-called mainstream people have long forgotten and have become victims of racism, classism, casteism and partiarchism. But sadly, the socio-political, cultural and historical heritage of the Adivasis is systematically dominated, subjugated and distorted and are being replace by myth based history and culture of the dominant community. If the present trend continues unabated, it will inevitably lead to the extinction of the Adivasis (as a community) and death of the Human Heritage.

    Strategic Challenges
    The strategic challenge identified by AISWACS is to revitalize, strengthen and promote the cultural roots and history of Adivasi communities as part of their present identity.

    Cultural alienation, grown through disapproval and distortion of their own historical-cultural roots, plays an important role in socio-economic and political deprivation of the Adivasi communities. On the contrary, relating and reconnecting with the own historical and cultural traditions can be experienced as a source of self-esteem, self-respect and dignity by the diverse Adivasi communities. It can release the creative potentials of the Adivasi people and thereby helps them to trust in their own strength. The cohesive power of the culture works in favor of unity among different Adivasi communities. To strengthen and revitalize this power will have a synergetic effect on all other mentioned problem areas.

    AISWACS perceives an additional challenge in promoting Adivasi culture and values among the mainstream (non-Adivasi) population. This would work not only in favour of the Adivasi population but also facilitate attitude and value changes in the general population (congruent with the Indian Constitution) towards religious tolerance, multiculturalism, pluralism and respect towards the nature, on which we all depend upon.

    In order to address this strategic challenge AISWACS has prepared a comprehensive Action plan (Project) entitled "Capacity Building on Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Adivasis".

    The objectives of the Project are:
    To revitalize and strengthen the cultural and historical roots of Adivasi communities.
    To achieve this general objective the following specific objectives are envisaged:

    • To capacitate the villagers regarding their ability to critically analyze and identify their own historical and cultural heritage, unmask myth-based superstition and politically motivated distortion of history and assert own historical and cultural identity
    • To create awareness on Adivasi culture and history among Adivasi and non-Adivasi communities


    The target groups are:
    The project envisions three target groups:

    1. Broader target group
    · People living in Jharkhand state, 30% of them are Adivasi.

    2. Specific target group
    · Entire population of 50 villages (approximately 18.000 people) in Santal Parganas with 99% Santal population.

    3. Immediate target groups
    · Village leaders in the village councils,
    · Women, Youth and marginalized people (day laborers)
    · Opinion builders and village intellectuals (Teachers, religious leaders, socio-political activists)

    This Project with all its details including strategy and action plan have already been worked out. Development Partners and Human Rights organisations are eagerly awaited to accomplish this task of developing the Adivasis and saving the Human Heritage. For details of the Project kindly contact General Secretary, AISWACS on santals@aiswacs.org.

     

     

     
       

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