Leon Rodrigues sdb NASHIK, NOVEMBER 1, 2008: The M.Ph. students from Divyaddan, accompanied by their coordinator Fr. 
Robert Pen, participated in the Thirty-Third Annual Meeting of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) held at Proggaloy, Pastoral Centre, Kolkata, from October 23 to 26, 2008, to reflect on the theme, “Tribal Reality in India: a Philosophical Response”. It was a gathering of intellectuals that brought to light the pressing issues that surround the various tribal belts of India. Several issues were reflected upon, such as Tribal outlook to life, Historical background of the tribals, Folk Media, Tribal understanding on Culture, Tribals and Development, Migration and Displacement of Tribals etc. In all 17 papers were presented by eminent personalities. The key-note address was given by Archbishop Lucas Sircar of Kolkata. The conference had the distinguished presence of the Accountant General of Kolkata, Mr. Benjamin Lakra, who besides presenting a paper, influenced the audience with his call to be stalwarts in working for tribals. Fr. Robert Pen too presented a paper entitled “Folk Media and Tribal Culture”. The Conference brought to light the fact that in India we have around 500 major tribes, and many other sub-tribes. Tribal reality in India is a complex phenomenon, e.g., the tribes of the Northeast prefer to be called ‘tribals,’ while those of the mainland prefer to be called ‘Adivasis’ (original inhabitants). Contemporary challenges to Indian tribal reality include different forms of marginalization and exploitation which are manifested in the following features: displacement (due to Governmental and Multinational developmental interests); assimilative processes of Hinduization (Aryanization); loss of tribal identity and values (on account of exposure to mass media); migration (due to economic necessity as well as exploitation). Some of the specific attitudes and strategies that need to be adopted to facilitate healthy tribal life and to counter contemporary challenges to the tribal way of life are: De
epening an appreciation for tribal culture and heritage from ‘outside,’ and to foster a healthy sense of tribal self-esteem from ‘within’; Encouraging participation and networking among tribal groups, NGOs and other people’s movements, so that tribals become significant stakeholders in Governmental and Multinational developmental projects in tribal lands; Providing a platform for different tribal groups to come together to resolve inter-tribal conflicts and address common social problems; Sensitizing tribals (and the larger population) with regard to the right wing overt and covert forces of the Hindutva ideology, which are currently a threat to tribal identity and unity; Facilitating healthy relations between tribals and non-tribals at the local level, so as to ensure communal harmony and security and providing a channel for tribal cultural and artistic expression in national and international fora.
Robert Pen, participated in the Thirty-Third Annual Meeting of the Association of Christian Philosophers of India (ACPI) held at Proggaloy, Pastoral Centre, Kolkata, from October 23 to 26, 2008, to reflect on the theme, “Tribal Reality in India: a Philosophical Response”. It was a gathering of intellectuals that brought to light the pressing issues that surround the various tribal belts of India. Several issues were reflected upon, such as Tribal outlook to life, Historical background of the tribals, Folk Media, Tribal understanding on Culture, Tribals and Development, Migration and Displacement of Tribals etc. In all 17 papers were presented by eminent personalities. The key-note address was given by Archbishop Lucas Sircar of Kolkata. The conference had the distinguished presence of the Accountant General of Kolkata, Mr. Benjamin Lakra, who besides presenting a paper, influenced the audience with his call to be stalwarts in working for tribals. Fr. Robert Pen too presented a paper entitled “Folk Media and Tribal Culture”. The Conference brought to light the fact that in India we have around 500 major tribes, and many other sub-tribes. Tribal reality in India is a complex phenomenon, e.g., the tribes of the Northeast prefer to be called ‘tribals,’ while those of the mainland prefer to be called ‘Adivasis’ (original inhabitants). Contemporary challenges to Indian tribal reality include different forms of marginalization and exploitation which are manifested in the following features: displacement (due to Governmental and Multinational developmental interests); assimilative processes of Hinduization (Aryanization); loss of tribal identity and values (on account of exposure to mass media); migration (due to economic necessity as well as exploitation). Some of the specific attitudes and strategies that need to be adopted to facilitate healthy tribal life and to counter contemporary challenges to the tribal way of life are: De
epening an appreciation for tribal culture and heritage from ‘outside,’ and to foster a healthy sense of tribal self-esteem from ‘within’; Encouraging participation and networking among tribal groups, NGOs and other people’s movements, so that tribals become significant stakeholders in Governmental and Multinational developmental projects in tribal lands; Providing a platform for different tribal groups to come together to resolve inter-tribal conflicts and address common social problems; Sensitizing tribals (and the larger population) with regard to the right wing overt and covert forces of the Hindutva ideology, which are currently a threat to tribal identity and unity; Facilitating healthy relations between tribals and non-tribals at the local level, so as to ensure communal harmony and security and providing a channel for tribal cultural and artistic expression in national and international fora.