BIS # 3843 PARDI TRIBAL CULTURE AND TRADITION CONSULTATION

by Bento D'Souza

BHINGAR-AHMEDNAGAR, JANUARY 3, 2014: On 2nd January, 2014, a one day consultation and training program was held at Bhingar-Youth Hall from 10 am to 4 pm.
25 participants, including 8 women worked the whole day to present a working draft of their aspirations and expectations in life. The Seminar was jointly sponsored by Babasaheb  Ambedkar Research and Training Institute, (BARTI), Pune and the Tata Institute of social sciences, (TISS) Mumbai. Dr. Fr. Ashok Ohol, Ph.D, S.J. animated the proceedings of the day.
Right from Colonial Times the Pardi tribals have been caught by Police for theft and robbery, whether they stole of not, and till today this prejudice remains in society that they cannot and do not change. Fr Ashok Ohol, SJ, has been entrusted with the task, funds and responsibility to conduct seminars training them to live with dignity and responsibility and bring them to the mainstream of social development.
This is the third seminar he has conducted for the Pardi groups in the area. He was assisted by Ms Supriya D'Souza Ph.D. After the introduction of the theme by Ashok Ohol, a discussion was held and the participants put pen to paper to jot down their real and concrete analysis of their present situation and envisioned at the way forward. After the process of reflection and action, the Pardis left energized and happy that someone was concerned about their well-being and their future.