Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru ( SJM )
Mangaluru, Sep 6: Mangalore Sociology Association, Mangaluru in collaboration with department of sociology and Humanities Association, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru organised the Fr Alphonsus B D’Souza SJ Memorial Endowment Lecture on the topic ‘Ethnic pluralism in the North East and Indian nationalism’ on Wednesday, September 6 at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru.
Educationist Dr. Valerian Rodrigues graced the event as speaker and the Bishop of Shivamogga, Fr Francis Serrao presided over the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Valerian Rodrigues emphasised that, “ North East is a place which speaks on pluralism and also speaks for the rest of India. This place is known for its historical traditions. This region came under British rule much later in the 19th century. It consists of 7 states which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. But now, even Sikkim is the 8th state that is bonding with this diverse kind of region. The largest tribal community numbering about 213 tribes out of 235 tribal groups in India are found in this region. North East India is a linguistic mosaic, where 400 languages are spoken in this region. Hence this place is also known as ‘Garden of Eden’."
He said the land holding pattern in this region is unique. "There is communal land which is redistributed by the local communities headed by chief in Nagaland or Mizoram. There are also individual holdings, often the chiefs have a larger share in the land. There is also a zoom cultivation, where a group or a village goes and removes the weeds, clears and burns the ground and then recultivates it. But now fight for land is one of the biggest problem that is happening currently," he said.
Speaking on the problems and the contradictions in the North East, he said, “More than religious conflict, there are ethnic conflicts that are happening in this region where, the closed groups increasingly think themselves as nationalities, even though they are not merely a social group. And they often ask for a separate state and make greater demands. Secondly, there is also a problem of economic opportunities where, due to liberal education and low skill training, people in this region do not get jobs and land up in the Indian cities. Now we can see a lot more colonies of North East people in the Indian cities. There are also the industries set up in the North East, where the locals do not get job opportunities in the industries they have built. Instead they recruit employees from outside the place. Along with this, even communal tension is also a big threat.”
In addition to this, he also said that these problems are not resolved with the state institutions or pushing arm forces. Instead they begin to connect communities and establish common ground. People there are fighting for religion rather than reconstitution.
The principal of St Aloysius College Mangaluru, Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ said, Fr Dr Alphonsus B Dsouza SJ is known for his intellectual broader notions. He had wider knowledge in sociology. “To remember his contributions and to keep the legacy of the sociology department, regular programmes and meetings have been conducted. It is very important to remember such a great personality who promoted humanities. With the improvement in technology, at present we see students opting commerce and science rather than humanities. By this time it is necessary to promote the department of humanities and sociology. This lecture will definitely help us to know more about pluralistic society,” he said.
Rector of St Aloysius College Mangaluru, Fr Melwin Pinto said, “During my studies here, we often approached Fr Dr Alphonsus to obtain a wider view about sociology and its various aspects. He had great love for these ethnic pluralities as he worked in the North East. The topic of ethnic pluralism and Indian nationalism is a relevant topic. India is the only country with rich cultures and traditions all over and it is remarkable. These cultures contribute a lot towards society.”
All the members of the Mangalore Sociology Association were present.
Retired Professor of Sociology, SAC, Mangaluru, Dr Richard Pias enlightened about the work and life of Fr Alphonsus, president of Mangalore Sociology Association, Prof Yogendra welcomed the gathering. Professor and chairman, Dept of Sociology, Mangaluru University, Dr Vinay Rajath, introduced the guest. Asst Professor and head of department of Sociology, Joan Rita O'brien compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.