Position of Women Within Tribal Structure and Exclusion from Developmental Process-A Study With Regard To Witchcraft

Position of Women Within Tribal Structure and Exclusion from Developmental Process-A Study With Regard To Witchcraft
By
Dr. Alok Chantia, Lecturer,Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G.College,Lucknow
Dr.D.K. Singh, Reader, Dept. of Social Work, Lucknow University, Lucknow
Dr. Preeti Misra Lecturer, Dept.of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University,Lucknow;Formerly Lecturer in Dept.of Law, Sri J.N.P.G.College,Lucknow

Abstract
Indian newspapers periodically publish reports about women who, after being accused of being witches, have been beaten, had their heads shaved or had strings of shoes hung around their necks and some have been killed. Many times the belief in witchcraft leads to violent incidents resulting in the plucking of teeth, breaking of hands and legs, cutting off the tongues, and in some cases burning to death of the so-called witches. Gruesome murders take place and sometimes women are banished from the village after subjecting them to severe torture. The woman are stripped, tortured and taken to a local witch doctor who conducts elaborate rituals to rid her of an evil spirit that villagers believe had possessed her. The villagers then ask her to leave the village. Some women are branded as witches and killed and sometimes even their husbands are eliminated by relatives to usurp their property.
Superstition and faith in witchcraft are only a ploy for carrying out atrocities against women. Often a woman is branded a witch so that one can throw her out of the village and grab her land, or to settle scores, family rivalry, or because powerful men want to punish her for spurning their sexual advances. Sometimes it is used to punish women who question social norms.
Witchcraft (Dayan Pratha) is nothing but violence against women, it is antithesis of development and empowerment of women. The belief in witchcraft and its practice seem to have been widespread in the world over. In India in the Vedic Age, witches were recognized and called as yogins. In present Indian society the phenomenon of witchcraft is not only prevalent in tribal and rural societies but is also found in modern urban societies. The UN has also released figures of the victims of witchcraft and black magic around the world. The world body has named India along with countries in Africa, Asia and South America as a high-incidence zone for witchcraft related killings.
In India, the highest incidence of witchcraft-related crimes occur in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. But only a few Indian states have outlawed witch-hunting. As the fear of witchcraft and its existence is culturally rooted, sometimes even the lower rung of the police and others fail to take note of the violence. At times the criminals escape punishment for their misdeeds. Only 2 percent of people charged with witch-hunting are convicted in court. People go scot-free because witnesses are hard to come by.
The present paper highlights position of women within tribal structure and analyses how women have been marginalized and excluded from the mainstream of developmental process in the name of witchcraft. It deliberates on historical and present day phenomenon of witchcraft in India. It makes an in depth analysis of etiology of witchcraft and propagates for a strong central legislation to punish the wrongdoers who in the name of superstition perpetuate all kinds of violence against women. The paper also emphasizes upon the role of society, media, police and judiciary in educating the masses and in combating atrocities against women in the name of witchcraft.

Human Rights and Social Justice: A Study on Dhankut of District Bahraich of U.P

Human Rights and Social Justice: A Study on Dhankut of District Bahraich of U.P
Dr. Alok Chantia, Lecturer,
Dept. of Anthropology,
Sri Jai Narain PostGraduate College,
Lucknow,
E-mail, alokchantia@rediffmail.com

Abstract
Present paper examines human rights in socio-cultural context and studies whether a group can enjoy human rights and social justice without having a socio-cultural identity of its own. Dhankut, the group under study is neither recognized as Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Class nor it comes under the four folded caste system of India. Due to non recognition of their caste they do not get proper alliance for marriage, hence have started marrying among themselves leading to ill effects of inbreeding. Dhankut are suffering from poverty and unemployment. They are governed by local Panchayat in case of any dispute. In the 21st century of Scientific era they are still earning their livelihood by making cow dung cakes and selling things like groudnuts etc. The study reveals that a group devoid of socio-cultural identity of its own can not afford even the basic necessities of life and is forced to live in inhuman and degrading conditions.
Keywords-Human right, Dhankut, Caste, Identity, Poverty, Social justice

Hindu Social System and Human Rights: A Study on Meerganj of Behraich District (U.P.)

Hindu Social System and Human Rights: A Study on Meerganj of Behraich District (U.P.)
Dr.Rajesh Tewari, Reader,Dept. of History, Sri J.N.P.G.College,Lucknow,E-mail tiwarirajesh08@gmail.com
Dr. Alok Chantia, Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G.College,Lucknow, E-mail alokchantia@gmail.com

Life begets life, and society begets society but life doesn’t find the same physical feature for future due to genetical material of parents. In the same way, society accelerates the same idea of change by the influence of time. Hindu caste system is a good example of social exclusion which provides a bulk of evidences of poverty and deprivation, down trodden people of caste system and it is also remarkable that human rights violation can be sketched under the outlines of social exclusion. Every one equal before the law (article 7 of UDHR) and every one born free (article 1 of UDHR) and equal with dignified life is not an absolute feature of Hindu caste system. Though we are living in an independent country and have a good socio-legal armour in the form of constitution, a difference can be seen between twice born and down trodden people, when we analyse socio-cultural profile of the people dwelling in Meerganj. It is a fringe village with 5000 population of Bahraich district adjacent to District Magistrate‘s Office. It is very far from modernization, and its maximum population belongs to Dalits, and OBC, who have some agricultural land but maximum land is in possession of Brahmins and Kayasthas, who are treated as elite class. They are living in the main city and are engaged in different jobs. Dalits like Avatar, Shanshuk, Gobre, Allhi are still working as agricultural labourer. They don’t have medical assistance, education, they are in debt and many litigations are going on within their community. In this paper an effort has been made to analyse the process of social exclusion amongst Dalits. Human rights violation is going on due to caste system as well as conflicts within Dalits themselves. 500 respondents were interviewed by random sampling to know the status of poverty and deprivation. All respondents are above 18 years of age of both sexes. This study was conducted between 11-27 December 2007. Study records different responses and clarifies that even after having all safe guards and privileges, Dalits of Meerganj are still socially excluded due to their own conflicts of hierarchy within the community and that’s why they find human rights violation apparently. Study proved that Dalits are poor and deprived not only by Hindu social system but also due to conflicts within themselves. All these points will be analysed in depth in the proposed paper..

Health Status of Marginalised Tribal Women –Concerns and Future Directions

Health Status of Marginalised Tribal Women –Concerns and Future Directions

By

-Dr.Alok Chantia-Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate College, Lucknow
-Dr.Preeti Misra- Lecturer, Dept of Human Rights, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow

Abstract: Health is defined as social, physical and mental well being of a person. Health is also one of the indicators of national development .Besides medicine culture is also responsible for the well being and health of an individual. Culture basically develops and maintains its structure by women. Woman is the axis of any society, but society does not provide adequate health care for women. Tribal women are mostly illiterates and suffer from sterility, STD and STI besides poor nutrition. Maximum tribal women are suffering from multiple health problems. Despite the availability of doctors they prefer to go to local quacks for the treatment. The present paper examines why tribal women are sufferers of many health problems? Whether their culture is responsible for their poor health and how their condition can be improved?

Keywords: Health, Culture, Inbreeding, Nutrition, STD, Medical facilities

Globalization As Negotiating Intervention In India: An Appraisal Of Human Rights

Globalization As Negotiating Intervention In India: An Appraisal Of Human Rights

Dr. Alok chantia, Lecturer(Anthropology), SJNPG(KKC) College, Lucknow, U.P.(India)
Dr. Preeti Misra, Sr. Lecturer, Human rights, Dept of Law, BBAU, Lucknow, U.P.,India


Key word- Globalization, Culture, Change, and Economy
Abstract-
Change is inevitable process. Any creature on this earth is not away from this notion “change” but except biological change, all other features created by man coined as culture is also under this outline. From the Paleolithic to Neolithic period, man formed many cultural traits for his/her smooth and cozy survival. Such cultural evolution, now has reached up to the process of Liberlization, Privatization and Globalization etc. Change made an environment of shifting of man from river bank settlement to urban set up because of technological development in water storage system. So due to water accessibility mechanism, man created multiplex and multi storeyed buildings in the path of change. In the same manner the process of urbanization became more powerful in its existence due to flow and formation of currency. Now man can avail any fruit of life by using currency and he/she can earn more and more by his/ her physical/ mental work. That is why society got many categories as very poor, poor, medium, rich etc in the process of change. So change is counter part of one’s life and nation too.
Globalization has created a vital pace in human’s life. Generally this term is taken in term of economical change. In India globalization has made a transitional phase between traditional and imported culture, trade, livelihood etc. Due to cheap labour , availability of man power and easy trade policy, multinational companies prefer to plant their factories on India’s land, but what happens when change occurs due to globalization? It is well discussed in my proposed paper. Case study of Plachimada of Kerala state shows that MNC’s are making adverse situation for indigenous people. So they are facing crisis of survival due to loss of their traditional occupation of agriculture. In an other case of Anantpur of Andhrapradesh, where peasant of ground nuts and fisheries are committing suicide due to collapse of their traditional occupation in the process of globalization.
Present study shows that negotiating intervention as economical globalization has created passage of jobs at gross route level in India but we cant deny the pace of recession in south-east Asia and India too. This intervention has made an anti-environment of collapse of traditional life and culture of indigenous people that will be explained in my proposed paper.

Globalisation And Status Of Tribe In Post Independent India: A Case Study Of Dhankut Living In District Bahraich Of Uttar Pradesh

Globalisation And Status Of Tribe In Post Independent India: A Case Study Of Dhankut Living In District Bahraich Of Uttar Pradesh
Dr. Alok Chantia* & Dr. Preeti Misra**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G. College, Lucknow; alokchantia@rediffmail.com
** Lecturer, Dept of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; E-Mail misra9us@gmail.com

Keywords: Globalisation, Culture, Tribe, Society, Constitution, Rights
Abstract:
In spite of listing of tribal groups in pre and post independent India, it is very difficult to sketch the real tribal groups in present India. Under the Constitutional guidelines government declares some specific groups as tribal groups on the fulfillment of certain conditions, which may be termed as observed tribal groups. Due to increase in these tribal groups fruits of privileges given to actual tribal groups are decreasing. The number of observed tribal groups have increased leaps and bound in post Constitution India. Actual tribal groups are still far away from being listed as tribal groups. Anthropologically actual tribal groups are still behind the curtain and devoid of all basic facilities of life. The case of a group Dhankut living in District Bahraich of Uttar Pradesh is no different and is glaring example of violation of human rights of actual tribal people. Dhankut are living in small pocket of Dhankuttypura of District Bahraich. Dhankut’s total population is 2687(2001 census) and their dialect is dhankutty in a rhythmic form. They practice cross cousin and parallel cousin marriage which is a taboo in north India and legally prohibited too under Hindu Marriage Act 1955. Even after having these tribal characteristics they are not included in the category of scheduled tribe. Neither have they been recognized as scheduled caste or other backward class. Though they are not agricultural people, cereal selling is still their main occupation. They are poor and illiterate. With 5% literacy rate only three of them are in fourth class government job. No literature is available about them neither in government records nor in district gazetteer. They have full faith in their traditional panchayat and traditional God “Gullabeer.” They are struggling for their tribal status since 1973 but have not succeeded so far. Dhankut want tribal status for themselves to enjoy the benefits provided by the government, but it is a matter of conflict between observed (constitutionally declared tribes) and actual tribes (anthropologically identified tribe).All this has created a problem in tribal India too, the latest example of which is problem of Gujjars in Rajasthan. What are the problems of tribal groups, how observed and actual tribal groups are struggling and striving for benefits will be discussed in my proposed paper with the help of socio-cultural life of Dhankut.
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Role of Law and Society in Protecting Girl Child– The Most Vulnerable And Endangered Specie In India

Role of Law and Society in Protecting Girl Child– The Most Vulnerable And Endangered Specie In India

By
Dr. Preeti Misra* & Dr. Alok Chantia**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226007, INDIA misra9us@gmail.com; misra9_us@yahoo.com
**Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology Sri Jai Naraian Post Graduate College, Lucknow U.P. India
alokchantia @rediffmail.com

Abstract

Humanity can look to its future only through a girl child. It is not possible to visualize a world without her. The human right violation of girl child is a subject of great socio-legal significance. The girl child is proving to be an enormously endangered species. Her person, dignity and life are under severe attack from those who should have been her saviours. The girl child is first and foremost need of humanity because her survival is essential for the continuation of the species. Denial of her right to live means denial of the right to live as a future generation.
It is also a matter of deep concern that the practice of female foeticide and infanticide is alarming in India. So the first issue that deserves the primary attention of the whole humanity is to fight excesses against the mothers of future humanity.
The present paper highlights the different vices existing against the girl child in India. It focuses mainly on female foeticide and infanticide its amplitude, contributory and situational factors, historical and cultural background. The paper looks into legislative, judicial and police response towards the violence against the girl child. It suggests several preventive measures need to be taken and policies need to be adopted dealing with family, society, media, police, judiciary and other relevant agencies.

Keywords: Foeticide, Infanticide, Society, role of Technology, Law, Policies

Effect of Alcohol on Central Nervous System and HIV Infection

Effect of Alcohol on Central Nervous System and HIV Infection
(A Study on Dhankut Living in District Bahraich of Uttar Pradesh, India)

Dr. Alok Chantia, Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate College, Lucknow, UP, India, alokchantia@gmail.com
Dr. Preeti Misra, Lecturer, Dept.of Human Rights,School for Legal Studies,Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University,Lucknow, UP, India, misra9us@gmail.com

Key words: HIV, Alcohol, Sexuality, Central Nervous System, Dhankut, Culture

Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is endangering humanity. Many people at risk for or infected with the HIV are heavy drinkers. Both HIV infection and heavy alcohol use adversely affect the immune system and central nervous system (CNS) function. However, little research has addressed the effects of heavy alcohol use on the severity and progression of HIV disease, including the development of HIV associated CNS disease. Animal and in-vitro studies suggests that alcohol impairs various aspects of the immune system and increases the susceptibility to HIV infection, but may not accelerate progression of HIV disease. However, heavy alcohol use may interfere with the patients adherence to antiretroviral treatment regimens. Neuropathological and neuropsychological studies have indicated that certain brain areas are affected by both HIV infection and chronic alcohol abuse. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of both HIV positive and HIV negative people who were either heavy or light drinkers found that chronic alcohol abuse exacerbates some metabolic injury in the brains of HIV infected people, although this effect may be less pronounced in patients receiving effective antiretroviral therapy.
Present study has been done on an endogamous group Dhankut living in Dhankuttypura of Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The object of present paper is to see how alcohol impairs various aspects of the immune system and increases the susceptibility to HIV infection amongst this group. The paper also analyses the effects of heavy alcohol use on the severity and progression of HIV infection, including the development of HIV associated CNS disease with the help of various studies done on the subject.

Theme: Water Rights and Water Rights reform in South asia

Theme: Water Rights and Water Rights reform in South asia

Title: Contours of Water Rights and Water Rights Reform in Indian Context

-Dr. Alok Chantia
Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology,
Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate College,
(KKC) Lucknow-226001
Uttar Pradesh, India
E-Mail alokchantia@rediffmail.com;
alokchantia@gmail.com
Abstract
India became independent in 1947 from colonial clutches. It formed its Constitution to protect its people from any mal functioning. As a longest Constitution of the world, the Indian Legal Epic protects human being by providing many safeguards in the form of human rights. Amongst all Article 14 which encompasses an idea that ‘every body is equal before law’ shows an indirect accessibility to natural resources without any discrimination on the ground of race, sex, caste, creed, place of birth etc. Whereas Article 21 explains right to life in multi dimensional terms including right to safe drinking water. Without any technical approach or research an individual can observe the whole scenario of water rights in India where more than 6 lakhs villages are reeling under the acute crisis of water what to say of pure drinking water. A mere approach of the Government to install a hand pump in a village cannot be an assurance of right to safe drinking water. Right to water does not mean merely availability of water but of standard quality so as to ensure healthy life of an individual. In India every year 30,000 children die from water borne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid. Many contaminating materials such as arsenic, chlorine, fluorine also dilute water rights of Indians.
The water supplied in urban and rural areas is also discriminatory and violative of fundamental right in the sense that in urban areas we get water after proper treatment and medication but in rural areas even hand pumps are not grounded as per norms. Discrimination in access to drinking water resources on the basis of caste is another very important and sensitive issue as upper caste dominate over lower caste people for access to drinking water. When we talk of water rights in India even fundamental rights are not equally distributed amongst Indians. Such an inhuman process of deprivation and destitution requires change of attitude amongst government and in its people.
In the present paper a micro level study has been made in urban, peri urban and rural areas to assess the impact and effectiveness of rights provided under Indian Constitution and in other statutory documents. An attempt has also been made to suggest reforms to ensure equal water rights to all Indian nationals irrespective of class, caste, place of birth etc.

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Change and Development Among Tribal Groups of Arunachal Pradesh

Change and Development Among Tribal Groups of Arunachal Pradesh

By

-Dr.Alok Chantia-Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate College, Lucknow, E Mail-alokchantia@rediffmail.com
-Dr. Preeti Misra, Asstt. Professor, Dept.of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University,Lucknow,226025, E Mail- misra9us@gmail.com



Keywords: Change, development, culture, tribe

Abstract: It is very astonishing that at the time of independence only 212 tribal groups were enlisted under article 342 of the Indian constitution within the frame work of definition of tribe, but today across the country 698 tribal groups are living. It is very difficult to sketch the real meaning of development while number of tribal groups is increasing day by day in modern India. It is well known that culture is defined as total way of life of a man but its limit and carrying capacity make additional endeavour to cope for life which is nothing but change, this change gives an idea of development.
Arunachal Pradesh, a land of tribal groups is an ideal place to sketch the parameter of change and development. Many tribal groups are living in this state. The spectacular progress of apa tonis, nishis, sherdukpens and other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh in the last 60 years establishes beyond any doubt the capacity of Indian tribal population to attain the same level of education economic capacity and political maturity as any other ethnic group within the wider Indian society. The fact that the enlightened policy of the government of India vis-a vis the hill men of the northeastern frontier region could bring about so rapid a transformation of archaic and in some respects barbaric societies high lights the success of the tribal policies of the government.
In this proposed paper an effort has been made to evaluate the process of change and development. Whether it comes by size of population or by the influence of article 342 of the constitution? Whether government policies are responsible for the growth of tribal people?
Literature survey and findings show that it is a pluralistic approach, as not a single factor can be responsible for development and change. But government policies have played a vital role within the safeguards provided by the Indian constitution, which has ultimately changed the lives of tribal people in Arunachal Pradesh.

Climatiac change and Familial structure

Changing Patterns of Familial Structure and Climate Change- An Observation
By

Dr. Alok Chantia* & Dr. Preeti Misra**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G. College, Lucknow; E-Mail: alokchantia@rediffmail.com
** Lecturer, Dept of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; E-Mail misra9us@gmail.com

Abstract:
Keywords: culture, technology, family system, climate change

In the process of evolution culture is an adopted alternative by the human being for his smooth survival. But this also led to conflict between nature and Man. The Man is always in search of better avenues and modern day technological advancements have opened new vistas and have fulfilled many of his dreams. Globalisation and technological developments have caused havoc to the environment in the form of climate change and global warming. Though many scientists have studied and discussed climatic changes in reference to emission of CO2, SO2, NO2 but we have not made any study how cultural changes are adversely affecting our environment. The institutions of marriage and family are an integral part of our culture.
India has a specific culture of its own. Here familial relations have great value. The joint family system has been a queer characteristic of Indian culture. But the process of modernization, urbanization, westernization and sanskritisation have done a great harm to this system. Today’s growing nuclear family culture has more or less replaced our culture of joint family system. This cultural change in our familial structure have also adversely affected our environment. Today every one wants to have his/her own house. We all know that manufacturing of each house requires bricks, cement and steel etc. the manufacturing of which increases CO2 SO2 etc in the environment.
The present paper makes an in depth analysis of impact of changing familial structure on environment in India. It studies factors responsible for changes in familial structure in Indian culture and whether our culture can play any role in protecting the environment.
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Climatiac change and Familial structure

Changing Patterns of Familial Structure and Climate Change- An Observation
By

Dr. Alok Chantia* & Dr. Preeti Misra**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri J.N.P.G. College, Lucknow; E-Mail: alokchantia@rediffmail.com
** Lecturer, Dept of Human Rights, School for Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; E-Mail misra9us@gmail.com

Abstract:
Keywords: culture, technology, family system, climate change

In the process of evolution culture is an adopted alternative by the human being for his smooth survival. But this also led to conflict between nature and Man. The Man is always in search of better avenues and modern day technological advancements have opened new vistas and have fulfilled many of his dreams. Globalisation and technological developments have caused havoc to the environment in the form of climate change and global warming. Though many scientists have studied and discussed climatic changes in reference to emission of CO2, SO2, NO2 but we have not made any study how cultural changes are adversely affecting our environment. The institutions of marriage and family are an integral part of our culture.
India has a specific culture of its own. Here familial relations have great value. The joint family system has been a queer characteristic of Indian culture. But the process of modernization, urbanization, westernization and sanskritisation have done a great harm to this system. Today’s growing nuclear family culture has more or less replaced our culture of joint family system. This cultural change in our familial structure have also adversely affected our environment. Today every one wants to have his/her own house. We all know that manufacturing of each house requires bricks, cement and steel etc. the manufacturing of which increases CO2 SO2 etc in the environment.
The present paper makes an in depth analysis of impact of changing familial structure on environment in India. It studies factors responsible for changes in familial structure in Indian culture and whether our culture can play any role in protecting the environment.
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Food security and Africulture

Barriers in Food Security and Sustainability of Agriculture: A Human Right Appraisal
DR. ALOK CHANTIA*, DR. PREETI MISRA**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate (KKC) College, Lucknow, U.P.
** Senior Lecturer, Dept of Human rights, School For Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, U.P.

Abstract:

Key Words: Urbanization, Liberalization, Food Scarcity, Human Right, Sustainable Development

The right to food is our human right. No living creature can live without food. Urbanization results in construction of buildings, roads, factories, parking places, etc. For all these, land is secured either by diverting agricultural land or by cutting forest. At some places ponds, beaches, lakes and rivers are filled to create land to accommodate the growing population. Sustainable development requires that development should be such which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In India a paradoxical situation exists even after having a large scale of food production, the access to that food by a large section of the population is very poor. Ever since the Green revolution in India, food production has more than doubled, but a growing number of people are unable to meet their basic food requirements. The replacement of native seeds by imported hybrid seeds or cash crops has resulted in more and more exploitation of ground water, since these crops need more water. The over exploitation of the groundwater in turn has resulted in the depletion of ground water level leading to famines and poverty. The high yielding hybrid seeds are vulnerable to pest attacks resulting in more use of pesticides. The indiscriminate use of chemical- based fertilizers, especially subsidized fertilizer, has created an imbalance between the essential mineral contents such as Nitrogen and potassium leading to environmental hazards. The export oriented policy of Indian government has opened up the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone to MNCs and TNCs for trawling. This resulted in the indiscriminate destruction of the marine eco system and the livelihood of the traditional fishing community. The adoption of the process of liberalization has made certain sections of the people more vulnerable to hunger and deprivation, both because of declining availability of food grains and the shifting of cultivation to commercial crops for exports under the impact of globalization.
The present paper discusses how modern agricultural reforms have created barriers to food security and environmental hazards causing violation of human rights. Paper concludes that we have to balance between sustainability and agrarian reforms so as to ensure food security in general and human rights in particular. We should think again about flora, fauna, land and development schemes around us, if we want to assure our food security.




Barriers in Food Security and Sustainability of Agriculture: A Human Right Appraisal
DR. ALOK CHANTIA*, DR. PREETI MISRA**

*Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri Jai Narain Post Graduate (KKC) College, Lucknow, U.P.
** Senior Lecturer, Dept of Human rights, School For Legal Studies, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, U.P.

Abstract:

Key Words: Urbanization, Liberalization, Food Scarcity, Human Right, Sustainable Development

The right to food is our human right. No living creature can live without food. Urbanization results in construction of buildings, roads, factories, parking places, etc. For all these, land is secured either by diverting agricultural land or by cutting forest. At some places ponds, beaches, lakes and rivers are filled to create land to accommodate the growing population. Sustainable development requires that development should be such which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In India a paradoxical situation exists even after having a large scale of food production, the access to that food by a large section of the population is very poor. Ever since the Green revolution in India, food production has more than doubled, but a growing number of people are unable to meet their basic food requirements. The replacement of native seeds by imported hybrid seeds or cash crops has resulted in more and more exploitation of ground water, since these crops need more water. The over exploitation of the groundwater in turn has resulted in the depletion of ground water level leading to famines and poverty. The high yielding hybrid seeds are vulnerable to pest attacks resulting in more use of pesticides. The indiscriminate use of chemical- based fertilizers, especially subsidized fertilizer, has created an imbalance between the essential mineral contents such as Nitrogen and potassium leading to environmental hazards. The export oriented policy of Indian government has opened up the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone to MNCs and TNCs for trawling. This resulted in the indiscriminate destruction of the marine eco system and the livelihood of the traditional fishing community. The adoption of the process of liberalization has made certain sections of the people more vulnerable to hunger and deprivation, both because of declining availability of food grains and the shifting of cultivation to commercial crops for exports under the impact of globalization.
The present paper discusses how modern agricultural reforms have created barriers to food security and environmental hazards causing violation of human rights. Paper concludes that we have to balance between sustainability and agrarian reforms so as to ensure food security in general and human rights in particular. We should think again about flora, fauna, land and development schemes around us, if we want to assure our food security.

An Anthropological Perspective of Religion and Culture in India Through the Ages

An Anthropological Perspective of Religion and Culture in India Through the Ages
(A Study of Gullabeer of Dhankut of District Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh )

Author
Dr.Alok Chantia, Lecturer, Dept. of Anthropology, Sri JNPG (KKC) College, Lucknow, U. P.,226001,India
E-mail: alokchantia@rediffmail.com:alokchantia@gmail.com

Abstract
Life begins with culture and survives with religion. It is hard to imagine that one could have his/her breath without having supernatural divine feeling. It is well defined that faith in supernatural is religion. Culture is nothing but total way of life and includes religion also. Scientifically religion gives solace and peace which is nothing but balanced secretion of Adrino –Cartico -Tropic Hormone (ACTH). It regulates our immune system and ultimately affects the body positively. Culture and religion have made parallel path in the process of cultural evolution. Nomadic, barbaric and civilized life came due to culture, but as an individual proceeds towards more complex society,he/she inclines towards religion. Today if we see any mechanical device, artifacts, all get religious symbol. Expansion of human population and geographical difference created different types of feeling for nature which coined different rules for supernatural power, that is why we have different religions. Anthropologically ,it may be examined that religion plays its vital role in the existence of man in holistic manner. In India 698 tribal groups are living across the country and every tribal group has its own religious feeling. How religion acts in a micro group like Dhankut of district bahraich and how does religion plays its role in the different institution of culture will be examined in the endogamous group of Dhankut of district Bahraich of U.P., where life revolves around Gullabeer – a local deity of Dhankut. How religion acts on marriage, family, health etc. all these aspects will be discussed in my proposed paper.

The ‘ With AIDS’ Scenario And Its Impact On Socio-Economic Situation Of India : An Appraisal

Dr.Alok Chantia, Lecturer(Anthropology) SJNPG (KKC)College, Lucknow, U.P.(India)

Key words- Labour, Economy, People,

Abstract-
In spite of cancer and other lethal diseases, we are more concerned with HIV/AIDS because of its correlation, with sex which is sole source of reproduction, with blood transfusion which is prime source of survival and with infected syringe which gives instant relief to a patient from many ailments. AIDS is creating more critical situation when we are still not able to decipher any concrete medicine and those medicines which are available to fight against it, are not so cheap. Ultimately any nation faces extra economic load and it leads an imbalance in the allocation of money for different purposes.
In the “ with –AIDS” scenario, the prevailing incidence of AIDS is assumed to have precise impacts on key exogenous variables. These precise impacts are as follows: (i) slower growth in population and supply of labour by the skill categories, resulting from the AIDS related deaths,(ii) lower labour productivity of AIDS- afflicted workers reflected in a lower effective labour input, (iii) declines in TFP growth rates, initially, i.e., from 2002-03 to 2011-12, to 0.8 times the no-AIDS growth rate, and , finally during the height of the epidemic, i.e. from 2012-13 to 2015-16 , to 0.7 times the no-AIDS growth rate, (iv) the share of health services spending of the AIDS- afflicted house holds, is augmented by an additional 10 % of the total consumption expenditure , at the expense of other non-food expenditure. (v) an increase in the health expenditure of the government by 10 % from 2002-03 to 2011-12 and by 15% from 2012-13 to 2015-16.
It is an alarming situation when we have to analyse our duties regarding HIV/AIDS and its impact on socio-economic condition of India. India is a poor and culture specific country. Poverty makes an adverse situation before its people to earn money either by hook or by crook. So it is quite necessary to put an over all picture of Future India, when we stand at third position in case of HIV.AIDS. It is very clear that production, labour, man power etc. all are under scanner because of claw of HIV/AIDS. How much India will grow or fall with AIDS? Is it a fake fear? All above points will be discussed in the proposed paper.