INTRODUCTION
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The issue of ethnic identity and political mobilization for preservation of cultural identity of the ethnic group(s) is the most common subject of discussion among the social scientists, political elites, bureaucrats and economic planners in India since the decade of 80's of the last century. Ethnic identity in a sense refers to ethnicity which consists of subjective or emblematic use of certain aspects of culture by the members of the ethnic group in order to differentiate themselves from other ethnic groups. Ethnicity is thus a concept referring to a shared culture and way of life, especially as reflected in language, folkways, religious and other institutional forms, material culture such as clothing and food, and cultural products such as music, literature and art. The collection of people who shared the ethnicity is called an ethnic group. Ethnicity is often a major source of social cohesion and social conflict. It may be mentioned here that much of the anxiety of the smaller ethnic group, particularly of the tribals, has been associated with the identity crisis which they have been facing due to various factors such as economic, social, cultural, and political and with their search for roots. It is also noticeable that not only small tribal groups but even some comparatively larger non tribal groups have been equally hounded by the specter of identity crisis and have been forced to take agitation path. Some of the important ethnic movements that have been launched in post independent period of India are Naga-Movement, Mizo-movement, Tripura Upajati Parishad Movement, Chattisgarh Movement, J.K.L.F. movement, U.L.F.A. movement. In international front movement launched by the Tamils in Srilanka, movement launched by few ethnic groups in Indonesia , China ( Tibet ), Iraq and Russia may be cited. These ethnic movements were basically launched for ethnic resurrection vis-à-vis for political mobilization.
Political mobilization on the other hand refers to the process of instilling the members of ethnic group a distinct political ideology which may loosely be defined as “belief system”. Political ideology thus is viewed as a set of political beliefs nourished and nurtured by a group and which arouses the members of the group the idea of capturing political power and which in turn provide strategic guideline for that action. Family peer groups, mass communication media, political parties and religious and cultural institution etc., contribute to socialization of the members of the group to the political ideology. Elites of an ethnic group also play an important role in political mobilization of the members.
As matters stand today the growing concern for ethnic identity and political mobilization has posed a number of issues and challenges before the nation. In order to have a thorough understanding of the issues and challenges associated with ethnic resurrection and Political movements an International Seminar on the theme “Ethnic Identity and Political Mobilization: Issues and challenges” is being organized by the Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology, Bidisa, West Medinipur, West Bengal during the first week of December, 2011.
OBJECTIVES:
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- To discuss the framework of the term ethnicity and political mobilization.
- To discuss the factors associated with the issue of ethnic identity and political mobilization.
- To bring out a few case studies of various ethnic movements launched in different parts of the globe including India .
- To discuss the role of the elites is political mobilization of the third world countries.
Major Theme of the Seminar:
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The major sub-themes of the proposal of the proposed seminar are:
- Conceptual discussion on ethnicity and political mobilization.
- Factors associated with the issue of ethnic identity and political mobilization.
- Case studies of ethnic movements launched in different parts of the globe including India .
- Role of the elites and in political mobilization of the Third World countries.
- Challenges thrown by the ethnic movements before the national governments
- Remedial measures to combat with the problem.
Level of Participants :
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• Teachers of different Universities and Colleges involved in Tribal research within the and outside the country;
• Government Officials of different Tribal and Cultural Research Institutes;
• Research Scholars attached to various Department of Tribal and Social Sciences Research; and
• NGOs/ VOs functionaries .
Location Of Bidisha:
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Bidisha, etymologically ‘what diffuses light' , i.e., ‘causing culture', originating from a village named Baghabera (which literally means the ‘path of tigers' and suggested a state of forest dwelling) is situated in Narayangarh C.D. Block in the district of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal just between the metalled Orissa Trunk Road and S. E. Railway and is only 18 Km. south of Kharagpur Railway station. Passenger buses ply between Kharagpur and Digha, etc. via BIDISHA (Kataikhal Bus Stop) frequently.
Registration:
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All the participants of the International Seminar should be the registered delegates. Registration Form along with Demand Draft drawn in favour of the ‘ Secretary, Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology ' and payable at United Bank of India , Narayangarh Branch, Dist. Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal should be sent along with the Abstract at an early date. Since limited accommodation is available, allotment is not guaranteed to the delegates who come without any intimation.
Registration Fees:
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Students / Research Scholars : Rs. 500.00
Life Member of ISRAA : Rs. 500.00
Others : Rs. 1000.00
Last Date Of Receiving Abstract/ Full Paper:
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Abstract : September 30, 2011.
Full Paper: October 30, 2011.
The abstracts will be accepted subject to clearance of Referees whose decision will be final and shall be communicated accordingly.
Travel:
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No T. A. will be provided to the participants. However, local transportation, i.e., from Kharagpur Railway Station to Bidisha may be provided after knowing the detail travel plan. Volunteers of the seminar will receive the delegates at the Kharagpur Railway Station.
Boarding and Lodging:
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Participants will be accommodated in Bidisha Guest House on twin sharing basis at free of cost.
Correspondence:
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All correspondence regarding the seminar should be made to:
The Seminar Director
ISRAA, Bidisha,
P.O. Fulgeria, Dist. Paschim Medinipur,
Pin - 721 437, West Bengal .
Phone : 03229-258355 / 03229-258229 / 09434805477
E-mail : pradipb@hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in |
Name Of Seminar Directors:
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Prof. B.N.Borthakur
Mobile No. +919864231185
Dr. Sandip Ghatak
Mobile No. +919434311497
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