Voicing the Margins: Oral Traditions and Indigenous Resistance among the Birhor of the Purulia District in West Bengal

Dr. Subhashis Banerjee, Dr. I. Talisenla Imsong

 Abstract 

This research paper explores the oral narratives of the Birhor tribe in the Purulia district of West Bengal, focusing on their cultural expressions, worldview, and literary significance. Through their folktales, myths, and songs, the Birhor people have preserved their unique identity and historical consciousness. The study highlights how oral narratives function as both a repository of indigenous knowledge and a reflection of socio-political realities. Through a postcolonial lens, this paper examines the ways in which storytelling serves as a means of cultural continuity, resistance against external influences, and a voice for marginalized communities in a multicultural world. By engaging with critical perspectives on oral traditions and indigenous literature, this study contributes to the discourse on indigenous epistemology, literary traditions in India, and the significance of preserving subaltern voices.

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Published: May 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 05]

Role of Print Media in Water Conservation Campaigns: A Case Study of Khetri Copper Mining Region, Rajasthan

Dr. Kalyani Sahal, Dr. Dibyajyoti Das

Abstract 

In the present era of industrialization, urbanization and modernization, role of media is important in bringing forth the issues pertaining to environmental degradation and pollution. Newspapers, television, radio and social media may serve as excellent platforms to launch campaigns about various environmental issues eventually leading to increased public awareness and engagement for environment conservation. This paper reflects upon the role of print media in raising the water issues in the Khetri Copper Mining region of Rajasthan. The two local daily Hindi newspapers– Rajasthan Patrika and Dainik Bhaskar play an instrumental role in launching campaigns to promote water conservation in Rajasthan. These campaigns aimed to sensitize the public for ever rising water related issues in present time. This paper is based on the ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Khetri Copper Mining region of Rajasthan. The primary and secondary data collected during fieldwork have been analyzed to understand the role of print media in mobilizing and sensitizing the public for water conservation. It tries to examine the efficacy of such campaigns led by the print media at the local level.  

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Published: May 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 05]