SHILLONG: A seminar organised by North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), Guwahati, in collaboration with Tribal Study Centre, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, at Inspiration, Joypur, Guwahati was held on June 26.
The seminar reflected on the situation of the clan and family in the tribal societies of the North East in the context of the various changes that have taken place in the North East. The Seminar brought together many social scientists and Christian theologians to deliberate on the theme.
Dr. Melvil Pereira, Director of NESRC set the agenda for the seminar by stating that this forum should try to go beyond the approach of Christian teaching from above and adopt an approach which emerges from within the cultures and practices of tribal people in the North East.
The key note address was delivered by Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times. She lauded the effort of the forum to engage with the topic of family and clans within tribal societies. However, she cautioned that the terms ‘Family’ and ‘Tribe’ were western concepts and need to be judiciously used in the case of tribal societies in the North East. Hence she pointed out the need for ‘participative definitions’ evolved from within communities. Another issue raised by her was the relatively recent intrusion of the profit motive as a value within tribes, especially in Meghalaya. She also asked whether Christianity could provide these communities the tools to grapple with the challenge of a dichotomous world where, on the one hand, tribal institutions can retain their identity, and on the other, needs of modern societies can be addressed.
In their presentations, scholars presented the situation as it exists in several tribal communities like the Khasis, Garos, Angami, Mizos, Dimasa, Karbi, Ao, Mao, Kuki, Debbarma , Reang and Apatani. They explained how traditional tribal institutions of the clan and family began to change after the coming of colonial rule, conversion to Christianity, modernization and globalization. The clan and the family are important institutions even at present. Apart from ensuring continuity, they are the foundations of identity for a tribal individual.
Flavia Agnes, noted lawyer and prominent women’s rights activist in Mumbai, delivered a special lecture on the Christian family at the intersection of Christian Law and State Law.
