How can Digital India accelerate tribal development

The cultural heritage and practices of tribals across India have to be conserved, even as the ones that are objectively detrimental to health are modified, said Professor SB Roy, Chairman, Indian Institute of Bio-Social Research and Development (IBRAD). Professor Roy was in conversation with senior journalist and author Kaveree Bamzai and Manoj K Das, MD, North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation on The New Indian Express' E-Expressions, a series of webcasts by TNIE on June 30.Responding to Kaveree's questions on whether tribals should be allowed to govern themselves and develop at their own pace, Dr Roy said, "The question is what to allow. The cultural heritage of tribals has to be preserved but as an outsider, we don't have the ability or intent to change the culture of the tribals. These statements are very popular and can be exciting for debate. However, if we look closely, some of their cultural practices are objectively detrimental to health. For example, some tribes have a practice where eating protein is not allowed, nor is giving antenatal care for the pregnant mother. Also, they don't allow immunisation or let hunting be practiced -- for debate, these topics are fine. These cultural practices may not be conducive. As a human being, we should facilitate change for those cultural practices. It might be controversial but we need to try," said Professor Roy.