VIVEKANANDA KENDRA INSTITUTE OF CULTURE

ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT

April 2015 to March 2016

CONTENTS
v

Foreword

Sawra community in focus

Dr Minati Hazarika Memorial Annual Lecture, 2015

Seminar on Bodo Culture at Kajalgaon, BTAD

VKIC Foundation Day 2016

10

Photography workshop at Arya Vidyapeeth College, Guwahati

16

Yoga Activities of VKIC

17

New Publication

18

VKIC Reference Library (New Arrivals) April 2015 - March 2016

19

Ongoing Projects

21

Members of EC and RAC

26

List of Donors

27

Audit Report

29

M. G. Road, Uzanbazar, Guwahati- 1

Phone: 0361-2510594 / 2736945
Email: info@vkic.org, Website: www.vkic.org

Foreword
Another year has passed, and we at VKIC continue our mission of protecting and
promoting the ancient wisdom and traditions of North East India. The evaluation of the
activities possibly lies not in the size and shape of them, but in identification of the core
value within them.
In the midst of the rush for dissecting the differences amongst the communities, in
their attire and food, minor variations in the rites and rituals, the job and mission of
exploring the core unity is a challenging task. VKIC is committed to this cause.
The year's activities covered an unique three-day seminar on Sawra community, held
in Moran of Dibrugarh district, Assam. The Sawra is one of the tea communities of Assam
rich in traditional culture. Facets of their lifestyle, rites and rituals and other important
aspects of the community with definitive characteristics were presented by the community
members in the seminar.
The seminar on Bodo community - from the perspective of change and continuity
covered wide ranging community characteristics, which were elaborated by the experts
from the community.
The Annual Minati Hazarika Memorial Lecture was delivered by Prof. Purneswar Nath,
former head of the Assamese Department, Darrang College, on the topic: Patriotism
and Nationalism in the Literary Works of Lakshminath Bezbaruah.
In the Foundation Day of VKIC the highlight of the programme was the conferring
of VKIC Sanmanee award to Mizo preceptor Puitham Rorelliana for the year 2016. The
Sanmaan was presented by chief guest of the function, Sri Ranjan Chatterjee, former
Chief Secretary of Meghalaya. He also delivered the VKIC Foundation Day Lecture on the
topic: "Development Perspectives of North East India and Environmental Concerns."
Apart from these some other activities which were taken up included: Photography
Workshop at Arya Vidyapeeth College, and a number of yoga sessions organized in
different places of Guwahati, where trainers from VKIC highlighted the theoretical and
practical dimensions of this great Indian tradition.
A few books and publications also saw the light of the day. They further reinforced
VKIC's position as an intellectual fountainhead and an emerging think tank in this part of
our motherland.
With sincere regards,
Dr. P. C. Bhattacharjee
Director,
VKIC (Research Advisory Council)
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

VKIC ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT

April 2015 - March 2016

Sawra community in focus

A two-day seminar on 'Traditional Systems of the Sawras - Change and Continuity'
was held at Moran in Dibrugarh district of Assam. The three-day programme was
jointly organized by the VKIC and the All Assam Sawra Samaj, the representative body
of Sawras residing in Assam.
It was an endeavour to
explore various cultural facets
of the Sawra community that
has its original roots primarily
in parts of Odisha and Andhra
Pradesh. Their advent into
Assam was linked to the first
commercial tea cultivation by
the British who needed cheap
labour to work in the tea
gardens.
Although their rich
culture has been undergoing
changes, some of their beliefs
and customs have survived along with their traditional knowledge and practices, many
of which are examples of community participation and mutual cooperation.
The seminar was inaugurated on May 8, 2015 at Pathalibam Sawra Lane Labour
Club, with ceremonial lighting of lamp by Maananiya Nivedita Bhide the Vice President
of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, Sri Ganesh Chandra Kurmi, Director of VKIC
Prof. P. C. Bhattacharjee, Sri P. Bhanudas of Vivekananda Kendra and Sri Jayanta Sawra.
According to Sri Jayanta Sawra, who made the introductory remarks, "The Sawras
are the second most prominent tribal community in the Rayagada district of Odisha
and some pockets of Koraput and Gajapati districts. In his paper 'The oral history of
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

the Sawra community' he mentioned that several generations have passed since the
Sawras came to Assam about 150 years ago. In the process much of the old knowledge
about the community has been lost.
Before their arrival in Assam, the community in their original home was mainly
dependent on nature. They did agriculture, hunted animals, and gathered various forest
products as part of their livelihood. With their neighbouring people they also carried
out barter of commodities.
It was after the British East India Company started operating that the history of
the Sawras was explored. From that time till the present, articles and books on the
community have been written. Research has revealed that Sawra language is part of
the Dravidian language group. The community's own language is used by the Boya
(Sawra priest) in worship, rituals, and in narrating the oral history.
There is mutual understanding
and cooperation among the
Sawra villages. They used to
build their houses as per their
need and suitability in the
village. The size of the hamlets
of the Sawra community
depends on the population size.
Before construction of the
houses the direction of the
wind, distance from the nearby
river are taken into account. The
village headman is the person
responsible to look after all the
matters related to the village. As per the need of the community the meetings of the
village are held under a big tree or in the house of the headman.
The traditional marriage system of the Sawras, is now undergoing changes. They
do not have any fixed age for young men and women to get married; generally they are
wedded once they are considered old enough to shoulder family responsibilities. It
implies that a boy should be able to carry out agricultural work, and girls are able to
manage household works and to support a family before the time they settle down.
The Sawras believe married life to be one of dignity, and a marriage is marked by
wedding songs sung by those in attendance. The songs express that marriage entails
not just procreation, but brings new responsibilities and is also about safeguarding the
new generation.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

The marriage is solemnized

with traditional rites and
rituals in which the bride's and
groom's families along with
the local community take part.
In course of time some
changes have also been
taking place. The customary
consumption of alcoholic
beverages has been curtailed to
a great extent. Nowadays the
legal age for marriage is also
accepted by the Sawras.
w

The papers presented in the seminar were able to provide a comprehensive view
about significant aspects of Sawra culture.

The writings from members of the community revealed layers of beliefs, customs
and traditions; social dynamics, some of which are undergoing transformation
while many core ideas of their culture have survived.

An exhibition showcasing features of Sawra traditional artefacts, food and typical

dwelling vivified the community's material culture.

dc

Dr Minati Hazarika Memorial Annual Lecture 2015

The Memorial Lecture was delivered by Prof. Purneswar
Nath on September 26 at the VKIC's Williamson Magor
auditorium. This was the first occasion that the programme was
called 'Memorial Lecture' because Dr Hazarika passed away in
2014. Earlier the event was known as an Endowment Lecture.
The programme opened with rich tributes being paid to
Dr Minati Hazarika, who was an academic, writer and a patron
of art and culture. Sri Dipok Kumar Barthakur, Chairman
VKIC, shared his thoughts on the late Dr Hazarika and described her as a person
worthy to be revered. He recalled her contributions in her field and prayed for eternal
peace of her soul.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

Prof. Purneswar Nath, former Head of the Assamese Department, Darrang College,
in his lecture 'Patriotism and Nationalism in the Literary Works of Lakshminath
Bezbaruah' focused on facets of the literary legend's corpus of writing, and also alluded
to views about him expressed by other notable figures of literature.
In almost all of his writings, Bezbaruah revealed his yearning for his motherland.
Today the Assamese society is facing a period of crisis and some high ideals are required
to show the way forward. In such a time one can perhaps look at Lakshminath
Bezbaruah's patriotism and nationalism for inspiration. Amid much trials and tribulations
Assam had found a saviour in the form of Srimanta Sankardeva in the middle ages. In
the modern age there were some more individuals, including Roopkonwar Jyotiprasad
Agarwalla and Lakshminath Bezbaruah.
More fortunately for the
Assamese, Bezbaruah paved
the way for Sankardeva's
message and significance to
emerge from the Namghar
and be appreciated by a wider
audience in the modern
context. This enabled newer
perspectives through which
Assam's patron saint could be
seen, and his contributions
better understood.
The
contemporary
milieu also influenced
Bezbaruah to a great extent. The Rise of Bengali nationalism and renaissance in literature
and culture in due course had ripples beyond Bengal. Around the end of the 19th century
Bezbaruah and many of his companions from Assam, who were in Calcutta, witnessed
this phenomenon. Their acquaintance with this cultural and literary efflorescence along
with exposure to English literature and culture made them look back to their
motherland. Assam then was backward in many ways - even though Assamese language
was making a comeback around 1872, her Nature, Vaishnavite heritage, rich folklore
were in a state of utter neglect.
These Assamese, exposed to the developments in Bengal, looked at their homeland
from fresh perspectives. They considered ways to usher in the light of learning into
their motherland, and how her culture and literature could be revitalized. In 1888 they
joined forces to establish the Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha (Assamese language
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

development society). It launched Jonaki, a literary magazine the very next year. The
impact of Jonaki was felt for a long time in Assamese language and literature.
Those who do not fully understand the social and cultural conditions of Bezbaruahs
times have criticized him for what to them appear as a narrow vision of nationalism in
his literature and western impact in his liberalness. However, his nationalism and his
patriotism cannot be seen as separate entities. The manner in which he perceived life is
reflected in his writings. In his serious plays his appreciation of the history of his land is
clearly seen. He urged his readers and fellow men and women to keep faith in humanity.
Presiding over the programme, distinguished littrateur and Sahitya Akademi
awardee Prof. Hirendra Nath Dutta appreciated the speaker for his lucid presentation
and added that the wave of nationalism that swept Bengal and other parts of India also
touched Assam. And in such circumstances it was natural that he was moved by the
patriotic fervour of his times.
Lakshminath Bezbaruah lectured in Baroda on the greatness of Indian civilization.
His ideas and works connected Assam with the Indian cultural landscape. He may not
have taken part in the Independence Movement because of the nature of his work, but
he had deep sympathies for the struggle. Bezbaruah greatly admired Mahatma Gandhi,
whom he described as a messenger of peace, Dr. Dutta said.

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Seminar on Bodo Culture at Kajalgaon, BTAD

A two-day seminar on Traditional Systems of the Bodo Community - Change and
Continuity was organised by VKIC in collaboration with the Department of Bodo,
Gauhati University in the
campus of Vivekananda
Kendriya Vidyalaya, on October
31 and November 1.
During the programme
the participants and members
of the community discussed
issues related to the history of
the Bodos leading to their
present settlements located both
on the North and South banks
of Assam.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

Participants in the seminar spoke about and discussed the early Bodo customs and
traditions, of which some still continue, albeit with changes that happened over time.
Customary laws were also examined in a few papers presented. One of the significant
issues - a conjoining thread among some of the research papers - was the links of the
community with Nature in its animate and inanimate forms.
Sri Jiten Borgoyary, Chairman of the managing committee of VKV Kajalgaon,
presided over the programme. He had during his service worked as a DC in the area
and he had overseen developmental activities for the area. The former civil administrator
shared his insights about the local community.
Delivering the keynote address, noted intellectual from Arunachal Pradesh, Dr
Joram Begi appreciated the strengths inherent in Bodo culture and their varied
expressions in their society as well as in southern parts of Arunachal Pradesh. The
Bodos maintain cordial relations with neighbouring tribal people for whom they also
produce some essential items. A keen appreciation of Nature, a dependence on natural
resources, mutual collaboration, and a pride in their pristine culture defines the
community. The large population has also accepted changes which have come their
way over time.
He valued the
community's efforts to
retain and celebrate some
fine cultural traditions
acquired
from
their
ancestors. The development
of their language over the
years, their skill with
traditional weaving styles
and materials are exemplary,
according to him. However,
no culture can flourish
without it being dynamic.
The Bodos should also accept
changes wherever they deem it fit, while rejecting those which are not for their
advantage.
Inaugurating the seminar, the Chief Guest Sri Chandan Brahma, MLA, praised the
VKIC and Gauhati University's Bodo Department for organizing the event at Kajalgaon
with which he has had a long association.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

10

Sri Brahma hoped that VKV Kajalgaon would bring laurels to the area, and
committed a sum of Rupees five lakh for the development of the school, which he
commended for its efforts in promoting quality education in the area.
Academic sessions were attended by scholars and researchers from Gauhati
University and several colleges. The first session chaired by Dr Bhupen Narzaree was
on Oral history, Gods and Goddesses, Bathow rituals, Kalicharan Brahma and
Brahmanism, and Kherai rituals. The traditional mode of worship reveres the five
elements of Nature. Even the Siju plant (a type of cactus) has five edges on its stem
and branches.
The second session was on the subject: Family and kinship, Traditional selfgoverning
institutions, and Marriage system. The papers submitted were on Family and kinship,
Customary law of the Bodos, Bathou marriage system, Brahma marriage system. It was
chaired by Dr Anil Boro.
Dr Leeladhar Brahma chaired the third session on Community festivals and village
organisation. The papers presented included: Seasonal and religious festivals of the Bodos,
Role of bamboo in religious and other festivals, and Traditional village organization.
The fourth session on Divination was chaired by Sri Toren Boro and comprised
papers on Bathou Divinity and Brahma Divinity. The worship of the entities is not
mutually exclusive. A Bodo, even though a practicing Bathou, can revere the principles
of Brahma faith.
In the valedictory function, Mananeeya Nivedita Bhide, Jeevan Brati Karyakarta of
Vivekananda Kendra and at present its Vice President, expressed her reverence for the
Bodo and other tribal communities. She felt that the actual idea of Bharat can be realised
in these very communities. She appealed to the Bodo community not to lose sight of
their ancient roots, and mentioned that while we are rooted in our culture, we should
also enlarge and enhance it. Outer forms of culture may change, but the inner core
should not.
Manaeeya Bhide made the observation that the Bodo with other indigenous
communities reveal a deep sense of gratitude towards Nature, something we all need to
have. The people also have strong sense of fellow feeling and are exemplary in their
social cohesion.
Dr Parimal Chandra Bhattacharjee, Director of VKICs Research Advisory Council,
was of the opinion that the outside world has much to learn from the traditional
knowledge and practices of the community that knows how to benefit from a deep
understanding of Nature in its myriad forms. He hoped that the community in course
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

11

of time will establish links with appropriate groups which will enable the world to learn
about many things, including sustainable living and environmental security.
A highlight of the seminar was a representative Bathou worship. A priest of the
community and two associates demonstrated how a Siju plant is traditionally worshipped
in an area measuring about 12 feet by 24 feet. They chanted mantras through which the
Bathou divinity is propitiated.
A one-day exhibition showcasing Bodo material culture was also organised. A
number of handicrafts were on display, revealing the best of Bodo textiles and garments.
Food items along with the traditionally used plant and meat products were made available
for tasting.

dc

VKIC Foundation Day 2016

In his welcome address, VKIC Chairman Sri Dipok Kumar Barthakur greeted the
audience and spoke in brief about the institute's activities spanning two decades. He
expressed his gratitude to Puitham Rorelliana for his presence after travelling all the
way from Mizoram. He also thanked Sri Ranjan Chatterjee for accepting the invitation
to deliver the Foundation Day lecture.
The highlight of the programme was the conferring of VKIC Sanmanee award on
Mizo preceptor Puitham Rorelliana, who was honoured with the prestigious award for
the year 2016.
Puitham
Rorelliana
devoted his life towards
protection and promotion of
ancient Mizo wisdom,
culture, and beliefs among
his community. In his
endeavour he had to
surmount severe hurdles, but
his untiring efforts enabled
the revival of the early Mizo
belief system which was
dying out.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

12

The
Sanmaan
was
presented by Chief Guest
of the function Sri Ranjan
Chatterjee, former Chief
Secretary of Meghalaya. The
award comprised a citation, a
memento, a shawl, and rupees
twenty-five thousand.
Accepting the award,
Puitham
Rorelliana
underlined the virtues of his
ancient faith. He said that
after the arrival of a new faith
the finer elements of the earlier way of life were destroyed. He was of the view that the
perennial qualities of ancient Mizo beliefs should be understood and honoured.
He thanked the VKIC for conferring him the award and said that the honour was
not for him alone but for the entire Mizo community. He made an appeal to the public
to forfeit violence and embrace peace for the good of all.
The programme concluded with a cultural presentation by a troupe belonging to
the Nocte community of Arunachal Pradesh. They enacted some scenes associated with
the birth rituals in a traditional Nocte village.
Foundation Day Lecture
The VKIC Foundation Day lecture was delivered by Sri Ranjan Chatterjee, IAS,
former Chief Secretary Meghalaya, who had in-depth knowledge of key issues of
the Northeast region due of his different assignments during his tenure. He spoke
on the topic: Development Perspectives of North East India and Environmental
Concerns.
According to him while India has been on a very high growth rate trajectory in the
last decade and emerged as the third largest economy in the world after USA and China,
the benefits arising out of the high growth rate have not percolated down to the entire
country. And a pocket that has remained backward is North East India.
During the period 1981-1991 if one considers the condition of the states which
were known as BIMARU states - Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
considers the North Eastern states which have also remained backward, some things
come to light.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

13

During structural economic changes in the initial period the share of agriculture
in the GDP decreases and corresponding share in non-agriculture sector increases.
But the agriculture sector continues to draw more and more people into it contributing
to per unit income which is less. This creates a structural economic imbalance resulting
in low agricultural productivity and a very high income inequality and consequent
political instability.
Looking at the secondary sector data it is found that the manufacturing sector in
the North East has actually declined whereas it has doubled in that of the BIMARU
states; so as the agricultural income comes down, the manufacturing income comes up;
in such a scenario there is an alternative which was there for the BIMARU states.
Some of the traditional institutions of the North Eastern states are irritants against
the growth engine. Large areas of the North Eastern states are not covered by the 73rd
and 74th Amendment of the Constitution. There are several states which have
Autonomous District Councils and also have their own Legislatures. Members of the
Autonomous District Councils and Members of the Legislative Assembly in Meghalaya
are representing the same set of people.
They are all competing
with each other in so far as the
people are concerned and
they do not have any reason
for existence. No reason either
why the District Council
should continue over there.
These provisions are basically
for
safeguarding
the
traditional tribal institutions,
the culture and the land
tenure administration system.
While these provisions
provide protection under
various articles of the
Constitution, the real problem is the devolution of funds for development at the local
level. That is getting affected - the flow of money to these Council areas and to the
village level.
Resource poor states primarily depend on two sources of development: Devolution
of funds from Finance Commission, and Plan allocation. As far as the Finance
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

14

Commission is concerned, they come periodically. As per the Constitution they do give
some weightage to the forest areas, on Poverty Index, and also recognize the development
requirements of local bodies. But with regard to Exclusive Areas, there is nothing much.
Finance Commission is not making provisions for these areas since they are outside its
purview. There is a suggestion for considering the requirement for these areas - that
there should be State Finance Commission as the appropriate forum instead of the
Central Finance Commission. But states in the North East being so resource poor there
cannot be a State Finance Commission. It is either defunct or non-existent.
Ten per cent of the budget of every Ministry is earmarked for the North Eastern
states. That means for 56 departments the current years amount is Rs 28,000 crore for
the North Eastern states. But the offtake is very little. Up to the end of January 2016 the
offtake has been only 50 per cent. By the end of March perhaps it will be 60 per cent or
70 per cent. The rest 30 per cent will go down the drain. There is a need to look at why
these things are happening. It can be argued that much of it is because of the misplaced
autonomy given by the Constitution to these tribal areas which are coming in the way
of spending money for the poor people who are badly in need of development.
Today there is no Special Plan Assistance after the 14th Finance Commission. And
it is said that this amount has been subsumed in the award itself and the Ministries are
saying that they do not have any special funds for the North Eastern states as was there
before. The discretionary fund available with the Planning Commission is no longer
available now. The critical issue here is that there is a further imbalance between the
North Eastern society and the rest of the country.
One of the major
problem areas in the NE is
the multiplicity of the
organisations that have been
entrusted with the task of
development. There needs to
be a good marriage between
DoNER and the North
Eastern Council. They need
to be organically linked.
Secretary DoNER should be
the member of the NEC. The
huge technical manpower
which is available with NEC

Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

15

secretariat for handholding with the states and for enabling them to conceive the new
projects which they can take up that is getting completely getting lost sight of.
A study by Spondon Borbora in 2014 found that 60 per cent of North East India
is poor, based on a multi-dimensional poverty index which was developed by the
Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. And the study says that due to
that the private sector investment has not picked up the potential. So the region is
dependent on the resources from the Government. Elsewhere the money which is
coming from the private sector is shy over here. And due to the under employment
and seasonal under employment the adverse effect is more pronounced in rural
Assam as per the study.
There has been a declining attractiveness of agriculture. According to this study
farmers sell to closeby dealers, buyers, middlemen, mostly after harvesting when the
price is less instead of trying to find the best markets and the opportune time to sell
their products. This is the position in the North Eastern states including Assam. Even
the Planning Commission has found that the lack of market and storage facilities is a
major problem afflicting agriculture in Assam. In 1995 Assam had only 34 regulated
markets whereas Punjab had 667 and a small state like Haryana had 273 regulated
markets. What is important is the disparity. There is a need to develop good infrastructure
for the farmers to transport their products. The chain has to be built with producers
and traders all important parts of the value chain.
The Vision Document of 2020 mentions clear stories of communitysation of rural
livelihood systems, and the focus on high value tourism including work with the people.
Hill tourism, river rafting, cultural festivals, food carnival - it's a long list. Why cannot
we pick up some of these things and encourage some people to start in these areas?
These are the things where we should concentrate on rather than trying to build mills
and factories which may work or may not work. At least we know these things will
work in the service sector.
Skill development is also important in the manufacturing and tertiary sectors to
create a pool of employable skilled manpower which will attract private investment. In
Odisha for instance there are villages after villages where they are training people only
to become plumbers so that if one goes to Bangalore, one will find that there are plumbers
from Odisha. And then through these people others from Odisha find employment
outside the state.
There is a KPMG study on North East India. The emphasis, they have said, should
be on comparative advantage which lies in horticulture, handloom, handicrafts,
rural industries and tourism. We talk of Make in India. An extension of this is Make
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

16

in North East and that would be a good slogan to boost up trade with South
East Asia.
Another area touched upon in the vision document is the energy sector. The region
has perennial rivers and water bodies. The region has great power generation
opportunities. Particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Meghalaya. The total
potential is estimated over 58,971 MW. Here detailed environmental studies are a must.
Environment Impact Assessment studies have to be done over prolonged period. It has
to be done in a sustained manner by at least watching the water during three seasons.
And only then can one say whether it is to be there or not.
Why are these projects
only for power and not
multi-purpose projects?
Bhakra Nangal and other
projects initially when they
were started were multipurpose projects. And those,
who are critics, they say that
hydro power projects
exclusively, when in large
scale, often reek of
unsustainability. It's a point
of view. But there has to
be a proper study. If it is a multi-purpose project then the local people stand to
benefit much more. There has to be a proper dialogue with the end users. The
2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project is also felt by the critics that it suffers from a
legitimacy deficit.
Implementation of plans to improve the socio economic structure of the North
East region by 2021-22 can be done if the human resource skills can be suitably
developed. If the North East is expected to emerge as one of the fastest growing regions
of the country, can contribute substantially to the GDP, then this region may become a
hub of connectivity and commerce with the South East Asian region. What is most
important the region's integration with national economic and cultural mainstream is
a prerequisite. Only then can all these things take place and North East India shall
become an effective gateway to South East Asia in the true sense of the Look East, Act
East Policy. It is only then that acche din for North East region will emerge. (Abridged)

dc
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

17

MoU with Arya Vidyapeeth College

and Photography Training Camp
Recognizing its proven expertise in cultural documentation activities with highly
skilled manpower, young students and scholars have been taking training from
VKIC from time to time.
In a new development, the
Arya Vidyapeeth College of
Guwahati and VKIC have
agreed to collaborate to enhance
the skill sets of students. This
formal agreement will enable
students, as well as teachers, to
receive support from VKIC in
areas of mutual interest.
A Yoga Centre has already
been opened in the College,
which will enable members of the Arya Vidyapeeth fraternity to learn about yoga and
associated subjects.
The VKIC in February also successfully organized a photography training camp at
the College premises where close to two hundred students took a crash course in
theoretical as well as practical photography.
Vinayak Ranade, a photographer
and skill development expert from
Mumbai, took tutorial classes in
the College and also in real life
situations outside the campus.
The students expressed their
satisfaction over the programme,
and some of them also felt that
they will be more confident in
using photography as a tool
while carrying out academic
assignments in the field.
Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

18

Yoga Activities of VKIC

n

VKIC regularly conducts Introductory Yoga Courses of 10 days at VKIC Yoga Hall in
Riverside, Uzanbazar every month. During the 2015-16 period the institute has trained
more than 600 persons. The theme of the course is - Yoga the way of life based on the
vision of oneness.

n A session on yoga and meditation was conducted in IASST, Boragaon with the scientists
and research scholars of the institute. The session was conducted by Sri Subhabrata
Mukerjee and Dr. Jnanjyoti Sarma, Karyakarta, Vivekananda Kendra.
n A session on "Yoga and
Swasthya" was organised in
Reserve Bank of India under
Integrated Staff Development
Programme. It was an
awareness programme with
practical and theory sections to
give a basic idea how regular
yoga practice can improve health
and efficiency. Sri Ajay Agarwal,
Smt. Bharati Nandi, Sri Rupak
Das and Smt Swapna Goswami
were the resource persons from VKIC.
n VKIC organized a seven-day Introductory Yoga Course for research scholars and students
of Gauhati University. Basic yoga skills and concepts to make yoga a way of life was
discussed in the course. d

Seminar Organised by VKIC Arunachal Pradesh Chapter

Dr. Joram Begi, Prant Pramukh of Vivekananda Kendra Arunachal Pradesh spoke on
the work of Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture - Arunachal Pradesh Chapter.
In the programme, held on January 17, papers focused on the birth rituals of Galo and
Apatani communities. Toni Koyu ji the convener of Indigenous Study Circle of Itanagar
presented his paper Birth Rituals of the Galo. He narrated the traditional beliefs and
practices observed by the mother during pregnancy and child birth.
Sri Gyati Rana presented his paper on Apatani Community. He chanted all the ritualistic
hymns relating to the traditional birth ceremony.
Participants found many commonalities in the ritual practices of Galo and Apatani.
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New Publication
Thoughts for the Modern Woman Inspired by the Holy Mother Sarada Devi
Can the modern woman find inspiration from someone from a different era
altogether? Can she find a meaningful, peaceful and joyful life inspired by someone
who led an austere life in a corner of India?
According to Madhuri Santanam Sondhi, it is possible when one learns from Sarada
Devi, the wife of Ramkrishna Paramahansa, and loving 'mother' for many who came to
her contact.
This book brings into focus some issues
which involve the modern women, and solutions
to which can be gleaned from the ideals and
enunciations of the Holy Mother, who embodied
noble qualities of head and heart.
According to the author, Sarada Devi's
insights into human dilemmas and her exemplary
guidance for us to enjoy a serene existence are of
perennial value for men and women even in the
21st century. The seeker, whom her husband
revered as a "divinity within a physical form," is
seen as a true modern "not in the details of her
dress and conduct, but in the essentials of the
thought and freedom which lay behind her
choices in behaviour."
(ISBN No. 978-93-83079-13-1, Price: Rs 40)
The Author: Madhuri Santanam Sondhi, is a highly regarded intellectual who did
her MA with Honours in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh. She has been
the recipient of several academic honours from both Indian and International
institutions. A member of Indian Council of Philosophical Research, Sondhi is the
founder member secretary of the Forum for Independent Research Scholars, Delhi.

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VKIC Reference Library

New Arrivals from April 2015 - March 2016
SI No.

Title

Author

1.

Hridayar Tapaswini

Gohain, Rani

Adhunikatar Adhinayak Sahityarathi

Laksminath Bezbaruah

Sarma, Anuradha

Gabeksana Paddhati Parichoy

Saikia, Nagen

Banikanta Kakati: Pragya aru Pratibha

Borah, Dipali

Samay Asamay

Pujari, Anuradha Sarma

India 2016: Annual Reference

New Media Wing

List of donated Books

Name of Books:
1.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Customary Laws of the Akas of Arunachal Pradesh

Customary Laws of the Buguns of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Galos of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Noctes of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Shertukpens of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Tangsas of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Wanchos of Arunachal Pradesh
Customary Laws of the Hmars of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Maos of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Kabuis of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Poumai Nagas of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Paites of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Vaipheis of Manipur
Customary Laws of the Garos of Meghalaya
Customary Laws of the Chakmas of Mizoram
Customary Laws of the Maras of Mizoram
Customary Laws of the Chakhesang Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Chang Nagas of Nagaland

Annual Activity Report, April 2015 - March 2016

Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,

Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti

(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
21

21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47

Customary Laws of the Khiamniungan Nagas of Nagaland

Customary Laws of the Konyak Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Lotha Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Phom Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Pochury Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Rengma Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Sumi Nagas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Yimchungru Nagas of Ngaland
Customary Laws of the Zeliang Ngas of Nagaland
Customary Laws of the Tripuris of Tripura
Customary Laws of the Zous of Manipur
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.I)
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.II)
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.III)
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.IV)
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.V)
The Cultural Heritage of India (vol.VI)
Sabdo Ka Aaina (Hindi)
Bhab Gulma (Hindi)
Jadugarini Halkara (Hindi)
Bakul (Bal Upanyash)
The Mysti.cal Thoughts of Sri Sri Sankardeva and
Sri Sri Madhabadeva
Badal Mere Kadmo Mein (Tani Language)
Tani bidi: Abatanis struggle for Life
A Fine Flake of Miji-Migun from the Sachet of Popi-Sarmin - I
A Fine Flake of Miji-Migun from the Sachet of Popi-Sarmin -II
Customary Laws of the Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh

Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,
Baruah,

Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti
Jeuti

Gupta,
Gupta,
Gupta,
Gupta,

Nisha
Nisha
Nisha
Nisha

(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)
(editor)

Mahanta, Nirupama
Koyu, Toni
Rana, Gyati
Rana, Gyati
Rana, Gyati
Laskar, Baharul I.

48 Customary Laws of the Khasis of Meghalaya

Baruah, Jeuti

49 Hironmayee Devi Rachana Samagra

Sarma, Hemanta Kumar

50 Dr. Jogen Bayanar Rachana Sambhar

Patgiri, J.

51 The Zeliangrong Social System and Culture

Kamsor, Chaoba

52 India the Mother

Danino, Michel

53 India's Rebirth

Aurobindo, Sri

54 Prophet of a New Hindu Age

Smart, Ninian

55 The Quest for Harmony

D'Souza, Alphonsus

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Ongoing Projects

Lives and Legacies of Traditional Drummers

Traditional drummers across the world have enthralled audiences by a wide range
of sounds made with skills perfected over generations. Their musical instruments,
arguably the oldest that humans have known, create atmospheres which can be exciting,
joyful, languid, or melancholic. Apart from solo performances, the drums accompany
songs and also other musical instruments. Their use thus has infinite suggestions and
significance.
In India traditional drummers have been an intrinsic part of community life, more
so in rural areas where their performances are more popular as well as more frequent.
This is evident in many parts of North East India too, as it is home to many indigenous
communities. The sounds of the drums vary, the styles vary, but there exists an evident
unity: the vivid expression of varied aspects of human existence from the mundane to
the sublime.
The Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture in 2015 launched a small project to
document the lives and legacies of traditional drummers in three pockets of Kamrup
district of Assam. Information that has been gained about the subjects throws fresh
light on a traditional practice that faces serious threats in a situation of unpredictable
cultural ferment.
With the advent of consumerism and surge of popular modes of mass entertainment,
traditional artisans and artistes, including drummers have seen a slide in demand and
appreciation. Public functions and religious events now are dominated by electronic
audio and video platforms which attract more people, especially the young generation.
Gradually a part of the regions pristine culture is being undermined. Folk artistes
throughout the region now confront a bleak future they and their legacies both are
struggling to survive.
Data which came in revealed that the traditional drummers now endure an
economic condition that is worse than ever. Today they no longer can sustain themselves
relying solely on their craft. All the groups which were interviewed admitted that income
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from their performances were not enough to meet family needs, and therefore
they have to earn money mainly through subsistance agriculture or through odd
jobs which come their way.
The drummers, it was found, are in high demand during two major festivals
Manasa Puja and Durga Puja during which they perform for at least four days in each
venue. Each part of the worship taking place calls for a different style of drumming.
The lead drummer, or the most experienced one, knows about it thoroughly having
spent years playing under his watchful elders.
Non-religious events like public functions offer another opportunity for the
drummers to expose their skills and to make some earning. Both in villages and cities
nearby they are invited to perform, particularly during inaugural functions and in
processions.
There is no formal training as such for traditional drummers. Teenaged boys,
and at times even adolescents, imbibe the skills by associating with accomplished
performers. The relationship between the learner and the veteran determines the
outcome. You have to listen a lot, you have to constantly observe the movement of
the hands, and then keep on practicing till the time your body cannot take it anymore,
said Ruhin Rabha, a veteran drummer belonging to the Rabha community. Much
earlier in some places there were examples of Guru-Shishya tradition, but that is fast
disappearing.
The drums are made of select types of wood. While the favourite appeared to
be aam (Mango), others favoured gameri (Gmelina arborea) for better sound quality.
The bor dhol (big drum) is made in only a few places of Kamrup; it is common for
dhulias to buy a used dhol and get it repaired. A new one can be in the region of Rs
4,500, whereas a used one can be acquired for Rs 3,000 or less, depending on the
quality. A well-crafted instrument can last for at least five years if maintained
properly. Interestingly, no plastic or any other artificial material is used in making
the drum.
Although following their own modes of worship at home, the traditional drummers
are enthusiastic in performing for devotees who revere a different deity or group of
deities. They agree that their art is not constrained to appease any particular form of
divinity. The wide range of styles in their repertoire ensures that the beats and rhythms
can unite with different modes of recitation and chanting.

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Practices of Traditional Medicine as a Means of Health

Care System Prevalent among the Rabhas and Bodos of
Kamrup, Goalpara and Udalguri Districts of Assam
The practice of traditional medicine is an important vehicle for understanding
indigenous societies and their relationships with nature. Traditional medicine (also
known as indigenous medicine) comprises medical knowledge systems that
developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern
medicine. Traditional medicine includes the health practices, approaches, knowledge
and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines. It may be
spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in
combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being. Practice
of indigenous medicine is generally transmitted orally through individuals, family
and community until "collected". Indigenous medicinal knowledge may be known
by many, or may be gathered and applied by those in a specific role of healer such
as a shaman or medicine man. In every culture a substantial and integral set of
beliefs, knowledge, techniques and practices are related to the major life experiences
of health and disease. The health problems need special attention in the context of
the tribal people mainly for their backwardness and uneven growth of the population.
This may be intimately connected with socio-cultural habits and health practices as
well. The health care system prevalent in a society is a combination of traditions,
beliefs, techniques, ecological adaptation, etc.
The data for the present study was collected through Simple Observation,
Temporary Participation, Case Study, interview and audio-visual recordings. Study
through 'participant observation' was not possible due to time constraint; however
the researcher collected as much qualitative data as possible within the predetermined
time frame.
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The main objective of the present study was to investigate the process of manufacture
and practices of traditional medicine for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases
and how they are helping in minimizing the pocket expenditure among selected Rabha
and Bodo settlements of Assam along with the status of medicine man in the tribal
society and the relation of traditional medicine with core elements of Rabha and Bodo
culture. The Rabha and the Bodos are recognised schedule tribes (plain) of Assam.
Focus is given on how do people perceive illness and what are the beliefs and
practices influencing the health behaviour of the Rabha and Bodo people. What is
the role of indigenous medical practitioners and folk medicine in relation to health
and medical care. What are the different herbs and shrubs used for treatment. Their
method of preparation and treatment. What are the opinions of the ethnic community
towards the herbal medicine. In their daily intake how much medicinal herb they
consume and what are the timings. Their knowledge and awareness about it. What
is the status of medicine man in the society and how do they follow it. How the
ethnic communities are preserving and conserving their plants and forests. Is there
any concept of sacred forests among the two communities. How the psychic unity
of mankind helps in conservation of forests and traditional knowledge. How the
forests and plants are related with the core components of Rabha and Bodo society
and culture.
Three districts were selected both in the north and south bank of the river
Brahmaputra. In the southern bank Kamrup and Goalpara districts were selected. While
in the northern bank Udalguri district was selected. All together 18 villages were studied
in the three districts out of which 11 villages were homogenous villages and seven villages
were of heterogeneous type.
This research study will try to analyse and compare the Ethno-Medicinal practices
of the two ethnic communities used for treating various health problems. The findings
of this study will be confirmed through comparative analysis and case studes.
As a part of this project a one-day seminar-cum-interaction will be held shortly at
Goalpara district in association with a local Rabha cultural group called Manchanlengka.
It will attempt to bring into focus some of the core cultural and spiritual elements of the
Rabha society and its close ties with their traditional system of health care.

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VKIC Scholars in various forums

Dr Wahengbam Sushma Devi
Participated in a global conclave on, Hindu- Buddhist initiative on conflict
avoidance and environment consciousness held at Vivekananda International
Foundation from September 3-5, 2015.
Presented a paper, Impact of MNREGA programme in Manipur- From a gender
perspective, in an ICSSR sponsored one-day national seminar on Rural
Transformation in India: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies at Maharishi
Dayanand University, Rohtak on Oct 17, 2015.
Participated in an interaction programme with Hari Bansh Jha on the
Madhesi Uprising in Nepal on December 4, 2015 at Vivekananda International
Foundation.

Sri Kunal Choudhury

Participated and presented paper on a National Seminar on Ethnic Food Items
of North-East India Organized by Department of Anthropology, NEHU, Shillong
from 8-10 April, 2015.
Participated and presented paper on Vision Document of North East India
Organised by Kalyan Ashram, Guwahati from 7.9 August, 2015 at Silpagram
Guwahati.
Participated and presented paper on a National Seminar on Cultural Heritage
of Assam Organised by Department of Anthropology, Gauhati University in
association with Indira Gandhi Rastriya Manav Sangrahalaya, IGRMS, Bhopal
from 23-25 August, 2015.

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VIVEKANANDA KENDRA INSTITUTE OF CULTURE

Chairman

: Sri Dipok Kr. Barthakur

Director, RAC

: Dr. Parimal Ch. Bhattacharjee

Associate Director (Hon.)

: Dr. Kalyan Das

Associate Director

: Sri Prabal Kr. Das

Associate Secretary

: Dr. Rahul S Majumdar

Treasurer

: Sri R. S. Lakhotia

Research Advisory Council, Members : Sri Atulananda Goswami

Prof. Mrinal Miri
Prof. A. C. Bhagabati
Sri Dhirendranath Bezboruah
Prof. B. B. Kumar
Prof. Shiela Bora
Prof. Priyam Goswami
Dr. Joram Begi Lapang
Sri Ganesh Ch. Kurmi
Dr. Sukanya Sharma
Executive Council, Members

: Sri B. L. Purohit
: Dr. Dipanka Saikia
: Sri Dipankar Mahanta
Smt. Bharati Nandi
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