Port Blair, Mar 15: Well-known anthropologist and author Mr. Triloki Nath Pandit visited JNR Mahavidyalaya yesterday for an interactive session with the students.
Addressing a gathering of students and faculty members Mr. Pandit shared his experiences with them and appealed to them to treat the aboriginal populations with respect. Mr. Pandit narrated in brief the history of the relations with the aboriginal tribes of the Islands dating back to the time of the permanent settlement in the Islands in 1858. Commenting on the ‘hostility’ of the tribes he attributed it to the greed of the outsiders for tribal lands and resources. Answering a question on the continued hostility of the Sentinelese he said it could be due to the misbehaviour of poachers. He praised the Jarawas as ‘freedom fighters’ as they did not submit to the might of the British Empire like the Andamanese did. He described in short the organisation of the aboriginal communities which has a social discipline of the highest order. Quoting from his personal experiences he described the refinement of culture, sense of equality, freedom from gender bias, loyalty and love for children that characterise the Jarawa tribe. He exhorted the students to consider the indigenous tribes of the islands as a national treasure and take care of them.
Dr R.N. Rath, officiating Principal of the college, in his welcome address described Mr. Pandit as a stalwart among the anthropologists of the country who did pioneering work among the tribes of the islands and produced many important documents for their preservation and upliftment. He also welcomed Smt. Pandit and Smt. Charu Sreedharan. Mr. Francis Xavier, HoD English coordinated the programme and proposed a vote of thanks.
Anyone have TN Pandit current contact? Send to dagz@xnet.co.nz
Try 9933206322. It might be his daughter Charu’s. She can give the right number