Tribal Communities In India Research Articles

Navigating the Aquatic Challenges: Tribal Communities in India's Quest for Sustainable Solutions

: India hosts the world's largest population of Scheduled Tribes (STs), constituting 8.6% of its total populace and comprising about 700 distinct tribes. Despite their cultural richness and environmental stewardship, tribal communities face significant socio-economic challenges, with 47% living below the poverty line. Predominantly residing in rural areas, these communities suffer from acute water scarcity and poor water quality. Only 20% of ST households have access to drinking water within their premises, and over 33% must travel long distances for water, exacerbating their vulnerability to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Efforts by the Indian government, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti, have aimed to improve water access and quality through initiatives, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and watershed management programs. However, traditional water management strategies often fail to address the unique geographical and cultural contexts of tribal regions. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges of water scarcity and quality in India's tribal areas, analyzing the socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic factors contributing to these issues. By synthesizing data and research findings, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the water-related hardships faced by tribal communities and to offer insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop more effective, culturally sensitive, and sustainable water management solutions.

The Relationship between Vitamin D and TyG Index in Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among an Indian Tribal Community: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is thought to increase the likelihood of insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes onset. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and vitamin D levels in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the tribal community of India. Methods: This study included 270 participants, consisting of 90 individuals with prediabetes, 90 individuals with T2DM, and 90 control patients. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were evaluated in all participants. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. The TyG index was computed as Ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)]/2. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the TyG index and 25(OH)D levels in people diagnosed with prediabetes and T2DM. The optimum cut-off value of the TyG index for detecting vitamin D deficiency was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: We observed a significant reduction in vitamin D levels in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM compared to those in the control group. However, the TyG index was significantly greater in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM than in controls. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the TyG index and 25(OH)D in both prediabetes and T2DM. Conclusions: The TyG index demonstrated a negative association with vitamin D levels and was identified as an independent predictor of vitamin D deficiency in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM.

Carica papaya L. Latex Mediated Green Synthesis of Zno Nanoparticles for its Antimicrobial Activity

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained potential recognition because of their distinctive characteristics and wide utilizatrion in various fields. Therefore, development of novel biological techniques is significant for the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using the latex of Carica papaya L. Plant latex is a natural product produced by a number of plant species which are used by different tribal communities in India as a folk medicinal treatment on natural wounds or cuts. Plant latex has a huge demand as herbal products in an aspect of clinical, therapeutical and also in agricultural sectors. Natural latex is composed of different important biomolecules like, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, sterols, saponins etc. These different active chemical constituents have versatile medicinal activities against different pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoans etc. This study reports on the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (Zn NPs)using latex of C. papaya as an effective reducing agent. Green synthesis of nanoparticles has advantageous over conventional methodsbecause it does not require the use of toxic chemicals and therefore environmentally sustainable. The elemental composition of C. papaya latex was also analysed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. Properties of synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using various methods such as ultra violet visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles also assessed for its antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial and fungal species.

Malnutrition in tribal people living with tuberculosis in India: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background & objectives Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent public health challenge in India. The country also has high proportions of malnutrition in different areas, making the population susceptible to TB. Among vulnerable populations, such as tribal communities, TB and malnutrition pose significant threats. Tribal populations exhibit disproportionately higher TB prevalence rates compared to non-tribal groups. Also, malnutrition prevalence among tribal communities far exceeds national averages in India. Amidst fragmented data, a systematic review of nutritional status among tribal populations with TB in India is imperative to inform comprehensive intervention strategies. Methods Cross-sectional, case-control, cohort and interventional studies reporting the nutritional status of active TB affected individuals among tribal populations in India were specifically included if terms such as "malnutrition" or "low BMI" were used. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020168328). The data was assessed using a random-effects model and standardized mean with 95% confidence interval (CI). The I2 statistics indicated heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots. Results Out of 124 studies, 20 were selected for initial screening, 15 were excluded due to a lack of appropriate data, and five were included for the final analysis. The pooled prevalence estimates of malnutrition among Indian tribes living with TB was 514 per 1000 people, with 95% CI: 232-791. The sensitivity analysis showed that no individual study influenced the estimation of pooled prevalence. Interpretation & conclusions In the background of India, contributing considerably to the burden of TB-related morbidity and mortality alongside undernutrition, reviews have underscored undernutrition as the predominant risk factor for TB, affecting over 50 per cent of the population in some States. This situation is exacerbated among the tribal communities in India due to the dual burdens of undernutrition and TB being more pronounced. Our systematic review consolidates evidence from five studies, revealing the prevalence of malnutrition among tribal TB patients. Conducting well-planned implementation research to address this dual burden among the underprivileged population would help achieve the ambitious goal of a TB-free India 2025.

In silico, in vitro, and in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity profiling of whole plant methanol extract of Equisetum diffusum D. Don from the sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India, having ethnobotanical uses

BackgroundEquisetum diffusum D. Don commonly known as ‘Himalayan horsetail’, has been traditionally used in the treatment of back pain, bone fracture and dislocation, and arthritis by various tribal communities of India. Our previous study confirmed the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the plant through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo model studies. Therefore, the current research is focused on safety dose evaluation for the first-time of the whole-plant methanol extract (EDME) of E. diffusum through appropriate in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches.MethodThe whole plant, along with its rhizomes, was collected, and the methanol extract was prepared. The in silico ADMET study was performed to predict the pharmacokinetics profile and toxicity of all the identified phyto-compounds of EDME previously screened by GC–MS study. In vitro cytotoxicity study of EDME was performed using two cell lines: kidney (HEK293) and liver (Huh7) cell lines. The in vivo toxicity study of EDME was validated by the acute toxicity (OECD 423, 2002) and sub-acute toxicity assays (OECD 407, 2008) in the Wistar Albino rat model.ResultsThe in silico ADMET study of all 47 bioactives predicted good pharmacokinetic and low toxicity profiles. In vitro cytotoxicity showed higher IC50 values of EDME viz., 672 ± 15.7 μg/mL and 1698 ± 6.54 μg/mL for both kidney (HEK293) and liver (Huh7) cell lines, respectively, which were considered as low-toxic. Based on acute oral toxicity, the LD50 value of the extract was considered “non-toxic” up to a feeding range of 2000 mg/kg of body weight. The regular consumption of the extract for an extended period (28 days) was also qualified as safe based on the body and organ weight, hematological, biochemical, and histoarchitecture results in the sub-acute toxicity assay.ConclusionThe detailed in silico, in vitro, in vivo (acute and sub-acute oral toxicity) studies gave us a new insight to the safety dose evaluation of Equisetum diffusum, which may serve as a reliable documentation for undertaking the experimental validation of the ethnobotanical uses of the plant which would help in the field of drug development for the treatment of inflammation related complications.

Barriers to Healthcare Access for Tribal Communities in India: An Examination of Systemic Discrimination and Policy Implications

Barriers to Healthcare Access for Tribal Communities in India: An Examination of Systemic Discrimination and Policy Implications

Health Challenges and Indigenous Practices: A Comprehensive Study of Tribal Communities in India

Health Challenges and Indigenous Practices: A Comprehensive Study of Tribal Communities in India

Perspectives on the Intersection of Gender, Customary Laws and Land Rights in India

Abstract For centuries, tribal communities in India have maintained distinct social and cultural identities, often with communal land ownership practices that were inclusive of women. The struggle of tribal women in India for land rights is a poignant manifestation of their fight against intersecting forms of oppression rooted in patriarchy, traditional power structures, and historical marginalisation. Given the existing background, this article discusses the intersection of property rights and gender relations in India, making a case for independent property rights for tribal women. It analyses the role of customary laws of inheritance in a legal pluralistic India and its conflict with positive law. The article also focuses on the role of the Indian judiciary in remedying the systemic discrimination against tribal women in India. It analyses the approach of the Indian courts in maintaining a balance between the autonomy granted to the tribes by the Indian Constitution and ensuring justice to women who are victims of such self-governance.

Injustice and subaltern environmentalism: tribal ecosystem and decolonial practices in Bhoopal’s Forest, Blood & Survival: Life and Times of Komuram Bheem

ABSTRACT A commitment to engage with the structural and historical processes that result in discrimination and injustice in the utilisation of natural resources and landscapes is an epistemic responsibility that must be achieved in order to imagine a just society in which environmental justice is a feasible possibility. Indian author Bhoopal’s Forests, Blood & Survival: Life and Times of Komuram Bheem (2023), translated from Telugu by P A Kumar, is one such literary narrative that vividly portrays the injustices endured by tribal communities in India at the hands of colonial forest officers, money lenders, capitalist extractive authorities, and other oppressive authorities. In this context, the article explicates this narrative of tribal communities to demonstrate and encourage alternative viewpoints and positions of tribal cultures that may confront the dominance of colonial-capitalist logic as a monolithic framework in environmental discourse. In doing so, the first section discusses the natural environment of the tribes and their way of life, followed by an intervention on the colonial brutality and injustices that tribals have been subjected to, and finally, how their resistance is deemed to be subaltern environmentalism.

Effectiveness of an Intervention in Improving Knowledge and Practices about Kala-azar in a Tribal Population of Eastern India

Abstract Background: Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania donovani, remains a significant health concern in India and other endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices (KAP) related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in the Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal, India, and evaluate the impact of an educational intervention. Methods: A total of 289 participants were included in this observational study with an intervention component. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected, and a pretested questionnaire assessed KAP related to kala-azar. Knowledge and practice assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was done to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Results: The majority of participants were in the 18–30-year age group, engaged in unskilled work, and had limited formal education, reflecting significant poverty in the population. The intervention significantly improved participants’ knowledge and practices related to kala-azar. After the intervention, correct responses to questions regarding transmission, symptoms, curability, and treatment increased substantially. Discussion: The study highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions in raising awareness and promoting healthier practices in underserved communities. It underscores the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in health-care access and tailoring interventions to the specific needs of different socioeconomic statuses. Conclusion: This study provides critical insights into the KAP related to kala-azar among the Bedia tribal community in India. Targeted interventions can be effective in reducing the incidence of kala-azar and improving overall health outcomes in marginalized populations.

Unveiling the microbial communities and metabolic pathways of Keem, a traditional starter culture, through whole-genome sequencing

Traditional alcoholic beverages have played a significant role in the cultural, social, and culinary fabric of societies worldwide for centuries. Studying the microbial community structure and their metabolic potential in such beverages is necessary to define product quality, safety, and consistency, as well as to explore associated biotechnological applications. In the present investigation, Illumina-based (MiSeq system) whole-genome shotgun sequencing was utilized to characterize the microbial diversity and conduct predictive gene function analysis of keem, a starter culture employed by the Jaunsari tribal community in India for producing various traditional alcoholic beverages. A total of 8,665,213 sequences, with an average base length of 151 bps, were analyzed using MG-RAST. The analysis revealed the dominance of bacteria (95.81%), followed by eukaryotes (4.11%), archaea (0.05%), and viruses (0.03%). At the phylum level, Actinobacteria (81.18%) was the most abundant, followed by Firmicutes (10.56%), Proteobacteria (4.00%), and Ascomycota (3.02%). The most predominant genera were Saccharopolyspora (36.31%), followed by Brevibacterium (15.49%), Streptomyces (9.52%), Staphylococcus (8.75%), Bacillus (4.59%), and Brachybacterium (3.42%). At the species level, the bacterial, fungal, and viral populations of the keem sample could be categorized into 3347, 57, and 106 species, respectively. Various functional attributes to the sequenced data were assigned using Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG), Non-supervised Orthologous Groups (NOG), subsystem, and KEGG Orthology (KO) annotations. The most prevalent metabolic pathways included carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, as well as the biosynthesis of glycans, secondary metabolites, and xenobiotic biodegradation. Given the rich microbial diversity and its associated metabolic potential, investigating the transition of keem from a traditional starter culture to an industrial one presents a compelling avenue for future research.

The well-being of indigenous peoples in India and its alignment with the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

PurposeThis study assesses the SDG-related well-being of indigenous communities in India using bibliometric analysis and the ADO-TCM framework. It provides insights into their alignment with sustainable development objectives.Design/methodology/approachThis study analysed 74 high-impact journals using bibliometric analysis to evaluate the well-being of India’s indigenous peoples about the SDGs.FindingsThis study analyses the well-being of tribal communities in India using existing scholarly articles and the ADO-TCM framework. It emphasises the importance of implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote the well-being of indigenous populations.Originality/valueThis study uses bibliometric analysis and the ADO-TCM framework to investigate factors impacting tribal community welfare. It proposes theoretical frameworks, contextual considerations and research methodologies to achieve objectives.

Problems and Challenges Tribal Community in India

Tribes are generally backward, economically as well as educationally. The situation is not uniform in all the parts of India. In the north-east, the situation has been disturbed for several years, whereas in the mainland (central India) problems related to poverty, unemployment, indebtedness, backwardness and ignorance are acute. The tribes of the northeast have a high level of politicization, literacy and a high standard of living compared to their counterparts in other parts. The tribes were alienated from their own lands. The landlords and moneylenders of the plains gradually replaced the tribal landowners. This article describes the problems faced by the people in the tribal community of Indian society.

Exploring Maternal and Child Health Among Tribal Communities in India: A Life Course Perspective.

India experiences high rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, with tribal communities disproportionately affected. Tribal populations frequently live in unfavorable socio-economic conditions and deficient social health indicators, culminating in adverse health consequences. Using a life course perspective, this qualitative study explored risks over the life course that contribute to maternal and child health problems among tribal populations in India. Additionally, the study examined barriers to utilization of healthcare services during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. Data collection occurred between 2017 and 2019 through participant observation, key informant interviews (n = 7) and in-depth interviews (n = 68) and a focus group (n = 7) with tribal women from the Madia-Gond tribe in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Additionally, verbal autopsies were conducted with relatives of three deceased women and five infants from the tribe. Multiple risk factors operating at different socio-ecological levels and developmental stages of life were associated with maternal and child health problems among the tribe. These included adherence to traditional harmful practices, limited access to nutritional diet, women's health neglected due to the double burden of domestic and professional labor, and a lack of accessible and well-equipped medical facilities. Inaccesibility stemmed from factors including extreme poverty, geographical isolation, and suboptimal healthcare infrastructure. There is need for provisions to promote access to care and to promote education and awareness centered on evidence-supported healthcare, particularly targeted towards expectant mothers. The implementation of nutritional support programs may help mitigate high maternal and child mortality and morbidity rates prevalent among tribal populations.

Critical Analysis of the Right to Health of Tribal Minorities - an Indian Perspective

India has signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, but the country's health care system has not received the adequate funding or attention it needs to meet the convention's standards. Health and education are crucial to realizing children's rights, but to do so we must shift away from a welfare model. Special care must be taken to ensure the health of the newborn (survival), baby (immunizations, nutrition), and preschooler (infections, development). Completely functioning health care delivery systems, well executed programs, and comprehensive accountability. All children should have access to free preventative care and basic medical treatment. The disadvantaged need access to practical health literacy education. Because of a severe lack of access to medical care, the health of indigenous people is in a precarious state. Women and children in the neighbourhood are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, which is the leading cause of mortality. The indigenous tribal people of India still face significant obstacles in the health sector, despite India's 68 years of independence. These include a lack of education, the absence of even basic health care, and food poverty. Natural resources are dwindling as a direct consequence of increasing land grabs by corporations, which is wreaking havoc on indigenous communities that have no other means of subsistence. Unemployment among native/tribal youngsters is a major problem. Hence, it becomes important to evaluate the healthcare rights of tribal communities in India. This paper is an attempt to analyse the provision of Right to Health for the tribal communities. It will further argue, whether Right to Health should be explicitly considered as a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution of India.

Health Challenges and Indigenous Practices: A Comprehensive Study of Tribal Communities in India

Health Challenges and Indigenous Practices: A Comprehensive Study of Tribal Communities in India

Trouble and technique of educational and environmental planning for tribal community in India

Trouble and technique of educational and environmental planning for tribal community in India

Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood through Skill Development of Dongria Kondh Communities During Lockdown

A tribe is a group of people who are residing within their group in a specific geographical area. India has approximately 700 distinct tribes that are notified under the Article 342 of the Constitution of India. Each tribe differs from each other in terms of language, ethnicity, history, etc., but all tribes have a same thread of customary practices. Schedule Tribe (ST) is cited as categorical indigenous people whose status is recognized by national legislation with some formal degree and due to the most vulnerable category, the government has made several plans for the upliftment of inaccessible people of the society. There are 75 vulnerable tribal communities in India. Dongria Kondh or Dangaria Kandha is one of the vulnerable tribes in India. Dongria Kondh is the sub-section of the Kondh tribal community and is a PVTG section of the tribe. Dangaria is only found in Odisha and is residing around the Niyamgiri Hill to which they worship as their God. During the pandemic, they came up with their signature tag handwoven embroideries Kapdagonda work with new ideas in the form of a "cultural" mask under the guidance of Dongria Kondh Development Agency (DKDA) of Rayagada district of Odisha. It was a step ahead skill development work of Dongria Kondh women that went beyond the normal fabric working to revive their income during the lockout. The objective of the paper is to cover the status of the Dangaria Kandha or Dongria Kondh tribe and how the skill development programme of women SHGs during the lockdown helped to revive their income. It is necessary to frame a skill development pick of Dongria Kondh tribal. The paper is a qualitative in nature and also follow the available literatures as well as a grassroot study to make this paper as a valid content study.

Infrastructure and Enrolment of Scheduled Tribe Students in India

This paper examines the school infrastructure and student enrolment among the tribal community in India. Data from the UDISE+ Reports of the Government of India for 2012-13 to 2020-21 was used for the analysis. Tribal welfare schools in the country increased between 2012-13 and 2014-15 before declining. In tribal welfare schools, water access has improved, although many schools still lack drinking water and handwash facilities. One-fifth of tribal welfare schools do not have restrooms, which infers open defecation practices. Other facilities, such as the library, playground, electricity, and computers, are unavailable to all the tribal welfare schools. However, meager school improvements, enrolment, and infrastructure have been witnessed since 2019. Given this, it is critical to stress that an increasing number of schools with good infrastructure would encourage the tribal students' enrollment. Therefore, equity and high-quality education for all citizens can aid in a country's pursuit of sustainable growth.

387P A comprehensive analysis of the oral health status, tobacco use, and cancer prevalence among the tribal communities in India

387P A comprehensive analysis of the oral health status, tobacco use, and cancer prevalence among the tribal communities in India