Sunday, 27 March 2022 | PNS | Rishikesh
Various aspects related to the Van Gujjar community were discussed at a three-day event which concluded in Rishikesh on Saturday. The event was jointly organised by Center for Pastoralism and Van Gujjar Tribal Yuva Sangathan. The event comprised events ranging from exhibition of pastoral lifestyle, film screenings and discussions with members of the community. Sessions on biodiversity, ecology and livelihoods were also held during the event.
Director of Centre for Pastoralism, Vasant Sabbarwal sought insights from the Van Gujjar community and inquired about the lifestyle problems they have been facing due to modernisation and other aspects. A special session on Forests Rights Act (FRA) was also organised.
Members of the community spoke about the problems they face and on how their economy is dependent mainly on milk. Van Gujjar Bulli Chopda spoke about the marketing aspects of milk and the challenges they face trading with middlemen. Milkman Shabi spoke on how the community is unable to cater to growing demand unlike the modern dairies. He spoke on how even adding water to milk is considered a taboo in the community.
Researcher Mayank attending the event opined that the event was a good exercise for the assertion of tribal identities. Some sessions were intense and revealing for many, he said.
