Latest news with #Tharu
Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Several languages on verge of extinction due to climate change
Patna: Climate change has not only impacted the lives of human beings but has also contributed to the decline and extinction of several of their indigenous languages. Several indigenous languages of Bihar are either on the verge of extinction or have become 'endangered' principally due to climate change. According to a study conducted by Devina Krishna, a teacher at Patna Women's College, climate change and environmental degradation have led to language loss in various parts of the state over the years. The study entitled 'An analysis of vulnerable languages of Bihar from ecological linguistic perspective' has been published in a recent issue of an international journal 'Jurnal Gramatika'. The study indicates that some 197 languages are in various stages of endangerment in our country. In Bihar, a number of languages, including Angika, Bajjika, Surajpuri, and Tharu, are facing various levels of endangerment. As the state is plagued by recurrent calamities like floods, droughts, cyclones, lightning strikes and earthquakes, its linguistic fabric grapples with formidable challenges. These environmental adversities not only imperil human lives but also jeopardize the survival of indigenous languages. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo With 76% of the population of North Bihar living under the recurring threat of floods, including loss of human lives, livestock and assets worth crores of rupees, the state has been witnessing the disappearance of languages like Angika and Bajjika which are spoken by the affected communities, creating a linguistic ecological crisis. Frequent flooding and erratic rainfall patterns affect agriculture, human health and the environment. These factors have been affecting local farmers who are migrating to urban areas. The young generation of Angika and Bajjika have moved to places out of their native regions and they prefer to speak Hindi and English instead of their native languages. Most of them are moving out of their belts due to extremes of climatic conditions. In addition to Bajjika and Angika, languages like Tharu and Surjapuri are also facing extinction. Tharu-speaking communities are vulnerable to climate change with increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. Climate change has reduced crop yields leading to economic pressures and their ability to maintain traditional practices and language. Kishanganj, the chief Surjapuri-speaking belt experiences alternations in rainfall patterns, increased heat waves and deforestation. The study further points out that with the loss of language, traditional knowledge is also lost. The essence of folk songs has been completely lost due to the disappearance of indigenous languages. Words like 'chiriya' (bird) and 'gacch' (tree) in Angika are less commonly used as climate change is contributing to the loss of environmental vocabulary, it adds.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Govt pushes for rural tourism in 35 U.P. border villages
The state tourism department has announced the development of 35 villages in seven border districts of Uttar Pradesh as 'tourist villages'. The initiative aims to generate employment and preserve local culture, as per a press note. The selected villages in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Shravasti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit will be transformed into hubs of cultural tourism. Each village will host ten homestay units, giving tourists a chance to live among the locals and experience daily village life. Some of the villages identified for development are Dulhasumali, Bajha, Khunuwan, Kotia, and Gharuar in Siddharthnagar; Imlia Kodar, Chandanpur, Narihwa, Pahadapur, and Belbhariya in Balrampur; and Bankati Chidiya, Purab Majra Himmantnagar, Pipraula, Puraena, and Singhia in Lakhimpur Kheri, the note added. Local youth will be trained as storytellers to narrate village histories, legends, and folklore to visitors in an engaging manner. Women from self-help groups will receive culinary training to prepare and serve traditional dishes, giving guests a true taste of village life. Moreover, products made by the indigenous Tharu community will be promoted in local markets and online, providing artisans with new economic opportunities. 'This is not just a tourism project; it is a holistic development model,' said tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh. 'We are combining tourism with employment, women's empowerment, and heritage conservation. Through this initiative, our border villages will not only attract tourists but also gain a renewed sense of identity and self-reliance.' Officials confirmed that work on the project will begin soon, with infrastructure upgrades, training modules, and community engagement being prioritized in the initial phase.
Hans India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Bihar: ECI reviews poll preparedness in Valmiki Nagar, West Champaran
As part of his four-day visit to Bihar ahead of the 2025 Legislative Assembly Elections, Election Commissioner of India (ECI) Vivek Joshi conducted a high-level review meeting in Valmiki Nagar on Sunday, focusing on electoral preparedness in the sensitive India-Nepal border region. The meeting was attended by top officials of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Forest Department, and District Administration. It commenced with a detailed PowerPoint presentation by the SSB, outlining surveillance operations and border security measures in place to ensure free and fair elections. Joshi emphasised the strategic importance of the border districts and underlined the need for coordinated inter-agency action to facilitate secure and inclusive elections. 'Effective participation of voters in border regions is critical, and surveillance must be complemented by outreach and administrative preparedness,' he stated. The Election Commissioner directed the SSB to intensify coordination with local police and district authorities, while also suggesting that the additional manpower available with the force be deployed for election-related duties. Commending the successful conduct of previous elections in the region, Joshi acknowledged the synergy among the SSB, Forest Department, Police, and District Administration. He also interacted with Tharu tribal artists, appreciating their cultural contributions as a vibrant part of the region's democratic ethos. Joshi later visited polling stations 14 to 17 located at Government Middle School, Bagaha-2, under the Valmikinagar Assembly Constituency. He also held discussions with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), focusing on voter awareness and the impact of recent training sessions. The BLOs informed the ECi that training conducted in New Delhi by the Election Commission of India has significantly improved their preparedness and confidence. Joshi urged the Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gujiyal to ensure that such training sessions across Bihar maintain a strong focus on legal literacy, technical competence, and transparency. He further emphasised the importance of the active participation of Booth Level Agents from political parties, along with BLOs, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant EROs to ensure procedural integrity at the booth level. Joshi expressed satisfaction with the district's poll preparedness, noting that West Champaran's voter turnout has been consistently higher than the state average. He encouraged the local administration to launch creative and targeted voter outreach initiatives to further boost participation. 'This visit was crucial to understanding electoral dynamics at the grassroots level. I appreciate the proactive cooperation of district officials, and I have directed the formation of dedicated teams for high-quality election management,' Joshi said. After wrapping up his engagements in Valmiki Nagar, the Election Commissioner departed for East Champaran (Motihari) and is scheduled to return to New Delhi tomorrow via Vaishali and Patna.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Time of India
UP eco-tourism push in Dudhwa aiding Tharu tribals
Lucknow: UP's plan to boost eco-tourism also involves the inclusion of local tribes and residents in the growth story. A notable example is the inclusion of Tharu tribals in Dudhwa, as highlighted in a meeting chaired by tourism and culture minister Thakur Jaiveer Singh. This approach seeks to ensure that the benefits of eco-tourism reach the local communities, fostering sustainable growth and cultural preservation. "Living in harmony with nature in villages along the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve , culturally rich Tharu tribals are known for their deeply rooted forest-based traditions, sustainable agriculture, and a close-knit community with unique traditions that include dress, jewellery, folk songs, and dance. Itineraries being made for Dudhwa have included interactions with these tribals so that the community benefits from the visitors," the minister told TOI. Officials said that the govt took initiatives to include local communities in tourism development in a big way. "While on one hand, the idea is to aid their economy, their role is also crucial to the conservation of the forest resource," said Prakhar Mishra, director of eco-tourism, UP. Stating that many Tharu families traditionally depended solely on small patches of agricultural land for sustenance, officials said the department was handholding them to develop homestays and run schemes like bed and breakfast. A preliminary study revealed that demand for experiential tourism was high in India. "Taking a cue from that, UP's eco-tourism thought of a model that benefits all — the locals, the state, and even the visitors. In specific reference to Tharus and Dudhwa, visitors can get a chance to feast on their traditional delicacies such as Dhikri made from rice, Patauta, and Ek Patiya Saag," Mishra said, adding, "The bonus is scores of big and small stories of living with nature and facing the big cat and other animals. " To further boost livelihoods and preserve traditional skills, initiatives like the Tharu Shilp Gram have been launched by the UP Eco-Tourism Board. Located near the tiger reserve, this craft village showcases handmade jute products created by Tharu artisans such as bags, mats, caps, decor and accessories — all made with techniques passed down through generations.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UP to host cultural festival at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve on these dates; all you need to know
Uttar Pradesh is set to host its inaugural Dudhwa Festival from November 14 to 16, 2025, at the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This three-day cultural and wildlife extravaganza aims to promote eco-tourism and showcase the state's rich biodiversity and vibrant traditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Dudhwa Festival will highlight the state's natural beauty and cultural heritage, with a focus on the traditions of the indigenous Tharu people. It is anticipated that renowned performers of classical, folk, and contemporary music, including Shubha Mudgal, Kailash Kher, and Ram Sampath, will entertain guests. To accommodate a range of interests, the event will include several stages, including the Main Stage, Techno Stage, and Photography and Lifestyle Zone. Immersive experiences Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various activities that blend adventure with cultural immersion. More than 200 tents will be set up to offer camping options, along with homestay options with local Tharu families, which will provide an authentic rural experience. Guided wildlife safaris will offer glimpses into the diverse fauna of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, enhancing the eco-tourism appeal of the event . Read more: Supporting local communities The festival also seeks to support the local economy by promoting wellness practices, handicrafts, and Tharu food. There will be branded goods with slogans and illustrations of wildlife that will help regional artists and give guests one-of-a-kind mementos. Read more: A step towards sustainable tourism By integrating cultural festivities with environmental awareness, the Dudhwa Festival represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism in Uttar Pradesh. It offers a platform to celebrate and preserve the state's natural and cultural assets while providing economic opportunities for local communities. Visitors are urged to plan their journey to witness this exceptional fusion of culture and nature and to follow official tourism channels for additional information and updates on the Dudhwa Festival.
