Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 03 November 2023
The State Child Protection Society, operating under the Directorate of Social Welfare, is actively engaging in educational initiatives for children residing in Child Care Institutions. In a recent undertaking, the society organized an enriching visit for the children of Love Children Home in Manglutan to the Anthropological Survey of India in Port Blair.
Approximately 60 children from Love Children Home, along with two staff members from the Social Welfare Department, embarked on this educational journey to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The visit, which took place on October 28, aimed to broaden the horizons of these young minds and provide them with valuable insights into the diverse cultures that thrive in the region.
Mr. Kanike Veerashekar, a Research Associate specialising in Cultural anthropology at the Anthropological Survey of India, led the tour of the Zonal Anthropological Museum, established in 2002. This museum is a testament to the cultural diversity and heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It showcases an extensive collection of exhibits that shed light on the cultural heritage of the six indigenous tribes – Jarawa, Great Andamanese, Sentinelese, Onge, Nicobarese, and Shompen, as well as settlers like Karen, Ranchiwala, Moplah, among others.
The exhibits include ethnographic materials, photographs, artifacts, tools, and handicrafts created by these communities. Each item on display offers a deep insight into the history, beliefs, economic activities, and social structures of these diverse groups, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of their way of life.
Visits like these serve as invaluable educational experiences for children, as they learn about the diverse cultures that exist in the world and how they have evolved over time. It introduces them to the concept of cultural relativism and helps them appreciate and respect the customs and beliefs of different societies.
Ms. Rehaneth Begum, the Program Manager of the State Child Protection Society, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the Department’s efforts in educating and engaging the children. She emphasized the importance of such educational experiences in nurturing young minds and fostering an understanding of cultural diversity.