By: MIR AZAD KALAM, SAPTAMITA PAL
This study presents a longitudinal ethnographic analysis of the Bal Sansad (Children’s Parliament) implementation and its influence on the educational and moral growth in a Jharkhand tribal village. It delves into the dynamics of educational programs designed to elevate tribal communities, with a focus on the Dhatkidih village in the Purbi-Singhbhum district, inhabited by the Santhal tribe. The research examines how the Bal Sansad program not only enhances academic involvement but also cultivates leadership skills and ethical values in young tribal learners. Additionally, the paper considers the wider socio-economic effects of such educational endeavors in marginalized tribal areas, evaluating both triumphs and obstacles encountered over time. Through detailed ethnographic observations and interactions within the community, the importance of education models that are culturally attuned is highlighted, promoting comprehensive development in these often overlooked communities. This research adds to the broader conversation on tribal education, community empowerment, and the execution of policies in India’s rural settings.
