This study explores the themes of tribal resistance and cultural assertion through a comparative lens, focusing on indigenous communities in Odisha, India, and Japan. It examines how tribal societies in both regions have historically resisted external domination—be it colonial, feudal, or state-imposed development—and how they have asserted their cultural identity in response to socio-political and economic pressures. In Odisha, tribal resistance has been deeply rooted in opposition to colonial exploitation, land alienation, and displacement caused by industrialization. Movements among tribes such as the Kondhs, Mundas, and Santals reflect a persistent defense of land rights and cultural traditions. In contrast, Japan’s indigenous Ainu community has faced assimilationist state policies that have long denied their distinct ethnic identity. However, recent decades have witnessed a cultural revival and growing political recognition, catalyzed by both domestic activism and global indigenous rights discourses. This comparative analysis draws upon historical narratives, policy responses, and cultural practices to illustrate how resistance and assertion emerge as intertwined phenomena shaped by indigenous agency. The study also considers the role of postcolonial statehood, legal recognition, and global indigeneity movements in redefining the relationship between the state and tribal societies. By engaging with interdisciplinary sources, the paper highlights the complexities of identity, autonomy, and development in tribal contexts and emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and participatory governance. It also investigates how state policies, civil society, and international frameworks like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples have influenced tribal assertions in both nations.

Keywords: Ainu, Colonialism, Cultural Identity, Indigenous, Postcolonial State, Resistance.

The study investigates the process of educational governance in the selected tribal communities of the Kalahandi district in Odisha, India. It examines the nature and extent of community participation and experiences of stakeholders involved the governance process. It also explores their perceptions and challenges encountered during the functioning process of school governance. The study adopted a mixed-method approach involving interviews, focused group discussion and documentary analysis of school management records. Findings of the study reveal that, though the formations of SMCs have been ensured in all the schools but their functioning is not encouraging. The varying level of participation of SMCs is influenced by several factors like socio-cultural, awareness levels and the responsiveness of school authorities. The findings underscore the need for developing a culturally responsive and sensitive strategy that could enhance meaningful community participation towards achieving the broader goals of access, equity and quality improving the learning outcomes of children.

Keywords: School Management Committees, Access, Equity, Quality, Community Participation, Educational Governance.

This study explores the rich cultural expressions of dance and music among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Northern Odisha, with a focus on communities such as the Birhor, Lodha and Kharia. These art forms are not merely aesthetic practices but serve as vital expressions of identity, spirituality, and social cohesion. Through an anthropological lens, the research investigates how traditional performances are integrated into the life cycle rituals, seasonal festivals, and belief systems of these communities. It further examines how gender roles, oral traditions, and local cosmologies are embedded in musical instruments, movements, rhythms, and song texts. The objectives to identify and select specific PVTG communities known for their unique musical and dance traditions and to examine how dance and music preserve collective identity, pass down oral traditions, and foster social cohesiveness in the neighbourhood. The study has been conducted in Mayurbhanj PVTGs of Odisha. Fieldwork methods such as observation, interviews, and audio-visual documentation are employed to capture these performances in their lived contexts. The study also addresses the challenges posed by modernization, cultural assimilation, and inter-community influence, which are gradually reshaping traditional practices. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage by highlighting the significance and evolving nature of dance and music among Odisha’s most marginalized tribal populations.

Keywords: Dance, Music, PVTGs, Intangible Culture, Mayurbhanj.

This paper examines the determinants of income inequality across twelve emerging economies over the period of 1991 to 2023. Generalized Method of Moments approach has been used to account for endogeneity issues and cross-sectional dependence. The study analyses the impact of economic growth, expenditure of government and human development on the Gini index. The study finds a strong persistence income inequality over time. Economic growth exhibits a positive relationship with the Gini index, indicating it widens income disparity in these nations. In contrast, control variables such as the Human Development Index and Government Expenditure shows an adverse effect on income disparity.

Keywords: Income Disparity, Emerging Countries, Panel GMM, Economic Growth.

Intangible cultural heritage is the practices, expressions, representations, knowledge, and skills that societies, groups, and individuals acknowledge as part of their cultural heritage. Odisha, a state in the eastern coast of India is having rich cultural heritage and indigenous traditions. The state’s culture is unique, because of art, architecture, folk songs, folk dance, literature, and religious practices, influenced by its history, geography, and diverse communities. Western region of Odisha, with rich folk traditions, is home to a treasure of in tangible cultural heritage. This paper explores the significance of agricultural folk songs of Western Odisha. This study highlights folk songs like Halia geet, Palharua geet, Ghasabachha geet, Maaden, Maeensiyala geet, Sagadia geet etc. These songs not only reflect the struggle of the people but also expresses their feelings and views of their life. Agricultural folk songs of Western Odisha are an indispensable component of the region’s cultural heritage, expressing an intense connection between the land, its people, and their agricultural activities. These songs serve as a tribute to our rich history, which demonstrates how our culture has been embedded in agricultural methods. As a result, they deserve proper preservation.

Keywords: Cultural Heritage; Folk Songs; Festivals; Western Odisha.

Kaibarta is one among the traditional fishing community of Odisha, subsisting livelihood in catching and selling fish. The long-standing interaction and ties with water resources such as seas, rivers and wetlands for sustenance, they have acquired knowledge on fishing ecology based on live experimentation and transmission through generation. Therefore, the present research makes attempt to delves into the ecological knowledge of Kaibarta community that shape their fishing techniques. To the sustainable harvest of aquatic animals and harmonious living with ecosystem the practical knowledge on variation of aquatic animals and their breeding practices, wind flowing, seasonal changes, depth of water resources and use of fishing techniques including size and structure of nets and tides are important. However, at present due to mechanization of fishing practices for commercial purposes bring a threat to the life, livelihood and traditional knowledge system. The research emphasis that the traditional knowledge on ecosystem is core for the sustainability of water resources and livelihood of Kaibarta community. The villages of Biswali and Balisahi in the Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha’s Kujang block are selected for study. This article describes in depth the numerous net fishing techniques that have evolved through time, drawing on both conventional wisdom and anecdotal evidence. As an indestructible component of national marine identity, the traditional knowledge held by the Kaibarta people must be preserved and enhanced.

Keywords: Kaibarta, Fishing nets and traps, Fishing calendars, Tidal periods.