“Sweet memories of Mizos”: On misconceptions about the North-East in many parts of India – Mizoram

Books: India’s tribal cultural heritage & education >>

I found the Mizos practise honesty and trust effortlessly. Why don’t we give it a try? […]

It was 10 years ago that I was posted to Lunglei for a two-year tenure.

There is a lot of misconception about the North-East in many parts of India. That people there are “culture-less tribals, head-hunters, that they eat wild animals,” etc. In short, there is a definite, palpable and unmistakably condescending attitude towards the people of North-East in the mainland. The general apathy and animosity sometimes manifests as hostility we see elsewhere.

Initially, when I was called a mainland Indian I was irked. Why should I be singled out? Are they not Indians? Soon, I realised there’s a Himalayan difference between ‘them’ and ‘us’. I experienced this the day I set my foot on Mizoram. […]

While I am not surprised by my compatriots’ ability to fool others, I was touched by the sheer innocence of Mizos who never suspected such behaviour and would smilingly wave us away. Every time my friend laughs victoriously, I would burn inside. Is this the way of civilised people? Does being smart mean the ability to deceive others?

This is not to simply sing paeans to the Mizos. […]

(The writer, an assistant engineer at the DD Kendra, Chennai, can be contacted at [email protected])

Source: “My sweet memories of Mizos” by S. Gurumanickam, The Hindu, 12 August 2012
Address : https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article3755007.ece
Date Visited: 12 January 2022

“I would like to direct attention to the general approach when we encounter the ‘other’ – the question of our protocol, etiquette and attitude. In our eagerness to know we probably show a disregard to these civilities. We try to buy friendship for building up rapport; we try to intrude into others’ territory without being invited and carry presents that we perceive would be appreciated to assert our friendliness.” – Anthropologist R.K. Bhattacharya in “The Holistic Approach to Anthropology” >>

Tips for using interactive maps

Toggle to normal view (from reader view) should the interactive map not be displayed by your tablet, smartphone or pc browser

For details and hyperlinks click on the rectangular button (left on the map’s header)

Scroll and click on one of the markers for information of special interest

Explore India’s tribal cultural heritage with the help of another interactive map >>

Learn more

Adivasi (Adibasi)

Anthropology

Articles on Adivasi culture in Folio Special issue

Contents on this website by and about Prof. Ganesh Devy

eBook | Background guide for education

eBooks, eJournals & reports | eLearning