THE THEME AND CONCEPT NOTE

IAC-2025

"Envisioning Anthropology for a Developed India"

Indian Anthropology has a rich history, evolving from the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal on 15th January 1784. Initially following the paths laid by colonial anthropologists, Indian anthropologists traditionally focused on studying tribal studies chiefly to establish the uniqueness of their cultures and to dignify India’s diversity. However, anthropology has transcended its colonial origins to become a crucial lens through which the interconnectedness of its ethnic communities can be more fully examined. The writings under the influence of colonial anthropology are being contested, and Indian scholarship on tribal cultures and societies and their relationship with the Indian civilization is emerging. Further, the development agenda of Independent India has also called for setting aside traditional ethnographic works in favour of proving their worth for policy and programme. Thus began the more meaningful Applied Anthropology and Development anthropology studies. The contribution of anthropology in this direction, though, is not small, its recognition in government circles for public policy is admittedly not significant.

During the last 2-3 decades, there has been an apparent rejuvenation of Indian anthropology, and a more significant number of younger scholars have had the opportunity to be part of teams of interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary research. The university departments also began offering electives such as public anthropology, business anthropology, medical anthropology, digital anthropology, practising anthropology, molecular anthropology, neuroanthropology, etc. Hence, the research agenda shifted to newer areas. Simultaneously, the changing theoretical paradigms and advocacy for multispecies ethnography, the One Health approach, and other global approaches have also changed research perspectives.

Today, as India is marching towards the number one rank in every field, the relevance of anthropological approaches and anthropologists' role in fulfilling these goals is even more increasingly felt. Viksit Bharat 2047' is the current Government's roadmap to making India a completely developed nation by 2047. As India strives to achieve economic prosperity, social inclusivity, cultural vibrancy, and environmental sustainability, under this Mission of Viksit Bharat 2047, anthropology can provide critical perspectives that inform policies and initiatives across various domains.

Indian Anthropology is not just ready, but eager to respond to and play a vital role in accomplishing the Government's vision. The theme of the 'Indian Anthropology Congress -2025' is chosen to allow discourses and scholarly presentations on all sub-themes that address the key components of the 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. This underscores the importance of Indian Anthropology in shaping and achieving the Government's vision.

Sub-themes of the Conference 

• Anthropology and Public Policy

• Health, Medicine, and Anthropology

• Preservation and transmission of cultural heritage through digital media

• Gender, Development and Society

• Indigenous Knowledge and Practices

• Environmental Sustainability and Anthropology

• Technology and Digital Anthropology

• Anthropology and Social Justice

• Anthropological Perspectives on India's Soft Power

• Palaeoanthropology for Nation's Unity and Identity

• Health and Disease from a Biological Perspective

• Human Growth and Development

• Human Genetic Variation and Diversity

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