Living in a primitive condition is destiny or choice? - Case study of Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (NVN) rehabilitation colony in Kalahandi District of Odisha

Odisha is the land of 62 different tribal communities. Among all 62 tribal communities Kandha top the list in numerical preponderance. Considering the stages of economic development, the Kandhas are divided into different sub-sections such as- Kutia Kandha, Dongaria Kandha, Jharia Kandha and Desia Kandha. Dongaria and Kutia Kandha have been categorized as particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). Kutia Kandha is residing in the remote and forested area of Kalahandi and Kandhamal district of Odisha. Their culture is enriched by indigenous knowledge. Their livelihood depends upon shifting cultivation and collection of minor forest produce. Due to socially excluded and being deprived of mainstream facilities they are not being able to see the upside of it. In this paper the perspective of Kutia Kandha, their experience and reasoning to use all the modes and means provided in Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar (NVN) rehabilitation colony have been discussed. The study was undertaken in the context of post-doctoral study (ICSSR). This study was conducted as a part of randomized survey in the NVN rehabilitation colony; not only to explore the indications of development but also their view of the change introduced through Vedanta refinery.