When Tagore envisioned this kind of Internationalism, he virtually spoke in tune with the spirit of Universal Brotherhood as envisaged in the scripture of the nation. But in no way this kind of Internationalism should be confused with the Globalisation which as an economic phenomenon has been severely affecting the Third World countries since the 80s.

It poses a serious threat not only to the indigenous economic enterprises but also to native cultures and traditions, its main motive being the mobilization of Global capital.

In fact, life in this age of LPG ( Liberalisation, Privitasation and Globalisation ) has become so fast changing that behind the hegemonic Global practices and culture, the local / regional ones seem to be getting lost sight of. Dal, Bhat (rice), Roti sherbet face severe challenge in the face of fast food and peppsi cola, Dhoti punjabi in face of jeans, baul, bhatiali, kirtan, jatra, lokogan, bhadu, tusu in the face of rock and roll bands and Bollywoodies and Tollywoodies on Multi channels, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Thakumar Jhuli in the face of James Bond, harry Potter etc.

Should we go  back to our original native traditions shutting all doors to these western / globalised ones? Would it be agreeable at all to stick to the age old to sanskriti being completely insular to these occidental practices when the definition of literacy has changed from knowing three R’s to knowledge in computer and spoken English?

Should we not make a judicious compromise between the global and the local in keeping with this age of multiculturalism and hybridity?

Would the indigenous cultures survive in their own right by their intrinsic potential or conscious socio-political (administrative ) steps be taken in this direction?

When our college organised the UGC sponsored Seminar on “Challenges of the Indigenous Cultures in the Face of Globalisation” ( from April 8 to 9, 2008 ) our chief intention was to address all these burning issues of the day from different perspectives. In a way, ours was a successful venture, thanks to our eminent speakers from and outside this state for their logical and thought-provoking deliberations on it.

It also got an added dimension because instead of confining it to mere theoretical discussions, some programmes on indigenous cultures like Baul Song and Santhali dance were incorporated in it which readily drew the attention of a packed up auditorium.

I thank all inmates of the College including the members of the teaching and non-teaching staff and my beloved students as well as the outsiders ( the delegates resource persons and paper presenters ) but for those whose active participation and collaborative contribution it could never be a success.

I also thank all involved in the Publication committee for bringing out this souvenir which, I think, would surely sensitize readers at all levels regarding this important issue of the day and motivate them to make further probe into it from some unbiased or unprejudiced angles.

Errors of any kind including the ones inadvertence are highly regretted.

Dr. Asim Kumar De
Principal
Nataji Mahavidyalaya, Arambagh
on the eve of UGC Sponsored National Level Conference  on Challenges of the Indigenous Cultures in the face of Globalisation