[Invited Lecture Series] The Emic vs. Etic Divide on Health of Tribes in India: A Grounded Approach
This lecture explores the health systems of tribal communities in India through the lens of the emic–etic divide. It examines how indigenous knowledge and public health frameworks intersect, while challenging deficit-based narratives. The talk also highlights the ICMR’s “Connect the Unconnected” initiative with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Date: 01 August 2025
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM IST
Mode: Online via Google Meet
Meeting Link: https://meet.google.com/tyi-ypvg-yth
Speaker: Dr. Nishant Saxena
Scientist C, ICMR–National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India
Deputy Chair, Commission on Medical Anthropology and Epidemiology, IUAES
Abstract
The 104 million strong tribal population in India—often referred to as Janjatiya, Adivasi, or Scheduled Tribes (STs)—live within distinct sociocultural environments and follow traditional approaches to health. At the same time, they face unique challenges that exacerbate certain health conditions. This talk will explore the health challenges of tribal communities in India, focusing on how they interact with the public health system while emphasizing their strengths rather than shortcomings—thus avoiding a deficit-based approach. The discussion will also briefly introduce the "Connect the Unconnected" initiative implemented in a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) under a flagship ICMR project.
About the Speaker
Dr. Nishant Saxena is currently a Scientist at ICMR–National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur. He holds a Master’s in Anthropology and a DPhil in Culture and Cognition from the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj. Before joining ICMR, he worked with the Anthropological Survey of India. He serves as the Deputy Chair of the Commission on Medical Anthropology and Epidemiology in the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (IUAES), and is also an Honorary Scientific Advisor to the Institute of Translational Health Science, Mohali, Punjab.
Dr. Saxena’s research focuses on the interface between tribal traditional medicinal knowledge and public health systems. He has contributed to several international and national academic discourses, with publications in The Lancet, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, and The BMJ. In February 2023, he participated in a meeting with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on the PVTG Development Mission, organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Programme Schedule
7.00 – 7.10 PM: Welcome and Introductory Remarks
Prof. Subho Roy, Member Secretary, INCAA7.10 – 7.15 PM: Chairperson’s Remarks
Prof. B. Bindu, Department of Anthropology, Kannur University7.15 – 8.00 PM: Invited Lecture
Dr. Nishant Saxena
Title: The Emic vs. Etic Divide on Health of Tribes in India: A Grounded Approach8.00 – 8.20 PM: Q&A and Discussion
All Participants8.20 – 8.25 PM: Chairperson’s Concluding Remarks
Prof. B. Bindu8.25 – 8.30 PM: Vote of Thanks and Way Forward
Prof. Thanuja M, Joint Secretary, INCAA