"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
The book "ମୁଁ ବଡ଼ ହେଲେ ଆଦିବାସୀ ହେବି…" (“Mun Bada Hele Adivasi Hebi”) serves as a powerful medium to awaken the world to the invaluable contributions of Adivasis—highlighting their rich heritage, enduring identity, and profound role in shaping a sustainable future. Too often labelled as "backward," these communities are, the custodians of holistic development, demonstrating an equilibrium between nature and humanity that modernity struggles to achieve.
With rich traditions, scientific acumen, and profound ecological knowledge, Adivasis emerge as Earth’s true Green Ambassadors. Far from being relics of the past, they stand as visionaries of the future, embodying a synergy between progress and preservation. Each chapter of the book dismantles misconceptions, illustrating that Adivasi societies are not primitive but rather reservoirs of scientific thought, literature, economics, sociology, and sustainable technology. At its heart, the book calls for the empowerment of Adivasis to thrive on their own terms. It advocates for the preservation of their languages, traditions, and ways of life, rejecting the imposition of external models of development that threaten their unique identity. The book urges a redefinition of development—one that respects indigenous wisdom and embraces 'Tribalisation' as a model for sustainability.
The book "ମୁଁ ବଡ଼ ହେଲେ ଆଦିବାସୀ ହେବି…" is not just a book—it is a call to action, a journey into the heart of Adivasi knowledge and an illuminate of hope for a greener and more balanced world. The book is imperative, offering a transformative perspective on inclusivity, sustainability, and the true essence of development.
ଡ଼. ଅନ୍ତର୍ଜିତା ନାୟକ
Dr. Antarjeeta Nayak, a Researcher and Columnist, holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. She is the recipient of ICSSR Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Fellowship. Her research spans poverty, development, and psycho-socio-economic and cultural assessments, focusing on health, education, children, women, and the environment. She is deeply engaged in independent tribal research, regularly contributing impactful articles on tribal issues in esteemed Odia dailies. Notably, her groundbreaking study on “Tribal School Dropouts” garnered the prestigious International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (ISSBD) Grant in 2022, presented in Spain.
Dr. Nayak has authored several books, including the English book “Poverty: By Chance or By Choice”, which explores poverty through case studies. Her Odia books “Mana Katha”, discusses several social problems, causes and possible solutions. The book “Parikhyar Parikhya” highlights how our Education System and the examination process creates human machines instead of building good human beings. Her Odia novel “Kusum: Byabasthar Abyabastha re Adibasi” portrays the struggles of tribal families against systemic injustice. Additionally, she has written ten children's books to foster engaging and developmental learning experiences.
As the Founder Director of Abhibyakti Research and Development Foundation (ARDF) (ardf-india.org), Dr. Nayak is dedicated to societal transformation. Her holistic approach integrates education, health, and cultural revival, empowering tribal communities and fostering self-reliance. Through research, writing, and grassroots initiatives, she strives for sustainable development and policy reforms.
