Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The Kala Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) organised the launch and discussion of the book ‘Homestead Land Entitlement and Mushar Community in Bihar: A Social Work Perspective’. The book has been authored by Dr. Harish Kumar and published by Manak Publications. Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, IGNCA Trust, was the Chief Guest, while Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.
Eminent journalist Shri Arvind Mohan and Prof. Neena Pandey, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Delhi, and Head, Department of Social Work, participated in the discussion as panellists and shared their views. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) K. Anil Kumar, Head, Kala Nidhi Division, IGNCA. The author, Dr. Harish Kumar, spoke about the subject of the book, the background to its writing, and the social concerns associated with the Mushar community.
Shri Ram Bahadur Rai described the book as a commendable effort and said that it opens a window into the lives of the Mushar community. He said that efforts should be made to ensure that a portion of the CSR funds of the corporate sector is made available for the development of the Mushar and other vulnerable communities. “The Mushar community is also a part of our society,” he said.
Prof. Rana Pratap, during his address, drew an analogy between the social system and the sciences, particularly the nervous system and neurons. He said that the human body and its organs function as a complex system, and therefore, society too is a complex system. For the nervous system to function properly, the body as a whole must work in a holistic manner. Similarly, the Mushar community must be developed and its emancipation ensured for society to function effectively.
Shri Arvind Mohan said that for people belonging to the Mushar and other vulnerable communities, a home is not merely a place to live but the foundation of their lives. It is also the foundation of their dignity and security. Prof. Neena Pandey, speaking on the occasion, said that marginalised communities continue to face structured barriers, while traditional morality often shapes how society perceives them. She said, “When we look towards our roots, we find that there is much that remains unacceptable. We need to educate society, and more importantly, the educators. This book is a beginning.”
On the occasion of the book launch, an extensive discussion was held on the social and economic conditions of the Mushar community in Bihar, their rights to homestead land, and various related issues. A sensitive approach and effective social interventions are essential for addressing the rights and social empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalised communities such as the Mushars. The discussion also covered broader issues of social justice, land rights and the empowerment of marginalised communities. The programme witnessed participation from members of the art, culture, social work, journalism and academic communities.
