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By:

Sharad Chavan

22 March 2025 at 2:32:19 pm

Why Was World Indigenous Peoples' Day Created?

Part 1: To understand the debate surrounding World Indigenous Peoples' Day, it is essential to first understand why it was created. The tradition of celebrating festivals in India is deeply rooted in its ancient history. In independent India, festivals, anniversaries, commemorative days, and historic milestones have been categorised as religious or social, with some officially designated for observance. Over time, some of these occasions have been celebrated with excessive zeal, often fuelled...

Why Was World Indigenous Peoples' Day Created?

Part 1: To understand the debate surrounding World Indigenous Peoples' Day, it is essential to first understand why it was created. The tradition of celebrating festivals in India is deeply rooted in its ancient history. In independent India, festivals, anniversaries, commemorative days, and historic milestones have been categorised as religious or social, with some officially designated for observance. Over time, some of these occasions have been celebrated with excessive zeal, often fuelled by misconceptions and collective enthusiasm. From an entrepreneurial perspective, a number of special days—such as Rose Day, Friendship Day, Valentine’s Day, and Father-Mother's Day—were introduced with a global outlook, particularly to appeal to college students and the youth. Initially, these days were celebrated with creativity and genuine enthusiasm, turning ordinary moments into expressions of love and friendship. Over time, they descended into exaggerated, sometimes absurd displays, losing their original charm. Whether one supports or opposes the commercialisation of such days—religious, social, or economic—is ultimately a matter of perspective. They have become part of the modern tapestry of human expression, woven with both genuine sentiment and commercial interests. What is the true significance of this day? Is there any connection between India and World Tribals Day? Who initiated it, when, why, and for what purpose? To answer these questions, its origins and history must first be understood. The World Human Rights Commission became active in 1990 to raise awareness of the living conditions, rights, and freedoms of people worldwide. Building on these concerns, the United Nations (UNO) initiated surveys and seminars. During the UNESCO meeting in Geneva in 1992, a significant resolution was passed in response to the plight of indigenous and tribal communities worldwide, highlighting the need to address their struggles and preserve their cultural identities. The 45-point resolution was divided into eight sections. While drafting it, the issues under consideration had no relation to India. At the time of signing, the Indian government's delegation explicitly clarified: "We are signing this in the interest of the world, but we want to make it clear that all the indigenous peoples living in India (excluding groups such as Christians, Muslims, Jews, Parsis, and other religious followers) are native." The resolution primarily addressed countries where European invaders displaced and enslaved indigenous populations, branded them uncivilised and savage, and claimed ownership of their ancestral lands. In many regions, however, indigenous communities resisted fiercely and eventually regained their independence. During the colonial era, European powers used various methods of domination, creating ideological narratives that continue to influence historical interpretations. The British made extensive efforts to falsely portray India by promoting the theory that Aryans came from outside India, invaded the non-Aryans, and destroyed their culture, religion, and land. India nevertheless opposed the resolution in its existing form, arguing that it addressed countries where European powers—particularly Spain, Portugal, France, and Britain—had colonised indigenous populations, deprived them of independence and fundamental rights, and subjected them to centuries of oppression. Although European invaders conquered many countries within a relatively short period, India resisted British rule throughout its 150 years of colonisation. Alongside European armies, missionaries spread across the world, a phenomenon that continues today. Many indigenous peoples were killed or converted to Christianity. In India too, efforts were made to promote religious conversion, while those who refused continued to preserve their traditional beliefs despite growing Western influence. After 1947, India and many other former British colonies gained independence, shattering Britain's long-held dream of global dominance. Britain feared that a united India would emerge as a major world power and therefore employed various strategies to divide the country, including the use of indigenous and tribal identities for political purposes. Different indigenous communities around the world have interpreted these historical developments in different ways. Indigenous peoples such as Native Americans, Indigenous Australians, Papuans, Maori, and communities in Africa and Latin America occupied their lands long before European colonisation. Civilisations such as the Maya and the Inca were destroyed through conquest. India does not fall within this historical framework. By the end of the 21st century, indigenous issues gained increasing global attention through the United Nations. The year 1993 was observed as the International Year of Indigenous Peoples, followed by the Decade of Indigenous Peoples (1994–2004) to support their development and promote awareness of their culture and way of life. The initiative recognised the right of indigenous peoples to preserve their unique way of life, protect their cultural, spiritual, and linguistic heritage, safeguard their identity, and live free from genocide and violence. It also affirmed their rights to self-identification, education, traditional knowledge, ancestral lands, information, and the preservation of their history, language, traditions, and community identity. (The writer is a social worker engaged in tribal welfare. Views personal.)

Gun Violence in America

Updated: Jan 2, 2025

Gun Violence in America

On December 16, 2024, tragedy struck Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, where a 15-year-old student, Natalie Rupnow, fatally shot a fellow student and a teacher before taking her own life. Six others were injured, with two in critical condition. This devastating event is a grim reminder of the United States' ongoing struggle with gun violence, particularly in schools.


A Long History of Gun Ownership in America

The issue of gun violence in the United States cannot be discussed without acknowledging its deep-rooted history of gun ownership. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1791, which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”


Initially, this amendment was intended to empower citizens to form militias for self-defense during a time when standing armies were distrusted. Over the centuries, however, the interpretation of the Second Amendment has evolved. Today, it is often cited as a justification for individual gun ownership, a concept reinforced by landmark court cases such as District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which affirmed an individual's right to own firearms for self-defense.


Gun culture is deeply ingrained in American society, with nearly 400 million firearms in civilian hands—more guns than people. This level of accessibility, coupled with a powerful gun lobby led by organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA), has made significant legislative reform difficult.


Gun Violence in Numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms cause approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the United States—equivalent to 109 deaths per day. This figure includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Among children and teenagers, firearms are now the leading cause of death, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.


School shootings are a particularly horrifying aspect of gun violence in America. Since 1990, there have been over 800 incidents in K-12 schools, resulting in more than 500 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. High-profile tragedies such as the Columbine High School massacre (1999), the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting (2012), and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School attack (2018) have shocked the nation and the world, yet meaningful reforms remain elusive.


A Global Comparison

The United States stands out among developed nations for its high rate of gun violence. In countries like Australia, Canada, and much of Europe, strict gun control measures have significantly reduced firearm-related deaths. For example: By contrast, the firearm-related death rate in the United States is 12.2 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than other developed nations. The prevalence of guns and the lack of uniform gun control laws contribute to this disparity.


Challenges in Addressing Gun Violence

Efforts to reduce gun violence in the U.S. have faced significant obstacles. One of the most notable is the prohibition of federal funding for gun violence research. In 1996, Congress passed the Dickey Amendment, effectively barring the CDC from studying gun violence as a public health issue. Although the funding ban was partially lifted in 2019, its legacy has left the country with a limited understanding of the causes and solutions to gun violence.


Advocates have long called for measures such as:

• Universal Background Checks: Closing loopholes in gun sales to ensure that all firearm purchases are subject to background checks.

• Safe Storage Laws: Requiring gun owners to store firearms securely to prevent unauthorized access.

• Bans on Certain Firearms: Prohibiting the sale of assault-style weapons, which are often used in mass shootings.


The Debate Over Gun Rights and Reform

The debate over gun control in the United States often pits the rights of gun owners against the need for public safety. Opponents of stricter gun laws argue that restrictions infringe on constitutional rights and fail to address the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues. Proponents, however, point to the success of gun control measures in other countries and the overwhelming public support for policies like background checks.


A Way Forward

Despite the challenges, there is growing momentum for change. Grassroots organizations, survivors of gun violence, and some lawmakers are advocating for comprehensive reforms. The Madison school shooting serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of these efforts. As the nation grapples with its gun violence epidemic, it must look to both its history and the experiences of other countries to find a path toward a safer future.


(The author is a resident of US. Views personal.)

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