Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge for a Resilient Future

Abstract

As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainability, the burgeoning discourse on sustainable development has underscored the significance of indigenous knowledge systems in addressing the complex challenges of environmental degradation, and cultural erosion. This article contends that the revitalization of indigenous knowledge practices is crucial for fostering resilient and sustainable communities, particularly in Ukhrul District, Manipur where modern scientific paradigms often prove inadequate or unaffordable. By foregrounding the epistemological and ontological assumptions underlying indigenous knowledge practices, this article challenges the dominant development paradigm and advocates for a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between traditional knowledge, culture, and modernity. By reviving and reusing these knowledge practices, Tangkhul communities can develop innovative solutions that are in sync with the modernity and their unique cultural, social, and environmental contexts. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on indigenous knowledge and sustainability, highlighting the imperative of preserving and promoting traditional knowledge systems. The paper explore the potential of indigenous knowledge systems in promoting community resilience and sustainable development among the Tangkhul communities in Ukhrul District, Manipur, informing culturally responsive social work practice. This descriptive paper employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing a constructivist paradigm to explore the experiences and perspectives of Tangkhul community members. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation, and was analysed using thematic analysis