In March 2024, a seminar at Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi delved into the informal contracts and social norms surrounding cremation practices. This experiential event aimed to immerse students in the socio-economic systems influenced by religious beliefs and cultural traditions outside formal legal frameworks. Participants engaged with the Dom community, which is known for their generational role in these practices.
The seminar revealed how social norms and religious obligations effectively govern economic activities within the cremation industry. It showcased the significance of non-monetary incentives and societal pressure in maintaining social contracts. Notably, breaches in these informal agreements can lead to environmental harm, particularly to the Ganga, a sacred and vulnerable waterway. For instance, an unspoken contract expects the Dom community to cremate bodies with care. Yet, wet firewood might be used under pressure, causing incomplete combustion and pollution.
This highlighted the environmental impact of lapses in these socially enforced norms, extending beyond social and economic effects. The seminar also underscored caste-based roles and power dynamics, illustrating how these structures perpetuate economic realities within the community. By connecting theory with practice, participants gained insights into the intricate relationship between religion, economy, and social contracts in traditional settings.
In February-March 2024, a seminar titled 'Shaping Societies: Unveiling the Power of Social Norms in Environmental Protection' took place on a boat along the Ganges River in Varanasi, India—arguably the first seminar of its kind held in this unique setting. This immersive experience engaged visiting law students from the University of Michigan, the CSBC team, and members of the Dom community, fostering a rich environment for cross-cultural dialogue and experiential learning.
In March 2024, a session provided UMichigan Law students and the CSBC team with a critical examination of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Namami Gange Yojana, a flagship initiative by the Indian government to address the severe pollution and degradation of the Ganges River. Conducted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Center for Social and Behaviour Change, the session focused on the intersection of development economics, democratic governance, and community participation in tackling this urgent environmental crisis.
Students analysed the challenges of achieving economic sustainability, equitable resource allocation, and robust monitoring in large-scale environmental projects like the NMCG. Emphasis was placed on citizen engagement and data-driven governance in water management and conservation efforts, highlighting the government’s efforts to involve communities and scale data monitoring.
The session aimed to deepen students' critical thinking and appreciation for the interconnections between environmental conservation, economic progress, and governance. A key takeaway was the significant role of institutions like the NMCG in driving sustainable outcomes. By coordinating policy, mobilising resources, and fostering community involvement, these institutions serve as models for addressing complex societal and environmental challenges.
In March 2024, a session was held to provide post-graduate students with a comprehensive understanding of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Namami Gange Yojana, a flagship initiative by the Indian government. Conducted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Center for Social and Behaviour Change, the session focused on the intersection of development economics, democratic governance, and community participation within the framework of large-scale environmental projects.
Students explored the complexities of economic sustainability, resource allocation, and monitoring mechanisms involved in the NMCG. The session emphasised the importance of citizen engagement and large-scale data monitoring efforts by the government in water management and conservation efforts.
The session aimed to develop students' critical thinking and foster an appreciation for the interconnectedness of environmental conservation, economic development, and governance. A key takeaway was the significant success of institutions, such as the NMCG, in driving developmental outcomes. By effectively coordinating policy implementation, mobilising resources, and ensuring community involvement, these institutions have demonstrated their crucial role in achieving sustainable development and environmental conservation goals by effectively coordinating policy implementation, mobilising resources, and ensuring community involvement. This institutional success is a model for future initiatives addressing complex societal challenges.
Follow the manual in sequence for a structured learning experience
Contact our team at dna.csbc@ashoka.edu.in for any questions or further guidance on using the training manuals
Share your feedback to help improve
Begin your learning journey by downloading our comprehensive training manuals today
Click on the links below to download the training manuals you need
Our manuals are available in PDF format for easy reading on any device
